(BPT) - Annual enrollment for Medicare ends Dec. 7, so now is the time to check your plan and update coverage for the coming year. While many people stick to the same plan they have used in the past, subtle changes can leave you second guessing what is best for your personal situation.

(BPT) - The number of uninsured people in Illinois is nearly 900,000, putting thousands of families at risk of significant medical bills and limited access to qualified doctors[1].

(BPT) - If you're like many Americans, your home may be your most valuable asset. That's why it's so important to protect it with homeowners insurance. Plus, it's probably a requirement of your mortgage. Setting up your coverage the right way starts with understanding the major parts of a ho…

(BPT) - Each year, the holiday season brings a flurry of entertaining. From hosting a houseful of out-of-town relatives to formal sit-down dinners to impromptu get-togethers, chances are your schedule — and your home — is brimming with activity.

(BPT) - At the young age of 24, Savana Sadler received both the most exciting and terrifying news of her life. Within just weeks of each other, she learned she was about to become a mother for the first time, but she was also going to be embarking on this exciting journey while living with m…

(BPT) - Today there are many automated options that make homes more comfortable, energy efficient, cost-effective and safe. Typically referred to as smart home technology, these features may include automating control of items such as lighting, temperature, window shades, surveillance camera…

(BPT) - Let’s face it. Drinking, drug abuse and depression soar over Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s — call it the holiday blues. As you prepare to throw your annual holiday party, the compassionate host recognizes that the holidays can be a painful time for some family members and friend…

(BPT) - Sponsored ad content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

(BPT) - Small businesses have a major impact on their communities: 67 cents of every dollar spent on small businesses stays in the local economy. But when it comes to growing their businesses, nearly one in four small business owners say marketing is one of their biggest challenges. As small…

(BPT) - During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s all too easy to let self-care slip off your radar. However, it’s important for your health that you prioritize your well-being, so you can enjoy the season with family and friends. If you burn yourself out with all the cooking,…

(BPT) - Heating, cooking, decorations and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season. As the snowflakes start to fall and the temperat…

(BPT) - The days are shorter, the temperatures are dropping: It's time to get ready for the holidays! For many families, no decoration is more important than the Christmas tree. The following tips from expert arborist Mark Chisholm will help you choose the perfect tree for your home.

(BPT) - Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in preparing for holiday celebrations and family visits. If you’re hosting guests with allergies — and you have pets — you have a few more things to consider when getting your home guest-ready. No problem! Here are eight cleaning tips to help alle…

(BPT) - When Inga Lam of BuzzFeed’s Tasty, the world’s largest social food network, gets going in the kitchen, she makes sure to consider all aspects of her baking process when creating the perfect treat. As a Tasty Creator, Inga is known for showing budding chefs how to sharpen their skills…

(BPT) - Every year many Americans establish New Year’s resolutions, setting their sights high with the turn of the calendar, but few of them are able to sustain those resolutions. According to online global activity data analyzed by Strava, most people report failing their resolution by Jan.…

(BPT) - Are you following a gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, Whole 30 or other special diet? The problem with sticking to a diet is that it can feel restricting, because you're only allowed to eat certain foods, and that can get boring fast.

(BPT) - We all love the idea of having a washer, refrigerator or smart appliance that gives us important messages and guides our next steps.

(BPT) - The fall of 2018 was life-changing for U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Phillip Hayes. Not only did the season mark his retirement from a 33-year-long service in the Air Force, it marked the beginning of the fight for his life. Phillip’s health had been declining for some time, but he did …

(BPT) - Your options for health care and dental plans can feel overwhelming. Dozens of plans and many variables can affect your decision, which is why it’s worth your time to find the option that best fits your individual or family needs.

(BPT) - Deaths from heart-related causes tend to spike over the holidays. According to a recent study, the risk of heart attack increases significantly around Christmas time, and may be highest on Christmas Eve. Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease — and taking time from the busy season…

(BPT) - The vagina is a delicate ecosystem that must be maintained at a normal pH of 3.8-4.5, the same pH as beer, if you can believe it! Everyday events like blood with your period, sex, soaps, certain medications and the water in a douche can all elevate the natural vaginal balance, becaus…

(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) - With today’s busy and distracted lifestyles, it can be difficult to find ways to make a difference to those less fortunate in the community. However, today it is simpler than ever to give back, and you do not have to alter your hectic routine to make an impact.

(BPT) - For many Americans, the biggest hurdle in buying a home is the down payment. According to a recent report, 49% of non-homeowners stated that not having enough money for a down payment and closing costs was a major obstacle to purchasing a home. Many people also mistakenly believe len…

(BPT) - The winter months are here! While you may be preparing to celebrate the holidays and spend time with loved ones, it’s also important to ensure your home is protected from the cold weather.

(BPT) - Planning and food prep for the holidays are underway so you're probably creating grocery store lists and considering which favorite family recipes to cook this year. No matter what you're serving, there's one thing that can elevate foods from good to great: a delicious gravy.

(BPT) - Fires can occur when you least expect it, leaving little time to plan your escape, so the time to prepare for an emergency isn’t when your alarm sounds. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only 32% of American households have actually developed and practiced…

(BPT) - How do I plan for a comfortable retirement? This question is top of mind for many Americans. Yet how to afford that dream retirement remains a mystery to most. According to The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2019 Retirement Confidence Survey, only 42% of working-age people hav…

(BPT) - Is it open enrollment time for your employee benefits? Most companies begin offering the opportunity to update or add new benefits for the next year in the last quarter of the year. Take advantage of this time to align your life with your benefits because when life changes, insurance…

(BPT) - The holidays can challenge just about anyone to stick to healthy habits and keep up with the busy season. Despite her hectic schedule, actress, producer, entrepreneur and mother Sarah Michelle Gellar has learned how to juggle family and career all while maintaining her daily routine.

(BPT) - Most people would like to follow their life’s passions when exploring ways to supplement their incomes, but it can be hard to find those meaningful outlets — and earn any income at the same time. For one dog lover in Stratford, Connecticut, her tremendous love and affection for the d…

(BPT) - Today’s home builders, designers and innovators are working to create interiors and living experiences that take into account consumer trends toward seeking a more healthful environment, inside and out. This year’s “Whole Home Concept House,” by leading design magazine House Beautifu…

(BPT) - In the U.S., the number of surgical procedures is increasing, with more than 30 million performed annually according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matter what kind of surgery you may be having, preparing for one can raise a lot of questions and c…

(BPT) - As 2019 comes to an end, it marks a time of new possibilities and change. While some might get the itch to tackle a new challenge or hobby, many adults use this time to reflect on their current job and what might be next for their career path.

(BPT) - The holidays are full of family, friends — and lots and lots of food. And while we love getting together with all our loved ones, the thought of coming up with a meal that pleases everyone can be a bit frightful. But with a little prep work, planning, and new healthy takes on cooking…

(BPT) - What if everyone spent a little more time and energy celebrating everyday moments, tiny victories and micro-achievements? Rather than focusing on the negative, directing your attention toward what you are grateful for, and making a special occasion out of those things, is the secret …

(BPT) - Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness is something millions of Americans do every day. Whether it is a parent, spouse, extended family member or friend, the stress of caring for another adult can take a toll.

(BPT) - No matter what holiday shoppers are looking for this season, there are two things on everyone’s list: saving time and saving money. Whether you’re making memories with friends and family, or enjoying some JOMO (joy of missing out) cozied up with a holiday flick and treat, we all wish…

(BPT) - People living with diabetes are two times more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, heart failure, heart attack and stroke.i And, nearly 70 percent of people aged 65 or older with diabetes die from some form of heart disease.i

(BPT) - As the year comes to an end, many people make resolutions to start the New Year strong. This might mean ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.

(BPT) - As time and technology reshape the workforce, most professionals are not in the position to choose one career or one track and stick with it until retirement. Nursing offers relevant, future-focused opportunities for people of all ages and levels of experience, from those re-entering…

(BPT) - Every day is a good time to honor veterans — and this year, to mark important milestones for the holiday and for service to these American heroes.