Month: May 2023

2023-05-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – This content is sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and is intended for U.S. audiences only. Debra is an actual patient who is taking RADICAVA^® (edaravone).

The information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Individual results may vary. Please see Important Safety Information below, full Prescribing Information and Patient Information on Radicava.com.

Who I Am and How I Find Joy

I retired after working for 30 years in the medical field. I’m used to being the one everyone turns to for care, so having ALS and accepting help has been a real adjustment for me.

I try to focus on the important things beyond my ALS. One thing that brings me much joy is spending time with my new grandbaby. She’s 20 months old and being with her reminds me how precious every day on this earth really is.

My Journey to ALS Diagnosis

Around six months prior to being diagnosed, I’d lost 60 pounds and couldn’t swallow. My doctor in Nashville did a scope to see what the diagnosis could be. After the scope she woke me right up and said, “Debra, I think it’s ALS.” So, mentally I prepared myself to hear the news as best as I could — but I don’t think you can truly be ready for that kind of diagnosis.

My husband was with me the day I was diagnosed, and he asked the physician “What can we do?” The physician told him “You just need to take her home and enjoy every minute.” My husband is very supportive, and my family has been right there with me at every step.

Learning How to “Embrace My Now” and Live My Life with ALS

I have Bulbar ALS, so my speech is affected, which I sometimes feel insecure about. But that doesn’t stop me from living my life and doing the things that make me happy. I “Embrace My Now” by enjoying being outside, tending to the garden, and planting new seeds. Today, I’m lucky that I’m still able to drive and do everything I need to do.

Thankfully, I get a lot of support from important people in my life, like the nurse practitioner I see for my ALS care. She’s somebody who really listens, and I’m so happy with the help she gives me. And after my diagnosis, my sister and I have become very close. She’s my go-to person who listens when I need to talk, and she’s been a huge source of support. She’s my ride-or-die partner.

How I Chose to Focus on Fighting

I went back to work the day after I was diagnosed and didn’t really accept that I had ALS. But being in the medical field for over 30 years helped me research the disease and options available. It was then that I chose to fight every day and not quit. Everybody’s journey is different, but I decided to get up every day and keep going.

How I Found RADICAVA^® and Started on RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone)

In my research about ALS treatments, I found out about RADICAVA^®. I spoke to my doctor about wanting to try it, and she agreed it would be a good option for me, so I began taking Radicava^® IV infusions in 2019.

Talk to your doctor to see if RADICAVA^® is right for you.

I kept up with the latest research and knew when the oral form — RADICAVA ORS^® — got approved. I was very excited by the news, so I contacted my doctor and asked her if I was a candidate to switch. She said yes, and I recently started RADICAVA ORS^®.

RADICAVA ORS^® really fits into my life’s routines. I’d encourage people with ALS to talk with their doctor about RADICAVA^®.

Want to learn more about RADICAVA^® Watch the How RADICAVA^® May Help video at HowRadicavaMayHelp.com.

Individual results may vary. RADICAVA^® is shown to slow the loss of physical function as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R).

Talk to your doctor about all the benefits and risks associated with treatment.

RADICAVA IV and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) IV or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA IV and RADICAVA ORS.

Please See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information and Patient Information on RADICAVA.com.

My Experience with RADICAVA ORS^®

Knowing that a lot of people with ALS already use RADICAVA^® made me feel more comfortable to start treatment. My doctor tells me how much RADICAVA ORS^® to take and how often to take it. I follow the same schedule I did with infusions — 10 days on and then off for 2 weeks. With the oral treatment, I don’t have to sit and wait for an infusion to go in, so I think it’s a lot more comfortable for me. I also like that it shakes up well and is convenient for me to take at home. If I could sum up the experience of switching from RADICAVA^® IV to RADICAVA ORS^®, it would be streamlined administration.

I make sure to follow these instructions my doctor told me:

• Take RADICAVA ORS^® first thing every morning after fasting overnight
• Wait at least 1 hour after taking it before eating or drinking anything except water
• RADICAVA ORS^® should be stored upright at room temperature between 68°F-77°F and protected from light
• Read the Instructions for Use before you take RADICAVA ORS^®

My Advice to Others Living with ALS

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about what options are available to you. Everybody’s journey is different with ALS, and everybody progresses at different levels. I don’t know any other people that have ALS, so hearing others’ stories was really helpful for me to not feel so alone. I wanted to share my story because I know it will help people like me who need to hear others’ experiences.

If you want to hear more from me, you can watch my video at DebraALSStory.com.

Sharing My Story
When I was diagnosed with ALS, I was lucky to have people in my personal life, like my sister and husband, that I could talk to about my thoughts and feelings. I’m grateful for their support but hearing from others living with ALS about their treatment experience through the Share Your Story program has been comforting. The Share Your Story program allows real people living with ALS and/or their caregivers to share their own experiences of living with ALS and why treatment with RADICAVA^® or RADICAVA ORS^® matters to them.

Interested in sharing your story about ALS and RADICAVA^®? Learn more about participating in the Share Your Story program at ShareYourALSStory.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS.

Before you take RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma.
• are allergic to other medicines.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS passes into your breastmilk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS or breastfeed.

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 RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS?

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS may cause serious side effects, including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

• Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA or taking RADICAVA ORS and can happen after your medicine has been given.
• RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects and allergic reactions.

The most common side effects include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch or Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058.

INDICATION
RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

For more information, including full Prescribing Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com.

RADICAVA^® and RADICAVA ORS^® are registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.

© 2023 Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. All rights reserved.

CP-OE-US-0494 4/23

2023-05-01T10:31:00

(BPT) – If you’re searching for tips on how to improve what you eat, you’ll often be met with information that’s more confusing than helpful. To help solve this mystery, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Amy Shapiro shares not only what she advises her clients to eat, but what she reaches for each day, including her favorite sources of protein.

Up your protein intake at meals

Your body needs protein to help maintain, build, and repair muscle, bones, skin, hair and other basic functions, so it’s important to look for ways to boost your intake at every meal. But what are the best sources of protein?

“My favorite protein sources include cold water fish like tuna, which provides omega 3 fatty acids, plus organic poultry, grass-fed beef, beans and legumes, organic tofu, tempeh, eggs, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese,” Shapiro notes. “All of them provide roughly 7 grams of protein per ounce and contain limited amounts of saturated fat, which you want to eat less of, because saturated fat causes cholesterol to increase, which can lead to heart disease.”

Snacks are an underused opportunity to boost protein

Protein is digested slowly to keep you feeling satisfied longer, without increasing blood sugar levels. By integrating more protein into your snacks, you’ll have more energy and will feel fuller between meals, which can help prevent cravings and overeating.

While you may not immediately think of protein sources when snack time rolls around, Shapiro offers several suggestions for easy, tasty, and portable options that can help add more essential nutrients to your day.

“The best snack choices provide the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition and quality,” says Shapiro.

For busy families, Shapiro recommends protein snacks that can easily be taken on-the-go including:

• Beef jerky
• Beef sticks
• Sealed pack tuna
• Whole grain and seed crackers
• Greek yogurt
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cheese sticks
• Crunchy edamame

Pair proteins with fresh produce

To get the nutrients your body needs to thrive, Shapiro recommends including as many different colors of fresh produce as you can, every day.

“Fill up your crisper drawers. You can find fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit at most grocers, but I love a good farmers market haul where the food tastes fresh and the seasonal ingredients are abundant,” says Shapiro. “Pair your proteins and produce, such as hummus and veggies, for a hit of fiber, or a beef stick with bright citrus fruit to support hunger and cravings.”

Choosing the best meat-based proteins

When it comes to beef, there are two main options: grain-fed and grass-fed. Shapiro says that the benefit of choosing 100% grass-fed beef is that it is leaner and has a lower saturated fat content than grain-fed beef. Due to its lower fat content, grass-fed beef is also lower in calories than grain-fed options. Grass-fed beef also has higher omega-3 fatty acids that could help lower bad cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Options include 100% lean ground beef, 100% grass-fed steak and 100% grass-fed beef jerky.

For snacking in-transit, Shapiro opts for protein snacks from Lorissa’s Kitchen, including their 100% grass-fed Beef Sticks (Original and Jalapeno flavors) and Beef Strips (Original and Korean Barbecue flavors). Lorissa’s Kitchen snacks are a good source of protein, gluten free and contain no preservatives, added nitrites or nitrates. Even better, they deliver on the taste, nutrition and convenience families are looking for. Stock up on their Mini Beef Stick Snack Packs or 1-ounce single serve sticks for a lightweight snack that’s ready to go wherever you’re going, whether that’s work or a workout, a sporting event or a road trip.

“Beef jerky and sticks made from grass-fed beef are an easy, on-the-go snack option that can help fuel you throughout the day, and are good for post-workout recovery,” adds Shapiro. “Whole foods are a must, but when convenience and ease are top of mind, portable snacks like jerky and beef sticks made with grass-fed beef are great choices.”

Looking for more snacking tips? Visit LorissasKitchen.com/blog.

2023-05-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – No matter where you live, biking is a great way to get outdoors and be active. Whether it’s for pleasure, to exercise or for commuting purposes, biking has numerous physical and mental benefits — the key is to do it safely.

“Biking is a low-impact resistance exercise that is great for building muscles, improving coordination and increasing mobility, but just like any physical activity, biking comes with risks. Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, concussions, muscle strains and sprains. You can significantly lower that risk by taking safety precautions and following the rules of the road,” said Amy L. McIntosh, MD, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon, Scottish Rite for Children, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

May is National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of bicycle safety all year long. The AAOS shares the following information about bicycle injury prevention and strategies for how you and your family can stay safe.

Common bicycle injuries

There were more than 325,000 preventable bike-related injuries in the U.S. in 2020, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, muscle strains and sprains. However, serious injuries, including death, do occur. According to the NSC, there were nearly 1,260 preventable bicycle-related deaths in 2020.

Helmet safety

No matter what your age or level of experience, you should wear a helmet every time you bike. Cuts, bruises and even broken bones will heal, but damage to your brain can be permanent. Even a low-speed fall can result in serious head injury. When choosing a helmet, make sure it is:

• Snug — It should not slide from side-to-side or front-to-back.
• Level — It should be square on top of your head, covering the top of the forehead. It should not tilt in any direction.
• Stable — The chin strap keeps the helmet from rocking in any direction. Chin straps should be replaced if any part of the buckle breaks. Otherwise, a helmet may fly off in an accident.

Road safety rules

When biking, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road. Start by familiarizing yourself with the bicycle rules of the road in your city or state, and do not ride if you are looking at your phone or mobile device. Pull over to the side to change your music, check your map or answer a call. Ride in the direction of traffic and always follow traffic signs and lights. Signal your turns or your intentions so that drivers can anticipate your actions, and if you are riding with others, ride in single file.

“Staying alert and aware of your surroundings — even when traffic appears light — can help bicyclists to prevent musculoskeletal injuries,” added Dr. McIntosh.

Choose bike routes wisely

Avoid riding on high-traffic roads and instead select streets with fewer and slower cars. Whenever possible, choose streets with designated bicycle lanes. If there is not a bicycle lane, ride on the right shoulder of the road. When a street lane is too narrow for a vehicle and bicycle to safely ride side by side, or if there are several parked cars on the street, you will need to join traffic and ride toward the center of the road.

Pace yourself and prevent injuries

Cycling can be vigorous exercise, so make sure you are fit enough to participate before you start pedaling. Make sure you understand how to use the gears on your bike to help control your physical exertion level. Additionally, change riding positions periodically to reduce stress on pressure points and avoid overstressing muscles. Finally, stay hydrated by bringing water, especially on longer rides.

Supervise young riders

Whether it’s their first ride or they’ve been cycling for a few years, younger riders benefit from someone watching and advising them. Younger children or people just learning to ride should only do so away from moving vehicles and traffic. New riders may need reminders to avoid distracted cycling.

To learn more about bike safety and injury prevention, visit OrthoInfo.org.