(BPT) - The holidays are fast approaching, as are lots of festive meals to plan, prepare and serve. How can you reduce your own stress, and guarantee that you’ll have happy guests throughout the holidays? A few simple tips for choosing versatile wines — and how to serve them — will not only …

(BPT) - Natural disasters cost Americans $91 billion in damages in 2018, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(BPT) - Despite being one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, patients with sickle cell disease frequently live their lives in the shadows — their voices going unheard, their condition may often go undertreated or ignored. A new public service announcement (PSA) campaign featu…

(BPT) - Depression has impacted Kristen Davis’ life since she was a teen. It has caused her unbearable emotional pain, filled her mind with suicidal thoughts, and blocked her path to personal and professional fulfillment.

(BPT) - Medicare Open Enrollment is about to kick off. For most people already enrolled in Medicare, the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is the only opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage.

(BPT) - When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the last thing families should have to think about is how they’re going to pay the bills or whether they can stay in the house. But the reality is that, according to research from LIMRA1, 35% of households would feel the financial impact of losing …

(BPT) - You’ve seen them on your Facebook and Twitter feeds shared by friends and family members, the tragic stories of a loved one’s passing and a plea for help in covering the expense of a memorial or funeral. As crowdfunding has grown, it’s become a go-to resource for many families strugg…

(BPT) - From cooking to conversing to entertaining, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also a space that homeowners often dream of renovating. A growing trend in kitchen design is personalization, where thoughtful updates go beyond stainless-steel appliances and standard cabinetry to…

(BPT) - Skip the dehydrating alcohol, artificial flavorings and unhealthy refined sugar to serve up a natural, fruit-based drink — a mocktail — when you’re planning your next party. A mocktail not only replenishes your vital fluids, hydrating you and providing important nutrition your body n…

(BPT) - The back-to-school season comes with its share of excitement — including new classrooms, friends and routines — but it’s also a time to be thoughtful about safety. As schedules change and daily life takes on an added layer of complexity with trips to and from school, after-school act…

(BPT) - Women are desperate for solutions to their frequent urinary tract infections, and they’re equally tired of the stigma that comes with them, reveals a new national survey.

(BPT) - One of the South’s best-kept secrets for years, pimento cheese is catching on with the rest of the country. While pimento cheese and things made with it are still only on 4% of U.S. restaurant menus, according to www.datassential.com, that’s an increase of 65% in the last four years.

(BPT) - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms — often due to missing alarm batteries or expired alarms.

(BPT) - In this era of rapid change, companies need agility to meet customer needs — and to survive. Agility refers to a company's ability to respond quickly to challenges like new technology, competition, changing needs of consumers and sudden shifts in the business environment.

(BPT) - Choosing the perfect pet for your family begins with doing your homework beforehand to determine the age, size and temperament of your ideal dog or cat. The whole family can share in the matchmaking fun.

(BPT) - Millennials lead the escalating interest in marijuana and cannabinoid compounds for managing pain — with older generations not far behind — and yet most are unaware of potential risks. Three-quarters (75%) of Americans who expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoids to addr…

(BPT) - The traditional notion of retirement — a switch from full-time work to full-time leisure — is becoming a thing of the past for millions of Americans. In fact, according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey (conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of UnitedHealthcare) of 1,000 nation…

(BPT) - Lacking culinary inspiration as grilling season ends? Keep telling yourself that you will start going to the gym next week? Binge-watching TV rather than tackling a crossword puzzle?

(BPT) - You know protein is essential to a balanced diet and maintaining energy and many products are now boasting protein content, but do you know what foods are healthful high sources of protein? And do you know how much protein you really need?

(BPT) - When you’re living with a rare, chronic blood cancer like polycythemia vera, or PV, you might look good on the outside even when you don’t feel good on the inside. That’s because for some people with PV, their symptoms may not be visible to others, despite having a serious impact on …

(BPT) - Are you prepared if a disaster were to hit? If you aren’t, making sure to prioritize this initiative for you and your family is smart. Disasters don’t plan ahead, but you can.

(BPT) - After 30 years of painting commercial buildings, Mario Martinez of San Jose, California, was used to grueling hours under a sun-soaked sky, doing back-breaking work. He loved his job, but after spending hours outside he was ready to go home.

(BPT) - Each year as summer ends, teachers, parents and students alike all begin their back-to-school preparations. Fall is a great time to start fresh, establish new and better routines, and to set family schedules that fit both your needs and the needs of your growing kids.

(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) - Music is a quintessential part of the college experience. Whether it’s getting you pumped for the big game or helping you focus while studying for those final exams, there’s no denying that good tunes can make all the difference.

(BPT) - It’s time to invite friends over for a backyard BBQ or to tailgate before the big game.

(BPT) - Four out of five homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingles. And it’s easy to see why. The wide variety of available colors and styles, combined with durability and affordability, have made asphalt shingles the leading choice for residential roofing in the country.

(BPT) - Being 17 years old and battling leukemia was not easy for Johnny. He was forced to miss out on many opportunities with friends and family as his illness took a toll.

(BPT) - Parents and caregivers want to keep kids safe in the car, but keeping up with the latest recommendations can be tricky, especially as your child grows and their needs change. It's sometimes hard to know if you're doing everything you can to keep children as safe as possible.

(BPT) - For millions of individuals who are missing teeth, smiling is no easy task. The decision to get dental implants can prove to be life-changing. Several years ago, Dr. Natalie Wong, president of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), treated a shy 18-year-old man whose front…

(BPT) - Summer may be winding down, but a new opportunity to garden is just beginning. Plenty of vegetables and flowers can be grown successfully in late summer and into fall, so it’s a great time to refresh with plants that either thrive in slightly cooler weather or are easy to bring indoo…

(BPT) - Have you seen a modern classroom with a variety of seating options that allow kids to sit, stand, wiggle and wobble as they engage in learning throughout the day?

(BPT) - Feeding your family wholesome meals that everyone enjoys can feel like a challenge, especially on busy days. With different food preferences and limited time to cook, it's easy to fall into meal ruts where you eat the same thing over and over again.

(BPT) - Whether students are entering their senior year of college or freshman year of high school, planning is key to having a great year — and achieving goals. A recent study conducted by Post-it Brand found that American students spend approximately 105 hours a month “hustling” in order t…

(BPT) - By Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz

(BPT) - With our busy schedules, it’s easy to forget to make time for sex, which may help with mood and intimacy within a relationship. So, with all these positives, why should women want to give up one of life’s most pleasurable pastimes? Because they’re too tired, not in the mood or too dr…

(BPT) - Maybe you’re signing the paperwork for a rental car, ready to zip up the West Coast for your end-of-summer vacation, when the agent asks if you’re also going to be adding rental insurance.

(BPT) - As the school year kicks off, parents are seeking meals that keep their children happy and healthy. On top of that, they need dinner options that are quick for their hectic schedules, fit into the budget and go beyond frozen pizza and entrees. Beef delivers on nutrition, simplicity a…

(BPT) - Does your home feel uncomfortably warm, even when your AC is running full blast? You may think you can wait until next season to fix this, but with hot and sticky temperatures still lingering, now is the perfect time to upgrade your air conditioning system.

(BPT) - Eating small snacks throughout the day can be a great way to maintain energy and keep hunger pangs at bay between meals. The problem is, it's far too easy to reach for unhealthy foods that satisfy your sweet or salty cravings, but don't necessarily provide the essential nutrients you…

(BPT) - Grilling is one of America’s greatest pastimes, and if you love grilled meat, chances are you also like hosting cookouts to show off your pit master prowess. Once you’ve mastered the art of the char, why not take it a step further? Serve wine that blows the lid off the meal, in the b…