Tag: 3BL

Following new research that shows only 1 in 5 restrooms meet user expectations,¹ Tork helps businesses unlock hidden value

Originally published on Tork Newsroom

Tork, the global leader in professional hygiene and an Essity brand, recently released new guidance aimed at helping businesses transform their restrooms into assets that enhance user satisfaction and benefit business performance. Citing research that indicates a significant gap in user and cleaner satisfaction, Tork recommendations focus on improving inclusive hygiene, environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

“Our data shows https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene that when restroom users and cleaners’ needs aren’t met, a business can suffer as people spend less time and/or money there,” said name, title, Professional Hygiene at Essity. “With three in four people concerned about restroom hygiene, and one in two likely to face barriers to meeting their needs, small, targeted updates to the restroom – the most visited room in a facility – can make a substantial difference for both users and cleaning staff.”

Lean into Inclusive Hygiene 

Restroom visitors (survey respondents) cited several requirements for a restroom that exemplifies inclusive hygiene, meeting the needs of as many as possible. When the following “must have” elements are provided, the majority (59%) of people say a business can improve its positive image:

• Toilet paper and paper hand towels in dispensers that are easy to grasp (67% said these are a “must have”)
• Spaces and design elements that enable privacy (63%)
• Disposal bins in the stall for personal items including incontinence and menstrual products (60%)
• Physical accessibility – including grab bars and ramps – for everyone (58%)
• The availability of paper hand towels (57%)
• Features in public restrooms that enable caregivers to meet their needs (40%) such as changing tables

Promote Sustainability 

The restroom is an overlooked place for reducing environmental impact yet 67% of people want restroom managers to prioritize environmental sustainability.³ Tork recommends the following actions:

• Ensure teams understand the importance of responsible sourcing and look for third-party certified products. Tork offers free training and educational assets for everyone.
• Control consumption with one at a time dispensing to reduce waste.
• Support sustainability goals – avoid the landfill with recyclable packaging and certified compostable towels.
• Promote sustainability practices with signs in the restroom; Tork offers free resources. www.torkglobal.com/us/en/focus4materials 

Support employee efficiency

To empower cleaning staff, many of whom feel unsupported,⁴ and enhance guest experiences, Tork recommends:

• Working smarter with data-driven cleaning that identifies service needs in a facility.
• Installing high-capacity dispensers that reduce the need for frequent refills, allowing cleaning staff to focus more on cleaning rather than refilling.
• Using compressed towels for refills to serve more guests before cleaners need to refill again.
• Sourcing products with ergonomic packaging including Tork Easy Handling^® packaging for easier carrying, opening and disposal.

“By addressing these critical aspects, businesses can help restroom users and cleaners meet their basic needs and deliver an experience that meets the needs of as many as possible,” Katrin Ferge, (Commercial Marketing Manager), continued. “Investing thoughtfully in inclusive hygiene, sustainability, and operational support not only meets evolving public expectations but also improves business performance.” 

Tork helps businesses realize the benefit of sustainable hygiene with a focus on four key areas materials & packaging, use & waste, carbon, and hygiene for all.

For more steps businesses can take, visit: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene 

¹ Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland among 11,500 people from the general public and 1,000 cleaning staff.

² Ibid.Respondents reported experiencing, without limitation, diagnosed or self-diagnosed physical/cognitive conditions, e.g. eczema, chronic pain, general anxiety, claustrophobia.

³ Tork Insight Survey 2024, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France and Mexico among 6,000 end-users and 900 businesses

⁴ Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted among 1,000 cleaning staff in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland.

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

 

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, October 30, 2025 /3BL/ – DP World has achieved a major milestone in its sustainability journey in Argentina. Through a strategic partnership with local energy provider Pampa Energía, the company’s Buenos Aires terminal (Terminales Río de la Plata, or TRP) increased its renewable electricity use from 30% to 81%, marking a significant step toward DP World’s global decarbonization goals.

Powering Port Operations with Wind Energy

The partnership, which began in September 2024, enables TRP to source the majority of its electricity from Pampa Energía’s wind energy park, replacing traditional grid supply with clean, renewable power. After a successful three-month trial during Q4 2024, the terminal reported consistent performance improvements and substantial emissions reductions in the first half of 2025.

In September 2024 alone, 97.2% of TRP’s total electricity consumption – more than 746,000 kWh – came from renewable sources, avoiding the emission of 373 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Tangible Reductions in Carbon Emissions

From January to May 2025, TRP’s absolute carbon emissions fell by 75%, dropping from 8 KtCO₂e to 2 KtCO₂e, compared with the same period in 2024. This reduction contributes directly to DP World’s global target of achieving a 42% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Efficiency gains have also been striking. carbon intensity – the amount of CO₂ emitted per container handled – has been cut nearly in half, improving from 17.8 to 9.5 KgCO₂e per modified TEU, reflecting significant progress in energy efficiency.

Leading Argentina’s Energy Transition

As one of Argentina’s most important private terminals, TRP’s transition underscores DP World’s role in advancing the country’s energy transition while supporting economic resilience.

Claudio Pautazzo, Manager, Safety & Environment, DP World in Argentina, said: “Our agreement with Pampa Energía represents far more than a new energy contract – it’s a strategic commitment to transforming how we operate. By sourcing the majority of our electricity from wind power, we’re demonstrating how renewable energy can drive efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen Argentina’s position in the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.”

Beyond emissions reduction, this initiative supports DP World’s “Our World, Our Future” sustainability strategy, which focuses on decarbonizing operations, promoting circular economy practices, and supporting clean energy transitions across the Americas.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Ports

With this milestone, DP World in Argentina joins other terminals across the Americas – such as Callao in Peru and Caucedo in the Dominican Republic – that are now running on renewable energy. Together, these efforts are advancing DP World’s mission to make trade flow sustainably, transforming how global logistics contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future.

-END-

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications 
M: (+1) 704-605-6159 
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World 

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

NEWARK, Del., October 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Gore Fabrics, one of W. L. Gore & Associates’ key pillars of business, today launched its 2024 Fabrics Responsibility Update.

Faced with the complexity of a global value chain – spanning hundreds of apparel and footwear production facilities operated by our manufactures across 37 countries – Gore’s Fabrics business addresses these challenges with science-based, scalable solutions, enabling our customers to utilize Gore Fabrics’ innovative materials and technologies in the creation of their products.

“The impossible is merely a starting point.”

Jacques René
Gore Fabrics Business Leader

The 2024 Fabrics Responsibility Update emphasizes strategic prioritization of sustainability and responsibility throughout the Fabrics business. 
The Update further illustrates progress that can be made when high-performance products and responsible practices go hand in hand. 

Key Achievements in this year’s update:

• 100% Renewable Electricity: 100% of Gore’s Fabrics facilities now utilize renewable electricity in their manufacturing plants
• Carbon Reductions: The Gore’s Fabrics business achieved its carbon reduction and renewable energy goals ahead of its original schedule, with a 10% year-over-year drop in total carbon footprint.
• Chemical Recycling: The Fabrics business is testing textile-to-textile recycling for GORE-TEX® Laminates. While this process presents challenges, lab trials are confirming that textile recovery from laminates is feasible.

From student-designed ocean rescue coats to other creative projects, this year’s update is filled with stories that showcase how new ideas are woven into everyday life within the Fabrics business. 
Whether readers are interested in the future of workwear or in the subtle ways sustainability is integrated into products, the publication offers a fresh perspective on what responsible performance can mean.

Read the full Fabrics Responsibility Update to learn more on how Gore’s Fabrics business is advancing sustainability across the technical, high performance apparel industry.

About Gore Fabrics
Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 45 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore’s Fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages.
https://www.gore-tex.com and https://www.goretexprofessional.com/

 

About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments – from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion.
For more information, visit gore.com.

# # #

Products listed may not be available in all markets.
GORE, GORE-TEX, Together, improving life and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.
© 2025 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore Fabrics Business Media Contacts

Molly Cuffe
W. L. Gore & Associates
mcuffe@wlgore.com

Monika Lischke
W. L. Gore & Associates
mlischke@wlgore.com

Register Here!

About

The holiday season is recognized as the most active period for organizations engaged in the sale of goods, including both retailers and e-commerce enterprises.

The significant increase in order volumes, heightened warehouse operations, and greater customer presence in retail stores present distinct environmental, health, and safety (EHS) challenges.

This escalation in activities necessitates diligent focus on EHS considerations. This webinar discusses common pitfalls encountered in warehouse and retail settings during peak seasons and provides actionable strategies for mitigation.

Key topics covered will include:

1. Approaches to effectively managing slip, trip, and fall hazards in high-traffic areas during periods of increased activity.
2. Strategies for maintaining psychosocial well-being and preventing burnout among employees working extended hours.
3. Techniques to control forklift movement and decrease incidents involving powered industrial trucks (PITs).
4. Methods for identifying potential workplace violence scenarios and corresponding mitigation measures.
5. Ensuring compliance with regulations related to hazardous material handling and shipping, including employee training and prevention of spills, improper handling, segregation issues, and documentation errors.

Featured speakers in this webinar will include Kelly Sampliner, Consultant with Antea Group USA, and Penny Pan with Anew Consulting, based in China. The webinar will be moderated by Lauren Corbett Noon, Senior Consultant with Antea Group USA.

Our speakers will provide a truly global perspective of regulatory expectations, cultural practices, and boots-on-the-ground EHS challenges across the retail, e-commerce, and warehouse operations.

Join us for this follow-up webinar to last November’s session by Antea Group. This webinar is a valuable refresher designed to help you stay confident in EHS and concentrate on your operations.

October is the perfect time to focus on protecting your digital life—especially your finances. As your trusted banking partner, we’re here to help you stay ahead of cybercriminals who constantly refine their tactics.

Scams Are Getting Smarter

Cybercriminals are skilled at creating urgency and credibility. Here are three of the most common tactics and how they work:

Imposter calls

A scammer calls pretending to be from your bank or another trusted institution. They may even “spoof” the caller ID so it appears legitimate, then claim there’s suspicious activity on your account—such as a large withdrawal or an overseas purchase. They often pressure you to act immediately by transferring funds to a “safe” account, revealing account numbers, or sharing a one-time passcode. The goal is to scare you into handing over access before you can think it through.

Fake texts and emails

These messages look strikingly real, using official logos, familiar language, or even your name. They might say your account has been locked, a payment failed, or a package is waiting for confirmation. Clicking the included link can install malware or lead to a convincing website that steals login details, card numbers, or personal information.

Urgent alerts

Scammers send notices about unpaid bills, unexpected charges, or a delivery that “requires verification.” Some even mimic government agencies or shipping companies. The message is always the same: act fast or face consequences like late fees, service suspension, or legal action. This sense of urgency is designed to override your caution, so you’ll share sensitive data or make a quick payment.

Protect Yourself with Simple Steps

A few consistent habits can dramatically reduce your risk:

• Pause before you share. Never give personal or account information to unsolicited callers, emails, or texts—even if they appear official or urgent.
• Avoid suspicious links. Go directly to a company’s website or use a trusted phone number instead of clicking on links in messages.
• Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help you keep track.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Adding a second layer of security makes it much harder for criminals to access your accounts.
• Update software and apps. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses.
• Monitor accounts regularly. Review your statements and online banking activity, and report anything unusual right away.

How We Help

We continually invest in advanced fraud detection, secure technology, and customer education. If you ever suspect fraud or receive a suspicious message, contact us immediately.

Let’s Stay Safe Together

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder that small actions—like staying informed and vigilant—can protect your money and your identity. By working together, we can help keep your finances secure.

View original content here.

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In a significant win for entrepreneurs across the U.S., the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has advanced The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act (H.R. 3495) – a legislative milestone, decades in the making. For the millions of Americans who work as independent contractors in direct selling or real estate, this is the most significant policy move in a generation.

What’s In The Bill and Why It Matters

Whether you proudly run a direct selling business or help people become homeowners, this bill protects the freedom to work independently. By explicitly classifying direct sellers and real estate agents as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), H.R. 3495 aligns federal labor law with the Internal Revenue Code, which has recognized this status since 1982. The bill “provides clarity and protection for millions of Americans who build businesses in these industries, reducing legal uncertainty and strengthening entrepreneurial opportunity^[1].”

Connecting Entrepreneurs Directly With Policy Makers 

The timing of this vote coincided with the Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill powered by the Direct Selling Association (DSA) in September, when more than 85 direct sellers and executives representing 14 DSA member companies including Mary Kay, came from across the country to meet with over 100 lawmakers, bringing their stories, business experiences, and insights directly to the nation’s decision-makers. They jointly shared what it truly means to be a small business owner and entrepreneur – setting your own schedule, working around family responsibilities, and building a career outside of the traditional 9-to-5 model. For these individuals – and for millions of others – direct selling is about more than just income. It’s about independence, flexibility, and empowerment.

A Triumph of Grassroots Advocacy

Mary Kay has a vibrant legacy of championing policies that enable women’s access to entrepreneurship through the Mary Kay selling opportunity and was part of the critical advocacy effort.

“The advancement of H.R. 3495 is a landmark moment for independent entrepreneurs across the country, including the thousands of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who run their businesses with personal drive and purpose,” said Anne Crews, Vice-President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. “The bill brings clarity to federal labor laws through classifying direct sellers as independent contractors. It’s the result of years of advocacy, collaboration, and the unwavering belief in the power of flexible, self-driven work. We are proud to stand behind this effort to protect opportunity, empower choice, and honor the entrepreneurial spirit that shapes the future of our communities.”

For the DSA and its members, this success is the culmination of years of consistent advocacy, coalition-building, and unwavering belief in the power of entrepreneurship. The vote represents a step toward protecting the freedom to work independently and preserving a path to economic empowerment for Americans from all walks of life.

“This is proof that advocacy works,” said Dave Grimaldi, Chief Executive Officer of the Direct Selling Association. “We brought entrepreneurs from across the U.S. to Capitol Hill to share their stories and explain the real-world value of the direct selling channel which brings $111 billion in total U.S. economic impact^[2]. The committee vote is a historic win for independent workers and shows the power of collective voices.”

What’s Next?

The bill (H.R. 3495) will move forward in Congress, and while there’s still a journey ahead before it becomes law, this vote is a major step in the right direction.

For direct sellers and real estate agents alike, it’s a sign that their voices are being heard and that lawmakers are realizing the value of independent work in today’s economy. The future of independent work just got a little brighter.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• $111 billion in total U.S. economic impact and $15.5 billion in tax revenue.^[3]
• 6.1 million direct sellers nationwide with $36.7 billion in retail sales every year.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report. 
 

****

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X. 
 

^{[1] https://www.dsa.org/events/news/press-releases/dsa-advocacy-drives-historic-committee-vote-h.r.-3495-advances-as-entrepreneurs-rally-on-capitol-hill} 

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., The University Of Texas At Austin. (2024). The Economic Impact Of Direct Selling Activity In The United States in 2022.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., The University Of Texas At Austin. (2024). The Economic Impact Of Direct Selling Activity In The United States in 2022.} 

^{[4] Direct Selling Association. (August 30, 2024). U.S. Direct Selling Association Releases 2023 Data Showing Increased Interest in the Services Category. Retrieved from https://www.dsa.org/events/news/individual-press-release/u.s.-direct-selling-association-releases-2023-data-showing-increased-interest-in-the-services-category} 

Recently, Chemours’ CEO Denise Dignam sat down for an interview at the Chemours Discovery Hub, where she discussed how chemistry is the foundation of modern and next-generation technologies. In the exclusive interview, she shared how chemistry and material science are driving innovation that helps power AI, cool data centers, and strengthen national supply chains. 

Made possible in partnership with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the conversation with Denise also covered the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing practices and specifically Responsible Care^®, an ACC program raising the bar for health, safety, and environmental stewardship across the chemical industry.

For over 35 years, companies practicing Responsible Care have worked to significantly enhance their environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) performance. Since 2017, Responsible Care manufacturing companies have recorded:

• 35% fewer distribution incidents
• 22% fewer Tier 1 process safety events
• 24% reduction in worker injury rate

Programs like Responsible Care have made significant, positive changes for the safety and sustainability of chemical operations. Today, Responsible Care companies have a 4 times better safety rate than the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole. And all over 150 ACC members implement Responsible Care practices. 

At Chemours, we practice Responsible Care through our unwavering commitment to responsibly manufacture our trusted chemistries. Watch now and explore how chemistry is central to the world’s most important breakthroughs. 

For the third year in a row, Entergy has partnered with the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists to support its mission of inspiring Black students to pursue careers in journalism and communications. As the presenting sponsor of the annual scholarship brunch. Entergy helped NOABJ double the number of scholarships awarded to students in Louisiana.

The event also celebrated industry legends who paved the way for journalists and communications professionals in the Greater New Orleans area.

A highlight was the presentation of the Unsung Hero Award by Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, and Martin Jackson, line superintendent for Entergy Louisiana. Presented annually, this award recognizes media professionals who work hard behind the scenes to make a difference in our community. This year, Willie Wilson, a distinguished 30-year photojournalist and WWL-TV’s first full-time Black photographer, received the award.

“Entergy is proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists Jazz Brunch,” said Rodriguez. “We’re honored to support NOABJ’s mission to empower the next generation of journalists and to recognize Willie Wilson with the 2025 Unsung Hero Award.”

View original content here.

Originally published on TriplePundit

By Taylor Haelterman

This story about Hurricane Katrina is part of The Solutions Effect, a monthly newsletter covering the best of solutions journalism in the sustainability and social impact space. If you aren’t already getting this newsletter, you can sign up here.

Two decades ago, Americans were horrified by the response to Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it left behind. It was a wake-up call that rang around the nation, sounding the alarm that the current level of disaster preparedness was vastly inadequate. People across the country demanded action. Policies changed. Levees were rebuilt. Warning systems advanced. And we have not forgotten Katrina.

Still, 85 percent of Americans are familiar with the disaster, according to a USA Today poll. That includes 75 percent of those aged 18 to 34, some of whom were born after it occurred. As the country looks back at 2005, solutions journalists are investigating whether the changes we’ve made since are making an impact.

$14 billion levees

The failure of the city’s levee system led to much of the damage dealt by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Sections of the 125 miles of flood barricades built around the city by the United States Army Corps of Engineers were too small or erected with serious engineering mistakes. The levees failed in six places. Water rushed over the top or broke the walls entirely, igniting a humanitarian crisis.

Afterward, the U.S. government doubled down, footing a $14.4 billion bill to build a new network of levees across the city. Over the next 10 years, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed nearly 200 miles of flood barriers known as one of the most sophisticated systems across the globe, and it held during Hurricane Issac in 2012 and Hurricane Ida in 2021, Grist reports.

Still, experts worry the upgraded levees might not live up to the original promise to protect against a “hundred-year storm,” a term used to describe rare and powerful storms with a 1 percent chance of forming each year. Hurricane Katrina was widely considered a 100-year storm, and these events are growing more common. Dozens of hundred-year flooding events swept through communities across the United States last year alone. Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across Florida and devastating floods in western North Carolina last year, and the catastrophic flooding in Texas this summer were considered once-in-1,000-year events.

Therein lies the problem for New Orleans’ levees. As the city slowly sinks, the Gulf of Mexico steadily rises, and storms become more severe, the barriers struggle to keep up — even after factoring in climate change and sea-level rise from the start. The Corps told Grist the levees will protect the city from 100-year storms through 2057 as long as it can afford to keep lifting them every few years. Though the New Orleans branch of the organization announced it didn’t have the funds to inspect them this year due to federal budget cuts, it later received funding from the St. Louis branch to do so. While imperfect, the system will still reduce the damage from more-than-100-year storms, and it demonstrates what can be done to get out in front of a disaster instead of acting afterward. Read more.

Earlier warnings

When Hurricane Katrina was first tracked, it was never expected to hit Louisiana or grow from Category 1 to Category 5 intensity. The devastation that followed left the country hyperaware of the gaps in our ability to forecast storms, and therefore, our ability to prepare for and respond to them. Since then, the systems for predicting the path and strength of a hurricane have improved dramatically, Science News reports.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program in response to Hurricane Katrina and other storms in 2004 and 2005. It brought together agencies and labs across the nation to make more accurate, reliable forecasts that give communities time to prepare. Now, scientists use satellites to observe weather data multiple times a day, and more powerful computers accompanied by a better understanding of the science behind storms allow for more accurate predictions. Researchers also collect and use real-time storm data, which helps anticipate rapid changes in direction and strength.

As a result, tracking errors have shrunk by about half — sometimes shrinking by well over 50 percent — even days in advance of a storm reaching land. That means storm path estimates are very unlikely to shift by 200 miles in just 12 hours, like they did in the case of Katrina. The Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program is still working toward even earlier forecasts, but federal funding and staff cuts currently leave much of its work uncertain. While a four-day warning doesn’t allow much time for damage prevention like raising New Orleans’ levees, it is enough time to take action that saves lives, like evacuations and delivering emergency generators to hospitals. Read more.

A federal law protecting pets

Millions of Americans have pets, and when disaster strikes, they’re often left with a horrible decision. First responders don’t always allow people to evacuate with their pets. Even if they do, many emergency shelters and hotels don’t allow pets. And Hurricane Katrina was no different, Atmos reports. Roughly a quarter of a million cats and dogs were displaced or died during the storm. While the vast majority of Americans plan to evacuate with their pets, many have had to leave them behind and return to the disaster site before it’s considered safe to try and rescue them. A 2015 study found that pets are the biggest reason people refuse evacuation orders.

That’s why the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 was passed. It ensures that state and local emergency managers include pets in emergency preparedness plans and federal agencies help pet owners and their pets. It also lets the federal government reimburse state and local governments for the cost of sheltering pets. “People consider their pets to be family,” Ashley Farmer, a pet disaster response researcher at Illinois State University, told Atmos. “If you include pets in disaster planning, you will ultimately also save human lives.”

Though experts say the act made an important impact, its implementation is left up to state and local governments. Some still essentially leave pets out of their emergency plans with statements like “people are responsible for their pets.” Read more.

Learning from emergency management mistakes

Emergency management and response failed in different areas at all levels of government during Katrina, Eric Kevin Stern, crisis and emergency management specialist and professor, argues in an article for The Conversation. Communication between agencies was ineffective. The state had to request a disaster declaration before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could move in. Evacuees were trapped in the Superdome with no power and few supplies, and people who couldn’t evacuate in time were stranded on their roofs.

In the aftermath, policies changed. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 mandates that FEMA chief administrators have knowledge and experience in emergency management and leadership, something then-FEMA Administrator Michael Brown lacked. The National Incident Management System was widely adopted after the storm, allowing all levels of government, local organizations, and the private sector to communicate and work together, replacing the communication and coordination chaos that erupted when systems broke down after Katrina. FEMA was also permitted to start working before a storm arrives and before a disaster declaration is requested, so survivors aren’t left waiting for help, like when political tensions reportedly delayed former President George W. Bush’s approval of New Orleans’ request.

Today, the federal government is discussing reducing or dismantling FEMA, placing more emergency management responsibility on local and state governments instead. But states and cities vary in their readiness to do so, and experts warn many are simply unprepared and lack the necessary funds. If more responsibility is shifted to states, we must remember the lessons learned from Katrina and ensure they have the ability to effectively coordinate and respond to disasters, Stern concludes. Read more.

That message rings especially true as New Orleans continues to grapple with the social, economic, and environmental effects of the hurricane 20 years later.

Dive deeper into this solution:
After Katrina, green infrastructure aims to supplement the rebuilt — but still vulnerable — levees, Smart Cities Dive
One of Hurricane Katrina’s most important lessons isn’t about storm preparations – it’s about injustice, The Conversation
After Hurricane Katrina, moms built new lives by building homes, The 19th

Image credit: Jocelyn Augustino/Wikimedia Commons

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When it comes to your health, preventive care is a great way to take control of your journey and stay on track. Taking the time to visit the doctor — and reminding loved ones to do the same — might mean a little extra effort, but it also means reassurance. And, it could mean saving a life.

To help you remember to schedule preventive care appointments, think about doing it on the same memorable day every year — a birthday, an anniversary, Groundhog Day. Tying these appointments to a special day will serve as an extra reminder. Here are a few important appointments to make every year and recommended ages to start visiting the doctor.

Wellness exams — Yearly wellness exams play an important part in staying healthy. While an individual’s health should provide a guidepost for annual checkups, it’s recommended to start scheduling these around age 30 — no later than early 40s.¹

Colonoscopies — People with low risk for colon cancer should start scheduling annual colonoscopies after blowing out the candles on their 45^th birthday cake.² For anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer, it’s advisable to start earlier. Talk to a doctor to decide when to start getting these exams.

Skin cancer checks — Think about planning annual trips to the dermatologist starting around age 18.³ Keep risk factors in mind when deciding what age to start annual skin cancer screenings. Medical history, on a personal level and among family members, is important to consider, along with the consequences of frequent sun exposure.

Gynecological exams — While it’s recommended to visit the gynecologist for the first time between 13 and 15 years old,⁴ these appointments don’t need to be annual until later. By age 21,⁵ begin scheduling yearly gynecological exams for pap smears, pelvic exams and other important tests.

Breast exams — People at average risk for breast cancer should start adding breast exams to their gynecological checkups at age 40.⁶ Don’t forget to perform self-exams once a month,⁷ which can detect any changes before visiting a doctor — but don’t think of a self-exam as a substitute for your annual exams. Other important tests include mammograms, which are a crucial tool in early detection of changes in the breast tissue, including cancer.

Prostate exams — Men should typically start getting annual prostate exams around age 50⁸ and no later than 55.⁹ Those at high risk, including African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should consider making these appointments at an earlier age, starting in their 40s.

Testicular cancer checks — It’s recommended to start self-exams at age 15,¹⁰ and no later than early 20s.¹¹ After beginning to perform self-exams once a month, ask a doctor for a medical exam once a year.

Feeling good is great, but don’t forget to keep up these regular appointments even if everything seems just fine. Visit Aflac.com/WellnessBenefits to learn how Aflac offers encouragement to visit the doctor’s office.

¹“What to Expect at Your Annual Wellness Exam” (2023) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.health.cleveland.org

²“Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC” (2025) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cdc.gov

³“Skin Cancer Screening: Medline Plus Medical Test” (2022) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.medlineplus.gov

⁴“What Is a Gynecologist? What They Do and When To See One” (2025) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.my.cleveland.org

⁵“Gyn Care 101: What to know about about seeing a gynecologist – Harvard Health” (2022). Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.health.harvard.edu

⁶“ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society” (2023) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁷NCBF team (2025) Breast Self-Exam. Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.nationalbreastcancer.org

⁸“American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection” (2023) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁹Christian Pavlovich (2025) “Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.hopkinsmedicine.org

¹⁰uclahealth (2023) “How (and why) you should perform testicular self-exams” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.uclahealth.org

¹¹“How to Check for Testicular Cancer | St. Vincent’s Medical Center” (2024) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.stvincents.org

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

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Exp. 10/26