Health & Wellness

What Dry Needling Actually Does in Physical Therapy Sessions

Rexburg, Idaho – September 22, 2026 -- Patients dealing with muscle tightness or limited range of motion may encounter a treatment called dry needling during physical therapy, a technique explained in a new article from HelloNation featuring insights from Paul Dye of Rexburg Rehabilitation in Rexburg, ID.

A thin needle targets tight muscle areas without injecting anything.
During dry needling, a physical therapist inserts a thin needle into selected muscles or areas linked to pain, tightness, or restricted movement. The needles carry no medication and nothing is injected into the body. Treatment areas are chosen after the therapist reviews symptoms, mobility, strength, and movement patterns, often focusing on trigger points -- sensitive spots within muscles that feel tight or tender under pressure.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care: How to Tell Which One Your Aging Parent Needs

Keene, N.H. – September 22, 2026 -- Families trying to keep an older relative safe at home often run into two similar-sounding terms that mean very different things: home care and home health care. A HelloNation article featuring insights from Samantha O'Neil, a Home Healthcare Expert at Custom Helpers Home Health Care in Keene, New Hampshire, breaks down the distinction so families can match the right support to a loved one's actual needs.

Home care covers everyday, non-medical assistance
According to the article, home care includes help with meals, transportation, companionship, errands, light housekeeping, and daily routines. It can also extend to personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and moving safely around the house. How much help is needed depends on the person's abilities, routines, and how much support family members can already provide.

Teens Can Win $2,000 for Anti-Speeding TV Ad in Chicago Contest

New York – September 22, 2026 -- Teenagers across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa can now submit scripts for a 30-second TV public service announcement warning drivers about the dangers of speeding, with a top prize of $2,000.

The 13th annual Drive Safe Chicago PSA Contest opens for entries

The National Road Safety Foundation, backed by the Chicago Auto Show, is running the contest for teens in the Chicagoland region and surrounding states. Entrants must submit a script or written description of a speeding-awareness PSA by mail or email before the Dec. 18, 2026 deadline.

Martha Stewart's New Lip Serum Tackles Aging Lips With Peptides

New York – September 22, 2026 -- Elm Biosciences, the skincare company co-founded by Martha Stewart and dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, launched the Elemental Lip Serum on September 22, 2026, priced at $45 and sold exclusively at ElmBiosciences.com and select dermatology partners.

The formula targets a skin zone most anti-aging products ignore

Lips have thin skin and virtually no oil glands, making them prone to dryness, volume loss, and vertical lines. Unlike glosses that coat the surface or balms that offer short-lived moisture, Elm designed this balm-oil hybrid to visibly improve lip aging over time while still functioning as a wearable, non-sticky cosmetic.

Wild Alaska Sole: The Freezer-Aisle Fish Packing 26g of Protein

Seattle – September 22, 2026 -- A whitefish sold in the freezer aisle of most major grocery stores is drawing new attention as a whole-food protein source, delivering 26 grams of complete protein per 3.5-ounce serving. Wild Alaska Sole, often labeled Wild Alaska Flounder in the U.S., comes from Alaskan waters and contains all nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own.

The fish arrives as shoppers increasingly scrutinize where their protein comes from, not just how much of it they're eating. Many high-protein products on store shelves rely on soy or vegetable isolates, while Wild Alaska Sole offers protein in its natural, unprocessed form.

Garmin's New Software Update Adds Fall Detection, Voice Control to Watches

Olathe, Kan. – September 22, 2026 -- Garmin has rolled out a free software update for several smartwatches and cycling computers, adding fall detection, hands-free voice commands and new training tools.

Venu 4 owners now get automatic fall detection

The feature, new to the Venu 4 smartwatch, sends a message with the wearer's live location to preset emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected. Users can turn on monitoring all day or limit it to specific activities. The feature requires pairing with a smartphone.

Users can now control watches by saying 'Okay, Garmin'

The update brings hands-free voice control to the fēnix 8 series, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4 and vívoactive 6. Saying "Okay, Garmin" lets users start a timer, launch an activity or turn on a compatible watch's flashlight without touching a button. Saying "phone assistant" pulls up the virtual assistant on a paired smartphone.

Academy Sports Launches Monthlong Brooks Running Celebration

Katy, Texas – September 21, 2026 -- Academy Sports + Outdoors is running a monthlong "Brooks Month" promotion from September 21 through October 18, spotlighting the Brooks performance running brand across its stores and online.

Shoppers can choose from more than 50 Brooks footwear styles

The lineup includes popular models like the Glycerin 23, Ghost 18 and Adrenaline GTS 25, alongside new arrivals in footwear, apparel and accessories designed for runners at every level.

A Houston community run kicked off the celebration on September 19

Academy and Brooks partnered with Loose Lace Run Club to host "Roll Call," an event in Houston -- Academy's hometown -- where runners tried Brooks products and connected with the local running community.

Why Backflow Testing Matters for Nevada Homeowners This Year

Carson City – September 21, 2026 -- Property owners in Carson Valley and Reno are being reminded that annual backflow testing is required in most Northern Nevada jurisdictions to prevent contaminated water from entering clean drinking supplies.

Backflow devices stop pollutants from reversing into drinking water lines

A HelloNation article explains that backflow devices are installed to block contaminated water from irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, or industrial equipment from flowing backward into a home's plumbing or the municipal water supply. Internal valves inside these devices can wear out, corrode, or fail over time, often without any visible warning signs.

Why Pediatric Therapists Are Teaming Up to Treat the Whole Child

Springdale, Arkansas – September 21, 2026 -- A new HelloNation feature spotlights Wendy Jarvis, a pediatric therapy expert in Washington County, Arkansas, on why combining occupational, physical, and speech therapy often produces better outcomes for children than treating each skill in isolation.

Overlapping challenges rarely stay in one lane

Jarvis notes that a toddler struggling with speech may also have trouble sitting upright, while a preschooler who avoids messy play may pull back from social activities altogether. These overlaps are why the three disciplines are designed to reinforce one another rather than operate separately.

New Grant Offers Financial Aid to Undergrads Pursuing Healthcare Careers

Warren, Mich. – September 21, 2026 -- A new one-time educational grant is now open to undergraduate students studying healthcare or related fields, with applications due by May 15, 2027.

The Dr. John Pispidikis Grant targets undergraduates nationwide

The Dr. John Pispidikis Grant for Healthcare Professionals is available to undergraduate students enrolled at any accredited U.S. college or university, regardless of city or state. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or course of study in healthcare or a related field.

An essay is the core of the application

Candidates must submit an original essay responding to the prompt: "How Will You Use Your Healthcare Education to Make a Difference?" Strong submissions are expected to link academic goals to patient care, community service, innovation, or leadership within healthcare.