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Now’s the time: Why clearer recommendations are needed for flu vaccines

2022-02-17T09:31:00

(BPT) – By Michael Greenberg, MD, MPH, Vice President and North America Medical Head of Vaccines at Sanofi

Public health agencies have one objective above all others — keeping people healthy. Vaccines are the greatest example of a public health tool with profound impact on reducing illness and death from infectious diseases, like seasonal flu.

Every year, all eligible Americans are encouraged to get vaccinated against seasonal flu to prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits. For those at higher risk of severe flu-related complications, like older adults, the message to get a flu vaccine is even more pressing.

But what if there was a flu vaccine with proven effectiveness at protecting this vulnerable population? Shouldn’t we ensure older adults are getting this vaccine? This month, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is evaluating data so that it can provide clearer guidance for flu vaccines for these populations.

As it stands, the flu vaccine recommendations do not distinguish between flu vaccines available for adults 65 years and older. The recommendations just state that everyone eligible should get their shot. However, there is one flu vaccine available that is specifically formulated for older adults that includes more antigen to stimulate stronger immune response, making it a true high-dose vaccine. With more antigen — the part that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses — this flu vaccine may provide better protection against flu than standard dose vaccines, which are generally administered in populations under 65.

Flu prevention in the form of a high-dose vaccine is important for older adults because they suffer the greatest burden from seasonal flu. Older adults represent the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and account for six times the number of deaths from flu-related complications compared to all other age groups combined. Older adults are particularly at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory complications. There is a 10x increased risk of heart attack during the week after influenza detection and an 8x increased risk of stroke in the days following an influenza infection.

To help reduce this burden, we need to give older adults better protection and to specifically recommend the only available and approved high-dose vaccine versus a standard dose for the over 65 population. In fact, a study published in NEJM showed that this high-dose vaccine was 24% more effective in preventing flu in adults over age 65 compared with a standard-dose vaccine. A separate study published in the Lancet found that adults over 65 who received that same high-dose vaccine had a lower risk of hospital admission versus adults over 65 who received a standard-dose vaccine, especially those living in long-term care facilities.

Older adults know the importance of flu vaccines — adults over 65 get vaccinated at higher rates than the rest of the population — but they may not be aware which flu vaccine is best for their body and why. Patients look to their doctors and pharmacists to have their best interests in mind, but doctors and pharmacists look to guidance from public health authorities to make the best decisions based on the available science. Why not help ensure the best possible health conditions for older adults during flu season by designating a priority flu vaccine in this population?

The time to make a change is now. For over 10 years flu vaccine guidance hasn’t changed, but this month, there’s an opportunity to continue the conversation and make meaningful recommendations to impact communities most at risk. ACIP should recommend the priority high-dose flu vaccine for older adults to avoid exacerbating the burden of flu on the individuals who suffer most each year.

Michael Greenberg, MD, MPH is Vice President and North America Medical Head of Vaccines at Sanofi. With nearly 30 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Greenberg is an experienced medical adviser who wants to spread awareness of the importance of vaccination in protecting public health.

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To better protect older adults from the flu, we need to follow the science

2022-02-17T17:21:03

(BPT) – By Elaine O’Hara, Head of North America Commercial Operations for Vaccines at Sanofi

Older adults have different needs and biology than younger adults: the aging process affects metabolism, weakens the immune system, and increases the likelihood of underlying chronic illnesses. While the seasonal flu can cause severe complications in anyone, these biological changes put older adults at higher risk for more severe complications and affect how the immune systems of older adults respond to flu vaccines.

In fact, recent data showed an estimated 70-85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occurred in adults 65 years and older. Complications from the flu can exacerbate quickly without therapeutic treatment in the early stages of infection. More serious complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure in people with underlying chronic diseases. There are also other risks that may not be as obvious: flu can increase the risk of heart attack by three to five times and stroke by two to three times in the first two weeks of infection for adults over 65. This results in a six-fold higher risk of dying from the flu and flu-related complications.

In older adults, flu vaccines formulated for the general adult population known as standard dose may not provoke a strong enough response to flu. To combat this, a vaccine formulated specifically for older adults, known as high dose, contains four times the antigen, the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses, and is intended to generate a better immune response to vaccination in older adults, resulting in better protection against flu.

And the science has proven this. A study published in NEJM showed that the only available high-dose vaccine was 24% more effective in preventing flu in adults over age 65 compared with a standard-dose vaccine. A second study published in the Lancet found that adults over 65 who received that same high-dose vaccine had a lower risk of hospital admission versus adults over 65 who received a standard-dose vaccine, especially those living in long-term care facilities.

The problem is: older adults don’t know to ask for the vaccine with the formulation that’s best for their body. They rely on their doctors and pharmacists to make that choice for them. And doctors and pharmacists look to the guidance from health authorities on making those decisions. Today, those guidelines aren’t as clear as they need to be and there’s an opportunity to make specific recommendations on vaccines proven to best protect older Americans.

We know an annual flu vaccine is the most important way to protect older adults from the most serious complications of the flu. This month, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is evaluating data so that it can provide clearer guidance for flu vaccines to ensure older adults have the best chance at fighting the flu and lowering their overall burden of disease. We must follow the science to protect older adults from preventable severe illness.

Elaine O’Hara is Head of North America Commercial Operations for Vaccines at Sanofi. She is committed to contributing to the development of vaccinations that continue to positively impact lives across the globe.

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7 steps to keep you on the path to healthy aging

2022-02-17T12:13:56

(BPT) – As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

“Aging well is living well and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple — and fun — steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness:

1) Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns.

2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. Cold and flu season has arrived, so now is the time to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine if you haven’t already. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats.

4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community.

5) Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist and medication.

6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes — over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics — to support mental enrichment.

7) Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com.

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5 ways to teach your kids the basics of finances

2022-02-16T23:01:01

(BPT) – Paid Content by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

As you may have learned, making bad financial decisions when you’re young can affect your life for years to come. On the other hand, making good financial choices early makes it easier to do important things like buying a home. It may seem hard to teach your kids about things like budgeting, but without that solid foundation, navigating their finances will be harder when they’re grown up. Teaching your kids the value of a dollar now — and providing them with tools to manage their own finances — can help set them up for a lifetime of success.

Here are some tips to consider for helping your kids learn about finances from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

1. Practice saving habits

One thing kids can learn is how everyday actions add up over time. Not everything they take for granted is free, and because you have to pay for things like electricity, heating and water, it’s best not to waste them — both for your wallet and the environment. Model and explain behaviors everyone can do that save money:

  • Turn off lights when leaving rooms
  • Decrease water usage (not letting the faucet run while brushing teeth, for example)
  • Turn down heat at night or when leaving the house

2. Teach delayed gratification

Learning patience is an essential part of growing up. As an adult, you wait for paychecks, and to save enough money to buy things you need or want. Kids who can work toward a future goal or reward will be more successful in school, with their finances — and in their careers.

  • No in-app purchases — It’s tempting to fall for offers for add-ons while playing games, but kids need to learn to resist impulses and plan ahead if they want something.
  • Only purchasing on certain days such as birthdays, holidays or allowance days teaches self-control, patience — and the fun of anticipation!

Knowing the difference between needing and wanting things also goes a long way toward developing good spending habits.

3. Manage a savings account

When kids are young, they can learn to save money — ideally in a clear container so they can see it grow. When they’re older, kids can learn how to keep track of a real bank account, with your help. As they grow, they will learn not only that their savings increase, but that a bank account may allow them to earn small amounts of interest, building up savings even more.

4. Help them earn

Even if you give your kids an allowance, you can also offer opportunities to earn by doing extra chores. When they’re old enough to get jobs like babysitting or lawnmowing, help them keep track of what they earn and plan for the future — like setting aside money for college.

Today there are multiple apps to help kids track chore or allowance money, budget and save toward goals.

5. Teach big picture principles

Discussing money can help kids understand how the world works, protecting them from making mistakes when they’re on their own. Kids should understand that your income helps to pay for your home, car, utilities and food, and that credit cards aren’t free. Explain how credit cards charge interest, so you shouldn’t spend more than you can pay off each month.

It’s important that kids learn how good financial habits help you build a solid credit score, so you’ll be able to make major purchases later, like buying a home. You can explain how buying a home is a long-term investment that’s important to your family’s stability. Fortunately, even when the housing market makes homebuying challenging, there are more affordable alternatives, such as manufactured housing. Manufactured homes are built to standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, constructed with quality materials, and typically meet or exceed the specifications of site-built homes. Because of innovative building practices, they are typically available at a more affordable price point.

To see how much you may be able to afford on a home based on your monthly budget, check out this mortgage calculator at VMF.com. Experimenting with this calculator is one way you can physically show your kids the impact of their earnings.

With these tips, and keeping to simple, straightforward explanations, you should be able to help your child learn how finances work, and what they can do now to learn good habits that will be with them for years to come.

All loans are subject to credit approval.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., and its dba Silverton Mortgage, 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law License and Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking, Rhode Island Licensed Lender.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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How to Choose the Best Skincare Products for Healthy, Glowy Skin

2022-02-16T06:01:00

(BPT) – With all the skincare products out there, and more popping up all the time, it can be very confusing to figure out what you need. Between the different acids, vitamins and antioxidants, most of us can’t decipher what’s on the labels without a chemistry degree.

A breakthrough skin health brand has introduced a new concept in skincare that aims to take some of the guesswork out of the process. It’s called Dr.Age®.

According to Dr.Age founder, plastic surgeon Nikolaos Metaxotos, M.D., Ph.D., “My approach to medical aesthetics is to achieve maximum efficacy with minimum disruption of the natural functions of the skin. Every part of the face and body has different properties and needs that cannot be addressed with all products and treatments. Dr.Age aims to micro-manage all skin needs with the precision and efficacy of a plastic surgeon and to approach each goal individually.”

The Dr.Age philosophy is based on the way a plastic surgeon would analyze your face. Every anatomical region of the face has different qualities and needs that must be addressed in a unique way, according to Dr. Metaxotos.

Veteran beauty writer and editor Cheryl Kramer Kaye in New York City shares her insights on skincare trends. “As a writer, it’s my job to keep an eye on the hottest ingredients and big-picture market shifts, like the current moves toward clean beauty, sustainable packaging and minimalism. But as a consumer, I just want to know what works. What impresses me about Dr.Age is that the brand skillfully incorporates trend with the tried and true. The brand’s team of medical experts is committed to high-quality ingredients chosen based on proven science and performance rather than popularity.”

So, what ingredients should you look for in facial skincare products to really make a difference in your skin?

Here are five to know:

Antioxidants

These potent ingredients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, and polyphenols derived from plants, help protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution.

Find it in Dr.Age Microlift Face Serum that softens wrinkles and improves uneven skin tone. $130 USD + Tax

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid in our skin attracts moisture and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It also gives skin its plumpness and spring.

Find it in Dr.Age Hyaluronic Acid H20 Facial Spray that refreshes and hydrates all skin types. $61 USD + Tax

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this powerful antioxidant improves skin texture and tone, and minimizes lines, wrinkles and pigment changes. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help to prevent redness.

Find it in Dr.Age Prime Age Line Smoother that targets signs of aging including dehydration, collagen, elastin and thinning skin. $159 USD + Tax

Peptides

Found in all human cells, peptides are essential for your skin’s structure and function, and they stimulate collagen boosting.

Find it in Dr.Age 3D Contour Face Serum, a concentrated silky serum that targets skin firmness and elasticity. $176 USD + Tax

Arbutin

Arbutin is a gentle skin brightener used to prevent extra production of melanin. It can fade hyperpigmentation, including age spots, acne scars and melasma.

Find it in Dr.Age Skin Perfector Face Cream, a super-charged age-reversing cream. $121 USD + Tax

“The Dr.Age skincare range features a limited array of moisturizers, peels, masks, ampoules and exclusive luxe serums formulated with innovative results-driven ingredients that can change the quality of your skin with continued use,” says Bonnie Marting, DNP, ARNP, Director of Medical Aesthetics at Anushka Spa in West Palm Beach, FL. “I appreciate that the essential ingredients were selected in collaboration with plastic surgeons and cosmetic chemists for their potency, safety and efficacy.”

All Dr.Age products are paraben- and GMO-free and have not been tested on animals. Wherever ingredients originating from palm are used in our formulations, they are derived from sustainable resources. Also, 15 out of 17 Dr.Age products are vegan.

To find Dr.Age products and protocols, visit https://www.doctor-age.com/ and Amazon.

Follow Dr.Age @dr.age_official.

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Expecting More: One Man’s Psoriasis Journey to Clearer Skin

2022-02-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – If it were just one year earlier, Paul wouldn’t have had the guts to strike up a conversation with a woman in the lobby of their office building – an interaction that would lead to 19 years of marriage. He would have lacked the confidence because of what he now knows was an undiagnosed case of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, flaky and sometimes painful patches, known as “plaques,” to appear on the skin.

Paul’s journey with this issue began 30 years ago when the plaques spread to cover most of his body.

“It became so bad I wasn’t going out, and I wasn’t even attempting to date because it was all over my face,” says Paul.

Despite living in a warm climate, Paul wore pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid uncomfortable questions or stares from strangers. Recognizing his symptoms were having a significant impact on him physically and emotionally, he finally reached out to a dermatologist for help treating his plaque psoriasis.

Paul cycled through many topicals and phototherapy, and started to become more social, even having the confidence to finally ask out his future wife. However, Paul wasn’t completely satisfied with the skin clearance. While his condition had improved, he still had some plaques on his skin.

Unwilling to settle, he sought care from a new dermatologist. Together, they decided to start treatment with SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa), a biologic medicine for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

“Since beginning SKYRIZI, I’ve been pleased with my results,” says Paul. His story of achieving greater skin clearance with SKYRIZI when topicals and phototherapy weren’t enough echoes that of other plaque psoriasis patients. In clinical trials, 3 out of 4 people achieved 90 percent clearer skin at four months, after just two doses. Of those who achieved 90 percent clearer skin, nearly 9 out of 10 people sustained 90 percent clearer skin through one year.

SKYRIZI may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious allergic reactions: Stop using SKYRIZI and get emergency medical help right away if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
  • Infections: SKYRIZI may increase your risk of infections. Before starting treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor right away if you have an infection or symptoms of one.

Do not use SKYRIZI if you are allergic to risankizumab-rzaa or any of the ingredients in SKYRIZI.

Also, tell your doctor if you plan to or recently received a vaccine.

Paul credits his skin clearance to partnering with his dermatologist like a teammate, ensuring he shared his treatment goals and how he felt about his results.

“It’s crucial to be your own advocate when working with your doctor by having clear goals and communicating openly. With appropriate treatment, clearer skin may be possible,” says Paul.

Dermatologist April Armstrong, MD, MPH, states there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to psoriasis management but advises there are ways to help get psoriasis treatment right from the start.

“When creating a treatment plan with patients, we need to consider both disease severity and psoriasis symptoms. Establishing and maintaining an open, honest line of communication is essential because it ensures treatment plans will align with a patient’s changing needs and priorities,” she says.

Dr. Armstrong adds that doctors should consider how quickly and durably a treatment works, in addition to safety, dosing, and administration, to determine what will help meet the patient’s goals and preferences.

Like many people living with psoriasis, Paul prioritizes his time. With SKYRIZI, his dosing schedule is four times a year after two starter doses, which fits his lifestyle.

Paul admits he may never have met the love of his life if he hadn’t decided to advocate for himself and seek help for his psoriasis. He now knows firsthand the importance of finding care from a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis.

“With an understanding of my goals and preferences, and the risks and benefits of different treatment options, my doctor and I determined SKYRIZI was the right choice for me,” Paul states. “However, every patient needs to work with their doctor to find a treatment option that’s right for them.”

Paul’s story shows the value of being your own advocate and admitting when you want more clearance.

“Had it not been for speaking up, I never would have gotten the clearance I wanted.”

USE for SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa)

SKYRIZI is a prescription medicine used to treat adults:

  • with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy).
  • with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa)?

SKYRIZI is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious allergic reactions:

  • Stop using SKYRIZI and get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
    • fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
    • swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
    • trouble breathing or throat tightness
    • chest tightness
    • skin rash, hives
    • itching

Infections:

SKYRIZI may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with SKYRIZI and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with SKYRIZI if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with SKYRIZI.

  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:
    • fever, sweats, or chills
    • cough
    • shortness of breath
    • blood in your mucus (phlegm)
    • muscle aches
    • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis
    • weight loss
    • diarrhea or stomach pain
    • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal

Do not use SKYRIZI if you are allergic to risankizumab-rzaa or any of the ingredients in SKYRIZI.

Before using SKYRIZI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions,
including if you:

  • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI?”
  • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back.
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). Medications that interact with the immune system may increase your risk of getting an infection after receiving live vaccines. You should avoid receiving live vaccines right before, during, or right after treatment with SKYRIZI. Tell your healthcare provider that you are taking SKYRIZI before receiving a vaccine.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if SKYRIZI can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SKYRIZI passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of SKYRIZI?

SKYRIZI may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about SKYRIZI?”

The most common side effects of SKYRIZI include upper respiratory infections, feeling tired, fungal skin infections, headache, and injection site reactions.

These are not all the possible side effects of SKYRIZI. Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects.

Use SKYRIZI exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

SKYRIZI is available in a 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe and pen.

This is not a complete summary of all safety information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SKYRIZI.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

Learn more about SKYRIZI at SKYRIZI.com.

Sponsored by AbbVie.

US-SKZD-210585

– trouble breathing or throat tightness

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Actress and TV Personality Sherri Shepherd Shares Her Three-Step Plan for Managing Diabetes

2022-02-16T10:19:00

(BPT) – Growing up, Sherri Shepherd was very familiar with diabetes. Her family and community called it “the sugar,” a non-threatening name for a serious condition that ended up taking her mother’s life. “The sugar” was something that sounded sweet, but later turned her life upside down — thankfully, for the better.

While more than 34 million Americans[i] have some form of diabetes, when Sherri was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, she shrugged it off. Given everyone in her family had diabetes, she saw the diagnosis and the idea of living with the condition as a way of life — it simply seemed inevitable that she would develop it too. At the time, she didn’t realize the choices she was making about her diet and exercise could help change the course of her diagnosis.

A week ahead of starting a new and exciting career, as a co-host of The View, Sherri was officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which is approximately 90 to 95% of all U.S. diabetes cases[ii]. As Sherri dealt with the nerves of starting this new career and chapter in her life, she also struggled with her new diagnosis. However, she made a promise to herself, and to her son, that she would take her diagnosis and her health seriously moving forward.

Taking a no-nonsense approach to her diagnosis, Sherri’s doctor armed her with a comprehensive treatment that included new and healthy habits that ultimately taught her how to manage her diabetes through diet and exercise. The immediate and proactive plan led to a shift in Sherri’s life she never thought possible, a shift to the healthiest life she has ever lived. Now, Sherri follows a three-part plan to manage her diabetes and maintain the healthy lifestyle she has grown accustomed to.

Planning Healthy Meals with Just a Plate

One way Sherri manages her diabetes is by following the “plate method.” She fills half her plate with low-glycemic foods like green salads, veggie slaws and grilled peppers and onions. Next, one-fourth of her plate is filled with whole grains, starchy vegetables or beans, like fresh peas, savory black beans, hummus or brown rice. Finally, the remaining quarter of her plate is a lean protein, like grilled salmon, chicken breast or spicy tofu. “I used to never eat vegetables unless they were covered in cheese,” said Shepherd, “but I found with my new diet there can be fun ways to make delicious, healthy meals.”

15 Minutes a Day: A Guide to Staying Active

Sherri is also committed to staying active. On days when she can’t make it to the gym, she has set a minimum goal of 15 active minutes, no matter what. Throughout the day, Sherri looks for ways to get active while doing household activities. Whether it’s vacuuming the house or cleaning out a closet, working in her garden or riding a bike, she’ll sneak in lunges while moving around the house or do pushups against the kitchen counter while cooking a healthy meal. Sherri says that looking for new ways to get her body moving keeps her motivated to meet those 15 minutes a day.

Know Your Numbers

Finally, Sherri has made it a habit to stay on top of her glucose levels. She recently switched to using a continuous glucose monitoring system which provides her with minute-by-minute glucose readings, real-time alarms letting her know when her glucose is too high or low and time in range reports so she understands what’s happening inside her body throughout the day. After choosing the FreeStyle Libre 2 from Abbott, she is now leveraging the system’s mobile app to help her see how her diet and exercise positively affect her glucose levels in real time, on the go and right from her phone.

By committing to her three-part plan of diet, exercise and knowing her numbers, Sherri has brought her HbA1c levels down to a healthy 5.4%. “I want to show others living with diabetes that nothing is written in stone. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m living proof that not only can you manage type 2 diabetes — you can thrive in spite of it, if you put in the work,” said Shepherd.

For more information on the FreeStyle Libre system and to request a free sample, visit www.freestyle.abbott/us-en.

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre 2 system: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre 2 system as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/safety-information.html.

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Wi-Fi is Powering Americans’ Most Meaningful Moments – Here’s How

2022-02-16T11:01:00

(BPT) – Americans have spent more time at home in the last two years than ever before. This is a huge shift, but thanks to modern technology, being home doesn’t mean being alone. Internet home connectivity brings people together, facilitating work, school, hobbies, special events and much more.

Connected devices in the home help families continue to live well and do the things they love. In 2021, nearly a billion unique devices connected to Wi-Fi in Xfinity xFi households — a 12X increase from 2018. Americans continue to rely on home connectivity to pursue the most meaningful aspects of their lives. According to Xfinity xFi research, the top trends in home connectivity typically fit into four categories: wellness, work, parenting and entertainment.

Wellness

Health became a top priority — and the fastest growing device category — in 2021 as Americans continued to place greater importance on their wellness. It’s likely you or someone you know has a health device such as a smartwatch, fitness tracker or connected exercise machine like a stationary bike. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2018, smartwatches/trackers connected to WiFi in Xfinity households has increased 39X for a total of 49 million. Exercise equipment connected to WiFi also increased 93X for a total of almost 841,000 devices in the same amount of time. With more time at home, people can prioritize their health, and these types of devices empower the individual’s health journey.

Work

Remote work continues to be a reality for millions of Americans. Working professionals saw a major shift in priorities as they transitioned from the office to their own homes — something that would not have been possible without reliable Wi-Fi. Internet connectivity will continue to be important, with companies announcing plans to continue remote or hybrid work for employees. However work schedules evolve, connectivity makes many careers possible as well as supports businesses and the associated economic growth.

Parenting

The connected home continues to give options to parents who want to use the internet to help their kids learn, grow and play. Virtual learning is possible thanks to connected devices, not to mention provides kids the ability to stay connected to friends and family via video chat and online messaging.

However, there is also a time when these devices need to be turned off so kids can focus on other things, such as family time or getting ready for bed. With xFi, a digital dashboard set up to help Xfinity customers manage their home Wi-Fi network, parents have visibility over internet use and the ability to set parental controls like pausing connectivity at any time. In fact, parents hit pause on their Wi-Fi nearly 100 million times in 2021. In the same year, more than 477,000 customers created a total of more than 1 million “downtime” schedules, with the most popular moment being bedtime — followed by homework and dinnertime. With the ability to pause devices at a moment’s notice, parents can gain greater control over the relationship their children have with technology.

Entertainment

As the pandemic continues, home internet has made it possible for Americans to do many activities, whether it’s following along with a video tutorial to cook a new recipe, meeting up with family for a special virtual celebration or streaming a favorite movie.

Gaming is another category that continues to grow as a main form of connected entertainment. Surveys show that more than three-quarters of the U.S. population viewed themselves as “frequent gamers” who play at least once per week and there were more than 36 million gaming consoles connected to Wi-Fi last year, a 15X increase from 2018.

Despite all the different ways you can use Wi-Fi at home, most Americans (41%) identified themselves as “streamers” in 2021, confirming this was their main form of Wi-Fi usage during the year. In fact, streaming devices represents the 2nd fastest growing device category with approximately 119 million devices connected to Wi-Fi — a 14X increase from 2018.

“The ecosystem of connected devices in the home and the applications running on them has exploded over the last few years, driving a shift in consumers’ perceptions on what truly is important to their connectivity experience,” said Sophie Ahmad, Chief Marketing Officer of Xfinity Consumer Service, Comcast Cable. “Unbeatable Internet that provides the best connection, complete security, faster speeds and the best tech is now integral to how Americans work, exercise, parent, and entertain.”

The connected home is the home of the future, providing opportunities for people to thrive and enjoy what’s most important to them. Learn more at Xfinity.com.