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Six reasons to visit Puerto Rico this holiday season

2024-10-15T06:57:00

(BPT) – Did you know Puerto Rico celebrates one of the longest holiday seasons in the world? The holiday season lasts about 45 days, from Thanksgiving Day through mid-January.

During the holiday season, the Island is alive with colorful decorations, delicious food, authentic music and grand festivals to mark different points of the season.

If you want to have a truly magical holiday experience this year, check out these six reasons why you should consider visiting Puerto Rico this winter.

1. Festivities

Get ready to experience the party that never stops. During the extended holiday season, you can participate in several vibrant festivities, including multiday events. Puerto Ricans begin decorating for the holidays right after Thanksgiving, if not sooner, and leave the décor on display well into January.

You’re probably used to Christmas Day being the most important day of the holiday season, but in Puerto Rico, nothing is more important than Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve. On Nochebuena, family and friends have dinner, exchange gifts, go out on parrandas and maybe even attend a midnight mass.

On Dec. 31, ring in the New Year at a Víspera de Año Nuevo celebration. At midnight, Puerto Ricans celebrate the arrival of the new year with fireworks over an ocean view under the moon and starlight.

Christmas Eve isn’t the only time to exchange gifts. In January, Puerto Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day, which commemorates the Three Wise Men’s visit after Jesus was born. Across the Island, you’ll see parades with people dressed like the Three Wise Men handing out presents to children. Kids also gather grass or hay in shoeboxes and place them under beds for the Three Wise Men’s animals in exchange for presents.

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián or SanSe — the largest and most popular festival in Puerto Rico — officially closes the holiday season. The party ends in Old San Juan with a lively street festival with music, dancing, traditional food and artisanal crafts.

2. Food

One of the best ways to explore a culture is through authentic dishes, and there’s no better season to savor authentic Boricua cuisine than the holidays. Get ready to indulge in arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), lechón asado (spit-roasted pork), pasteles (tamal-like patties of green banana and meat) and other flavorful dishes.

No holiday is complete without a signature drink. Eggnog may come to mind, but in Puerto Rico, locals drink coquito. This thick, creamy holiday beverage is made of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, local rum and spices.

3. Music

Merry music and musical traditions are key elements of the holidays in Puerto Rico. Throughout the whole season, you’ll witness parrandas, the Boricua version of caroling. Small groups visit friends and family late at night and wake them with aguinaldos, villancicos and trovas — local folk versions of Christmas songs. As the parranderos visit homes, they’ll sing, eat, drink and spread holiday cheer all over the Island until sunrise.

4. Weather

Ready to escape the cold winter weather? Take advantage of Puerto Rico’s warm weather this holiday season! In Puerto Rico, you can enjoy a sunny festive season, with an average temperature of 70-85 degrees F from November-January.

The warm weather also means you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking in a temperate, tropical climate. So, shed your layers and trade snow for sand and chilly winds for a gentle ocean breeze.

5. Accessibility

No passport? No problem! American citizens and permanent residents can visit the Island with just a valid ID to enter Puerto Rico.

You won’t have any difficulty finding flights to the Heart and Soul of the Caribbean. There are several short, convenient flights from the U.S. mainland to the heart of Puerto Rico, including direct routes from major cities like New York, Chicago and Dallas.

If you haven’t brushed up on your Spanish, you’re in luck because the two official languages on the Island are English and Spanish. Also, you won’t need to worry about exchanging currency. Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, so you’ll have no problem buying last-minute Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

6. Live Boricua

Boricua — the Puerto Rican identity — is more than just a name. It’s a state of mind. When you Live Boricua, you can immerse yourself in the joy of life that is at the center of Puerto Rico and shared by its people and all who visit. During your holiday trip, embrace the rich traditions, warm hospitality and festive atmosphere of the Island so you can create memories to last a lifetime.

Are you ready to celebrate the holidays the Boricua way? To learn more and plan your holiday trip, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Holidays.

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What you should know about mast cell diseases

2024-10-14T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you often get a skin rash after you are exposed to an allergen or irritant? Do you also develop breathing problems and stomach issues? Bone or muscle pain? You may want to learn about mast cell diseases. While rare, these diseases are increasingly recognized by doctors. Treatments for these chronic conditions are available.

What are mast cell diseases?

Mast cells are white blood cells present throughout your body and help guard your immune system. They identify foreign invaders such as viruses and allergens, then release powerful chemical mediators (including histamines) to repair your body’s tissue after the harmful virus or allergen is contained. This process triggers inflammation and symptoms of an allergic reaction, sometimes in more than one body system.
People with mast cell disease experience an abnormal buildup of mast cells or they have overly active mast cells. In some cases, there is no known trigger. It can lead to symptoms on the skin or in the digestive system or bone marrow. It can also affect other body organs such as the brain, heart and lungs.

Everyone’s symptoms are different. They may include:

Skin: Rashes, swelling, flushing
Stomach: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn
Brain: Confusion, trouble thinking
Bones: Weak bones/bone pain
Heart: Blood pressure changes, heart racing, fainting
Breathing: Shortness of breath

Mast cell disease can also cause anaphylaxis, a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis occurs from a sudden, rapid release of chemicals from mast cells.

People with mast cell disease may have several triggers causing their symptoms, such as:

  • Heat, cold or temperature changes
  • Certain foods or medicines
  • Alcohol
  • Allergens or irritants
  • Infections
  • Insect stings
  • Skin vibration or friction
  • Stress
  • Exercise
  • Contrast dyes during a medical exam

The two main types of mast cell disease are:

Mastocytosis occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of mast cells in the body. This unchecked growth disrupts tissue. Mast cells transfer throughout several body systems, sometimes rapidly.

  • People with cutaneous mastocytosis mostly have skin symptoms. This is more common in children.
  • People with systemic mastocytosis can have symptoms throughout the whole body and are more at risk for anaphylaxis. The most common type is indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM). It accounts for up to 90% of adult cases. In ISM, mast cells tend to build up more gradually. Symptoms may start as mild or moderate, but they can worsen over time.

Severe types of mastocytosis are rare, but they can result in organ failure or lead to certain cancers.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) occurs when overactive mast cells release chemical mediators like histamine too often, with or without a trigger. Symptoms usually affect two or more body systems. People with MCAS are at high risk for anaphylaxis.

A mast cell-related genetic trait called hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) can affect some people with mast cell disease. People with this trait — about 5% of the population — have high levels of a protein called alpha tryptase. The levels become even more elevated during allergic reactions. People with HαT who also have mastocytosis are at high risk for severe allergic reactions.

How mast cell diseases are diagnosed

Getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult because mast cell disease symptoms are similar to other conditions. If your symptoms suggest you might have a mast cell disease, consider seeing a specialist. Board-certified allergists can perform tests, such as a skin or bone marrow biopsy or a blood test, to make a correct diagnosis.

Treatment for mast cell diseases

While there’s no cure for mast cell diseases, people can manage their symptoms. A treatment plan typically includes medications and avoiding triggers when possible. Medications that can make mast cells less reactive and block effects of mast cell mediators include:

  • H1 and H2 antihistamines
  • Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn sodium, ketotifen)
  • Leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast
  • Aspirin (under doctor’s supervision)
  • Omalizumab, a biologic medication
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for systemic mastocytosis

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) prevent proteins from causing a buildup of mast cells. They can also stop or limit histamine release. TKIs are typically prescribed for people with advanced systemic mastocytosis. One — avapritinib — is also prescribed for indolent systemic mastocytosis.

In rare cases, severe mast cell diseases may be treated with chemotherapy. This does not mean a person with mast cell disease has cancer, but they are at increased risk for certain cancers.

People with mast cell disease who develop anaphylaxis should be treated first — and fast — with epinephrine. Some people may need follow-up care at an emergency department or hospital if symptoms persist.

If you feel you might have mast cell disease, consult your doctor. In honor of International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disease Awareness Day on Oct. 20, learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org or TMSForACure.org.

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Fall into Seafood During National Seafood Month with 3 Easy Recipes

2024-10-14T07:15:00

(BPT) – October is here, which means fall is in full swing. It’s a time of year when you can enjoy vibrant fall colors, football season and cooler weather that begs for cozy meals at home and warm comfort foods. But did you know that October is also National Seafood Month?

Whether you’re cooking for family and friends or just for yourself, expand your culinary skills by adding seafood to your fall meal plans.

Why Seafood?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans people of all ages should eat seafood at least twice a week. National Seafood Month is an awesome time to appreciate the variety of seafood available, try new flavors and incorporate more seafood into your diet.

Not sure how to start incorporating seafood into your meal plan? SeaPak (America’s #1 Breaded Shrimp) offers three mouthwatering, quick and easy meals perfect to inspire your fall menu.

1. Popcorn Shrimp Flatbread Pizza

Popcorn shrimp is a sure-to-please crowd and kid favorite. Combine that with pizza, and you have a winning combination. This recipe for a crispy and flavorful flatbread pizza features ricotta, mozzarella, olives, arugula, parsley and SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp.

America’s #1-selling Popcorn Shrimp is famous for a reason. With a crispy breading, these easy-to-bake and air fryer-friendly shrimp are perfect for everything from parties to meal planning.

2. One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi

One-pot meals are easy to make, clean up and enjoy. This recipe for a One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi takes five minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. This no-fuss meal will impress your guests, and they’ll never know it took only minutes to prep.

This quick, simple dish uses only seven ingredients: linguine noodles, spinach, half-and-half, parmesan, lemon wedges and shrimp scampi. The result? A velvety flavorful sauce, earthy spinach and buttery delicious shrimp.

3. Sheet Pan Jumbo Shrimp Fajitas

Impress your sweetheart this date night with Sheet Pan Jumbo Shrimp Fajitas. Combine spiced peppers, onions, seasoning and jumbo butterfly shrimp in a foil-lined baking sheet. Once done, you can serve the fajita mixture on steamed or charred flour tortillas and top with cilantro and avocado slices. Best of all? A one-pan meal means cleaning up takes little to no time so you can spend more time with your special someone.

Choose the right seafood products for memorable meals

When choosing seafood for your weekly meal plan, look for SeaPak. They offer versatility in cooking methods, allowing you to bake their products in the oven, sauté on the stovetop or fry in the air fryer.

Each package includes step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions, so you’ll never have to guess how to prepare your seafood and your meal will cook perfectly every time. You can use SeaPak products in any or all of these seafood recipes this fall.

Looking for a great deal on a seafood dinner? Find your favorite SeaPak products at a store near you by visiting SeaPak.com/Where-To-Buy/.

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Hope amid the chaos: Good neighbors rebuild and support each other after hurricanes

2024-10-11T17:01:00

(BPT) – Recent natural disasters have affected people across the United States. For some, dangerous storms have significantly impacted their lives and property. The greatest concern is everyone’s safety. Next, it’s assessing cleanups and addressing damage.

The insurance industry plays a critical role in the cleanup and response efforts for people impacted by storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. One company making a difference is State Farm®. Alongside 19,000 agents across the country, they have the State Farm Catastrophe Response Team and fleet, the largest in the insurance industry.

These teams are deployed and staged early for strategic response once the storms pass. Trailers and RVs serve as on-the-spot claims offices, complete with workstations, computers, tents, power generators and satellite access for phone and internet communications.

State Farm teams also offer support, guidance and assistance during critical times when customers need them most, diligently handling claims and providing assistance during the recovery and rebuilding process. Based on covered damages, an advance on claim payments can be provided to customers to meet immediate needs such as temporary housing, transportation and food.

Here are some examples of this support in action:

Asheville, North Carolina

State Farm Agent Rebecca Sandoval was in the middle of the crisis following Hurricane Helene. She immediately set up satellite communication and provided food and shelter for 8 of her displaced neighbors despite losing power and water herself.

She also did what it took to open her State Farm office — getting drinking water, power cables, charging devices, food and any supplies needed to open her doors and offer help, hugs, support and basic necessities to those she serves.

Despite her own personal losses and property damage, she showed up every day to help customers. Her team describes her as a warrior who is helping them find the joy in the moment.

Nearby is Claims Team Manager Clinton Waller, who has been without power and water but is busy volunteering cutting trees off the roads so first responders can get through. He’s distributing water and cooking meals for others to make a difference.

Easley, South Carolina

State Farm claims employee Rodney Johnson found himself wearing two hats — chief of the local volunteer fire department and State Farm appraiser. Recently, he started his day at 4:00 a.m. removing a downed tree and then returned home to take claims calls.

While without power for the week, he used the firehouse generator and worked from his car using the phone charger. “It was important for me to find any way I could to start helping customers as soon as possible. Our goal is to serve customers and help get their lives back on track. That doesn’t happen without us doing our jobs.”

Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina

Claims appraiser Isaac Burgess started working as soon as possible after the storms, using his phone as a hot spot since his power was out.

Appraiser Antwone Mack pulled out the grill and fryer so he could feed his neighbors through the power outage, because he said, “Being boots on the ground calms people down.”

Claims appraiser Andrian Hargett from Georgia put it best: “I see working for State Farm as similar to that of a first responder, because our customers need us to get back on their feet. Even though we may not have all our needs met, the customers still need us to help them,” he said.

Learn more at statefarm.com.

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7 expert insights on the future of branded content

2024-10-11T00:01:00

(BPT) – What’s next for branded content?

Branded content is a powerful, targeted way to connect with consumers, aligning your brand with their values. And it’s highly effective. A Nielsen report found branded content produced 86% brand recall. According to the International Journal of Advertising, branded content is 22 times more effective than traditional advertising.

If it’s not on your PR and marketing radar now, it should be. But, as the industry and technology evolve, branded content is evolving, too. For PR pros and marketers, it’s important to stay current on how best to use this powerful tool.

David Olson, senior vice president at Brandpoint, the industry leader in creating and distributing branded content, offers his insights into the future of this powerful tool. (Spoiler: it’s about leveraging AI correctly and focusing on personalization.)

Generative AI improvements and refinements

Longform content? Expert writers are the best at that. But AI can be a powerful ally in the process of creating that content. And it’s getting better at it.

Generative AI is best at story ideation and brainstorming, coming up with different approaches to a topic, and optimizing headlines. It can also help adjust tone and style for customized outreach. AI previously struggled at research — a critical aspect of brand storytelling — but has recently made positive strides and can help save time, as long as you double-check all sources for accuracy.

AI can create different versions of the same content

AI can quickly create multiple versions of your content, customized for different target audiences.

A basic example would be a lawn mower company using different imagery when speaking to people in Mississippi versus Minnesota to reflect the regional landscape and weather conditions. They might highlight different benefits of the product based on what people need in those locations. Digging even deeper, it could use language that is more appealing to people in those locations, such as different dialects or idioms.

Augmented and virtual reality

Immersive experiences through augmented reality and virtual reality will be huge.

Let’s say a museum is doing an exhibit on Ernest Hemingway that offers AR or VR where people scan or interact with artifacts to learn more. It may include photos of the writer and others at Hemingway’s favorite haunt in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s. You could use your phone to scan a code next to the photos to learn the history of this venerable establishment, Hemingway’s ties to it and to the owner, and that yes, the restaurant really does serve Sloppy Joes. Email yourself the recipe and enjoy one for dinner that night, in honor of Papa.

Even more personalization

Remember Tom Cruise in “Minority Report” and the customized advertisements as he walked through the mall? Spielberg was correct in seeing branded content as hyper-personalized. The more you can make content relevant to the individual, the more powerful the connection you create.

Inclusivity and diversity

Forget the broad strokes; we need to carefully consider things like age, ethnicity, abilities and sexual preference. In brand storytelling we must remember the people we’re talking to and reflect the things that matter most to them. This aligns well with the idea of personalized content.

Search is not the holy grail it once was

Much of branded content is not indexable by Google. Search is changing because of AI, so ranking is going to be even more difficult now. If you’re a brand putting out blog content, getting it to rank is challenging. It’s tough for a lot of brands to let go of that as the holy grail.

It’s not a quantity game we’re playing anymore. It’s not about posting more than your competitors. If you’re just posting for the sake of getting something up and out into the digital world, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You become the exact white noise you’re hoping to break through. Focus on quality instead.

Branded content is always evolving

Ultra personalized branded content will be more interesting and relevant. But, things are always evolving, which means it will be key for brands to pivot and embrace change as it comes.

Brandpoint is the leader in creating and distributing branded content, with average results of 1,000 print and online placements and a site audience of 140 million-170 million. Contact Brandpoint today to learn more about how to put the power of branded content to work for you.

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The Impact of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): A Rare Autoimmune Disease

2024-10-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine waking up every day feeling utterly exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get. Now, add an unbearable itch that just won’t go away, dry eyes and mouth, and stomach pain. This is the reality for some people living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

A Closer Look at Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. Over time, this can lead to inflammation of the bile duct and scarring of the liver and may cause serious complications.1

The symptoms of PBC can at first be mild and get worse over time, and it may take 5 to 20 years to develop.1 Common signs are chronic itch (pruritus) and extreme fatigue, both of which may impact daily life.1,2 Some patients may have no symptoms, therefore the disease is oftentimes only discovered through routine liver blood tests.3

The Challenges of Getting a PBC Diagnosis

“The symptoms aren’t always obvious,” shares Naveen, a patient with PBC. “There haven’t been many treatments available for me in the past, which can be disheartening, especially with the intense symptoms that really affect my life on a daily basis.”

For many, the journey to diagnosis may involve numerous tests and procedures.4 The experience can be emotionally and physically exhausting, especially given the impact that untreated PBC can have on a person’s health.2

A Disease That Disproportionately Affects Women

PBC is more common in women, particularly those who are over 40 years old, with approximately 1 in 1000 women in this age group affected and 65 out of every 100,000 women in the US diagnosed with the condition.3,5 Although the disease is more prevalent in women, an increasing number of men are now being diagnosed. On average, women receive a diagnosis within 12 months, while for men, the process can take up to three years.6

If left untreated, PBC can lead to permanent liver damage, and even severe cases of liver failure.1 Early diagnosis and proactive management of the disease can play an important role in reducing the risk of complications and may help in improving the health of those affected.7,8

Living With PBC: The Daily Reality

Living with PBC means more than just managing the physical symptoms; it’s also about coping with the emotional and psychological toll that the disease can take. This could be incessant itching, debilitating fatigue, or other symptoms that can make it difficult to maintain a normal lifestyle, impacting work, social relationships, and overall well-being.2

For those with PBC, connecting with patient advocacy groups and support communities may offer both practical advice and emotional comfort, helping to navigate the complexities of living with this chronic condition.9,10

Moving Forward

While the challenges of living with PBC can be significant, advancements in understanding the disease and ongoing research into new treatment options offer hope.11 For people living with PBC, some treatment goals include improving or normalizing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and managing symptoms of the disease, such as pruritus.2,12,13 A treatment plan that helps sustain ALP levels and more effectively fights debilitating symptoms may help improve disease outcomes.2,12,13

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that might suggest PBC, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early detection and proactive management may help make a difference in the course of the disease and the outcomes of those affected.7,8

References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis. Accessed August 29, 2024. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376874
  2. Sivakumar T, Kowdley KV. Anxiety and depression in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: current insights and impact on quality of life. Hepat Med. 2021;13:83-92. doi:10.2147/HMER.S256692
  3. American Liver Foundation. Primary biliary cholangitis. Accessed August 29, 2024. Available at: https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/autoimmune-liver-diseases/primary-biliary-cholangitis-pbc/
  4. Mayo Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis diagnosis. Accessed September 17, 2024. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376880
  5. Hohenester S, Oude-Elferink RP, Beuers U. Primary biliary cirrhosis. Semin Immunopathol. 2009;31(3):283-307. doi:10.1007/s00281-009-0164-5
  6. Abdulkarim M, Zenouzi R, Sebode M, et al. Sex differences in clinical presentation and prognosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2019;54(11):1391-1396. doi:10.1080/00365521.2019.1683226
  7. Martini F, Balducci D, Mancinelli M, et al. Risk stratification in primary biliary cholangitis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(17):5713. doi:10.3390/jcm12175713
  8. Cleveland Clinic. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): living with this chronic disease. Accessed August 29, 2024. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-with-pbc
  9. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Primary biliary cholangitis organization. Accessed September 17, 2024. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/organizations/primary-biliary-cholangitis-organization/
  10. Global Liver Institute. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) externally-led patient-focused drug development (EL-PFDD). Accessed September 17, 2024. Available at: https://globalliver.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/PBC-EL-PFDD.pdf
  11. Bernal RB, Castro CM, Ferrigno B, et al. Management of primary biliary cholangitis: current treatment and future perspectives. Turk J Gastroenterol. 2023;34(2):89-100. doi:10.5152/tjg.2023.22239
  12. Murillo Perez CF, Harms MH, Lindor KD, et al. Goals of treatment for improved survival in primary biliary cholangitis: treatment target should be bilirubin within the normal range and normalization of alkaline phosphatase. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020;115(7):1066-1074. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000557
  13. Lindor KD, Bowlus CL, Boyer J, Levy C, Mayo M. Primary biliary cholangitis: 2018 practice guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2019;69(1):394-419. doi:10.1002/hep.30145

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Living with CIDP and Pathways to Innovative Treatment

2024-10-10T14:01:00

(BPT) – “At first I was kind of like, what is that? What is CIDP? I’ve never heard of that. But then, the relief set in more than confusion … because at least there was a name to what I had.”

Jamilah’s days were once filled with vibrant activities like dance classes, crocheting, and running a photography business. Her life was active — a true reflection of her passion and creativity. But in September 2021, everything changed. Jamilah began to have trouble standing up and moving around. She experienced numbness and tingling sensations in her hands, and within weeks, these symptoms rapidly progressed, spreading to other parts of her body. Soon, she found herself confined to a wheelchair. Only later was she diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Today, her life has changed dramatically from those days filled with vibrant activities, with most of her time spent at home. Her CIDP care requires monthly visits to an infusion center, and she is forced to rely on a wheelchair to get around. Hoping to deepen awareness and understanding of CIDP, Jamilah is an advocate, sharing her story to highlight that recovery is not linear, but reclaiming joy in one’s life.

Understanding CIDP

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, is a rare, debilitating, often progressive, immune-mediated neuromuscular disorder of the peripheral nervous system. This condition can lead to significant reductions in arm and leg function, frequent falls, and in severe cases, dependence on a wheelchair, rendering many individuals unable to work.

“CIDP can be debilitating and have a significant impact on quality of life. Many patients with CIDP require treatments that may be burdensome,” says Lisa Butler, Executive Director of the GBS|CIDP Foundation. The effects of CIDP extend beyond physical limitations, impacting daily life at home, work, and school. A cross-sectional study assessing limitations in activities among 147 patients with CIDP found that 85% reported difficulty running, 80% reported difficulty standing for longer periods of time, and 75% reported difficulty dancing. Additionally, more than 75% of patients reported sensory deficits.

In the United States alone, approximately 24,000 people are currently being treated for CIDP, yet there remains a considerable unmet need for effective and manageable therapies. “Existing therapies have traditionally been limited to corticosteroids and plasma-derived treatments, which, while effective for many, present challenges for some patients,” says Jeffrey Allen, M.D., Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota. Studies have shown an estimated 85% of patients require ongoing treatment with potentially time-consuming therapies and 88% of treated patients report residual neurological symptoms.

A New Era in CIDP Treatment

As new, targeted treatment options become available, patients stand to benefit from having an expanded arsenal of medications.

For Jamilah, her hope is to find a solution that could turn her dreams into reality — reviving her crochet business and launching a dance studio that welcomes both wheelchair users and differently abled dancers, giving them a place and community to express their creativity and passion for dance.

The potential of offering new innovative treatment options for patients like Jamilah and others living with autoimmune diseases is what motivates companies like argenx to continue innovating. “Every day, we are turning science into real solutions for patients suffering from severe autoimmunity,” says Luc Truyen, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at argenx.

To learn more about CIDP and advancements being made in autoimmune diseases, visit https://www.argenx.com/. If you are interested in learning more about CIDP treatments, please speak with a healthcare provider.

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Managing COVID-19 This Season: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Informed

2024-10-10T14:35:00

(BPT) – COVID-19 can affect anyone, so it’s important to stay informed as we approach another respiratory virus season. This infographic offers key insights on COVID-19 vaccinations, transmission, increased risk factors, Long COVID risks, and the benefits of getting your flu shot at the same time. It also explains when and how to get your updated vaccine for the year. Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations this season. To find your local vaccine availability and COVID-19 resources, please visit: https://www.ForYouAndThem.com/.

Infographic

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Make your shower a sanctuary of self-care

2024-10-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – The self-care movement is having a moment. Over the summer we observed Self-Care Month from June 24 to July 24, with the symbolic notion of 24/7 (July 24) self-care being top of mind in our stressful world today, not just during that month, but in every month. The World Health Organization even issued guidelines about its importance.

What is self-care? It’s the process of tending to your physical, spiritual and mental health and wellbeing. It can be about mindfulness and meditation, getting out and walking in nature, eating right, focusing on sleep, nurturing social connections and so much more. It’s the completely personal practice of taking care of yourself, whatever that means to you, and doing whatever helps you recharge and renew.

One way to bring more self-care into your life is to start in the bathroom, which has long been an oasis of solitude, pampering and luxury. Any busy parent can tell you they love their alone time in the bathroom, with a luxurious soak in the tub getting much of that glory. But your shower can be an oasis of pampering, too. Here’s how to turn your shower into an oasis of self-care.

Choose the right shower head. They’re not all created equal. A great shower head can elevate the entire shower experience from ordinary to extraordinary, and the technology has evolved to new heights of self-care. Kohler’s Cinq, a single-function showerhead, features a five-layer Aquifer KDF55 filtration system that delivers less chlorine, chemicals and scale so you can experience that perfect glow for your hair and skin.

Kohler’s new SpaViva Handshower & All-in-One Cleansing Device takes that concept up a notch, and brings self-care to your shower space. It’s an innovative product that combines essential skincare tools with deep clean capability. The two-function handshower offers two spray types, Katalyst Spray that infuses water with more air for a more robust water droplet that retains heat, and the Microbubble Spray that produces tiny bubbles.

The All-in-One Cleansing Device will have you wondering how you ever lived without it. It magnetically docks into the center of the handshower, transforming your showerhead into a multifunction beauty tool. It features four brush heads — Face Brush, Body Brush, Body Massager and Body Scrub — that rotate at a choice of three speeds. It truly is an innovation that turns your shower into a spa. Another plus: It’s a simple retrofit installation that anyone can do.

Set the mood. Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Tuck those rubber duckies and other toys away, stow your spouse’s products under the sink and toss any used towels into the laundry basket. Then, dim the lights and break out the candles, your favorite playlist of soothing music and a sprig of eucalyptus or whatever scent you love.

Gather your products. This is the time for pampering, so grab a deep conditioner for your hair, your favorite body wash and other special products.

Practice mindful showering. Focus on the sensations of the warm water, scents, steam and your luxurious products.

Customize the experience. For a truly upscale shower, Kohler’s Anthem+ allows you to control all of your functions digitally. You can control steam and temperature for up to 12 shower outlets from one intuitive interface. Just one great feature: You can preset preferences for up to nine users. So, you can have the shower ready to go just as you like it, and so can your spouse, your teenagers, and any visitors.

With the right tools and a little planning, you can transform your shower from a step-in-step-out dash into a mindful routine of self-care that you can enjoy every morning or whenever the mood strikes.

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Twice as nice: Step-by-step tips for painting a room two colors

2024-10-10T08:17:00

(BPT) – If your walls could talk, what would the paint color say about you? You’re bold? Calm? Sophisticated? Whatever the answer would be, painting a wall multiple colors is an affordable, yet impactful, way to uniquely express your personality. A two-toned wall is an interior design technique that utilizes two paint colors on the same wall, allowing you to express your individual style and add dimension to a flat surface. No matter your comfort or skill level, follow these steps to achieve professional-level results and showcase your creativity.

  • Prepare to paint: To get ready for painting, gather all necessary supplies, like a drop cloth, primer, a paintbrush, a roller and painter’s tape. Remove as much furniture as possible, covering any large items with a tarp. Using a sponge, wipe the walls with warm soapy water, then repair any cracks or holes with putty and sand the surface smooth. If you’re painting over a dark color, apply a primer as a base coat to ensure an even foundation.
  • Measure and mark: To create a dynamic color-blocking effect on your walls, start by determining where the colors will meet and mark the spot with a pencil or chalk, using a straight edge for precision. Color blocking can be executed horizontally or vertically, or with additional creative options like diagonals or geometric patterns. A horizontal scheme splits the wall, making the room feel longer, while a vertical approach enhances the sense of height and openness, especially in open floor plans.
  • Apply painter’s tape: Regardless of your chosen approach, using painter’s tape, such as FrogTape® brand painter’s tape, is essential for achieving clean lines. It’s treated with exclusive PaintBlock® Technology to seal tape edges and prevent paint bleed — critical in this type of project. Apply the tape along the marked line to create sharp edges where each color begins and ends. Use a firm plastic tool to eliminate gaps and seal edges. And, be sure to tape adjacent surfaces, including baseboards, ceilings and walls.
  • Paint the light color: To achieve full coverage, apply the light base color one coat at a time, starting by “cutting in” along the tape with a paintbrush and then using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, using as many coats as needed for the desired look.
  • Paint the dark color: After completing the light color, repeat the painting process by cutting in along the tape with small brush strokes and using a roller to fill in the rest of the section. Keep adding coats until you achieve the finished product you have in mind.
  • Remove the painter’s tape: For best results, remove the tape while the paint is still wet, pulling slowly at a 45-degree angle to reveal a room that pops with personality.

Two-tone walls can transform a space to reflect your style with just a simple change. With the right supplies, techniques and color selections, you can create a look that you’re proud of, regardless of your skill level. For more step-by-step project tutorials, tips and tricks and creative inspiration, visit FrogTape.com.