(BPT) - Summer weekends are all about the barbecue. Grilling has become an American staple, and many home grill masters yearn to take it to the next level, impressing their friends and families with tasty, mouthwatering smoked beef. Smoking is a timeless technique that elevates the beef peop…

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

(BPT) - Within just eight days, Michael Adams, a 59-year-old husband and father of two from Moore, OK, suffered a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) — he survived them both. Many think a heart attack and SCA are the same, but they are very different. Recent heart attack victims h…

(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 reputational setback. To prevent mistakes, bad decisions and wrongdoing, smaller business…

(BPT) - Buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial milestones, but people often think it’s out of reach because of the costs involved, including the myth that you have to put 20% down. The fact is, you don’t necessarily need to deplete all of your savings to qualify for a mortgage and …

(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) - To say ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia keeps busy is an understatement. The fitness platform she founded operates at 15,000 partner sites across 80 cities worldwide and is continuing to expand. Kadakia also founded Sa Dance Company, a bicoastal Indian dance troupe that performs at ma…

(BPT) - During extreme weather conditions and when threat of danger from wildfires is imminent, California utility companies make a determination whether to temporarily shut off power in specific areas to protect public safety and prevent an increase in dangerous conditions. Southern Califor…

(BPT) - Good food, great company and the beauty of the outdoors: Dining al fresco with family or friends is the perfect way to enjoy beautiful weather. For many people, though, the job of outdoor entertaining can feel somewhat intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. With these simple tips, …

(BPT) - From ambitious millennials to enthusiastic boomers, do it yourself — DIY — is trending among people of all ages. No matter the hobby or home improvement project, creating a well-equipped workspace is just as important as having the right tools for the job. Whether your workspace is i…

(BPT) - Whether you want to make the most of your home now, or you’re thinking of selling soon, smart upgrades can boost your enjoyment of your home and increase its resale value. Some upgrades improve the aesthetics of your house, while others help save on energy costs or improve the functi…

(BPT) - Even in the privacy of a doctor’s office, many patients hesitate to discuss one subject — money.

(BPT) - If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you probably have a lot of questions.

(BPT) - While research from The Shelton Group shows 90% of millennials choose to purchase from brands they trust for their social and environmental practices, carefully crafted marketing lingo and even bigger advertising budgets can make it difficult to know if their dollars are truly making…

(BPT) - While mid-summer typically sees a lull in retail sales, causing some small businesses to hang on anxiously, waiting for better days, many are looking forward to mid-July as a great time to boost their businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses selling in Amazon's stores are gearin…

(BPT) - Moving to a college campus is an exciting experience for both students and parents. Whether you're destined for the dorms or will be sharing a modest apartment with other students, you'll need to pack strategically and move mindfully so you get just what you need to feel comfortable …

(BPT) - With the summer season in full swing, entertaining heads outdoors, with leisurely BBQs and picnics forming the backdrop for gatherings of family and friends. Choosing a great wine to pair with the menu is a thoughtful touch, but white wines aren’t the only options during the warmer m…

(BPT) - Successful entrepreneurs are always looking for new opportunities to expand their business and increase their revenue, with minimal time commitment, overhead and expenditure. For business owners looking to grow their bottom line, becoming a truck rental agent can provide a profitable…

(BPT) - Every year, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and as pollen production grows in intensity and duration due to longer freeze-free periods, that number is only expected to rise. For chronic allergy sufferers, this can mean battling symptoms around the calendar, year…

(BPT) - No matter how old or out of shape you think you are, it is never too late to add more physical activity to your life. Regular and consistent exercise can:

(BPT) - Summer activities like hiking, camping, picnics and barbecues are all fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But spending more time outside can lead to mosquito and tick bites, and the potential for bringing these pests inside the home and putting families at risk for insect-borne diseases.

(BPT) - You can smell it in the air: BBQ season is in full swing. To impress your friends and family, you’re going to need to offer up some serious eats because, let’s face it, the food is the true star of any BBQ. But, this summer, don’t overlook one of the key elements to really enjoying t…

(BPT) - It's that time of year, when the weather's heating up and everyone is inviting friends over for a great day in the sun or evening feast. Make sure your cookout stands out as one of the summer's best memories by offering everything your guests will need for a seriously amazing time.

(BPT) - Ever feel like the days just get away from you, and you don’t have time to do the things you need to do, much less want to do? Often wish you could just spend your evenings or weekends on your personal goals, practicing self-care or just relaxing? There are many ways you can take con…

(BPT) - Everyone has heard, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but why?

(BPT) - Shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. The burdens of living alone were taking a toll on Joyce, who at 89 was the oldest resident in her apartment building. Though she’d spent a lifetime saving money, Joyce wasn’t sure what she could afford. Her daughter Sandy knew it was time to talk about se…

(BPT) - You wipe down the counters, clean the floor and run the dishwasher regularly. Your kitchen appears clean on the surface, but there's probably a lot that could use a refresh. It's time to pay attention to frequently used but often forgotten items in your kitchen.

(BPT) - Asphalt shingles may be the most popular roofing in the U.S. by volume, but metal roofing is gaining in popularity for its durability, longevity and low-maintenance benefits. Still, many people unfamiliar with the product have misconceptions about this quality roofing option.

(BPT) - Now that summer is here, for many, it seems opportunities to savor those sun-drenched days and starry nights are all too limited. Events and activities are already stacking up on the calendar, and it’s almost as if the season is over before it begins.

(BPT) - The holy grail of home improvement is a project that makes a big difference to the appearance or value of the home without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on low-cost, quality items that will give the most bang for your buck. Here are five to consider:

(BPT) - For kids, the start of a new school year is like New Year’s Eve: a chance to start fresh and set intentions for the year ahead. It’s a time to reboot, make new friends, get new clothes and gear, and find new opportunities to fuel their passions. As parents, you can help your children…

(BPT) - As school lets out for the summer, many parents are concerned about their child maintaining all they’ve learned from the school year. Some parents may be tempted to add extra classes or tutors to stave off the summer slide, but one of the most effective methods for boosting brain dev…

(BPT) - We all like to think of our homes as secure havens where our families can retreat from the world in peace and comfort.While most of us do everything we can to protect our children from harm, records show that in the U.S. some 2,000 children 14 and younger succumb to preventable injur…

(BPT) - The hits just seem to keep on coming. For America’s farmers, it feels like it’s been one natural disaster after the next. From record wildfires in California and unprecedented hurricanes in the South and Southeast to the relentless flooding in the Midwest, people in the agricultural …

(BPT) - There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than kicking back and relaxing with a cold, tasty and refreshing beverage — and there are so many great options to choose from. But why not add a little excitement to your summer by choosing something to drink that’s fun and colorful, super …

(BPT) - Maybe you know someone who stands by taking five minutes each morning to meditate or finds time after lunch to quiet his or her mind and focus on breathing. Whatever the method may be, incorporating “mindfulness” practices into your life can have a wide range of positive health benef…

(BPT) - Summer heat may be good if you're at the beach or pool, but when you're at home, it often means fighting scorching temperatures with costly air conditioning. Not only can this feel like an endless battle during the dog days of summer, but leaving the trapped hot air in your home can …

(BPT) - For today’s students, learning how to code is becoming just as important as learning how to read. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says computer science is the fastest growing profession within the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field. They also project that, by 2020,…

(BPT) - Do you know how your health plan benefits work? If not, it’s a great time to learn how to make them work for you.

(BPT) - What does Juneteenth mean to you? For millions of Americans, Juneteenth marks an important moment in American history, one that spans 154 years.

(BPT) - When it comes to recycling, do you know what to throw?

(BPT) - Having a persistent cough wasn’t something new to Debbie. As early as high school, she found herself coughing excessively on the school bus due to the cigarette smoke from her fellow classmates. Over the years, she was prescribed an antibiotic and antihistamine for each new cough, an…

(BPT) - Many people expect their eyesight to decline with age — perhaps requiring a stronger eyeglass prescription or “readers.” Some vision changes are linked to age, but there are steps to consider to help our eyes stay as healthy as possible.

(BPT) - Mid-century style celebrates the aesthetic influences of the 20th century, bringing clean lines, slender forms and high function to the interior space. From modernist architectural structures to furnishings that embrace rounded geometries and smooth contours, design elements from thi…

(BPT) - Awareness of health risks from potentially harmful chemicals has grown exponentially in recent years. Consumers are demanding transparency regarding what’s in the food, personal care products and household items we use every day.

(BPT) - You’re middle-aged and the thought of how you’re going to enjoy your golden years is becoming more persistent. You may be daydreaming about finally buying an RV to take that cross-country trip you and your significant other always talk about, or maybe you’ve begun planning how you ca…