4 tips to avoid toxic 'forever chemicals' in everyday life.

What's the healthiest peanut butter? Plus, Shop TODAY's Travel Awards.   THIS IS TODAY April 18, 2024 [VIEW IN BROWSER]( THIS IS TODAY The remaining number of Israeli hostages captured in Gaza remains unclear, six months after they were taken. Plus, strategies to avoid toxic "forever chemicals" in everyday life, and how to choose the healthiest peanut butter.   The Latest   [The number of Israeli hostages still alive in Gaza remains a mystery, officials say.]( More than six months after Hamas militants attacked Israel and seized at least 250 hostages, it remains [unclear how many captives are still alive](, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. A proposed cease-fire formula calls for Hamas to free 40 hostages who are women, children or sick and elderly men, and in return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. But Hamas has been unable to confirm it has identified 40 hostages who meet those criteria, officials said. [Israel says more than 130 hostages remain](, and about a quarter of those are believed dead. [Here's the latest](. [☠️ Toxic 'forever chemicals' are everywhere. Here are 4 strategies to avoid them.]( "Forever chemicals," [known as PFAS,]( can be found in everything from dental floss to pizza boxes. They don't break down in the body or the environment and can cause conditions like heart disease and cancer. Avoiding them entirely can be difficult, but experts shared with us [4 ways to minimize your risk]( with a few lifestyle changes. (One tip: Replace your non-stick cookware.) [🥜 Which type of peanut butter is the healthiest? Dietitians share the No. 1 thing to look for.]( The [peanut butter]( aisle at the store is filled with all types of choices: smooth, chunky, natural, organic, low-fat and more. How do you figure out [which one is the healthiest](? Dietitians say the key is the less sodium and sugar, the better. Also, avoid stabilizers like palm oil. [Here's what to look for]( on the label. [🧳 Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards 2024: Editor-approved tech, suitcases and more essentials.]( Summer is almost here and if you’re like us, a getaway is top of mind. Our Shop TODAY team has been hard at work vetting the best products for their second annual [Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards](. They went as far as Guatemala and as close as the New York City streets to try everything from [walking sandals]( to in-flight [accessories](. See [the winners]([here](.       Start TODAY   Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. It's a question plenty of personal trainers are hearing as summer approaches: How do I get abs quickly? While a six-pack is unrealistic for many people, TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour has [3 ways that can help you get a flatter stomach](. See how a [few tweaks to your daily routine]( can make a noticeable difference when swimsuit season hits.   What's for dinner?   Allow us to do the meal-planning for you Looking for a flavorful upgrade for your Passover feast? Chef and TV host Joel Gamoran's [braised beef chuck eye roast]( makes for a sumptuous Seder meal or a hearty weeknight dinner. Onions, garlic, red wine, honey, olive oil, fresh thyme and more combine for an appetizing sauce for the roast to soak in. [Get the recipe](.   Daily Delight   A little pick-me-up before you go. Imagine a reply-all disaster combined with planning a child's birthday party, and you have the perfect storm California mom Emily King recently faced. King not only accidentally sent [invitations to all 487 contacts]( in her phone, they went out with the names she stored them by. So the "annoying" grad school tutor "Derek Eye Roll," the cute guy from nine years ago known as "Justin Delta Sky Lounge," and "Jess hit her car in parking lot" each received invites. "It was hilarious and terrifying," King told TODAY.com. [Watch the video]( and [see the responses she got.](   Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you tomorrow. Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to[subscribe here.]( Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Unsubscribe](listvar=sub_today) | [Privacy]( | [Contact]( [MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_today) | [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT](