(BPT) - James Whelan is a performer. As a lifelong musician, he has spent most of his life writing music in his studio or out performing for a crowd. But a life devoted to art came to a screeching halt with a startling and sudden diagnosis: a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcin…

(BPT) - Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Whether in a busy city or a sleepy suburb, we depend on the many beloved local shops and services that contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Where we shop matters, and now more than ever small businesses need our support as…

(BPT) - In a time of global crisis — pandemic, economic or political — fraudsters and scammers are willing and ready to prey on people. These ‘bad guys’ take advantage of vulnerabilities by offering false employment offers, bogus cures and treatments and fake promises of assistance and products.

(BPT) - Around the world, more than 10 million people have been infected with COVID-19, more than a half million have died, and thousands are still diagnosed daily. In an effort to stop its spread and eradicate COVID-19 forever, the global scientific community has been working together to de…

(BPT) - Not only is it peak boating season, but the impact of COVID-19 has inspired a renewed interest in boats from coast-to-coast as people start getting outside and enjoying the water while maintaining social distancing.

(BPT) - For most people, 2020 is a year of change. Remote work, social distancing and more have challenged people to find new ways to connect with each other. Fortunately, humans are resilient and their spirit for finding innovative ways to connect is alive and well.

(BPT) - As the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are eager to celebrate healthcare workers on the front lines who cope with the disease every single day. You’ve probably heard countless stories of the amazing acts of kindness and courage exhibited by the doctors, n…

(BPT) - The threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities has led elderly individuals and people with disabilities or underlying health conditions to seek safer administration of their care. For some, the most desirable place to receive ongoing services is in their own h…

(BPT) - The past few months have been a challenging time for all of us. As difficult as COVID-19 has been for the general population, people serving in a caregiving role — whether in the long term for someone living with a disease or injury or short term for someone who has contracted COVID-…

(BPT) - For the last three years, Terry McCallum, 75, has been receiving dialysis treatments from the comfort of his home. When he initially considered the change from in-center hemodialysis (ICHD) to peritoneal dialysis (PD), it was because he was having a hard time adjusting to dialysis an…

(BPT) - One in five U.S. adults struggles with mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, while mental illness impacts both men and women, men are less likely to seek treatment and find solutions.

(BPT) - If you are among the millions of adults in the U.S. who do not know they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the past several months of social distancing have been a particularly steep battle. Our country was instructed to “sit still,” a command that children with A…

(BPT) - Warmer weather is finally here, and that means more daylight for activities of all types and ideally more time for relaxation. Whether family members choose to spend their time playing outside, tackling home projects or getting creative with crafts, it’s easy to work up an appetite f…

(BPT) - People living with diabetes know that the condition comes with highs and lows — especially when it comes to managing blood sugar. For those on insulin, blood sugar can get so low that it’s considered a medical emergency (known as severe hypoglycemia or a very low blood sugar emergenc…

(BPT) - Whether you’ve had exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms you’re worried about, or you belong to a vulnerable population (such as being over 65), you may be worried. You also may be unsure about how or where to get tested. It’s understandable that you may…

(BPT) - You have cancer.

(BPT) - Perhaps this year more than any other, seasonal clean-ups and clean-outs have become important to many of us. So, as you tidy-up closets, basements and garages and refresh your spaces, make sure you don’t overlook the heart of the home: the kitchen. Now is a great time to purge the b…

(BPT) - Women's health can be complex, and every woman has unique considerations and needs. Well-women exams are an important time to bring up these needs and take proactive steps to protect your health, including important testing for things like cervical cancer.

(BPT) - Time is of the essence.

(BPT) - With nearly 50 million outpatient surgeries performed in the U.S. each year and the increasingly complex nature of the procedures, patients need to consider several important details when having surgery without an overnight stay in the hospital.

(BPT) - It’s not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you're in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun together. Make sure to choose activities that are age-appropriat…

(BPT) - You may already be aware that pollinators are important to everyone on the planet. But did you know that one in every three bites of food is made possible by native pollinators?

(BPT) - Crises and upheaval have a way of bringing out the best — and, sometimes the worst — in society. That’s why, during this month focused on Elder Abuse Awareness and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to protect the online information of senior and vulnerable friend…

(BPT) - Considering the economic challenges the world is faced with today, including some of the highest unemployment numbers in recent history, now could be an excellent time to begin a career as a freelancer.

(BPT) - While traditions may be a bit different this summer, some things can still remain the same. Finding new ways to celebrate our favorite summer holidays make for a great opportunity to reunite with small groups of friends and family members — safely. With a little thought and creativit…

(StatePoint) Dementia can be devastating for the people who live with it and their family members, and it’s a diagnosis more Americans will face as the U.S. population ages.

(BPT) - Jason was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2004 and now lives with schizoaffective disorder. As a way of coping with his day-to-day symptoms during COVID-19, he has developed a strong daily routine and treatment plan. Here, he shares his perspective.

(BPT) - Whether it's a new build, remodel or update, freestanding tubs are a top trend in bathroom spaces. These showstopping centerpieces elevate the visual aesthetic of the room while adding to the overall value of the property. While in high demand, many homeowners have questions about th…

(BPT) - Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the adoption of telehealth services has been on the rise and people are turning to digital technology more than ever to address their personal health care needs without having to leave their homes.

(BPT) - Currently, when people experience shortness of breath and/or a cough, they may think of COVID-19. However, if those symptoms are chronic, it could be a warning sign of another condition: pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

(BPT) - No one ever anticipates a health problem so serious that they must stop working, especially when a leave of absence becomes one or two years out of work. Yet it happens every day to some of the 160 million workers in the U.S. labor force. People get hurt, learn they have a disease or…

(BPT) - Because everyone is spending more time in their own backyards now, parents are wondering how to create healthier lawns for their families.

(BPT) - COVID-19 has sent many businesses into a tailspin. According to a recent study, more than 100,000 small businesses have closed since the beginning of the pandemic. For those businesses able to reopen, it's usually for limited hours with limited offerings, which dramatically cuts prof…

(BPT) - At a time when the strength of the U.S. economy and personal finance is on most renters’ minds, low down payment mortgage options are more appealing than ever. With mortgage interest rates being at historic lows, it is possible to qualify for a home loan while keeping a rainy day fund.

(BPT) - Some moments are etched in our national memory — and the American flag stands at the center of them. Six U.S. Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima during World War II. Buzz Aldrin saluting the flag on the moon’s surface in 1969. Three New York firefighters hoisting the flag above t…

(BPT) - “I tell people it feels like when you're drunk, but without the alcohol. So that means you can't see straight, you can't walk straight, you can't talk. You’re wobbly and all over the place. That's how I feel when I am having a myasthenia gravis flare up.”

(BPT) - As millions of Americans spend unprecedented amounts of time at home, it also means spending unprecedented amounts of time with their pets. And for cat owners who have sensitivities to cat allergens, this can create unforeseen challenges.

(BPT) - The sounds of birds chirping, longer daylight hours, and blooming trees and flowers are signs that warmer weather is on the way. That means more time outside to enjoy nature, but it’s also a sign it might be time for a little maintenance as summer heats up.

(BPT) - What happens when you turn on the shower? In the typical North American home, cold water comes pouring out. Because this is a shock to the body, most people make it a habit to run the shower for a few minutes before getting in.

(BPT) - While the summer months often serve as an important reminder on the dangers of sun exposure, many people may not realize that skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time of the year. With more than five million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in …

(BPT) - Summer is here, and that means it’s time to tackle the big outdoor tasks.

(BPT) - For the past few months, patients around the country have had to postpone elective surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re one of them, you're probably wondering when you may hear from your doctor about rescheduling that surgery. As states begin easing restrictions, hospitals…

(BPT) - Quite often, it is not until we have experienced a difficult situation like an accident, illness or COVID-19-related events that we start to appreciate employer-provided benefits like disability insurance and leave policies that protect income and jobs. According to a recent MetLife …

(BPT) - Face it, finding time to achieve your fitness goals while balancing work and home life can be a struggle. However, while many people are spending more time at home, here’s a great opportunity to start fresh with a new fitness routine.

(BPT) - “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can,” wrote Danny Kaye, beloved Hollywood performer. Kaye’s advice certainly reflected his colorful career. It's true that the more one expands one’s palette of experiences, the more vibrant life becomes.