Alpharetta – October 01, 2026 -- Avanos Medical has launched an over-the-counter version of its Game Ready cold and compression system in the United States, letting consumers buy the recovery technology without a prescription for the first time.

New York – October 01, 2026 -- The Ad Council has launched The Secret to Motherhood, a new maternal mental health campaign urging new and expecting mothers to prioritize their own well-being as part of caring for their children.

One in five mothers face a maternal mental health condition

According to the CDC, these conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. Despite this, three in four cases go untreated, largely due to stigma surrounding the topic.

Evanston – September 30, 2026 -- A new Mather Institute study finds that older adults who age alone and own pets report significant boosts to physical activity, emotional wellbeing and social connection, with dog owners showing the strongest gains.

The online survey of 900 solo agers aged 55 and older found that 76% reported improved emotional wellbeing, 62% reported reduced stress and 45% reported increased physical activity. Nearly half said pets help reduce loneliness, and a third said pets led to more social interactions through daily walks and outdoor time.

Kobe – September 30, 2026 -- ASICS has issued what it calls the world's first conservation warning for human movement, after new research found people report spending 86% of their waking day not moving.

The Japanese sportswear brand released the findings ahead of World Mental Health Day, alongside a short nature documentary titled Human Nature, narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver. The film explores how sofas, screens and modern convenience are quietly replacing everyday movement.

East Lyme, Conn. – September 24, 2026 -- Chad and Jennifer Sklodosky have opened East Lyme Stretch Zone, bringing practitioner-assisted stretching services to their hometown in Connecticut.

The studio marks the couple's second Stretch Zone location, with a third already in development. Chad and Jennifer met in East Lyme in high school and later married, giving the opening particular personal weight.

San Diego – September 24, 2026 -- A new national study finds that more than 1 in 5 people with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)—the condition recently renamed from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—waited over five years for a formal diagnosis, with weight stigma cited as a major driver of delayed care.

Wilmington, Del. – September 24, 2026 -- Biophysical Therapeutics is now accepting pre-orders for an anti-aging moisturizer priced at $120, with only 500 units available in its first production run at www.IF1.skin.

The Delaware-based biotech company launched the product under a new consumer brand called IF1, named after a protein the company says plays a role in determining lifespan across mammal species.

Hoboken – September 23, 2026 -- Dove launched Back Her Game, a nationwide contest offering one girls' sports team a trip to Brazil for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, running from September 23 through October 4, 2026.

Philadelphia – September 23, 2026 -- Incontinence care company TENA has released expert answers to the most common AI-generated questions women ask about pelvic floor health, aiming to counter misinformation found through chatbot searches.

The brand, part of global hygiene company Essity, compiled top prompts women type into AI tools about aging and pelvic health, then had 3D movement specialist Zarina Del Mar respond with evidence-based guidance.

Frederick, Md. – September 23, 2026 -- A new survey from NaturaLawn of America finds that 78% of American adults feel guilty choosing screen time over time outdoors, even as 76% say they feel the need to disconnect at least once a week.