Tag: 3BL

WHAT: Building on the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air’s landmark launch of the Global Framework for Action, Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and Co-Chair of the Global Commission, will speak at the upcoming UN Side Event on Healthy Indoor Air in Schools: Every Breath Shapes Learning.

Hodgdon’s remarks will deliver an urgent call to action, encouraging leaders to deliver on a forward-looking “health-first agenda” for educational institutions worldwide, leveraging the Global Framework’s roadmap to drive systemic improvements in indoor air quality across learning environments.

IWBI was at the heart of convening the inaugural Healthy Schools for Healthy Kids Summit, a first-of-its-kind national gathering held in Washington, D.C. this past summer. Now, Hodgdon will urge leading experts, advocates and policymakers to continue efforts to produce a forward-looking health-first agenda, focused on school modernization, healthy materials, indoor air quality and ventilation, emergency preparedness and resilience, healthy lighting and acoustics, pollution prevention, remediation of legacy environmental hazards, technical assistance for schools and communities, and priority research needs.

“The ultimate measure of a school building is whether it supports the health, well-being and learning of the people inside it.” – Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI

WHO:

• Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, International WELL Building Institute; Co-Chair, Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air

WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 8:00 – 9:30 AM ET

WATCH LIVE: UN Web TV – https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1hyad24qc

About the International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

For final remarks and interview requests, please contact:

Yan Tai
SVP, Communications
International WELL Building Institute
yan.tai@wellcertified.com

• Henkel will invest a double-digit million-euro amount by 2030 to establish five new permanent Researchers’ World locations worldwide, including a new STEM center in Düsseldorf, Germany.
• Researchers’ World is Henkel’s global education initiative that gives children hands-on access to science and STEM education
• The initiative builds on 15 years of experience, activities in over 20 countries and the participation of more than 130,000 children worldwide
• The expansion aims to lower barriers and strengthen equal access to STEM education for children around the world

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, September 23, 2026 /3BL/ – On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, Henkel is taking its long-standing commitment to science education to the next level. By the end of 2030, the company plans to establish five new permanent learning labs as part of its “Researchers’ World” initiative (in German: Forscherwelt): a new STEM center at Henkel’s headquarters in Düsseldorf and four additional Researchers’ World labs around the world. In addition, mobile concepts will bring hands-on science education to children in six additional countries. Henkel will invest a double-digit million-euro amount in the expansion of Researchers’ World by 2030.

“Curiosity and a spirit of discovery are essential drivers of learning and innovation. Through our Researchers’ World initiative, we encourage children to ask questions, explore new ideas and develop their own solutions. By expanding the initiative internationally, we want to make high-quality STEM education accessible to as many young people as possible, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” says Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, patron of Henkel’s Researchers’ World and Chairwoman of Henkel’s Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee.

“As Henkel celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are expanding our Researchers’ World initiative to enable even more children to experience science, technology and innovation first-hand. We also want to reach young people who have had limited access to these opportunities so far. This project reflects our long-term commitment to social responsibility as a company, both as part of our anniversary year and beyond. We believe that education is an investment in the future of society, which is why we are committed to making a lasting contribution in this area,” says Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel.

A global platform for curiosity, skills and equal opportunity

Founded in Düsseldorf in 2011, Researchers’ World has developed into a global education initiative that promotes early STEM education in more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America and South America. Through hands-on experiments and age-appropriate learning formats, children explore scientific concepts and discover the world of science through inquiry, experimentation and problem-solving. Since its launch, more than 130,000 children worldwide have participated in the program. As part of its expansion plans, Henkel aims to extend Researchers’ World to more than 30 countries by 2030.

Düsseldorf as one of the five new permanent locations

Henkel will build a new STEM center at its headquarters in Düsseldorf. It will expand the existing concept and location with extracurricular formats, a wider target group, and dedicated access for external visitors. The center is expected to accommodate more than 10,000 children and young people annually. As one of the five new permanent locations, the Düsseldorf center will form part of a wider global network.

“By expanding our global network, we aim to further reduce financial and organizational barriers to STEM education and create accessible learning opportunities for children from different socioeconomic backgrounds and educational pathways,” explains Dr. Ute Krupp, who is responsible for the Researchers’ World initiative at Henkel. “Our learning programs support scientific literacy, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity – skills that help young people understand and shape a changing world.”

Further information and free teaching materials are available at www.henkel-researchers-world.com

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2025, Henkel reported sales of about 20.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.0 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 50,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com

Kathrin Brokmeier
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8605
press@henkel.com

Hanna Philipps
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-3626
press@henkel.com

Preparing before the storm hits

Disasters are getting worse — more frequent, more intense, and more expensive. Research shows that every dollar spent on preparedness can save up to $11 in response and recovery costs. FedEx uses our global network to help ship and strategically place preparedness supplies, and our planning expertise to help organizations run complex training scenarios so communities, clinics, and volunteers are ready before the next crisis arrives.

Stocking clinics with medicine before hurricane season

FedEx and Direct Relief stock and place Hurricane Prep Packs — caches of essential medicines and medical supplies developed with experts after Hurricane Katrina — at community health clinics in storm-prone areas before hurricane season starts. In 2025, Direct Relief prepositioned 83 packs across the U.S. coastline, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Central America. The largest packs can treat 1,000 people for 30 days. Learn more.

Training responders to be prepared during a crisis

FedEx supports Heart to Heart International’s disaster response training program, which prepares volunteer medical teams through virtual courses, hands-on simulations, and role-specific learning. After the 2025 Emergency Medical Team simulation, 100% of participants reported feeling more confident and prepared to deploy. Learn more.

Helping small businesses prepare for the worst

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program, launched with support from FedEx to build small business resilience, has helped nearly 5,000 businesses better prepare for disasters since its inception in 2022. In 2025, R4R awarded grants to 37 businesses affected by events like the Los Angeles wildfires and severe storms in Texas, Washington, and additional locations. These grants helped cover critical expenses, such as employee salaries and repairing damaged inventory. Learn more.

Click here to view the Direct Relief hurricane prep pack video.

A flight to freedom: transporting big cats to a new home

When a group of medically fragile big cats needed safe transport from Mexico to a new home at the world’s largest carnivore sanctuary in Denver, Colorado, FedEx answered the call.

The need

The Invictus Foundation in Mexico rescued 11 big cats suffering from severe malnutrition, broken bones, neurological damage, and organ failure due to neglect and abuse. After providing stabilizing medical care, Invictus needed to find them a new home.

The destination

The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) in Colorado — the world’s largest carnivore sanctuary over 40,000 acres — would allow the animals to recover and live in natural habitats; however the 1,600 mile trip from Mexico would make ground transport challenging.

How FedEx delivered

FedEx chartered a special flight and used our global logistics expertise to fly the animals and their care team from Toluca, Mexico to Denver, Colorado safely.

The impact

All 11 animals — including lions Simba, Hunter, Nala, and Apollo; tigers Sheerkan and Corachi; jaguars Balam and Bagheera; puma Pakal; and bobcats Luna and Rufla — now have a permanent home where they can heal, thrive, and live freely.

Click here to see how we helped the big cats.

FedEx steps up for families affected by the Los Angeles wildfires

FedEx funding and charitable shipping helped get critical resources to survivors of the California wildfires. None of this work would have been possible without the tireless efforts of nonprofit organizations including The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Rise Against Hunger, Heart to Heart International, Feed the Children, Dream Center Los Angeles, Watchitgrow Inc., World Central Kitchen, International Medical Corps, Chewy in collaboration with the Animal Wellness Foundation and Direct Relief.

Our California-based team members also stepped up to support response efforts. Team members nominated local charities to receive $500,000 in company-sponsored grants, personally donated thousands of dollars to relief efforts through the FedEx Employee Giving Program, and volunteered to distribute food, essentials, books, and toys to over 400 families impacted by the fires.

The FedEx Los Angeles team also worked with Operation Warm to deliver 600 pairs of brand-new shoes to students at Jackson Elementary School in Altadena. Watch highlights from this event on CBS News Los Angeles.

Click here to see how we stepped up for families affected by wildfires.

Click here to see how we worked with Operation Warm in Altadena.

Learn more in the 2025 FedEx Cares Report

Imagine trying to understand a complex health condition while feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and alone. In Canada, two new digital tools are helping people navigate vascular and cardio-renal-metabolic conditions with clarity, privacy, and confidence. Designed around real needs, these platforms show how digital innovation can help close gaps in health equity.

It started with a question. Late one evening in rural Quebec, a woman recently diagnosed with peripheral artery disease sat at her kitchen table, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Her doctor had explained the condition, but the words blurred under the weight of fear. She needed answers, clear ones, in her language, without medical jargon or judgment. She opened her laptop and typed a question into a new tool she had heard about through the Vascular Health Portal: “What does peripheral artery disease mean for me?”

The response came instantly. It was calm, clear, and reassuring. It came from Amélia.

Developed by the Quebec Society of Vascular Sciences (QSVS) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, Amélia is a conversational digital assistant designed to help people navigate vascular health with confidence. More than a chatbot, it serves as a bridge between questions and understanding, between patients and credible information, and between healthcare systems and the communities they serve.

In a healthcare environment under increasing strain, tools like Amélia reflect a growing recognition that sustainability is not only about environmental impact, but also about building resilient, accessible health systems that work for everyone.

Health equity as a pillar of sustainability

Canada’s aging population is facing a growing burden of vascular disease—conditions that can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed or poorly understood. Yet access to timely, accurate, and digestible health information remains uneven, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Amélia was designed to help close this gap. The digital assistant provides 24/7 access to expert-guided vascular health information in both English and French. It does not require users to input personal data, preserving privacy while delivering clarity. And it meets people where they are, whether at home, in a clinic, or on a mobile device during a lunch break.

Boehringer aims to improve digital health literacy, which too often creates barriers for accessible healthcare: By supporting digital tools like Amélia, we’re investing in long-term health outcomes, helping reduce preventable disease burden, and contributing to a more inclusive healthcare landscape.

Digital health literacy is no longer just an asset—it’s becoming essential for a resilient healthcare system.

Dr. Michel Vallée, Nephrologist and President of QSVS

A vision for connected care

Hundreds of kilometers away, in the heart of Toronto, another innovation is taking shape at the University Health Network (UHN), home to Toronto General Hospital, ranked among the top hospitals globally. Here, Boehringer Ingelheim and UHN are expanding their collaboration to address cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) conditions, where heart, kidney, and metabolic disorders intersect. These conditions are increasingly prevalent and among the most complex to manage, often requiring coordinated care across multiple specialties.

This partnership is designing Medly CRM, a digital platform to connect care across specialties. Building on the success of the original Medly program for heart failure patients, Medly CRM aims to integrate real-time data, virtual support, and proactive clinical interventions. Its goal: to reduce hospitalizations, improve coordination, and create a more sustainable model for chronic disease management.

For patients, this technology has the potential to reduce fragmented appointments and to improve more personalized care. For clinicians, it may enable better access to data and streamlined workflows. And for the healthcare system, it has the potential to enhance efficiency, strengthen resilience, and reduce environmental impact.

Innovation with purpose

While Amélia and Medly CRM address different stages of the patient journey, they share a common foundation: innovation designed with intent.

By reducing unnecessary travel, supporting care from home, and strengthening coordination across the system, these digital tools contribute to improved outcomes while also lowering environmental impact. This is particularly relevant as healthcare systems face increasing pressure from rising demand, constrained resources, and climate considerations.

CRM conditions are among the leading drivers of hospital admissions and healthcare costs in Canada. Cardiovascular diseases alone cost the Canadian economy more than $21 billion annually. In this context, digital solutions like Amélia and Medly CRM are not simply technological enhancements—they are strategic responses to systemic challenges.

• Cardiovascular disease costs Canada every year CAD > 21B. The digital assistants Amélia and Medly CRM help support physicians and connect patients to care.

Technology with a human touch

“What makes these tools powerful isn’t just their functionality—it’s their humanity,” says Dr. Rasha Eldesouky Abouelabbas, Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs Boehringer Ingelheim Canada.

Amélia does not replace healthcare providers; it complements them. By helping patients understand their condition, prepare questions, and navigate medical information, it supports more informed conversations and reduces the burden of misinformation. Users can print or email their conversations for future reference, helping them prepare for appointments or share insights with caregivers.

Medly CRM similarly focuses on empowerment. By providing real-time insights and enabling closer collaboration between patients and care teams, its goal is to shift chronic disease management from reactive treatment to active partnership.

Building a more sustainable healthcare system

For Boehringer, these initiatives are more than pilots. They are proof points that sustainability can be embedded directly into healthcare innovation—aligning health equity, digital transformation, and climate-conscious care delivery. By reducing hospital visits, enabling remote care, and supporting informed decision-making, Amélia and Medly CRM contribute to healthier people and a more resilient healthcare system.

And this is only the beginning. Their success highlights a broader opportunity to apply digital and AI-enabled solutions across other chronic conditions—advancing a model of care that is inclusive, sustainable, and built around the needs of patients and providers alike.

Our commitment

By 2030, we aim to expand access to healthcare for 50 million people, investing 35 billion EUR in health innovation and research to tackle non-communicable diseases and an additional 250 million EUR in partnerships to combat emerging infectious diseases. To achieve these ambitious goals, we partner with leading healthcare organizations that share our commitment.

About University Health Network (UHN)

UHN is Canada’s hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.uhn.ca

About the Quebec Society of Vascular Sciences (QSVS)
The QSVS is a charitable organization dedicated to fostering professional exchange among a variety of healthcare professionals (family physicians, specialists, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and more) and informing the public about vascular health. Through initiatives like the www.yourvascularhealth.ca portal and Amélia, the QSVS promotes research, innovation, and excellence in patient care across Quebec and Canada.

Read more on Imagine – Boehringer Ingelheim’s sustainability story hub.
 
*Image credits: Header picture, content video, and static illustrations: Boehringer Ingelheim. Quote picture: Paul Ducharme, photographe.

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 /3BL/ — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) recently announced the launch of its nationwide “Wear Your HeART” Bandage Art Contest, inviting people across the United States to submit original artwork inspired by the importance of protecting personal, family and community health.

The contest offers artists, students, families and community groups an opportunity to turn their creativity into a source of inspiration for millions of Americans. Four Grand Prize winners will have their designs featured on limited-edition CVS brand adhesive bandages that will be used in CVS Pharmacy® locations nationwide for immunizations beginning in Fall 2027. Winners will be recognized on related promotional materials and receive $5,000.

“Protection can look different for everyone, whether it’s getting vaccinated, caring for a loved one, or taking small steps to stay healthy,” said Erin Condon, Chief Marketing Officer, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “Through this contest, we’re inviting people to share their unique perspectives on what it means to protect their health and their communities.”

Contest Details

The “Wear Your HeART” Bandage Art Contest is open to legal residents of the United States. Adults age 18 and older may enter on their own behalf, while entries from those under age 18 must be submitted by a parent, legal guardian or another adult age 18 or older.

Participants may enter individually or as part of a group. Each person or group is limited to one entry.

Artwork submissions should creatively reflect a design inspired by what protecting their health means to them and designs must include the CVS heart as part of the artwork.

Entries will be evaluated based on several criteria, including:

• Story and impact: Clear, compelling and authentic storytelling and a demonstrated understanding of the “Protect Your Health” theme
• Creativity and expression: Original and unique artwork that adheres to contest theme
• Execution and quality: Completion of all submission requirements and demonstrated effort and attention to detail
• Brand alignment: Thoughtful incorporation of the CVS Health heart within the design

Judging Process

Following the submission period, entries will undergo an initial review by a panel of judges. Finalists may advance to additional evaluation phases before final selections are made.

A panel of CVS Health judges will select four Grand Prize winners in accordance with the official judging criteria. Selected winners will be notified directly and announced publicly in January 2027.

How to Enter

Eligible participants can submit their design and required information at CVSWearYourHeART.com between September 15, 2026 and November 30, 2026. Required submission information includes contact details, city and state of residence, and, for entrants under age 18, information and consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Official contest rules, eligibility requirements and complete submission instructions are available at CVSWearYourHeART.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The CVS® Wear Your HeART Contest is sponsored by CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and DC. Individuals under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian enter on their behalf. Begins at 9:00 a.m. ET on 9/15/26 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 11/30/26. For complete eligibility details and official rules, visit CVSWearYourHeART.com.

###

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact 

Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com

 

In Fort Dodge, Iowa, a former Georgia-Pacific gypsum mine is now the Gypsum City OHV Park. It’s 800 acres with 65 miles of off-road trails, managed in partnership with the Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

This park came from GP’s active reclamation process. As part of the mining plan, the land was restored to prairie and grassland and a water source was rebuilt for wildlife habitat. Coyotes, beavers, bats, and migratory birds are back, and riders now have a safe, legal place to ride.

For Georgia-Pacific employees in Fort Dodge, the park sits down the road from where they work. It shows the plan for land after mining: habitat first, then recreation, then something the whole community uses.

We’re proud to have been a part of this awesome project, and are always excited to see it being put to use!

See more ways that we’re a part of reclaiming tomorrow

About Georgia-Pacific 
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. Our familiar consumer brands include Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Quilted Northern®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs approximately 30,000 people directly and creates more than 80,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us. For news, visit: news.gp.com. Follow Georgia-Pacific on LinkedIn, Meta, Instagram, X and YouTube.

View original content here.

AEG’s Crypto.com Arena marked a significant milestone in Los Angeles sports history with the unveiling of a statue honoring women’s basketball icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie in Star Plaza. The tribute celebrates Leslie’s extraordinary athletic achievements and enduring influence as a role model whose impact extends far beyond the court.

As one of the most accomplished athletes in professional basketball history, Leslie helped transform women’s sports and inspire generations of young athletes throughout her time playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Her career set new standards for excellence, leadership and perseverance, while her visibility and success helped expand opportunities for women and girls pursuing their dreams in sports.

The installation recognizes not only Leslie’s achievements as a champion and pioneer, but also her lasting contributions to the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. Throughout her career, she demonstrated how sports can serve as a platform for empowerment, representation and community engagement, creating a legacy that continues to resonate across generations.

For decades, Crypto.com Arena has served as a gathering place where Los Angeles celebrates individuals whose accomplishments have helped shape the city’s identity. The addition of Leslie’s statue further strengthens the venue’s role as a destination where stories of achievement, leadership and inspiration remain accessible to residents and visitors from around the world.

The tribute arrives at a time of unprecedented growth and visibility for women’s sports, reflecting the increasing recognition of athletes whose contributions have expanded opportunities and challenged barriers. By preserving and celebrating these stories, institutions like Crypto.com Arena help ensure that future generations can see themselves reflected in the leaders and trailblazers who came before them.

Beyond commemorating an athletic career, the statue stands as a symbol of the power of representation and the importance of honoring individuals whose influence reaches beyond competition. Leslie’s legacy continues to inspire young people to pursue excellence, embrace leadership opportunities and create positive change within their communities.

As visitors gather in Star Plaza, they will encounter a lasting tribute to an athlete whose impact helped shape the future of basketball and elevate the profile of women’s sports globally. The monument reinforces the idea that achievement is measured not only by championships and accolades, but also by the ability to inspire others and create opportunities for future generations.

The addition of Lisa Leslie’s statue reflects AEG’s ongoing commitment to celebrating individuals whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on sports, culture and community. By honoring transformative leaders and preserving their stories, Crypto.com Arena continues to serve as a landmark where excellence, inspiration and civic pride intersect.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., September 23, 2026 /3BL/ – A pioneer in cancer insurance, Aflac has spent seven decades helping people manage the emotional and financial burden of a cancer diagnosis. Today, as part of its Check for Cancer campaign that was launched last year, Aflac and fashion designer Rachel Zoe unveiled a limited-edition jacket that turns fashion into a prompt to check for cancer.

^{Take Aflac’s Cancer Screening Assessment at CheckForCancerNow.com and complete the entry form for a chance to win Rachel Zoe’s one-of-a kind jacket. The Aflac Fit Checks Sweepstakes goes live on Sept. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT.}

The Check for Cancer campaign leverages Fit Checks, the popular social media trend where individuals show their outfits in a video, highlighting their styling choices. The uniqueness of Zoe’s jacket resides in a custom checkered pattern that features a QR code embedded into the print. Consumers can scan the design with a smartphone or tablet to visit CheckForCancerNow.com, where a simple-to-use Cancer Screening Assessment Tool provides information about screenings as a conversation starter with a healthcare professional. By completing the assessment and filling out the entry form, consumers are entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Rachel Zoe jacket. The Aflac Fit Checks Sweepstakes goes live on Sept. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime², yet more than 90% of Americans say they have put off health checkups and screenings that could help save their lives³.

The recently released 2026 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey also underscores the importance of cancer prevention as nearly half of Americans (46%) are not aware of age recommended cancer screenings, and nearly 90% of Gen Z diagnosed with cancer admit to avoiding a screening². The findings build on previous Aflac research showing that too many Americans delay preventive care and reinforce the need to make conversations about cancer screenings part of everyday life.

“Fit Checks is fashion with a purpose”, says Rachel Zoe. “Just like many Americans, cancer has touched many of my family members and close friends, and I have witnessed the impact firsthand. I jumped at the chance to design a jacket to spark conversations about the importance of cancer screenings and make early detection part of everyday life.”

“For more than seven decades, Aflac has helped people navigate the financial and emotional impact of cancer,” said Virgil Miller, president of Aflac Incorporated and Aflac U.S. “Aflac’s Check for Cancer is a natural evolution of our company’s commitment to sound the alarm and highlight the vital importance of early detection for more positive health outcomes. The Fit Checks Jacket by Aflac + Rachel Zoe brings that mission into everyday life in a way that is simple, visible and actionable.”

The Check for Cancer Fit Checks initiative -which has the ambitious goal of increasing cancer screenings by 10% by 2035—will extend to social media, collaborating with influential voices including cancer survivors and influencers Isabella Strahan and Bridget Bahl, as well as fashion designers Kevin Leonel and Lamiah Gholar. Together, we will bring the screening message to broader audiences in relatable, personal ways.

Visit CheckForCancerNow.com to find out which screenings you should schedule today.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.³ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force.⁴ The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 20 consecutive years (2026) and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 25 years (2026). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español.

Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Check for Cancer?
A: Check for Cancer is Aflac’s national awareness campaign designed to encourage more Americans to stay up to date on recommended cancer screenings. The campaign uses the familiar checkered pattern as a visual reminder to learn about potential cancer risks and talk with a healthcare professional about appropriate screenings.

Q: How does the Cancer Screening Assessment Tool work?
A: The Cancer Screening Assessment Tool is an easy-to-use resource available at CheckForCancerNow.com. Based on information provided by the user, the tool offers general information about cancer screenings they may want to discuss with a healthcare professional. The tool is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Q: How can consumers get a Rachel Zoe Fit Checks jacket?
A: The limited-edition jackets are not available for purchase. Beginning Sept. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. EDT, eligible consumers can visit CheckForCancerNow.com, complete the Cancer Screening Assessment Tool and complete the online registration form to receive one (1) entry into the Aflac Fit Checks Sweepstakes for a chance to receive one (1) while supplies last. No purchase is necessary. See official sweepstakes rules below for complete eligibility requirements and details.

ABOUT FIT CHECKS SWEEPSTAKES
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Aflac Fit Checks Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. Starts 10 a.m. EDT on 9/22/2026 and ends 11:59 p.m. EDT on 10/19/2026. For complete rules, visit CheckForCancerNow.com. Sponsored by Aflac Incorporated.

¹ American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2025

² Aflac 2026 Wellness Matters Survey, published August 2026

³ LIMRA 2025 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

⁴ As of March 31, 2025, Aflac estimates based on company data

MEDIA CONTACTS
Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Continental American Insurance Company | Columbia, SC

SOURCE Aflac

 

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

September brings on “reset” vibes that mimic the fresh start we look for in January. For many of us, this includes a return to meal planning and engaging in a plan, shop, and cook strategy that works for our household. It may also mark a return to the all-too-familiar strain of creating budget-friendly, nourishing meals, often influenced by the misconception that balanced, nutritious meals must be expensive.

To help, I’m thrilled to share a four-week meal planning guide, Balanced Meals on a Budget. It includes dietitian-approved recipes, weekly grocery lists, cooking tips, and resources. Many of the recipes earn Guiding Stars, and all of them make use of everyday ingredients and simple cooking methods. The guide is designed to diminish the stress of providing family meals, while also making the most of your shopping trip to save you time and money. And it goes beyond recipes and shopping lists. You’ll find nutrition guidance, ingredient-swapping tips to save money and reduce waste, and instructions for preparing convenient, versatile foods. 

To supplement the guide, here are our five strategies for meal planning and shopping on a budget.

Match Your Weekly Shopping Trip to Your Calendar

It only takes a moment with your calendar to save money and make the most of your weekly shopping trip. A glance at your upcoming schedule will remind you if there are busier days or longer nights that will make meal preparation or timing difficult. Choose recipes that provide more than one meal along with balanced snacks to fuel a long day. Then fill your cart with options that work together like puzzle pieces to make an active week more manageable. Lastly, go for pre-cut vegetables and pre-washed greens to save time (and possibly waste) in a busy week.

Save and Store (When it Makes Sense to Do So)

A sale is not savings unless it makes sense for your household. Especially when you must buy more to save. When a sale makes sense for you, stock up on whole grains, low-sodium canned goods, meat/poultry, and frozen foods to cover 3-5 meals. (Separate bulk meat and freeze as portions to defrost/cook.) Storing too much may lead to disorganization and increase the likelihood of food expiring before it’s used (leading to waste).   

Ingredient Prepping

Meal prepping isn’t the only strategy for meal planning. I favor ingredient prepping. This approach provides a variety of options that can be mixed and matched to create balanced, flexible meals. (And you won’t have to decide on Sunday what you will be eating all week.) To ingredient prep, make more protein than you need and slice and dice extra veggies. Leave some vegetables raw and cook some too, including starchy veggies like squash. Pair prepped ingredients with easy grains or starches to make grain bowls, wraps, salads, and more.

Make One, Freeze One (A Gift to Future You)

Clearly labeled frozen foods are a treasure when life gets busy or a meal idea eludes you. I highly recommend a “make one/freeze one” approach as much as possible. Casseroles, for example, can be divided into two smaller dishes—enjoy one now, and freeze one for another meal. Soups and stews are not too time-consuming to double, an approach that future you will be happy about. Be sure to clearly label and date foods before freezing. Add reheating instructions too, to save you (or someone else!) time.

Shop with Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars helps you cut through the noise in the store. Our shelf tags narrow down large, overwhelming sections so you can choose nutrient-dense foods that work best within your budget. Guiding Stars-earning foods are lower in attributes you’re likely trying to limit: saturated fat, sodium, added sugar, and some additives. And the Stars help you find foods higher in whole grains, fiber, omega fats, and live active culture (probiotics). Guiding Stars also pairs well with popular diets and serves as an overall beneficial approach that works with any dietary restrictions.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Key Takeaways

• ISO 45001 is expected to be revised in 2027, with new and expanded emphasis on psychosocial hazards, worker well-being, climate change, worker diversity, occupational health, and return-to-work.
• Organizations certified to ISO 45001:2018 do not need to make immediate changes, but understanding the draft requirements now can help make the eventual transition easier.
• EHS teams can begin preparing without overhauling their management systems by evaluating potential gaps, strengthening worker participation and psychosocial risk processes, and reviewing contractor and external provider controls.

ISO 45001 is getting its first major update since it was published in 2018. A draft of the revised standard – ISO/DIS 45001 – is now out for international comment, which gives us our clearest look yet at where occupational health and safety management is headed.

ISO 45001 is the globally recognized international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management systems. It gives organizations a structured, risk-based framework for preventing work-related injury and ill health, meeting their legal obligations, and continually improving safety performance. Since 2018, it has helped organizations move from reactive safety practices to a proactive, leadership-driven approach and it remains the certifiable edition throughout this transition.

So why are we talking about it now? The Draft International Standard (DIS) was released in mid-2026 for a formal ballot and comment period among national member bodies. Based on current expectations from ISO and the certification bodies, the revised standard is anticipated sometime in 2027, most likely in the second half of the year. Once it’s published, certified organizations should expect a three-year transition window (consistent with the pattern for other ISO management system standards) to move from the 2018 edition to the new one.

What’s Changing for ISO 45001

Here is a walk-through of the anticipated changes. The requirements, wording, and even the clause numbering can still change before the final publication, so nothing here should be treated as final. Think of this as a preview.

Terms and Definitions (Clause 3)

• Three new definitions are introduced: “work-related well-being,” “disability,” and “external provider.”
• The definition of “OH&S risk” has been reworked, and the standalone general definition of “risk” from 2018 has been removed.
• “External provider” replaces the previous references to “outsourcing,” and the definition of “workplace” is broadened to include remote settings – a home, a vehicle, or a public space.
• The word “outcomes” is being replaced throughout with “results” (applied the same way), and the Annex has been significantly expanded to support clearer, more consistent interpretation.

Context of the Organization (Clause 4)

• Climate change becomes an explicit consideration: organizations will need to determine whether climate change is a relevant issue when defining their context.
• New notes provide examples of relevant internal and external issues to consider for OH&S.
• A new requirement to take into account the diversity of workers when determining the needs and expectations of interested parties.

Leadership (Clause 5)

• The title is streamlined, but the expectations on top management grow, including a clearer role in building a supportive culture and promoting the reporting of incidents, hazards, and risks with protection from reprisals.
• The OH&S policy is expected to include new commitments: promoting consultation and participation of non-managerial workers, promoting work-related well-being, and top management serving as a role model.

Planning (Clause 6)

• Hazard identification expands considerably to explicitly include new and changing technologies, digital platform-based work, remote workers, psychosocial hazards, occupational health hazards, and climate change impacts.
• Risk assessment is expected to require defined methods and criteria, consideration of the combined impact of multiple hazards, and a process for prioritizing risks.
• Opportunity assessment adds influencing and supporting external providers and considering health surveillance to prevent occupational disease.
• A new standalone Clause 6.3, “Planning of Changes,” pulls change-planning out of the general planning text into its own requirement – mirroring the direction ISO 14001:2026 took.

Support (Clause 7)

• Competence is expected to carry a firm requirement to provide training at no cost, during working hours, at the regular rate of pay (language that previously lived mainly in the notes).
• Awareness expands to include protection from pressure, intimidation, harassment, and retaliation when reporting, along with awareness of reporting processes and investigation results.
• Communication adds consideration of worker diversity and the need for sensitivity and confidentiality of personal or health-related information.

Operation (Clause 8) 

• This is the most structurally significant area. Operational planning adds requirements to improve work-related well-being and to reassess controls on-site for situations that can’t be fully assessed in advance.
• The hierarchy of controls is refined – expanding administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides effective protection and proper fit for each worker, consideration of worker diversity, and providing PPE at no cost.
• A brand-new Clause 8.1.3, “Occupational Health,” addresses anticipation and control of health hazards, early detection of ill health, access to occupational health services, and reasonable adjustments.
• A brand-new Clause 8.1.4, “Return to Work Following Injury and Ill Health,” covers supporting recovery, safe reintegration, consultation on adjusted duties, and protection from reprisals.
• “Procurement” is reframed as “Externally Provided Processes, Products, and Services,” with OH&S selection criteria and contractual requirements; the old outsourcing/contractor sub-structure is consolidated.
• Emergency preparedness adds personal emergency evacuation plans for people with disabilities and their involvement in planning.

Performance Evaluation (Clause 9)

• Monitoring and measurement content is reorganized under a clearer structure.
• Management review is split into General, Inputs, and Results.

Improvement (Clause 10) 

• The section is reordered and retitled to align with the latest ISO management system format – leading with Continual Improvement, followed by Nonconformity and Corrective Action.
• The core expectations around identifying nonconformities, taking corrective action, and driving continual improvement remain largely consistent with 2018.

What Do the ISO 45001 Changes Mean for Your Business?

If you’re currently certified to ISO 45001:2018, none of this requires immediate action, but the direction the standard is heading is clear, and early awareness makes the eventual transition easier. As the draft matures, these are the areas where certified organizations should expect to focus their attention:

• Psychosocial and well-being: Be ready to treat psychosocial hazards and work-related well-being as systematic parts of your risk process. Alignment with ISO 45003 concepts will help. ISO 45003 is the companion guidance standard to ISO 45001 focused on psychological health and safety, providing organizations with a structured approach to identifying and managing psychosocial hazards like excessive workload, fatigue, workplace conflict, organizational change, and other work-related stressors. For organizations operating internationally with newly proliferating and expanding psychosocial risk requirements this may not come as a surprise, but many organizations are still struggling with the development and roll-out of a globally applicable program. This takes time to get it right and starting the lay the groundwork early should pay off well for many organizations.
• Climate and context: Expect to show that you’ve considered whether climate change is a relevant issue and how it affects your workers and operations.
• Diversity of workers: Anticipate demonstrating how worker diversity shapes your hazard identification, controls, communication, and emergency planning.
• Occupational health and return-to-work: These are new, dedicated requirements – many organizations will need to formalize processes that today are informal or HR-owned.
• External providers: Review how you select, contract with, and oversee suppliers and contractors, since the expanded “externally provided” language broadens your scope of control.
• Documentation and terminology: Plan to refresh policies, procedures, glossaries, and training materials to reflect new terms and updated language.

What to Do Now, While We Wait

There’s no need to rewrite your management system against an unpublished draft. But there is meaningful, low risk work you can do today to get ahead, and much of it strengthens your 2018 system regardless of the final wording of the standard.

Organizations that also maintain an ISO 14001 environmental management system may already be navigating similar changes. Reviewing the latest ISO 14001:2026 updates alongside the proposed ISO 45001 revisions can help identify opportunities to address changes across an integrated management system.

A practical starting checklist:

1. Keep maintaining ISO 45001:2018 – it remains the certifiable standard, and a strong current system is the best foundation for any transition.
2. Watch the timeline – track the DIS and FDIS stages so you know when the requirements firm up and the transition clock is likely to start.
3. Run an early, informal gap assessment against the draft themes – psychosocial risk, well-being, diversity, climate, occupational health, and return-to-work – to see where you already have coverage or gaps.
4. Strengthen worker participation and psychosocial risk evaluation now – these are consistent themes across the draft and rarely end up as wasted effort.
5. Review your legal and “other requirements” processes so new obligations can be folded in smoothly.
6. Check your external provider and contractor controls against the broader “externally provided” direction.
7. Use the draft changes to shape your next management review – a simple readiness discussion with leadership goes a long way toward a less disruptive transition later.

How Antea Group Can Help

When you’re ready to prepare, our team can help you make the shift with confidence. Our support includes:

• Management system updates to align policies, procedures, registers, and document-control language with the revised standard.
• Internal audits or gap assessments against your current 2018 system now, and transition audits against the new edition when it’s published.
• Training, specialized support, and programmatic development (local or global) in emerging focus areas such as psychosocial risk, Total Worker Health, and safety culture.

If you have questions about the ISO 45001 revision or want to start planning your transition, our experts are ready to help – reach out anytime.