Category: Brandpoint Health

2025-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Communities around the world still face serious obstacles in getting essential health services, and billions of people lack access to quality care.

J&J CareCommunity from Johnson & Johnson seeks to close these gaps by championing nurses and community health workers, connecting more communities to care.

In the United States, J&J CareCommunity does this through My Health Can’t Wait. This community wellness initiative enables collaboration with local community members so that patients and caregivers can receive free vital health information and resources at events across the country.

This April, J&J CareCommunity is coming to the Lone Star State. On April 26th, My Health Can’t Wait will support a health fair and 5k walk organized by the African American Male Wellness Agency. This event is open to all.

Last year, My Health Can’t Wait supported over 30 community wellness events in cities across the U.S., providing thousands of people with health education and partner-led screenings to improve their health. Over 130,000 people received nearly 38,000 health screenings and over 39,000 educational resources, helping them advocate for their health.

“Our approach for closing the gaps between community and care is quite unique,” said Howard Reid, global head, Global Health Equity, Johnson & Johnson. “When you’re focusing on the community, with the community, you’re starting from a place of trust.”

You can learn more about the upcoming event at MyHealthCantWait.com.

2025-03-16T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

Do you feel uncomfortable when you work? Imagine a workspace that not only boosts your productivity but also supports your physical wellness. By creating an ergonomic home office, you can transform your work environment into a comfortable and inspiring space. A well-designed setup helps you stay focused, work efficiently, and feel your best throughout the day. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate your workspace to promote comfort and success.

Ergonomic isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the science of work that focuses on creating an environment that allows employees to work efficiently and safelycomfortably to support their well-being and productivity.

Designing an ergonomic office is simple and rewarding. With just a few adjustments and the right office furniture, you can create a workspace that is comfortable and supportive. Imagine having more energy, making fewer errors, and feeling great during and after your workday. Here are four easy tips to help you transform your workspace into an ergonomic haven:

1. Adjust the height of your monitor

Do your neck and back hurt when you work? Enhance your comfort while you work by positioning your monitor at the right height for you. Adjusting the height of your monitor is one of the simplest ergonomic changes you can make, helping to support your neck and back for a more enjoyable and productive workday.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you should place your monitor at least 20 inches away and lower or raise it so the top line of the screen is at or below eye level. Doing so can help improve your comfort level and help prevent fatigue and eyestrain.

2. Take breaks from sitting

Spending extended periods of time at your desk can be an opportunity to incorporate healthier habits into your workday. According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting too long has been linked to several health concerns, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

By making small adjustments, like taking regular breaks to stretch or move, you can support your overall well-being and stay energized throughout the day. Aim to take a break from sitting at your desk about every 30 minutes. Take a walk outside or do five minutes of stretching to get your blood flowing. Pick up a pair of wireless headphones so you can take calls hands-free whether you’re sitting, standing or walking.

You can also consider setting up your workspace so you can stand while you work. A desk like the Realspace Koru Electric allows you to adjust the height so you can easily go from sitting to standing and back with a push of a button. If you like your current desk but would still like the option to stand while working, you could use a standing desk converter like the Realspace P20.

3. Pick the right chair

Don’t settle for just any office chair. Search for an ergonomic, high-back office chair that supports your spine so you can work comfortably.

The ideal ergonomic office chair should have lumbar support and a padded adjustable seat. Consider purchasing a model like the Serta Smart Layers Brinkley Executive Chair, which features five layers of foam with individually wrapped ComfortCoils™ for pressure point relief and temperature control during extended use.

Once you’ve chosen a chair, adjust it so your feet rest flat on the floor, and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. If you’re on the taller side, you may need a taller chair like the Shaquille O’Neal Maximos Ergonomic Bonded Leather Big & Tall Executive Office Chair. A fun feature of this furniture is the knee-tilt mechanism that allows you to recline while maintaining your feet on the ground, promoting good posture and alleviating leg tension.

You can try a range of chairs with different features when you stop by the nearest Office Depot Office Max store and find the perfect one for you.

4. Support your wrists

Typing all day can strain your wrists. Make sure to adjust your posture and chair so that your wrists are at a relaxed position level with your elbows. To help reduce or avoid wrist strain and fatigue, look for an ergonomic keyboard with built-in wrist supports.

Scrolling can also make your wrists tired. Don’t use your elbow as a pivot point or rest your forearms on the corner of the desk. Instead, opt for a mouse with a wireless trackball with easy thumb control, which minimizes arm and wrist movement while maximizing comfort, keeping your hand and arms relaxed.

When you feel better, you work and live better. Using these four tips, you can work more comfortably and productively and feel better during your off-hours.

Ergonomic office support in your neighborhood

If you’re ready to take the first step in creating an ergonomic office environment, take a trip to your local Office Depot or OfficeMax store. It offers a range of furniture and accessories for every style of work.

The Office Depot OfficeMax collection of height-adjustable desks, comfortable chairs, keyboards, mouses and more are designed to let your body breathe, support your best ideas and help you rise to the occasion.

Office Depot and OfficeMax stores have large storerooms, so you can try out chairs, desks and other supplies. This “try before you buy” opportunity takes the guesswork out of finding the right setup for your home office. Best of all? Office Depot OfficeMax offers furniture assembly!

To learn more about the benefits of an ergonomic home office setup, search for the right office furniture and find a location in your neighborhood, visit OfficeDepot.com.

2025-03-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Who doesn’t love a sound night’s sleep?

Good sleep can start you on your way to flourish in life by helping you achieve goals, feel productive at home and work, and have a fulfilling social life.

Oftentimes, several things can get in the way of good, healthy sleep. Lifestyle choices, environmental disruptions, and even serious medical conditions including sleep disorders make the list.

Millions of Americans are living with undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders.

These conditions don’t just keep many of us from getting enough of the quality sleep we need. They also can have very real health consequences.

Sleep Apnea: A Serious Public Health Concern

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. It occurs when breathing pauses during sleep — also called an apnea or apneic event — for ten seconds or more.

Obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA) is when some feature of a person’s head or neck blocks their airway during sleep, causing them to stop breathing and gasp for breath throughout the night.

People with OSA don’t just get poor, disrupted sleep. They also can feel tired, sleepy and unfocused during the day. This puts them at higher risk for a drowsy driving crash when they’re behind the wheel and for having an accident on the job.

Recent independent findings from new National Sleep Foundation (NSF) research project nearly 29 million Americans suspect they have sleep apnea. Even more alarming, one in three adults who say they have already been diagnosed with the disorder go untreated.

When it is unmanaged, sleep apnea is linked to other serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and depression.

Why Knowing Matters: Sleep Apnea is a Serious Medical Condition

Nearly 32 million adults don’t view sleep apnea as a serious medical issue that requires treatment. On top of that, only one in four adults can identify a few of the health consequences of untreated sleep apnea.

Estimates show a staggering 45 million adults would prefer not to know if they had the condition. So, there’s still a lot people can learn to help them change their attitudes and take action if they or a loved one has sleep apnea. A good starting point is to understand the options people have today to help get diagnosed and treated.

Understanding Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

People generally know about the most common sleep apnea treatments. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common and well-known treatment, where a bedside machine provides a steady flow of air through a nosepiece or mask to help keep a person’s airway open during sleep. Other therapies such as lifestyle changes including weight loss, changes to your sleeping position, and healthy sleep behaviors can also be important. There are even treatment options that can fit in the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep, like custom-fit dental appliances.

Unfortunately, four in 10 adults can correctly identify just 50% or fewer of the treatment options for sleep apnea. Medications, surgical options and implantable devices also are available but are the least-known treatment options.

What’s encouraging is nearly eight in 10 Americans say they would prioritize treatment if diagnosed with sleep apnea. So, it’s time to help more people get the diagnosis they need and understand the treatments available to them. When people know more, they can make the best choice for them with the help of their healthcare professional.

The number of approaches available to treat sleep apnea continues to grow, including newer solutions that can help people who haven’t benefitted from other established types of treatment.

Inspire^® therapy is the FDA-approved implantable treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried and failed CPAP. It is a surgically implanted device placed by your collarbone that delivers gentle electrical pulses to your tongue muscles to help keep your airway open, so you can breathe more regularly while you’re sleeping.

Becoming Your Best Slept Self^®

Anyone and everyone can be their Best Slept Self. Sometimes that means seeking help from a medical professional if you suspect you have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.

If you have sleep apnea, getting diagnosed and pursuing an effective treatment are important steps to improving your sleep and health.

When you control your sleep apnea through lifestyle changes, medical treatments and good sleep habits you can live more of the life you’re wanting to live.

For more sleep health information and to learn about OSA treatment options, visit theNSF.org. To learn more about Inspire therapy, visit www.inspiresleep.com.

There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit www.theNSF.org and SleepHealthJournal.org.

The Understanding Sleep Apnea Report and source research was independently produced by National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Funding for these activities and support to share NSF’s results were provided by Inspire Medical Systems. The report is being released during NSF’s 27th annual Sleep Awareness Week^®, a multi-sponsored educational and public awareness campaign for which Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. is a Platinum Sponsor. NSF independently produces Sleep Awareness Week and all related official educational content.

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., is a medical technology company, providing Inspire^® therapy — a treatment solution for people with moderate to severe OSA who have tried and failed CPAP. More information, including important safety information and product manuals can be found at inspiresleep.com/safety or by calling 1-844-OSA-HELP. For additional information about Inspire, please visit www.inspiresleep.com.

2025-03-13T12:44:00

(BPT) – In the pursuit of holistic well-being, advanced technologies are revolutionizing the way we care for our bodies. One of the pioneers in this category is a company that was founded in the south of France in 1986.

LPG^® features non-invasive treatments that have gained global recognition for the ability to sculpt, rejuvenate, and revitalize your body and face. Now LPG^® has taken wellness one step further with their new Vitality, Stress, Sleep (VSS) Protocol, a comprehensive approach to restoring balance and enhancing quality of life.

The VSS treatment protocol is designed to target three key qualities of well-being: vitality, stress management, and sleep quality. Through a series of personalized sessions, this treatment stimulates the skin and underlying tissues using LPG^®‘s patented endermologie^® technique, which promotes natural biological responses, improving circulation, relieving tension, and fostering relaxation.

Owner of Beyond Massage Aspen in Colorado, Erica Boulangee M.Ac, L.Ac, LMT, Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, utilizes LPG^® technology for her clients to help them meet their wellness goals. “Since integrating LPG^® endermologie^® into our operations, the results have been nothing short of transformative. I am thoroughly impressed by how quickly the treatment delivers results.”

The signature VSS treatment works through mechanized massage that enhances lymphatic drainage, reduces muscle tension, and encourages the production of endorphins — our body’s natural feel-good hormones. The result is a renewed sense of energy, reduced stress levels, and deeper, more restorative sleep.

“The VSS treatments, lasting only 40 minutes, fit seamlessly into my clients’ busy lives while fostering overall wellness and balance. We have received tremendous feedback from our clients, who consistently report significant stress reduction in a remarkably short amount of time,” Erica adds.

During a clinical study about the benefits of LPG^®‘s unique VSS treatment protocol*, after one 40-minute endermologie^® session, patients’ cortisol levels decrease by 19%, helping to lower stress and promote relaxation. Muscle aches were reduced by 38.1%, making it an excellent option for those suffering from chronic tension or discomfort.** The VSS Protocol focuses on invigorating the body by stimulating microcirculation and oxygenating tissues. This process enhances cell regeneration, resulting in improved energy levels and a natural glow.

According to Professor Christophe Hausswirth, the study’s independent clinical research director, “This is the first trial to conclusively prove that a series of mechanical massage treatments designed to target the lymphatic system can have such significant effects on so many aspects of mental health.”

Quality sleep is the foundation of good health, yet so many people struggle with restlessness and poor sleep patterns. The VSS Protocol gently stimulates the nervous system to restore balance, encouraging deeper and more restful sleep cycles. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, it prepares the body for restorative rest, ultimately leading to better recovery and overall well-being.

Whether you’re looking to restore energy, manage stress more effectively, or improve your quality of sleep, the LPG^® world of non-invasive health and beauty technologies offers a scientifically proven way to enhance your well-being.

To learn more about endermologie^® and find an LPG^® provider, visit lpg-group.com/en.

Follow us on:

• Instagram – @lpgendermologie_america
• Facebook – LPG endermologie
• LinkedIn – LPG^® America
• YouTube – LPG endermologie America

*Clinical study performed by the French beScored Institute in conjunction with the European Sleep Center, the University of Sydney, and the Cerballiance laboratory.

**Clinical results after one 40-minute endermologie^® session. Impact of an LPG Cellu M6 Alliance^® multi-session program. Effect on cognitive performance, sleep quality, stress levels and immunity in stressed individuals. Prof. Christophe Hausswirth, PhD1,2,3, Dr. Alexandre Coste, PhD1, Dr. Vincent Raimondi, MD, PhD4, Dr. Cyril Schmit, PhD1, Dr. Anis Aloulou, PhD5, Dr. François Duforez, MD5, Nathalie Paradis & Prof. Damien Léger, MD, PhD7.

2025-03-13T05:01:00

(BPT) – America’s poultry is at an unprecedented risk from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Specifically, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses the highest risk, which is a strain of the virus that is extremely contagious and often deadly to domestic poultry. HPAI has been detected in all 50 states, affecting over 136 million birds and a range of species, including chickens, turkeys and geese. As the avian influenza outbreak continues, consumers feel the pinch of egg prices, poultry farmers’ livelihoods are impacted, and bird owners are on heightened alert.

Wild birds are the number one source of disease spread by carrying the infection in their droppings and contaminating water sources, especially during the migratory seasons. People can even unknowingly spread avian flu through their work boots and clothes, as well as on farm equipment and vehicles that have not been properly disinfected.

To compound the concern, it was recently discovered that not just birds are susceptible to avian influenza. The virus can jump to different animal species and then reinfect otherwise healthy birds. Because HPAI-exposed pests and pets — like mice, cats, and dogs — and even other farm animals may not show signs of illness, the rapid spread of disease is hard to contain without proper safety measures in place.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) has been working hard to contain HPAI and the U.S. has one of the strongest avian influenza surveillance programs in the world. However, as the disease spreads to poultry in new ways, it makes eradication even more difficult.

The good news is there are steps that all farmers and bird enthusiasts can take to help protect our poultry. In fact, these safety precautions, or biosecurity measures, can be inexpensive and relatively easy to implement.

From backyards to barnyards, here are four ways we can all help protect birds:

• Clean Up: Disinfect and sanitize farm equipment, footwear, and clothing used in poultry areas every day or after use. Ensure feed is stored properly to prevent contamination from wild birds and rodents. Make sure animals have clean water and bedding.
• Suit Up: Use dedicated boots for the farm and a footbath to disinfect footwear daily. Wear gloves in the poultry areas. Give visitors disposable shoe covers, minimize farm visitors, and limit farm traffic.
• Divide Up: Separate your farm species, keep livestock, pets, and wild birds away from poultry. Use covered enclosures and netting to avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. And don’t let birds roam in pens and barns.
• Brush Up: Learn the signs of avian influenza such as trouble breathing, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, and sudden or unexplained death. Monitor bird health closely, isolate sick birds, and report any signs of illness to your veterinarians and/or State or Federal animal health official.

We can all be flu fighters when we know what to do about avian influenza. To learn more and get free biosecurity resources, checklists, and tools to keep birds safe from disease, go to USDA APHIS’ Defend the Flock website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock.

This article is brought to you by USDA.

2025-03-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – How often do you think about your indoor air quality? While many might assume the risk of encountering pollutants and allergens only exists outside, these harmful toxins can’t be left at the door and can actually pose an unseen threat in your home, your office and even your car.

Even the cleanest indoor spaces can have harmful particles wafting around the air. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, pollutants are two to five times more concentrated indoors, where Americans spend approximately 90% of their time.

From dust to dander to pollen and smoke, outdoor pollutants and indoor allergens can invade your personal spaces through the tiniest of entry points and negatively impact your health. Sustained exposure to poor air quality can lead to more serious health conditions.

Luckily, indoor air quality is something you can control. Take a look at these five simple tips that you can try to improve the air quality in your most frequented spaces so you can breathe easier and live healthier.

1. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter

Dust, allergens and pollutants can accumulate on your floors, carpets, car seats and more, and become airborne during daily activity. To promote healthier air quality, vacuum frequently using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

When it comes to indoor air quality, HEPA filters are the gold standard. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, these filters are designed to capture 99.7% of all particles 0.3 microns or smaller, including mold, pet dander, dust mites, pollen and some small particles from smoke and pollution.

Aim to vacuum the whole house once a week and high-traffic areas, like the kitchen, entryway and living room, two to three times a week. As for your car, give the seats and carpets a good vacuum about once a month.

2. Clean your car often

Have you considered your car’s indoor air quality? Whether you spend hours commuting or making several quick trips around town, improving your in-car air quality is crucial. In addition to making changes like recirculating the air in the car instead of bringing polluted air from outdoors, you can improve your car’s indoor air quality by cleaning it often.

Much like your home, your car accumulates dust. The American Lung Association recommends regularly wiping down the console, dashboard and door panels to reduce these and other air contaminants. Don’t forget to vacuum the upholstery, floor and mats to get rid of dirt and debris.

3. Use air purifiers

One of the easiest ways to improve your indoor air quality is to use air purifiers throughout your house. These portable air cleaners draw in air and filter out allergens and pollutants, improving the health of your home.

Choose an effective model, such as the Bosch Air Series Purifier — which uses a 3-in-1 filter (including a HEPA layer) to remove over 99% of the impurities in the air, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, viruses and odors. Each purifier features smart sensors that detect pollutants and automatically adapt to the air quality and room. These quiet purifiers are available in three different sizes, so you can find the strength that best suits your needs.

4. Change air filters regularly (and not just in your home!)

Don’t go too long in between changing your air filters. These key components are essential in protecting the air around you — not just in your home, but in your car, too. Many drivers either aren’t aware of their car’s cabin air filter at all or don’t realize they need to replace it regularly, just as they replace the filter on their in-home HVAC unit. Over time, the particles the filter traps build up, clogging it and reducing its efficiency. To ensure you have continuous clean air, change your filters as often as your owner’s manual recommends.

If your car mechanic has recently mentioned it’s time to change the cabin air filter in your car, products like Bosch HEPA Cabin Air Filters can be a great solution for absorbing fumes, pollen, dust, mold spores, pollutants and odors that enter a vehicle, protecting you and other passengers from poor air quality.

Bosch recommends replacing your cabin air filter every 12,000 miles or so. You can find the cabin air filter behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard.

5. Use natural products

What you use to clean your home and car may actually be polluting your air, as many conventional cleaning products are made with harsh chemicals.

Air fresheners can also be a source of hazardous pollutants. Be it a cardboard freshener hanging around your rearview mirror or a plug-in freshener in your living room, these products have been known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could compromise your health.

You can keep your spaces clean and minimize toxic chemicals in the air you breathe by opting for natural products. The next time you visit the store, look for nontoxic air fresheners and green or eco-friendly cleaning products that contain natural, plant-based ingredients.

Using these five simple tips, you can improve your in-home and in-car air quality and keep it clean for seasons to come.

2025-03-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – From the dazzling runways of New York Fashion Week to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood red carpets, among star athletes and mega-influencers, a striking trend has taken center stage: embracing the beauty of the bald head. An increasing number of men — and women — are making unique, fashionable statements with their daring new looks, and there’s no doubt about it: Bald heads are definitely turning heads.

Going bald can elevate your style game

The bald look has the potential to unlock a sense of confidence, authenticity and originality that few other looks can rival. Ditching the focus on hair shines a spotlight on a person’s captivating eyes, unique head shape or striking facial features, which can lead to a transformation in their overall appearance and how they greet the world around them.

Discover the advantages of rocking the hairless style and learn how to craft your own unique look with this trend.

Say goodbye to bad hair days

To effortlessly attain — and maintain — your new look, turn to the Remington^® Balder Ultimate Head Shaver. This grooming tool empowers you to achieve your desired look quickly and easily, complete with an integrated pop-up trimmer for further styling flexibility.

This shaver’s 5X dual track blade-cutting heads and pivoting neck provide maximum skin contact for even all-over results. Moreover, its new Turbo Speed Mode delivers a boost of power to cut through denser areas of hair with just the touch of a button. Best yet, with the Remington^® Balder Ultimate Head Shaver you can achieve a comfortable, skin-close shave in under two minutes.*

You’ll get up to 60 minutes of cordless use — over one month of use on a single charge. The shaver is also 100% waterproof, so you can shave your way. It’s also easy to clean, with the less mess hair pocket. Cut hair collects in a chamber underneath the shaver heads for easy disposal and cleanup. The Remington^® Balder Ultimate Head Shaver also comes with a protective head guard, premium zippered storage case and cleaning brush. You can trust the #1 brand of head shavers in the U.S.** to be your ultimate grooming ally.

Tips for mastering your bald look

When you’re ready to dive into the bald trend, familiarize yourself with your shaver’s instructions for optimal results.

• Begin by trimming your hair as short as possible.
• You can use your shaver dry or wet, but it may help to shower to soften your hair, or to use a pre-shave oil or gel.
• Shave by following the contour of your head with the shaver in the direction of your hair growth to minimize irritation.
• After shaving, soothe your skin with a moisturizer.

Once you’ve achieved your celebrity-worthy bald appearance, maintain it with periodic touchups using your Remington^® Balder Ultimate Head Shaver whenever needed.

Adopting the bald trend grants you the freedom to elevate your own fashion sense in new, unique ways through how you style your facial hair, clothes and accessories. Using the Remington^® Balder Ultimate Head shaver, you’ll be joining the many bold, confident individuals who have proudly embraced the beauty of the bald head.

*based on 2-day growth.
**Source: Circana, Retail Tracking Service, U.S. Unit Sales, 12 months ending April 2024.

2025-03-10T11:51:00

(BPT) – As an avid skier, Mike was alarmed when he unexpectedly started experiencing pain in his lower extremities and back that prevented him from hitting the slopes. At the time, he had no way to know that this pain would set him on a path to a diagnosis of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause symptoms including joint pain, stiffness and swelling.¹

Active PsA is frequently undiagnosed and affects up to 1% of the U.S. population,^2,3 including up to 30% of people with psoriasis (PsO),⁴ another inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system is overactive, resulting in thick, scaly patches, called plaques, on the skin.⁵ Collectively, active PsA and PsO are known as psoriatic disease.

“I’m pretty active and try to stay in shape, so when this unexplained pain started to interfere with my passions like skiing and playing the piano, as well as my ability to quickly perform simple daily tasks like buttoning my shirt, I knew I needed to visit my doctor to get to the bottom of it,” Mike reflects. “Originally, my doctor told me I had psoriatic arthritis, and I quickly learned that this was something I was going to have to deal with for the rest of my life.”

Unfortunately, by the time Mike received this psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, his condition had progressed to the point that his hands were significantly impacted by the joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Additionally, about a year later, he started developing psoriasis lesions on the skin. The lesions first appeared on his ankles, legs and calves, and then later on sensitive areas of his body like his scalp.

“I was very concerned when the skin lesions started to appear. Since it was a while after my diagnosis, I wasn’t aware that they might have been caused by my psoriatic arthritis,” Mike shares.

Mike’s TREMFYA^® Journey

Mike began working with his primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and dermatologist to find a treatment plan that could address his active PsA and his psoriasis lesions.

Mike tried a number of medications to address his PsA symptoms, but, over time, he was unable to keep his symptoms at bay and stopped responding to them. Mike’s rheumatologist suggested he try a biologic, a medication that can target overactive cells in the immune system and that can help improve active PsA symptoms. He was prescribed TREMFYA^® (guselkumab), a prescription medicine approved to treat adults with active PsA.

Since starting TREMFYA^®, Mike has noticed improvements in his symptoms, specifically joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Mike was able to go back to doing things that meant so much to him such as playing the piano. And, for his husband, that has meant doing some of the things they had to put on hold, like traveling, without having to worry about how his symptoms might impact their ability to explore and fully enjoy the experience together.

Mike also saw clearing of psoriasis lesions on his skin, which provided a sense of relief to not have to constantly explain that his disease was not contagious to others. Mike notes, “thankfully, I had the support of my husband, family and friends who were understanding of my condition and didn’t make me feel self-conscious, which I am extremely grateful for.”

In two active PsA medical studies, more than 5 out of 10 patients treated with TREMFYA^® had at least a 20% improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling at 24 weeks compared with placebo.⁶ Additionally, at 24 weeks, people taking TREMFYA^® showed an overall improvement in their ability to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, eating, and walking, which was assessed in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI).⁶ Some patients also reported improvement in PsA-related fatigue at 24 weeks as measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy — Fatigue (FACIT-F), a questionnaire to measure self-reported tiredness, weakness, and difficulty conducting usual activities due to fatigue over the last seven days.^6,7 Furthermore, patients with active PsA who were treated with TREMFYA^® saw an improvement in psoriasis skin plaques at 24 weeks. Individual results may vary.

TREMFYA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. Do not use if you are allergic to TREMFYA^®. TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including serious allergic reactions and infections. TREMFYA^® affects your immune system. It may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for TREMFYA^® available at www.tremfya.com to learn more about these and other risks for TREMFYA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

The Importance of a Supportive Care Team

“Growing up as a Chinese American, I was taught to respect my doctors and follow their guidance without question,” Mike says. “I’m thankful that I’ve learned how to work collaboratively with my full healthcare team to come up with a treatment plan that worked for me.”

Along with support from his healthcare team and family, Mike enrolled in the TREMFYA withMe program, which offers education about TREMFYA^® and its administration, as well as one-on-one guidance and assistance related to insurance coverage or cost support options.

“I’m proof that you don’t have to struggle with a condition or just learn to live with it,” Mike shares. “I know how hard it sometimes can be to get the help you need — I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you that you can find the right care and the appropriate treatment option. Don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor about your needs to get the most from your conversations and develop a true partnership.”

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Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson

In consideration of the time Mike spent participating in this article, he was paid honoraria by Johnson & Johnson.

INDICATION

WHAT IS TREMFYA^® (guselkumab)?

TREMFYA^® 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 phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light).

TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis.

TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA^®?

TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

• Serious Allergic Reactions. Stop using TREMFYA^® and get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• Infections. TREMFYA^® 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 TREMFYA^® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with TREMFYA^® 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 TREMFYA^®.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

Do not take TREMFYA^® if you have had a serious allergic reaction to guselkumab or any of the ingredients in TREMFYA^®.

Before using TREMFYA^®, 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 TREMFYA^®?”
• 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). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with TREMFYA^®.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TREMFYA^® can harm your unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry: If you become pregnant during treatment with TREMFYA^®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering in the pregnancy exposure registry for TREMFYA^®. You can enroll by visiting www.mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/tremfya-guselkumab, by calling 1-877-311-8972, or emailing MotherToBaby@health.ucsd.edu. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of TREMFYA^® during pregnancy.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TREMFYA^® 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 TREMFYA^®?

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

The most common side effects of TREMFYA^® include: respiratory tract infections, headache, injection site reactions, joint pain (arthralgia), diarrhea, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), fungal skin infections, herpes simplex infections, and bronchitis.

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

Use TREMFYA^® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for TREMFYA^® and discuss any questions that you have with your doctor.

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

Dosage Forms and Strengths: TREMFYA^® is available in a 100 mg/mL prefilled syringe and One-Press patient-controlled injector for subcutaneous injection, a 200 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe and prefilled pen (TREMFYA^® PEN) for subcutaneous injection, and a 200 mg/20 mL (10 mg/mL) single dose vial for intravenous infusion.

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1. About psoriatic arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation. Accessed January 8, 2025. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/#:~:text=Psoriatic%20arthritis%20(PsA)%20is%20a,age%20and%20may%20affect%20children
2. Gladman DD, Antoni C, Mease P, et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):ii14-7. doi: 10.1136/ard.2004.032482; PMID: 15708927; PMCID: PMC1766874.
3. Mease PJ, Armstrong AW. Managing patients with psoriatic disease: the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Drugs. 2014;74(4):423-441. doi: 10.1007/s40265-014-0191-y; PMID: 24566842; PMCID: PMC3958815
4. Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al. Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735. Epub 2013 Aug 24. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023; PMID: 23981683
5. Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. Accessed January 8, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840#:~:text=Psoriasis%20is%20a%20skin%20disease,make%20it%20hard%20to%20concentrate
6. TREMFYA^® [Prescribing Information]. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.
7. FACIT-Fatigue. FACIT.org. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.facit.org/measures/facit-fatigue

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2025-03-07T08:31:00

(BPT) – Lindsay and Matt are both active members of the narcolepsy and sleep advocacy community, drawing from their personal, lived experiences to share with others what it’s like living with narcolepsy. Before they became advocates, each spent years trying to find an explanation for the symptoms they were experiencing and then adjusting to life after getting a narcolepsy diagnosis.

Lindsay lived with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy for nearly 20 years before receiving her narcolepsy diagnosis at age 35. She recalls doubting her abilities and dedication to her job in politics, thinking, “Everyone is working long hours, everyone is tired…maybe I just don’t want it as much as they do.” But her diagnosis gave her the reason behind the sleepiness she was experiencing.

For Matt, symptoms became disruptive when he was 12 years old, but it wasn’t until he was 25 and a father of two that healthcare providers told him he had narcolepsy with cataplexy. He immediately set out to learn more about the disorder. At that time, there were very limited resources available to help him understand narcolepsy or to connect with others living with narcolepsy who could relate to his experiences.

Getting involved in the community

Matt continued to struggle for the next few years and thought that maybe giving back to others could be a good place to focus his efforts. He began reaching out to members of the narcolepsy community on social media and was excited when he got a response from Julie Flygare, the president and CEO of Project Sleep, who is also a person living with narcolepsy. Project Sleep is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders.

Julie introduced Matt to Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, which empowers people with sleep disorders to share their own stories and help spread awareness. As a dad living with narcolepsy, Matt knew he had a unique and important story to share. He started sharing his Rising Voices presentation, telling his story wherever he could to help drive awareness, but didn’t stop there. Matt began leading online support groups for Wake Up Narcolepsy, an organization focused on advocacy in the narcolepsy community, and was featured in one of their Narcolepsy 360 podcasts.

One of those online support groups was where Matt and Lindsay first crossed paths. After finally receiving a diagnosis, Lindsay was hesitant to share it with others. Her immediate reaction, which was unlike her typically expressive self, was to avoid telling anyone she was living with narcolepsy.

At an emotionally low point in her journey, Lindsay attended an online virtual support group meeting, and hearing Matt’s story gave her hope that things could get better. The two stayed in contact, and Matt encouraged Lindsay to get more involved in the community.

Becoming an advocate tapped into Lindsay’s lifelong passion for helping others, and she, too, went on to participate in Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program. As she opened up about her diagnosis with others, Lindsay realized that sharing her story was another way she could drive positive change in the world.

Leaning into her professional experience, Lindsay created programs to help raise awareness of narcolepsy, such as the first White House summit on sleep equity in November 2023. The summit focused on sleep health and gave people living with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders the opportunity to educate and share their lived experiences. Matt participated and spoke at the summit, creating a full-circle moment for these two advocates and friends.

We all have something unique to offer

There are many ways to learn more about narcolepsy, to help educate others, and to drive awareness about the disorder. Each person has their own individual skills and interests, and that is where their true strengths in advocacy can come through.

For anyone who feels overwhelmed, getting involved can start with one small step. Organizations like Project Sleep, Narcolepsy Network, and Wake Up Narcolepsy have a lot of information available and create opportunities for people living with narcolepsy to have their voices heard.

People living with narcolepsy can also reach out to others on social media and join an online group or page dedicated to people living with narcolepsy, or connect with someone they know from a support group, virtual or in person. Just as Matt and Lindsay joined together to support one another and make an impact to move things forward for the community, other people living with narcolepsy can work together to do the same.

When it comes to getting involved, people can start by helping to drive awareness about narcolepsy by having conversations with their family and friends. Sleep Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the connection between sleep, health, and well-being. Sleep Awareness Week is March 9-15, so now is the perfect time to get involved and share your unique story.

For more information about narcolepsy, you can visit KnowNarcolepsy.com. There are also narcolepsy resources and information on patient advocacy organizations, so be sure to check them out at KnowNarcolepsy.com/narcolepsy-resources.

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US-NAR-2400153/Jan 2025