(BPT) - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries — and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking fires increase during the holiday season. The type of cooking appliances used makes a difference…

(BPT) - As 2020 draws to a close, you are likely reflecting on the events of the past year and looking ahead to 2021. As we approach the end of the year and you are setting goals for yourself for 2021, now is a great time to do a thorough review of your overall health and well-being and cons…

(BPT) - Are you spending more time cooking at home due to quarantine and social distancing? Perhaps you're indulging your inner foodie by trying new foods and recipes. These days, many people are flexing their culinary muscles and testing out different trends as a way to brighten up their ev…

(BPT) - In 2002, Xin Z. and Zhigang W. moved to the United States from China to pursue new academic opportunities. Throughout the next decade, they lived in several different states before settling in Michigan.

(BPT) - In 2020, the phrase “social distancing” became mainstream, as many people around the world had to experience extended periods of quarantining. The mandate to keep distance, limit travel and stay home has left many people to feel anxious, isolated and lonely. Unfortunately, for the 30…

(BPT) - Many seniors and their loved ones are taking special precautions to stay healthy, including limiting or eliminating visits and other activities that can cause COVID-19 to spread. That's because the older you are, the higher your risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, according …

(BPT) - Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress levels are rising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous disruptions in our daily lives.

(BPT) - When COVID-19 halted all non-essential health services, it begged the question — what types of care can’t be delayed? Treatment for chronic pain, for one. Not only is pain management essential care, it’s even more critical during stressful times.

(BPT) - As the weather turns colder and the season changes, your thoughts may be turning to the holidays and how you can make them extra special in this unique year.

(BPT) - Just imagine: Holiday shopping is behind you, the eggnog has officially worn off and the seasonal coffee drinks have lost their allure. A new year is beginning and it’s time to prepare.

(BPT) - Since the coronavirus pandemic began taking hold in early 2020, global stock markets have taken investors on a rollercoaster ride, with aggressive climbs in value, precipitous drops and an overall queasy feeling in the pits of our stomachs about what’s next.

(BPT) - Are you retired or approaching retirement age? You may be thinking about the best options for where to live moving forward. Perhaps your house has become more than you can handle, or you have health concerns that require more care — or maybe you’d just like to live in a warmer climat…

(BPT) - When Justin found out his dad had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he wasn't sure what to expect. Without knowing anything about the condition, he didn't realize that becoming a primary caregiver at age 30 would mean uprooting his lifestyle to support…

(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic means as a parent, you may be juggling your new roles of part-time remote teacher, IT technician and cafeteria chef along with your normal work responsibilities. The physical, mental, and for some, financial toll of this arrangement has left many feeling exhaust…

(BPT) - Imagine your family members were at risk for a life-threatening heart disease but had absolutely no idea.At age 12, Carmen’s doctor noticed a heart murmur, but could not find an explanation. Little did they realize, but this symptom would turn out to be one piece in his family’s larg…

(BPT) - Ready for a new gig? With the holidays around the corner, many businesses are offering seasonal work. It’s not just for people looking to make a few extra dollars. It’s a little known fact that some employers often end up offering some seasonal workers a permanent role after the holi…

(BPT) - As flu season collides with the COVID-19 pandemic this year, it’s critical to think about how to best protect yourself, your loved ones and the members of your community from getting sick and overburdening an increasingly strained healthcare system. Getting a flu shot each season is …

(BPT) - This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences. We are living in an unprecedented time, where everyone’s mental health is being put to the test. Recent research has shown that stress and worry related to the pandemic have had a negative impact on mental health, ta…

(BPT) - Looking for an original gift for that extra special person this holiday season? This year, go for something that can elevate their personal care routine. Bidets can offer the perfect gift for every person on your list. They come as seats as well as standalone appliances, and they com…

(BPT) - Millions of Americans receive benefits from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal nutrition program that provides benefits to help supplement food budgets for individuals and families. SNAP benefits have …

(BPT) - Was your favorite angler a good angler this past year? Did they cry? Did they pout? Santa Bass is coming to town and he’s been checking his list, twice. He sees all the times when an angler acted with kindness at the boat landing as well as those anglers who cut off another angler at…

(BPT) - In the United States today, more than 30 million people live with diabetes — a challenging condition that requires individuals to constantly, and diligently, manage their body’s needs. Those who use insulin know that carefully logging glucose (blood sugar) readings is necessary for a…

(BPT) - Since the pandemic began, many have felt the effects on their mental health. The CDC reported in June that over 40% of Americans suffered an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, with anxiety and depressive disorders topping the list. By mid-July, 53% of U.S. adults said the…

(BPT) - The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to create magical experiences with friends and family. However you celebrate the holidays this year, why not find new ways to add special touches to make them extraordinary? For small household gatherings or virtual celebrations, bringing uniq…

(BPT) - If you’re a baby boomer, you’ve heard about the importance of getting your flu vaccine every year. However, you may be less familiar with how you can help protect yourself against other vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia.

(BPT) - Tim is like any other 26-year-old — he lives on his own and has a job. He is also one of the 2.8 million adults living with schizophrenia in the United States.

(BPT) - We hear a lot today about recognizing those people who have made a difference for our country and for our citizens. On Veterans Day, we recognize the many Americans who have made a profound impact on our nation and our future through their service in the U.S. military.

(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted people nationwide to live differently, including new challenges when it comes to navigating the health system and accessing care.

(BPT) - Whether you’re exercising, sneezing, laughing or simply going about your day, a leaky bladder can stop you in your tracks. Whether mild or severe, the physical and emotional burden of unexpected leaks can cause some women to feel embarrassed. This can lead to disruptive "hacks" to ma…

(BPT) - For more than four decades, the fight to end the HIV epidemic has raged on, ushering significant developments and innovations in treatment and care. However, progress has been uneven and fragile, illuminating major disparities in care and access to care that leave certain demographic…

(BPT) - Did you know that 70,980 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2019? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that figure, citing over 194 drug-related deaths in the U.S. every day last year. And unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the dangers posed…

(BPT) - For most people enrolled in Medicare, the annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the only time you can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage. Whether you're satisfied or dissatisfied with your coverage, this is the time to explore your options as there…

(BPT) - There are more connections between diabetes and cancer than you’d expect. Research suggests the two can be intimately related — with some cancer treatments putting patients at risk for insulin dependence, and type 2 diabetes greatly increasing a person’s susceptibility to cancer.

(BPT) - Holiday decorations bring a smile to everyone’s face, and this year, we could all use that now more than ever. Crafting seasonal décor instead of shopping for it gives you and your family something to occupy your extra time at home and helps you avoid big crowds and shopping stress.

(BPT) - Beautiful, healthy-looking skin is a reflection of overall good health. But it’s not just a question of how your skin looks — how it feels is just as important. If your skin is sensitive, you may experience symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable.

(BPT) - As Americans are spending more time at home in response to the pandemic, many are looking for ways to turn their living spaces into retreats of calm, comfort and well-being.

(BPT) - There’s no doubt these are stressful times. Due to the pandemic, everyone's lives have been turned upside down. This is especially true for families coping with altered routines at school, learning from home or both. Children are stressed about their routines, and parents are anxious, too.

(BPT) - While spending more time at home, you’ve probably started noticing repairs you need to make. You may have even tackled a few projects to improve your home. However, there are some home improvements you might not consider, because they're hidden until they reach their breaking point —…

(BPT) - It’s something everyone in the U.S. needs and uses in their everyday lives — energy to keep the lights on, appliances working and homes cool or warm enough to be comfortable. Now that Americans are spending more time at home, energy needs — and costs — for households across the count…

(BPT) - About 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and by 2050, seniors will represent more than 20% of the population.[i] If you are 65 or older, staying healthy is more important than ever. One step includes picking a Medicare prescription drug plan during Open Enrollment, which began Oct. 15.

(BPT) - If you’re suffering from joint pain and considering a joint replacement, you’re not alone. Chronic, debilitating pain that requires joint replacement affects nearly one in four adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative.[1] But unfortunately, many pe…

(BPT) - With all the changes that have occurred this year, it’s not surprising that women everywhere have been reassessing their skincare routines. Spending more time at home has spurred a focus on overall skin health and rituals to smooth out lines and wrinkles — and they want convenient so…

(BPT) - The impact of COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our everyday lives, particularly for those living with a chronic condition like diabetes. Even under normal circumstances, managing diabetes can be difficult, but with the added challenges of the pandemic, access to medical care, med…

(BPT) - He was nearing the end of the race, but Brian Greenberg thought he couldn’t possibly finish. He had a stomach cramp and his lungs were begging him to stop. At that point, he had done a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and was in the last leg of his 26.2-mile run. It had been o…

(BPT) - From debates and town halls to non-stop news coverage, election season can be fraught with conflict and commotion. Whether you’re an avid political junkie or just a concerned citizen, you’re probably looking for positive, upbeat ways to survive — and even embrace — election season.