(BPT) - Our health needs can change each year, and so can health plan coverage choices. So it’s important to understand your health care options to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

(BPT) - COVID-19 is associated with many complications, but one that many people are not as aware of are blood clots. According to a recent study, between 25% to 49% of patients with severe COVID-19 also experience blood clots with blood clots in the lungs being the most common condition. Th…

(StatePoint) Whether retirement is in on the horizon for you or you are simply planning to move to your dream retirement area earlier than planned thanks to telework, there is a lot to consider when relocating.

(BPT) - The practice of aging wine in barrels dates back thousands of years. Romans borrowed the practice from the Gauls, who used barrels to transport beer. Winemakers soon discovered barrel aging improved the quality of wine, creating a smoother, softer taste and adding flavor.

(BPT) - Drug overdoses have claimed nearly 900,000 lives over the past 20 years in the United States. Recent studies show that drug overdose deaths accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, outpacing overdose death rates from any previous year. Illegal drugs are more potent than ever before …

(BPT) - Pets nationwide are considered beloved members of the family. Pet ownership throughout the U.S. has skyrocketed, with approximately 12.6 million Americans opening their home to a new pet since March 2020, according to a study by the American Pet Products Association.

(BPT) - From exercise and travel to self-care and beyond, there are many activities that will help better your health and wellness physically and mentally. However, sometimes the most well-meaning activities can have unintentional effects on your body, including causing pain, discomfort and …

(BPT) - Washing your hands. Covering your cough and sneeze. Staying home when sick. These actions help limit the spread of common respiratory illness like colds, influenza, and coronavirus. To help keep yourself and your communities well, there is another potentially life-threatening virus t…

(BPT) - Did you know if you or a loved one are living with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes or kidney disease, you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even death? Many people are unaware t…

(BPT) - Many Americans may be rededicating themselves to getting outside and focusing on their fitness. This may be especially important after so much time spent inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to unwanted weight gain for 61% of Americans.

(BPT) - It may come as very little surprise, but the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a dramatic increase in demand for substance abuse and mental health care. The pandemic has generated a significant impact to the collective mental health of the U.S.:

(BPT) - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees loans made by qualified lenders for the benefit of servicemembers, veterans and their families. Fortunately, these once-limited home loans have become increasingly easy to find and remain one of the most cost-effective products …

(BPT) - Daily life takes a toll on your skin. Ordinary stressors, toxins and pollutants — plus sunlight and light emitting from devices you use — these things can all show on your face in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. But what can you do about it? Dermatologists today agree on one sol…

(StatePoint) When it comes to healthy, active aging, it’s all about making simple adaptations. This is especially true of outdoor chores, which can put a strain on wrists and hands.

(BPT) - Digestive diseases affect between 60 and 70 million Americans each year. Good nutrition becomes critical for people living with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). EPI is a condition in which your body doesn’t provide enough pancreatic enzy…

(BPT) - Throughout the past year, you may have heard about plasma in terms of its potential use in treating COVID-19. However, for more than 80 years, plasma has been a lifeline for thousands of people who live with rare and chronic complex conditions. Plasma donations are critical in helpin…

(BPT) - With so many people working from home or attending school virtually this past year, many of us have been spending a lot more time looking at screens. Although Zoom meetings and streaming our favorite shows may continue to be the daily norm, all this time on digital devices may be str…

(BPT) - Americans might not agree on whether hot coffee or iced coffee is better (although a new study1 suggests that hot coffee remains superior), but they can agree on what makes them happy. Happiness can often be found in the small, simple moments that fill our everyday lives. Moments lik…

(BPT) - The sun rises, you flutter your eyes open and take a deep breath. It's time to start the day, but before you even get out of bed, you know it's going to be a tough one. For the more than 30 million Americans with osteoarthritis, waking up with soreness or stiffness in the joints can …

(BPT) - When it comes to the changing seasons and onset of fall, we often think of breaking out our boots and sweaters rather than changing up our lotions and potions and prioritizing our overall wellness. There are facets of our overall well-being that can be quick to take care of and, with…

(BPT) - Kidney failure, also known as end stage kidney disease (ESKD), affects approximately 750,000 Americans each year. Kidneys are vital organs that contribute to the body’s overall well-being, helping to remove waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. When kidneys function at or belo…

(BPT) - When life has you constantly on the run or buried under your to-do list, it's easy to overlook self-care. Body care can be even more challenging when the seasons transition. A rushed shower or morning routine, coupled with colder temperatures and dry indoor heating, can leave your sk…

(BPT) - You have probably seen a variety of certifications on food products when shopping at the grocery store, like the Fairtrade Mark, or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue fish and/or the Non-GMO Project label. While these certifications are showing up more and more, there’s still …

(BPT) - Research indicates that nearly 38% of US adults aged 20 years or older have high cholesterol, which puts them at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. But high cholesterol can be “silent.” “If you have high cholesterol, you’d never know it, because it causes no symptoms,” Janet …

(BPT) - Over half of all men over age 50 will experience frequent urination, according to the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. While this condition may be an entirely normal part of aging, it can leave many feeling frustrated.Many men talk about having to wake up multiple times per nig…

(BPT) - People think of their credit scores when measuring their "creditworthiness," like when they're looking to take out a loan, buy a home or open a new credit card. But did you know your insurance credit score can affect your auto insurance premiums too?

(BPT) - Bathrooms are some of the most frequently accessed spaces in a home, so it comes as no surprise that they consistently rank high as top places homeowners desire to remodel. Updating a bathroom helps improve functionality and enhances property value, but thoughtful enhancements with l…

(BPT) - November is National Family Caregivers month. For millions of Americans, it is more than a page on the calendar. Caregiving is a daily part of their lives. It is important to recognize the sacrifices caregivers make for loved ones. If you don’t have personal experience with caregivin…

(BPT) - There’s a decent chance you drove the wrong tires last winter. Fortunately, there’s still time to install the right set before snow and ice arrive this year.

(BPT) - If you’ve always wanted an animal companion, or even if you already have a dog or cat but have room for more, now is the perfect time to adopt a pet. While there are plenty of good reasons to adopt a furry friend — from the joy they bring to the love and care you can provide them – t…

(StatePoint) A fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including injury, loss of independence, and a decreased ability to do the things that are most important to you or a loved one.

(BPT) - Being safe and comfortable at home is a large part of living well. Home modifications and repairs can help everyone prevent accidents and maintain an independent lifestyle, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

(BPT) - People across the world have tackled immense challenges since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, from social isolation to financial burdens, in a distanced and digitally enabled world. As a result, many important projects were put on hold. But at the same time, many people to…

(BPT) - From surgeries to emergencies, life-saving therapeutics, and beyond, blood and plasma are essential for hospitals and health care centers to help patients. Unfortunately, experts report facilities throughout the country are facing critical shortages and are calling on more people — e…

(BPT) - Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be rewarding, but has its challenges. Early diagnosis, having open communication and doing some simple activities can significantly help in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, there are also resources and assistance to hel…

(BPT) - Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to a service member’s experience with sexual assault or sexual harassment at any point during military service. This could be anything from inappropriate jokes or lewd comments to unwanted advances or forced sexual encounters. In the past, veterans…

(BPT) - A person’s golden years may be some of the best years of their life, living each day to the fullest by doing what they love, from pursuing hobbies to spending time with their families and beyond. Thinking about senior living may seem like a distant concern, but it's an important conv…

(BPT) - Hispanic Heritage Month offers an ideal opportunity to celebrate Hispanic contributions to the U.S., inviting everyone to explore the unique art, music, talent, innovation — and food — that has enriched the American experience.

(BPT) - Did you know that your immune system works around the clock to defend your body against invaders? It never stops doing its part in protecting you. So one of the best things you can do to keep yourself healthy is to make your immune health a top priority in your wellness routine.

(StatePoint) Many people look forward to their retirement for years. However, once it begins, they may find all the newfound free time overwhelming.

(BPT) - The last year and a half has been a strong reminder of the importance of good health. Statistics show that 73% of Americans consider their health and wellness a priority and are reevaluating their own lifestyle habits. In a recent survey of 13,000 people, (including 2,000 Americans),…

(BPT) - Hiking, swimming, traveling — the summer and fall seasons are all about adventure. But for the 7.4 million Americans who require insulin due to diabetes1, being on-the-go can be complicated.

(BPT) - Drug overdose deaths broke records during 2020, and while the pandemic no doubt contributed, surgery plays an often-overlooked role in America’s ongoing opioid epidemic because many patients continue to use their prescribed opioids months after their procedures.