fitness
Milk Hosting EVERY WOMAN’S MARATHON – The Only U.S. Marathon Designed for Women, by Women
SAVANNAH, Ga. /PRNewswire/ — Acknowledging the historically intimidating and male-centric nature of marathons, Milk, the original performance beverage, proudly announces Every Woman’s Marathon, the only U.S. marathon designed by and for women. Scheduled for November 16, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia, this monumental event marks a new chapter in Milk’s commitment to supporting women – creating not only a race, but a movement.
Most women runners feel endurance races cater to men, and nearly 90% want a more inclusive race experience that celebrates all athletic abilities, ages, and body types1. As a solution to this gap in marathon racing, Milk designed the Every Woman’s Marathon to be inclusive, beginner-friendly, and attuned to the unique needs of women at every stage of their marathon journey.
Every Woman’s Marathon is not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about celebrating female strength and empowering every woman’s journey through the transformative power of community. Understanding that every woman has their own reason for running, Milk tapped acclaimed poet Amanda Gorman to create an inspirational mantra designed as a call to action for all women to join the movement. Narrated and penned by Gorman, the mantra highlights women of all sizes, backgrounds, races, and abilities, and why they run.
To help conceptualize Every Woman’s Marathon, Milk enlisted an advisory board comprised of five accomplished female runners, first female marathon finisher Kathrine Switzer, para-triathlon champion Danielle McLaughlin, Olympic Medalist Deena Kastor, trailblazer Alison Mariella Désir and Two-time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon Champion Des Linden, who collaborated to create an inclusive experience for women from registration to the finish line. Transcending the traditional race format, this marathon promises participants a comprehensive wellness weekend in the picturesque city of Savannah. The two-day event will include enriching activities such as cooking and yoga classes, live performances, and insightful panels. With thoughtful programming that prioritizes women and families, the event will also feature designated areas for nursing, pumping, play zones, and more, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all participants.
Beyond providing specialized training advice and nutrition plans tailored for women, backed by the expertise of the advisory board, Milk is further demonstrating its commitment to social impact by donating up to $1 million to charity organizations in support of women and girls across the US. Milk is proud to announce a donation of $100,000 to each of the five Every Woman’s Marathon charity partners, 261 Fearless, Black Girls RUN!, Girls on the Run, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Milk is also helping runners amplify the impact by matching Every Woman’s Marathon registration costs in donations to the charity partners, up to $100,000 each.
“Milk has a centuries-old legacy of fueling performance and aiding recovery and can help runners go the distance with its unique nutritional package,” says MilkPEP CEO Yin Woon Rani. “We proudly recognize and champion the unique needs of women, and this marathon, crafted for and by women, will redefine the traditional marathon experience. Together, let’s make Every Woman’s Marathon not just a race but a celebration of women’s empowerment, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of every woman.”
“Words and representation have the power to inspire change and unite,” says poet Amanda Gorman. “I am proud to partner with Milk on this mantra that speaks to the strength and resilience of women, and I encourage all women to take on this 26.2-mile challenge together.”
In addition to providing women with support, inspiration, and community, Milk also provides the essential nutrition runners seek. Milk’s unique nutrient package offers high-quality protein, hydration, and electrolytes, providing critical nutrition for runners’ fuel and recovery.
Starting January 23, 2024, women of all backgrounds and abilities can sign up for Every Woman’s Marathon to join the most inspiring female tribute of the year at EveryWomansMarathon.com. Signing up costs $65, with current Team Milk members enjoying an even further reduced price. Learn more at EveryWomansMarathon.com or @EveryWomansMarathon across social media.
About the Milk Processor Education Program
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk companies and is dedicated to educating consumers and increasing the consumption of fluid milk. For more information, visit MilkPEP.org.
1Interviews of 1205 runners (880 female, 325 male) in September 2023 on behalf of MilkPEP.
SOURCE MilkPEP
Lifestyle
Loneliness affects 1 in 6 people globally. New research reveals the childhood experiences that help adults thrive
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls loneliness a global health threat, and the numbers explain why. With 1 in 6 people affected worldwide, loneliness hits the hardest among teens and young adults ages 13 to 29, where between 17% and 21% report feeling lonely.
(Tiffany Miller) Kids have more ways to connect than ever. They can text, scroll, game, comment and chat all before they even leave the house. Yet for many young people, all that connection does not necessarily translate into feeling known, useful or part of something larger than themselves.
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls loneliness a global health threat, and the numbers explain why. With 1 in 6 people affected worldwide, loneliness hits the hardest among teens and young adults ages 13 to 29, where between 17% and 21% report feeling lonely. Young people experiencing chronic loneliness are twice as likely to develop depression and 22% more likely to earn lower grades, according to the WHO. If screens are now built into childhood, what actually helps kids build confidence, purpose and belonging?
New research from Harris Poll, commissioned by Scouting America, examined more than 3,000 U.S. adults, including those who earned the Eagle Scout rank, the program’s highest designation, and compared them with adults who never participated. Conducted for three months beginning October 10, 2025, the survey of 3,178 adults asked for feedback on well-being, civic engagement, leadership and character development. The findings reveal meaningful differences in how those groups describe their relationships, outlook, civic involvement, connection and sense of purpose.
The clearest difference may be loneliness. Just 11% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they frequently feel lonely, compared with 23% of non-participants. Those who earned the rank are also more likely to report a strong sense of purpose, with 78% saying they feel one compared with 60% of those who were never in the program, and 95% describe themselves as happy versus 82% of adults who never took part.
The data does not reduce childhood connection to a single activity. It shows how structured, real-world experiences can give young people repeated chances to be active participants rather than passive ones, working alongside others, taking responsibility, solving problems, serving a community and building confidence over time.
That matters because belonging is not built in theory, it is built through repetition and lived experience. A young person shows up, learns a skill, helps with a project, gets trusted with responsibility and begins to see that their presence matters. From the outside these moments may look small, but over time, they can shape how a person sees themselves and how they relate to others.
Those patterns extend into adult life. The research does not establish that the program causes these outcomes, but the consistency across measures is striking. Some 74% of those who earned the Eagle Scout rank say they have held leadership positions at work, compared with 31% of non-participants. Another 57% say they have spoken up for a cause they believe in or on behalf of others, versus 33% of those who never took part.
The story inside the numbers is not that every child needs the same path. It is that young people need places where they are asked to show up, contribute and be counted on. They need adults who mentor them, peers to collaborate with them and real responsibilities that help them practice who they are becoming.
In a childhood increasingly shaped by digital life, those experiences can be easy to underestimate. But the research shows the long-term value of giving kids something to do, somewhere to belong and a reason to see themselves as capable. For families worried about loneliness, confidence or lack of meaningful connection alongside their digital lives, the takeaway is practical: Look for structured experiences that allow young people to participate, contribute and lead. Connection is not just something kids feel. It is something they get to practice.
Methodology
The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Scouting America among 3,178 U.S. adults ages 18-plus, including 1,549 who were never members of Scouting America (“non-Scouts”) and members of Scouting America (“Scouts”), including 1,067 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout (“Eagle Scouts”) and 562 who did not achieve the rank of Eagle Scout (“non-Eagle Scouts”). The survey was conducted initially from Oct. 10 through Nov. 17, 2025, and relaunched from Dec. 16, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Lower back pain is one of those complaints that cuts across age, fitness level, and lifestyle. It shows up after long hours at a desk, after a tough workout, or after a weekend of sports that asks a lot from the hips and spine. Now, San Francisco-based Infraway LLC is aiming to make daily support and recovery easier with a wearable device designed to fit into real life—not just the clinic.
Infraway’s flagship product, the L1 Lower Back Wearable Heat Pad, combines Far Infrared (FIR) technology with topical heat to help users enhance mobility, support recovery, and warm up more effectively. The company positions the L1 as a more discreet alternative to bulkier competitor products: it’s made to be worn under clothing, on the go, and every day. The device is also app-controlled, allowing users to customize their heat and recovery experience from a smartphone. Infraway says the L1 is priced below $200, putting it in reach for consumers who want something more advanced than a basic wrap but less expensive than many premium recovery tools. More information is available at theinfraway.com.
What’s Different About Far Infrared (FIR)?
Heat therapy is a familiar tool for soreness and stiffness, but Infraway’s pitch centers on the difference between surface-level warmth and FIR’s deeper interaction with the body. FIR is described as a non-visible, longer-wavelength energyon the electromagnetic spectrum—one that the body absorbs and that can penetrate deeper than topical heat alone. In practical terms, topical heat warms the surface, while FIR is associated with a broader biological response: increased local circulation, more oxygen delivered to surrounding muscle, and faster clearance of metabolic waste.
Infraway points to research on FIR-emitting fabrics and their potential to support muscle recovery after exercise and reduce tightness—factors that can translate into improved mobility and performance. For readers who want to go deeper on the research and the company’s explanation of the mechanism, Infraway provides additional background here: theinfraway.com/pages/science.
Built From an Athlete’s Injury—and a Long Rehab Reality
Infraway was founded by Max Betkowski, a former two-sport Division I athlete who dealt with a torn hip labrum before his senior season. Betkowski played through the injury, but his recovery didn’t end when his college career did. Despite extensive rehab, he continued to experience lower back issues—an all-too-common pattern for athletes whose injuries affect movement mechanics and load distribution over time.
Drawing on a background in kinesiology and engineering, Betkowski developed Infraway in 2017. The company’s L1 Gen 2 belt launched in 2025, featuring expanded heating coverage, longer battery life, and an updated FIR fabric—positioned as an evolution informed by newer scientific research and product iteration.
Why Golf (and Other Rotational Sports) Are Paying Attention
Infraway is also gaining traction in sports where the lower back takes repeated rotational stress—especially golf. Lower back pain is one of the most common issues among golfers, often linked to the torque and repeated rotation placed on the spine. Over time, that stress can contribute to muscle or ligament sprains, or even disc-related problems.
That’s part of why the product has been finding fans among golf professionals. Ryan Hitt, lead coach of the PGA America Coaching Center, said the device has become part of his routine: “Infraway has made a noticeable difference in how my body feels day to day. Whether it’s after a round of golf or a full day of coaching athletes, it helps me recover quicker and stay loose.”
The device is also used by Mats Wilander, former world No. 1 tennis player and seven-time Grand Slam champion, who described it as a daily warm-up staple—now extending into his pickleball routine. “I start every morning with this, my go-to ritual to get my day rolling, and now it’s a core part of my warm-up for pickleball. It wakes my body up, primes my muscles, and keeps me feeling flexible and ready to move,” Wilander said.
The Takeaway
Recovery tech has exploded in recent years, but many tools still require you to stop what you’re doing—lie down, plug in, or carve out time you don’t really have. Infraway’s approach is built around a simple idea: if you can wear recovery support discreetly throughout the day, you’re more likely to use it consistently. With a combination of FIR fabric, topical heat, and app-based control, the L1 is designed to meet people where lower back pain actually happens—during workdays, travel, coaching, training, and everyday movement.
To learn more about the product, visit theinfraway.com, and for the science background, see theinfraway.com/pages/science.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Lifestyle
Stopping the ‘Silent Killer:’ How to Check, Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure
Stopping the Silent Killer: High blood pressure poses significant health risks for people of all ages, but there are effective ways to both prevent and manage this “silent killer” by working with a health care professional to make lifestyle changes.
Last Updated on May 26, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Stopping the ‘Silent Killer:’ How to Check, Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure
(Feature Impact) High blood pressure poses significant health risks for people of all ages, but there are effective ways to both prevent and manage this “silent killer” by working with a health care professional to make lifestyle changes.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood flowing through blood vessels is consistently too high. This condition makes the heart work harder than normal and can damage arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Strengthening evidence also shows high blood pressure is linked to risk of cognitive decline and dementia, which is why the American Heart Association is working to increase awareness and encourage people to manage blood pressure. Protect your heart and brain both now and in the future with this information and wellness advice.
Who Can Have High Blood Pressure?
Anyone can develop high blood pressure, which is why it’s encouraged for everyone – in all age groups, including children and young adults – to have their blood pressure checked at annual physicals or wellness checkups. For those with a history of high blood pressure or risk factors for developing the condition, more frequent measurements may be recommended.
Major risk factors for high blood pressure include excess weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption and a diet high in sodium and low in potassium.
Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. Of those with high blood pressure, about 75% don’t have the condition under control. Because it typically shows no symptoms, it’s often called a “silent killer.”
How is Blood Pressure Checked?
To get the best blood pressure reading, sit in a chair with support for your back with both feet flat on the ground.
Use a validated, automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm monitor. Remove clothing over the arm that will be used and rest for at least 5 minutes. Extend your arm and support it at heart level while staying quiet and still then take multiple readings and record the results. Aim to measure at the same time each day.
For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
What Happens After a High Blood Pressure Diagnosis?
Recognizing and taking quick action to control high blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of severe health consequences, including heart attack and stroke, and improve overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to design a treatment plan that works for you. It may include lifestyle changes to your diet or activity levels or medication.
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented or Managed?
Preventing high blood pressure is possible. Talk with a health care professional to create a plan that works for you, which may include small steps like eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
For those diagnosed with high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight by staying active (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains are important. Even losing 5% of your weight can help improve blood pressure.
It’s also important to reduce or avoid alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Consider stress-reducing activities, including meditation, breathing control or yoga. For many individuals, adhering to prescribed medications is essential to effectively control blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
To learn more about blood pressure management and how to check it properly, visit heart.org/bp.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
