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New Similac® survey finds social media pressure to be “perfect” is fueling a shift toward authenticity for the next generation of parents

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Despite optimism about parenthood, unrealistic online portrayals are adding pressure for today’s young parentsThrough the new “Love Without Measure” initiative, Similac is standing with parents in promoting more authentic portrayals of parenthood and pushing back on comparison culture

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Parenthood is widely anticipated as one of life’s most fulfilling journeys, yet for today’s new parents – especially Gen Z – that excitement is often met with feelings of pressure and judgment and amplified by picture-perfect social media portrayals.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/abbott/9402651-en-new-similac-parenthood-survey-love-without-measure-initiative

In a national survey of more than 1,000 parents and parents-to-be, Similac found a striking paradox: while 93% of respondents believe parenthood will be the most fulfilling part of life, nearly 80% feel pressure to be the “perfect” parent on social media, fueled by comparison culture.

That’s why Similac, Abbott’s decades-long infant nutrition brand, is creating the “Love Without Measure” initiative. Working with a motherhood expert and influencer moms passionate about sharing their unfiltered stories, Similac aims to meet new parents where they are at and promote more authentic, realistic accounts of parenting. The brand is calling on moms and dads to share their parenting journey stories using #LoveWithoutMeasure on social channels.

“Similac has always stood for the belief that there is no single right way to parent. A decade after shining a light on parental judgment, we’re seeing young parents, especially Gen Z, impacted by social media and comparison culture,” said Misha Pardubicka-Jenkins, U.S. vice president and general manager, pediatric nutrition at Abbott. “Similac believes in celebrating real, unfiltered parenthood and Love Without Measure is another reminder to parents that their best is more than enough—wherever they are on their journey.”

Call for Stories

To celebrate the beautiful messiness of parenthood, Similac is asking parents to share their stories using #LoveWithoutMeasure on social channels. Stories will be spotlighted, and the initiative will be supported with expert tips, content and dialogue to drive awareness and support for parents.

“Social media can be both a lifeline and a source of pressure for today’s parents,” said Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in psychology and mental load expert. “While online communities can reduce isolation and offer reassurance, the highly curated nature of parenting content often fuels comparison and self–doubt. When parents are constantly exposed to idealized versions of family life, it can distort expectations and undermine confidence, even when they’re doing exactly what their child needs. What parents benefit from most are authentic, realistic stories and supportive communities – on and offline – that make space for imperfection and affirm that there is no single ‘right’ way to parent.”

Similac is also partnering with mom influencers to create and encourage more judgment-free and honest parenting posts on social media. Through this work, Similac aims to remind parents everywhere that showing up with love is what matters most—and that they are enough.

Survey: Is social media inspiration or pressure?
Social media presents a paradox for parents, especially Gen Z, who are the first true “digital natives,” having never known a world without the internet and smartphones. Many report turning to online communities for reassurance and connection.

78% of new parents agree that social media provides valuable support, and 82% agree it helps them feel less alone55% worry about being judged if their choices don’t align with what they see online81% say social media creates an idealized or unrealistic view of parenting

The data also signals a new era of parents who feel prepared and capable—but want real, relatable guidance.

92% of Gen Z parents say they are confident in their ability to be good parents83% agree it is better to seek creators who show honest, unfiltered parenting contentA majority of parents still look to real-life experts and relationships for trusted advice: doctors and healthcare providers (79%), parents and family members (76%) and friends who are parents (71%)

Similac’s commitment to real support
Similac believes there’s no single “right” way to parent and that families deserve consistent, judgment-free support both online and in real life. The Love Without Measure initiative aims to empower parents, normalize feelings around parenting and reassure them that their best is enough.

“Parents don’t need another glamorized highlight reel—they need to know they’re not alone,” said Pardubicka-Jenkins. “We’re here to support parents with love and real understanding, every step of the way.”

Frequently Asked Questions:
Who was surveyed?
Burson Insights, Data & Intelligence fielded the Abbott-Similac Survey of 1,002 U.S. adults ages 22-32 who are parents or plan to have children in two to three years. The survey was conducted March 26-31, 2026 online using the PureSpectrum panel. The margin of error is approximately 3.1%.

What is Similac’s Love Without Measure initiative?
Similac is launching the Love Without Measure initiative to raise awareness around the impact of comparison culture and parental judgment, often fueled by social media. By featuring creators and parents sharing unfiltered accounts of parenthood, Similac will help normalize the full emotional spectrum of parenting– its challenges, joys, and triumphs – encouraging moms and dads to trust their instincts and embrace the power of imperfection.

Where can I learn more about Love Without Measure?
Check out Similac’s InstagramFacebook and TikTok for the latest stories and visit Similac.com for more information about the Love Without Measure initiative.

About Similac®

For nearly 100 years, Similac has been a trusted name in infant nutrition. Backed by Abbott’s science and research, Similac is committed to supporting parents with high-quality infant nutrition that meets a wide variety of babies’ needs and parents’ preferences. Connect with us at Similac.com and on FacebookInstagramYouTube and TikTok.

About Abbott:
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic 3 medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Together with our foundation, Abbott Fund, we partner with trusted organizations to build programs that strengthen care, improve access and help families and communities thrive. We’re committed to building a healthier future by inspiring lifelong habits that support well-being and help to prevent chronic disease for generations to come.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedInFacebookInstagramX and YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Announcing Zendocs, the Fully Browser-Based PDF and Document Platform

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Zendocs takes document management one step further by eliminating the need for downloads or installations.

CLAYMONT, Del., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zendocs, the fully browser-based PDF and document platform, aims to simplify workflows for individuals and teams alike by removing the need to download or install document management apps onto a user’s device. This approach prioritizes user experience, speed, and accessibility, making it a practical solution for those who frequently edit, convert, or manage PDFs and other document types.

Addressing Friction in Everyday Workflows

Zendocs was founded to solve real-world digital document frustrations stemming from the need to download, navigate, and regularly update multiple document management programs. The platform serves as an alternative to traditional tools, many of which have been described as slow, expensive, or cumbersome due to the various software solutions they require.

To overcome the friction of many traditional tools, Zendocs allows users to perform many of the same tasks they would on those tools without installing any programs. Instead, Zendoc’s services are accessible entirely through a user’s web browser, allowing them to be used across multiple devices simultaneously.

Real-World Applications: Traveling for Work

The idea for Zendocs emerged when one of the founders struggled to edit a PDF while traveling for work. While this wouldn’t ordinarily present any issues, the individual didn’t have access to their usual software. Since that software was tied directly to the device on which it was installed, the worker lacked access to it.

For this and other reasons, Zendocs was designed to allow users to make these kinds of changes quickly and from virtually any Wi-Fi-enabled device.

The platform also offers document management functions suitable for both casual users and professionals, further broadening its applicability. For example, Zendocs is as viable for someone who wants to convert a PDF to a DOCX file as it is for someone who wants to collate multiple PDFs to create a portfolio.

Early in its development, Zendocs’s founders continually refined the platform by integrating user feedback, helping it better address real-world needs. This philosophy centered the platform’s development in practicality and usability, two qualities Zendocs continues to pursue today.

Current and Future Developments

Today, Zendocs sees use across multiple sectors, including education, small business, and professional services, in part due to its flexibility and accessibility.

As the platform continues to develop, its founders aim to integrate more collaboration tools, AI-powered document features, and accessibility enhancements to help individuals and businesses save time and improve productivity. These developments would place Zendocs alongside other cloud-based workflow solutions designed to simplify traditionally complex document management processes, helping users spend less time navigating apps and more time engaging in meaningful work.

About Zendocs

Zendocs is a fully browser-based PDF and document management platform. This design eliminates the need for users to download or install individual apps on their devices, instead allowing them to edit, convert, and manage PDFs and other document types entirely in their web browsers. Since the platform caters to casual and professional users alike, Zendocs is used across multiple sectors, including education, small business, and professional services.

ZenDocs America Inc.
Claymont, DE 19703, United States
Phillipa Fourie pr@zendocs.com

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AI Labs, Quantum Pioneers, and Standards Leaders Headline ANSI’s Innovation Summit in Denver

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July 29 program features speakers from Anthropic, IBM Research, IonQ, Microsoft, NIST, and Colorado’s growing quantum cluster

NEW YORK, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will host its 2026 Innovation Summit in Denver July 28–31, bringing together leaders from major AI laboratories, quantum technology founders, federal agencies, and standards developing organizations to address how standards enable the technologies reshaping the digital economy. The Summit’s conference, Accelerating the Digital Economy through AI and Quantum, takes place Wednesday, July 29, at the Grand Hyatt Denver.

“Standards are the critical infrastructure of the digital economy,” said Laurie E. Locascio, Ph.D., NAE, president and CEO of ANSI. “This conference is about how they can accelerate—not just govern—the adoption of AI today and prepare industry for the quantum transition ahead. The conversations we are convening in Denver will help shape what comes next.”

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The conference is structured as two thematic blocks: a morning focused on AI standards and an afternoon dedicated to the precompetitive foundations and commercial trajectories of the emerging quantum industry, much of which is being built in Colorado.

The morning AI session opens with remarks from Rohit Israni, founder and CEO of CertientAI and chair of AI Standards US (INCITS), followed by Craig Schlenoff, Ph.D., chief of the AI Research, Measurement, and Standards Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), setting the stage on the evolving AI landscape. Two panels follow.

The first, Managing Unique Risks from Frontier AI, examines a newly approved framework for the most advanced general-purpose AI systems. Moderated by Chris Meserole, executive director of the Frontier Model Forum, the panel features Jesse Dunietz, Ph.D., computer scientist at NIST; Kim Lucy, director of governance, risk, and compliance standards at Microsoft; and Deepika Raman, non-resident research fellow at the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity.

The second, Agentic AI: Opportunities, Risks, and Implications for Standards, explores how autonomous AI agents change the security and governance landscape—and where new standards are needed to govern systems that don’t just suggest but act. Moderated by August Gweon, policy counsel at Anthropic, panelists include Kyriakos “Rock” Lambros, CEO and founder of RockCyber; Troy Leach, chief strategy officer at the Cloud Security Alliance; and Keerthiram Murugesan, Ph.D., research scientist at IBM Research.

The afternoon quantum session is anchored by two panels exploring what quantum needs to scale, both moderated by Austin S. Lin, head of the U.S. delegation to ISO/IEC JTC 3 (Quantum Technologies).

What No Single Company Can Build: The Shared Foundations of a Quantum Industry brings together Chris Monroe, Ph.D., co-founder of IonQ and Gilhuly Family Presidential Distinguished Professor at Duke University; Andrew Wilson, Ph.D., acting chief of NIST’s Time and Frequency Division and lead of its Quantum Information Science Program; and Yoonchae Cheong, Ph.D., director of the Korea–U.S. Quantum Technology Cooperation Center.

The Business Case for Standards: How Quantum Companies Scale features the CEOs and investors building Colorado’s quantum economy: Scott Davis, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Vescent Photonics; Zachary Yerushalmi, co-founder and CEO of Elevate Quantum; and Cody Moore, vice president at Caruso Ventures.

A Denver and Colorado focus

The day’s program reflects Colorado’s growing prominence in both quantum and frontier technology. The state is home to a fast-expanding quantum cluster, with companies developing photonic and ion-trap systems, sensing technologies, and quantum-enabled infrastructure. U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado will deliver recorded welcome remarks, joining Locascio in opening the day.

The conference is open to attendees from across the technology ecosystem—founders, investors, engineers, policy professionals, and anyone working at the intersection of emerging technology and standards. Advance registration is required for this no-fee event.

About the Summit

Accelerating the Digital Economy through AI and Quantum is one of several events at the 2026 ANSI Innovation Summit (July 28–31), which also includes a Fireside Chat with Standards CEOs, the Standards Lab, the Legal Issues Forum, ANSI’s Annual Business Meeting, the ANSI Awards Ceremony, and the U.S.–Korea Standards Forum. Full program details and registration are available at www.ansi.org/summit.

About ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity. Its membership comprises businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations.

The Institute represents and serves the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For more information, visit www.ansi.org and access the latest news and content on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

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SOURCE American National Standards Institute

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Government of Canada invests $21.6 million in first-of-its-kind clean energy project in Manitoba

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WINNIPEG, MB, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – While building Canada into a clean energy superpower, we are working with northern and remote communities to develop clean energy projects, in particular those that are reducing diesel use for electricity generation. This approach will strengthen our energy security, reduce our emissions and create jobs and prosperity for northern, rural and Indigenous communities.

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $21.6 million in federal funding for a suite of projects that will transform how electricity is generated and managed in Sayisi Dene First Nation, located in the community of Tadoule Lake in northern Manitoba.

This is the first phase of a First Nation–led initiative to develop Manitoba’s first integrated renewable energy microgrid, combining bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage with a microgrid controller, to generate clean electricity. Once commissioned in fall 2026, the microgrid will reduce emissions by an estimated 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year and lower power costs for the community over time.

To build Canada strong, all communities must have secure, reliable energy. By supporting projects like these, the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous leadership and building a more prosperous, sustainable economy for generations to come.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to support Sayisi Dene First Nation as they lead the way toward cleaner, more reliable energy for their community. Projects like this one reflects the Nation’s vision for greater energy independence, a cleaner future and lasting prosperity.”

The Honourable Rebecca Chartand
Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament for Churchill–Keewatinook Aski

“Canada Strong for All means working in partnership with Indigenous communities to reduce reliance on diesel and build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Projects like Sayisi Dene First Nation’s microgrid demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can deliver real results across the Prairies and in the North.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“By supporting projects like this one in Sayisi Dene First Nation, we are championing Indigenous-led climate solutions. First Nations have been stewards of this land for generations, and we acknowledge their continued leadership on climate action. This initiative demonstrates once again how Canada is working hand-in-hand with partners to build a more resilient and sustainable economy for all.”

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Sayisi Dene First Nation is demonstrating how Indigenous-led clean energy projects can strengthen community resilience, advance self-determination and create lasting benefits for future generations. Indigenous Services Canada is proud to support the community’s vision for a cleaner, more reliable energy future that reduces reliance on diesel while supporting sustainable economic development.”

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

“I have been involved in this renewable energy project from the beginning, serving in various roles throughout its development. Our community is looking forward to the benefits that will come with construction and commissioning this fall. Revenue generated from solar power will go toward community needs as we strive to become more sustainable and reduce our emissions. We also look forward to showcasing this project to other off-grid First Nations, sharing our learnings and experience executing the project.”

Chief Kelly-Ann Thom Duck
Sayisi Dene First Nation

“This project sets the stage for continued progress. By expanding renewable solutions and reducing diesel reliance, we are strengthening a more affordable, reliable and resilient energy future for communities across Manitoba.”

Allan Danroth
President and Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Hydro

“We know reliable energy is essential, especially in northern communities, and this investment will help strengthen the autonomy and long-term energy security for Sayisi Dene First Nation. Investments like these reflect our broader commitment to building a clean energy grid that lowers emissions and keeps rates affordable for all Manitobans.”

The Honourable Adrien Sala
Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro

Quick Facts

Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program has invested $453 million to reduce reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities.CERRC has supported over 230 renewable energy projects across Canada, including 82 projects in the North. Collectively, these projects are adding more than 67 MW of clean energy to remote grids by 2027, reducing fuel use by approximately 28 million litres annually and avoiding over 75,000 tonnes in GHG emissions each year. These investments have strengthened local capacity, supported economic opportunities and advanced innovative solutions.The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.Natural Resources Canada provided $10,714,414 through its CERRC program and $4,200,000 through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP).Environment and Climate Change Canada contributed $6 million through its Indigenous Leadership Fund.The Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada’s climate action plans, helping put Canada to build a sustainable net-zero emissions economy by 2050.Indigenous Services Canada is contributing up to $1,471,670 to support this initiative, including $971,670 through the Manitoba Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative and $500,000 through the Community Infrastructure Program.On May 14, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a new national Electricity Strategy. This plan will double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come.To develop this strategy, the government is launching consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities and unions to work together to identify the actions needed to double our grid most effectively and affordably.

Associated Links

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote CommunitiesIndigenous Leadership FundManitoba Indigenous Clean Energy InitiativePowering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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