Month: October 2024

2024-10-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Kristen Glass struggled with weight her entire life. She tried program after program, unable to uncover a solution that worked for her — then one night, she connected with a friend over dinner who had recently lost weight and “had a twinkle back in her eye.” Whatever had ignited that glow in her friend, Kristen wanted to experience it for herself. That night, Kristen called her friend’s independent OPTAVIA^® coach — a stranger who would become her own coach and close friend.

OPTAVIA, the habit-based, coach-guided lifestyle solution, immediately clicked for Kristen — and she became a coach that same year. In the six years since, she has impacted 150,000 people across the OPTAVIA community, inspiring them to lose weight and helping them keep it off. Kristen believes coaches are the secret to weight loss and establishing a healthy lifestyle, and to celebrate National Coaches Day this October, she’s sharing why.

1. Coaches won’t let you do it alone

We all need a coach — someone to guide us through the ups and downs, join us in celebrating our wins and keep us committed to our goals. This is especially true along the weight-loss journey, as 96% of people recognize that lifestyle changes are needed for weight loss and weight management, yet only 17% are confident they can manage it on their own.*

2. Coaches keep it simple

Weight loss can be overwhelming with complicated, trendy diets and counting calories. Coaches like Kristen can provide guidance to streamline health and wellness. “People are craving someone to help simplify this process,” she said, noting this is especially true for the women and mothers that make up most of her client base.

Kristen focuses on an uncomplicated approach, especially in the critical early weeks of a health journey. She fosters straightforwardness, asking her clients pointed questions that get to the heart of their health choices.

3. Coaches keep it real

Accountability is crucial. As an OPTAVIA coach, Kristen challenges her clients to confront their lifestyle choices head on. Her coaching philosophy is to “get straight to the truth quickly and jump into discomfort fast and together.” Kristen emphasizes honesty and initial discomfort and encourages clients to take ownership of their choices to foster growth.

4. Coaches truly know what you’re going through

Empathy and shared experiences are powerful tools in a coach’s arsenal. This is particularly true at OPTAVIA, where over 90% of coaches were clients first. No matter where they are in their personal health journey, their coach has been in their shoes.

Kristen knows that thousands of women like her have struggled to uncover a solution to weight loss and weight management. In her own journey, Kristen has also learned the role mental health plays in physical health. This breakthrough prompted her to help her clients reflect on the mental and emotional reasons for their health decisions so they can make better choices going forward.

5. Coaches celebrate your successes and milestones

A coach is there beside you every step of the way to celebrate the wins, both big and small. Whether you hit a new weight loss milestone or made a healthy choice at dinner, your coach is there to reinforce positive behaviors and motivate you to keep going. They become your cheerleader, your mentor and your guide — providing the encouragement and support you need to stay committed to your goals.

Learn more at Optavia.com/results.

*IPSOS commissioned by Medifast, June 2023.

2024-10-03T10:41:00

(BPT) – When retired aerospace engineer Steve Sakakini was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 61, his doctor said he’d have to have his prostate removed. Caught off guard, Sakakini sought a second opinion. That was the beginning of his journey to learn about prostate cancer and the diagnostics available to determine the best treatment plan for him.

Sakakini’s new urologist recommended active monitoring of his cancer and treating it only when it showed signs of progression. This meant regular tests to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in his blood, plus MRIs to watch for signs the cancer might be spreading.

For the next 11 years, Sakakini monitored his cancer, but at his annual physical in 2022, his PSA had risen to 160, and an MRI discovered his cancer had spread to surrounding bones. His doctor recommended PSMA PET imaging. PSMA stands for prostate-specific membrane antigen, a protein found mainly on prostate cancer cells. PET means positron emission tomography, a scan that uses a special dye with radioactive tracers that allow doctors to scan for cancer or other diseases. PSMA PET is an effective new body scan that helps doctors track hard-to-find prostate cancer potentially earlier and in smaller tumors, as opposed to standard imaging.

Sakakini was worried; he could not get an appointment with his urologist for several weeks. Fortunately, he was referred to an oncologist specializing in prostate cancer at a major cancer research center. Based on his test results, including PSMA PET imaging, Sakakini’s oncologist recommended an aggressive three-drug treatment regimen grounded in state-of-the-art research: a new oral hormone therapy drug and a new testosterone blocking drug, plus chemotherapy. After six chemotherapy sessions, his PSA dropped to zero.

Today Sakakini is doing well. He continues taking the two medicines to keep testosterone low. His PSA remains undetectable, and there is no evidence of prostate cancer on scans. Sakakini stays in touch with his care team to monitor his condition. He maintains a healthy diet, exercises and loves spending time with his family. His advice to others?

“I believe my treatment was successful because my doctor knew about the latest research on my type of prostate cancer and applied it to my care.” Sakakini said, “But it’s equally important to empower yourself with knowledge and be your own advocate too.”

How common is prostate cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will have prostate cancer at some point in their lives, and an estimated 3.3 million men are living with prostate cancer in the U.S. In addition, prostate cancer develops more often in Black men, and when it does develop in these men, they tend to be younger.

For your best health outcome, early detection is key. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. This is especially important as you age, because older men are at increased risk.

How PSMA PET helps doctors treat prostate cancer

Before doctors can treat your prostate cancer, they need to see it clearly. PSMA PET imaging can help diagnose better than conventional imaging and build a plan to treat prostate cancer for many patients with the disease.

Doctors performing a PSMA PET scan inject patients with a small radioactive molecule that is attracted to PSMA, which is specific to prostate cancer cells. The radioactive part lights up when a whole-body scan is done, giving doctors a clear image of exactly where the cancer is.

Ask your doctor if PSMA PET imaging is a good option for you and learn more about PSMA PET at Time2See.com.

If you or a loved one are impacted by prostate cancer, please visit The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to learn more or access patient resources. PCF funds the world’s most promising research on biology and treatment of prostate cancer, accelerating those discoveries into therapies and strategies designed to extend lives and improve quality of life for patients.

2024-10-03T13:01:00

(BPT) – Southern California native Lisa Shoemaker has been coping with breast cancer for a long time, and one thing keeps her going: her family. She married her high school sweetheart and had two boys before she was first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at age 29. With this devastating diagnosis, Shoemaker feared she wouldn’t live to see her 2- and 4-year-old sons grow up.

That was 26 years ago.

Through all these years, Shoemaker has been motivated to keep going because of her love for her family — first her husband and sons, and now her three grandchildren, too.

While her initial treatment for the stage 2 breast cancer was intense and extensive, it provided stability for nearly a decade until a routine mammogram and subsequent MRI revealed that her cancer had returned. She went through treatment again, including surgery and hormone therapy, but after all she had endured, Shoemaker decided to undergo a preventative double mastectomy. With her cancer again stable, she was able to continue raising her children through their high school years and live life as she normally would.

But unfortunately, that was not the end of her cancer story. At age 45, and several years after her preventative double mastectomy, Shoemaker experienced pain in her shin, which she initially attributed to increased exercise. When her pain could no longer be ignored, she sought medical attention. An orthopedic doctor immediately sent her to the hospital after telling her that her cancer had likely metastasized to her bones.

After meeting with specialists, she had surgery to remove a tumor in her tibia which had caused it to fracture. Shoemaker was then diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) and told she had about two years to live.

What is metastatic breast cancer?

When someone has mBC, that means the cancer is considered to be stage 4 and has spread to other parts of the body. While mBC has no cure, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, people with mBC have been able to live longer by managing it as a chronic illness with continuous treatment and monitoring.

For those living with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer — the most common subtype of mBC — the first treatment is often a hormone therapy taken alone or in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. But over time the cancer changes and mutates to try and “outsmart” the treatment, and these mutations can cause tumors to stop responding to certain therapies.

A specific mutation, called an ESR1 mutation, is an example of one mutation that may cause treatment to stop working, which can lead to disease progression and tumor growth. An ESR1 mutation develops as a result of previous exposure to endocrine, or hormone, therapy. Nearly 50% of people with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer may develop an ESR1 mutation, which in turn can cause their disease to progress.

If you live with ER+/HER2- mBC, knowing whether this mutation is present can provide important information to help your health care team understand what other kinds of treatment options may be appropriate. This is why it is vital to ask your doctor about ESR1 mutation testing whenever mBC progresses.

ESR1 mutations are most likely to be found when:

• A person’s metastatic breast cancer has progressed (spread, grown or worsened) while on hormone therapy
• The current hormone therapy is no longer working
• The person has taken a hormone therapy for a year or more
• The person has taken multiple hormone therapies

“Unfortunately, for the majority of patients living with metastatic breast cancer, treatments eventually stop working,” said Dr. Aditya Bardia, Director, Breast Oncology Program, UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, “which means, if possible, ESR1 mutation testing should be considered at every point of progression of the disease, as it might open doors for additional treatment options. We know that ESR1 mutations are acquired and serial testing might pick up mutations that are not present initially.”

This is exactly what happened to Lisa Shoemaker, as she had already been through several rounds of chemotherapy and hormone therapies after living with mBC for over 10 years. Shoemaker had regular scans and tests done to monitor her cancer. One of those was a blood test which found that the ESR1 mutation was present, and indicated a different treatment could potentially help manage the progression and spread of her cancer.

Thanks to this important information, Shoemaker’s health care team was able to adjust how they were treating her mBC. ESR1 mutation testing enabled her oncologist to tailor her treatment appropriately. Best yet, she can spend time with her grandchildren, which is one of the greatest joys in her life.

“I am so thankful that I’m able to help raise my grandchildren, not only to be alive to see them, but also to be present in their lives. I feel a sense of normalcy again,” said Shoemaker. “My grandchildren are the light of my life and motivate me. They are my reason to keep on keeping on.”

Because the ESR1 mutation can develop at any time during treatment, it’s essential to be retested for this mutation at every point of mBC disease progression throughout the treatment journey. If you or a loved one has ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, ask your health care provider about being tested for the ESR1 mutation. Testing for an ESR1 mutation can be done via a blood test and does not require a tissue biopsy.

Learn more at mBCTesting.com.

2024-10-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Getting a second opinion after a medical diagnosis has been a routine part of healthcare for nearly as long as doctors have been diagnosing patients. However, the process of getting a second opinion can be complicated and time consuming. That’s because it requires finding another physician or specialist, perhaps scheduling another appointment, transferring records and other information, and waiting for a diagnosis.

Wouldn’t it be nice if it could be done at home?

Second Opinions, an online medical consultation service, has been at the forefront of virtual second opinions since 2012. The process is simple: a patient creates an account with Second Opinions, plugs in information about their diagnosis, and uploads scans and other health records. All of that information is reviewed by expert clinicians who then deliver a second opinion diagnosis via a phone call, video chat or email.

No second appointment, no travel, no hunting on your own for specialists. It’s a fast, easy and convenient way to up the quality of your healthcare, and ultimately help give you peace of mind before making a critical medical decision.

Second Opinions, owned by USARAD Holdings Inc, a subsidiary of medical imaging company Nanox, was founded with the notion of using the internet to help increase the standard of care and provide virtual second opinions to people everywhere. Patients have the opportunity to connect with physicians from a wide variety of medical specialties, including radiology, neurology, oncology and cardiology. Multiple areas of surgery are also covered, such as orthopedic, vascular and bariatric.

“Healthcare today is more complicated than ever, and getting a second opinion can be crucial for patients facing an important medical decision,” says Erez Meltzer, Nanox Chief Executive Officer. “Through Second Opinions, we have expanded on USARAD’s extensive network of radiologists and offer patients access to top specialists across many areas of medicine. We want to give patients the information they need to make confident healthcare choices, with the convenience and speed of an online platform.”

AI assists in diagnoses

Virtual second opinions were made possible by advances in technology. And now, as we’re learning more about artificial intelligence, it’s possible to harness this powerful tool to enhance the process of second opinions even more.

In June 2024, Nanox announced the integration of advanced AI to further enhance the Second Opinions offerings in radiology and imaging. Patients upload their chest and abdominal scans, which are evaluated by AI. Those evaluations are reviewed by real, human doctors, before delivering the diagnosis to patients, ensuring a balance of technological precision and human expertise.

It’s all about early detection of chronic conditions on existing scans, often before symptoms appear. As the medical publication STAT recently noted, AI-based second opinion services can also improve clinical decision making by helping eliminate bias.

Creating more opportunity for a higher standard of care

Another positive aspect of online second opinions is the opportunity it brings to people in rural areas or other parts of the country where it’s not easy or even possible to get a second opinion, Meltzer noted. In many rural locations, getting quality healthcare can mean a long car trip, staying overnight and other costly factors; oftentimes one hospital, with one team of specialists, serves entire communities. There simply isn’t the option to find a second opinion locally. Second Opinions simplifies the process of accessing and obtaining a second opinion — anyone with an internet connection can request this service from home. And now AI can level up that care even more.

For more information about getting a second opinion, visit https://www.secondopinions.com/ and enter coupon code CSO10OFF at signup for a 10% discount.

2024-10-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Two clinical trials are seeking adults for research on an investigational medicine for relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a rare bone marrow cancer, and about 35,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed this year.^[1],[2] Most people will be diagnosed over the age of 65, and African Americans are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to Caucasian patients.^[3] Multiple myeloma can cause a range of difficult symptoms, from bone pain and infections, to weakness, nerve damage, or impaired kidney function.^[4]

While there are treatments approved for multiple myeloma, most people will have their cancer return after treatment (what doctors call “relapse”) or they may no longer respond to a certain medicine (called “refractory” disease).^[5],[6] Doctors may determine suitable treatments for each patient based on a range of factors, including the stage of the disease and previous therapies, as different treatments may be combined or used one after another.^[7]

Bristol Myers Squibb is currently investigating the potential of an investigational therapy for patients living with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Evaluating an investigational treatment option for multiple myeloma:

Medical research built on existing scientific knowledge and proven mechanisms of disease have the potential to improve anti-myeloma activity and overcome treatment resistance.

Clinical trials are controlled studies of potential new medicines, procedures or other treatments, and doctors use information they learn from these studies to help figure out new or improved ways to treat diseases like multiple myeloma. While clinical trials offer the possibility of accessing cutting-edge treatments and contributing to medical advancements, they also come with potential risks, including side effects and uncertainties about the effectiveness of the treatment being studied.

Two clinical trials are underway evaluating an oral therapy called mezigdomide, which is part of a group of novel therapies known as CELMoDs™. CELMoDs, like mezigdomide, have been designed to help remove harmful proteins from cells, potentially killing cancerous myeloma cells and helping the body’s immune system to attack these cells as well.

“Despite continued scientific progress, multiple myeloma is still incurable, and many people have periods of remission followed by relapse, making the long-term management of this cancer incredibly important,” said Anne Kerber, M.D., Senior Vice President and Head of Late Clinical Development, Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy for Bristol Myers Squibb. “Having many different medicines available for people as they live with this cancer is necessary for the future of myeloma therapy and clinical trials are critical in helping us find the next wave of potential treatment approaches. People who take part in clinical trials play a vital role in how we advance research for this disease and, ultimately, improve outcomes.”

About the SUCCESSOR-1 and SUCCESOR-2 studies:

The SUCCESSOR-1 and SUCCESSOR-2 studies are studying the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of mezigdomide in combination with other myeloma treatments, compared to standard medicines for multiple myeloma without mezigdomide in adults with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.^{[8],[9],[10],[11]}

Before joining a SUCCESSOR trial, patients sign their consent, then take part in a screening period, during which a doctor performs several tests and assessments to see if they are eligible to participate in the study. For both SUCCESSOR studies, eligible participants must be at least 18 years of age, have a diagnosis of progressive multiple myeloma, and have received prior treatment for multiple myeloma with certain medicines. After all necessary tests and assessments have been completed, and if patients are eligible to take part, they may enter the study assigned and will be randomized to receive standard multiple myeloma treatment or standard multiple myeloma treatment with mezigdomide. Participation in a clinical trial is voluntary. Once study treatment begins, it will continue until the disease returns or the treatment is stopped for another reason, such as issues with tolerability. There are also follow-up visits to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of the therapy.

During the study, patients would not be responsible for study-related costs, such as doctor visits, lab tests and procedures. Those costs are all covered by Bristol Myers Squibb. Patients and caregivers may also be able to receive reimbursement for some costs like time, travel, or transportation.

If interested in learning more about the SUCCESSOR trial program, patients should talk to their doctor to decide if taking part is right for them. Visit the BMS Clinical Trials website for more information.

2024-10-02T15:01:00

(BPT) – Five million people go to the emergency department for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. each year, but more than half of people who suspect they have a concussion never get it checked.^[1],[2] A main reason for this is that people aren’t familiar with the common causes and symptoms of concussions, and unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there. One especially dangerous myth is that concussions only happen to athletes. Most concussions occur when people fall while doing everyday activities — such as falling while taking a shower or tripping on a toy at home. These types of falls account for nearly half of all concussions in the U.S.^[3] And while concussions can happen to anyone, rates of concussions increase significantly in older adults.

Abbott, the developer of a rapid test for the assessment of concussions, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) want to share five things everyone should know about concussions and falls prevention.

1. Concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Concussions can result from almost anything when the brain moves in ways it shouldn’t. While falls are the most common cause, concussions can also be caused by a hit to the head or jolts (think: a car crash or whiplash).

Dr. Beth McQuiston is a neuroscientist, licensed physician, registered dietitian and medical director for Abbott’s diagnostics business. She wants everyone to know the importance of getting your head checked if you think you’ve sustained a concussion.

“The brain is literally everything that makes you, you. It holds memories of the people we love, the songs we can’t stop listening to, and the information we need for work and life, so we should treat it with the utmost respect. Concussions may be an invisible injury, but it’s just as important to immediately seek care for a concussion as you would for a broken bone,” said McQuiston.

2. Older adults are at an increased risk for falls and concussions.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for older Americans and can have serious, life-threatening consequences, including concussions.^[4] The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that people age 75+ have the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths compared to other age groups.^[5] Furthermore, older adults have a higher risk for severe outcomes following a concussion, including strokes.^[6],[7]

Many people think falls are a normal part of aging, but most falls can be prevented, and everyone has the power to reduce the risk.

NCOA leads the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which supports awareness and educational efforts about falls, and promotes evidence-based falls prevention programs and strategies across the nation. Kathleen Cameron is senior director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging, and she wants to increase awareness of fall risks and how to prevent them.

“Every 11 seconds in the U.S., an older adult is treated in the emergency room due to a fall. Falls and concussions threaten the safety and independence of older Americans. But practical lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, making sure your vision and hearing are checked annually and keeping your home safe from tripping hazards can substantially reduce falls,” said Cameron.

Visit NCOA’s website for more tips on falls prevention and healthy aging.

3. Recognize the symptoms of concussions.

Despite the widespread prevalence of concussions, most adults can’t identify the common signs. A common myth about concussions is that all concussions result in a loss of consciousness, but that isn’t the case.^[8]

It’s important to recognize the following symptoms if you experience a head injury:

• Changes in emotions
• Changes to sleep patterns
• Clumsiness
• Dizziness or feeling off-balance
• Exhaustion
• Headaches
• Memory Loss
• Mental fog or concentration problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or tingling
• Personality changes or irritability
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Loss of consciousness
• Slowed reaction time
• Vision issues
• Vomiting

For more symptoms and information, visit Concussion Awareness Now.

4. You should never just “walk it off.”

When it comes to concussion, it’s never best to “wait and see.” For your best chance at a full recovery, seek professional medical help immediately.

If you hit your head, remember these steps:

• Stop: Slow down, take a breath. Then, take a moment to assess.
• Look for symptoms: Some symptoms like headaches or nausea or vomiting might not show up immediately, and other warning signs like dizziness or feeling off-balance may not appear for hours or even days after an injury.
• Get it checked: It’s important to be cautious. If you have even the slightest suspicion of a concussion, seek medical attention.

5. Concussion evaluation is evolving and doesn’t always require a CT scan.

Concussions can be evaluated in several ways, most often including a physical evaluation and a series of questions. A physician will look for physical symptoms, such as balance and vision issues, and then ask questions that might help uncover other potential symptoms, such as memory loss and slowed reaction time.

Unfortunately, this process is subjective, as a physician must make a diagnosis decision based on their evaluation of the situation. In patients where symptoms aren’t obvious (think: a patient with memory loss being asked if they’ve forgotten anything), this approach to diagnosis isn’t always effective. CT scans and MRIs are often conducted when a concussion is suspected, but these scans are used to detect brain bleeds and can’t identify other concussion symptoms.^[9]

The good news is that major advancements are happening in evaluating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Abbott’s i-STAT TBI cartridge — a simple blood test — received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription use only test to help physicians assess patients with suspected mTBI at the patient’s bedside.^[10] The test can share lab-quality results in just 15 minutes and is cleared for use in anyone 18 years and older. The test measures the level of two biomarkers associated with brain injury in the blood stream to assist in determining the need for a CT scan of the head within 24 hours of head trauma. Based on the test results and an overall patient evaluation, a physician may be able to quickly rule out the need for a CT scan of the head, allowing patients to be sent home sooner without unnecessary exposure to radiation or delays. Find more information about the test and brain health here.

Abbott is working with hospitals around the globe and the Concussion Awareness Now braintrust of partners to make concussion testing widely available to ensure everyone can get the best possible care. Because concussions can happen to anyone, it is vital that everyone knows the risks, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to respond if you may have experienced a concussion. Remember these five things to ensure you and your loved ones are protecting your heads and, ultimately, your health:

• Concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
• Older adults are at an increased risk for falls and concussions.
• It’s important to recognize the symptoms of concussions.
• You should never just “walk it off.”
• Concussion evaluation is evolving and doesn’t always require a CT scan.