Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-10-03T11:19:00

(BPT) – Fall is here and it’s time to cozy up with healthier habits! If you’re looking to refresh your routine and embrace healthier habits this season, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares valuable tips to help you harvest your health this fall.

1. Enjoy seasonal produce

Fall offers a variety of nutrient-rich produce like pumpkins, squash and sweet potatoes, which are great for hearty, immune-boosting meals. These seasonal foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber to help support your immune system during flu season. Consider making a trip to your local farmers market or grocery store and stock up on these delicious and healthful ingredients.

2. Recommit to healthful habits

The slower pace of fall offers the perfect opportunity to support your overall well-being. Mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling can help you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset during the seasonal shift. Whether it’s starting a gratitude journal or taking a few minutes each day to meditate, setting aside time for yourself can greatly benefit your mental health.

3. Bake healthier fall treats

‘Tis the season to enjoy favorite seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and apple cinnamon muffins — but with a healthier twist! This season, try incorporating more nutritious ingredients into your favorite baked goods. Simple swaps like using whole grains, natural sweeteners and nutrient-dense additions such as fortified eggs can make a big difference. Fortified eggs, in particular, are a great source of high-quality, essential vitamins like Vitamin D and Omega-3s, helping to maintain energy levels during cooler days.

4. Maintain energy with exercise

As the weather cools, it may be tempting to cozy up indoors, but staying active is just as important in fall as any other season. Before it gets too cold, take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, biking and apple picking to enjoy the crisp autumn air while getting in some fun exercise.

When it gets too uncomfortable to exercise outside, take your workouts indoors with a cozy yoga flow, a strength-training circuit or an indoor cycling class to keep your fitness routine fresh and exciting all season long.

5. Test out new protein-rich recipes

Fall is a fantastic time to explore fresh, protein-rich dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. With protein-rich recipes trending, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re getting enough protein for sustained energy this fall.

Experimenting in the kitchen can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you incorporate nutritious ingredients, such as eggs, into your meals to provide the boost your body needs. Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain 6 times more Vitamin D and 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, provide superior nutrition and help to boost your body’s immunity and reduce oxidative stress during this transitional time. If you’re looking for a delicious, protein-packed recipe to make this fall, try this Shredded Beef and Egg Burrito recipe from Eggland’s Best.

Shredded Beef and Egg Burrito

This popular burrito from the Mexican state of Chihuahua features meat cooked until it’s falling apart, seasoned with a spiced-up chunky tomato base and finished with tender scrambled nutritious Eggland’s Best eggs.

Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6

Ingredients

12 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
1 pound flank steak
1 white onion, halved and divided (half of it finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided or to taste
1-2 fresh jalapeno chiles, stemmed, finely chopped (don’t remove seeds)
1 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and finely chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
6 10-inch flour tortillas

Preparation

1. Place meat in large pot along with half the onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover with water up to 2 inches above meat. Bring to a boil over high heat and remove any foam that has risen on top. Cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until meat is thoroughly cooked, soft and easily shreds. Strain and set aside. Once the meat has cooled enough to handle, shred into fine pieces.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped half onion and jalapenos, and cook about 3-4 minutes until wilted. Incorporate tomatoes and one teaspoon salt and cook 8-10 minutes, until completely softened. Add meat, stir and cook a couple more minutes so it all comes together.
3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, crack eggs. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper and whisk until foamy.
4. Stir beaten eggs into meat mixture and reduce heat to medium low. Scramble gently as eggs cook until desired doneness. Set aside.
5. Thoroughly heat flour tortillas on a preheated comal, griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. One by one, add generous amount of filling in thick strip to one side of the tortilla. Tuck in the top and bottom, fold and roll into burrito shape. You can also leave untucked and just roll it. Serve hot and eat, or wrap and take it on the go!

Find more tasty recipes at Egglandsbest.com/recipes.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Eggland’s Best has partnered with acclaimed chef and TV personality Pati Jinich to launch the “Latin Heritage Celebracion de Huevos” Sweepstakes. Now through October 22, fans can enter daily at EBFamilySweeps.com for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 to elevate their Latin cooking experience, along with weekly prize packs featuring a signed cookbook from Chef Pati, her favorite salsas from La Costena, EB branded cookware and three-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs!

2024-10-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Mary, a devoted mother, grandmother and educator, gradually found herself struggling to distinguish contrasting colors, a subtle but unsettling change that impacted her daily routine. While vision changes are often accepted as a normal part of aging, what Mary was experiencing were signs of a more serious eye disease that affects the retina—the part of the eye that captures light and helps translate it into images.

She was diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which progressed into geographic atrophy (GA)—the advanced form of dry AMD that can cause permanent vision loss—and she was determined to slow it down.

“I love to travel, cook and garden. And I love my job,” Mary, 71, said. Whether she is driving to school to teach her fourth-grade students, cooking her famous eggplant parmigiana for her big Italian family or spending quality time with her seven grandchildren, Mary’s vision is central to her independence.

With the help of her son and following her AMD diagnosis, Mary found a retina specialist in her area. Together, she and her doctor routinely monitored for changes in her vision, which was critical in helping to identify Mary’s progression to GA.

Anyone can be affected by GA. However, there are certain risk factors that have been linked to an increased chance of developing the disease, such as:

• Being over 55
• Being an active smoker
• Having cardiovascular disease, or
• Having a family history of AMD

After being diagnosed, Mary experienced feelings of fear, which is common among those who face vision loss. “When my retina specialist explained that my dry AMD had advanced to geographic atrophy and what that entailed, I was very upset and scared,” explained Mary. “Luckily, my friends and family have been so helpful by providing rides to my appointments and emotional support when needed.”

In the U.S. 1.5 million people are estimated to have GA—up to 75% of whom are believed to be undiagnosed. Because the disease may advance rapidly, scheduling regular vision checkups and initiating proactive conversations with an eye doctor or retina specialist are particularly important for timely and effective disease management. The symptoms of GA can be subtle, but common signs include:

• Seeing washed-out colors
• Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
• Straight lines that look wavy or crooked
• Blurriness or blank spots in the field of vision, making it difficult to recognize faces
• Loss of central vision, making it challenging to perform tasks like reading or driving

In speaking with her doctor, Mary learned there was a treatment she could try—IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution), a prescription eye injection used to treat geographic atrophy (GA). IZERVAY was proven to slow GA progression in 2 clinical trials evaluating 624 people with GA. In just one year, IZERVAY slowed GA progression by 18%-35% compared to those who were not treated.

For anyone over the age of 55 who experiences symptoms of GA, it may be time to talk with an eye doctor to learn more about the condition and benefits of treatment—because earlier action may help slow the progression of GA sooner. Slowing GA may help preserve vision for longer.

“I couldn’t wait to start IZERVAY,” she said. “I am so grateful, and it gives me hope that I may preserve the vision I have longer, which can help me see my grandchildren grow up and do the things I love.”

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is IZERVAY?

IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

What is the most important information I should know about IZERVAY?

Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you:

• Have an infection in or around your eye
• Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness

IZERVAY can cause serious side effects:

• Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness of the eye, eye pain, increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small specks floating in your vision, flashes of light, or increased sensitivity to light.
• There is a risk of developing wet AMD with IZERVAY. You should report any symptoms (visual distortions such as straight lines seeming bent, deterioration in vision, dark spots, loss of central vision) to your healthcare provider to monitor.
• IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.

Before receiving IZERVAY tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:

• Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks.
• Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
• Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take.

What should I avoid while receiving IZERVAY?

• Your vision may be impaired after receiving an eye injection or after an eye exam. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has recovered sufficiently.

What are the most common side effects of IZERVAY?

• Blood in the white of the eye
• Increase in eye pressure
• Blurred vision
• Wet age-related macular degeneration

These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. 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.

Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.

For more information on IZERVAY consult your eye care professional or visit IZERVAY.com.

2024-09-30T14:31:00

(BPT) – There are many reasons to feel good about consuming farmed salmon from Chile. According to researchers, farmed salmon is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly proteins you can eat. The USDA recommends that Americans increase consumption of fatty fish like salmon as part of a healthy diet. To learn more, here are some truths about farmed salmon that help set the record straight.

Farmed salmon: A sustainable animal protein when it comes to emissions

As the planet warms and the global population grows, producing food as sustainably as possible is important. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that less than 2% of the world’s oceans are dedicated to aquaculture yet farmed salmon has the lowest carbon footprint of all animal proteins.

This is because research from Johns Hopkins University found that farmed salmon — including salmon from Chile — contains more edible protein than other animals while requiring less feed and other inputs to grow. This makes salmon’s environmental impact four times smaller than pork’s and eight times smaller than cattle’s. According to a 2018 analysis by the National Centre for Scientific Research, farmed salmon produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions per 100 grams of protein (5.98 kg) than beef (49.9 kg).

Salmon’s overlooked health benefits

Chilean salmon is a nutritional powerhouse packed with high-quality protein and important nutrients, such as vitamin D and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating fatty fish like salmon may decrease the risk for heart disease, some autoimmune conditions, depression and cognitive decline, while improving eye health and sleep quality.

Because of these many benefits, the USDA’s 2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans consume seafood two to three times per week, yet 80% of the adult population falls short of meeting that recommendation. The Food and Drug Administration considers farmed salmon a safe choice for the whole family, including pregnant women and children, thanks to its low levels of mercury and exceptionally high omega-3 fat content.

The world needs more aquaculture, not less — according to the U.N.

Aquaculture can help protect the ocean from overfishing, preserving important marine species, while also helping to feed a global population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. That’s precisely why organizations like the United Nations are working to expand global aquaculture, including salmon production. The UN’s “blue transformation” aims to increase global aquaculture production between 35% and 40% by 2030.

As salmon farmers work toward this sustainability goal, they are constantly improving their practices to keep fish healthy and safeguard the oceans they depend on. Examples include vaccination programs to prevent disease spread and extensive monitoring programs to ensure optimal conditions for the fish they raise. To hold itself accountable, the industry has partnered with conservation groups to help each farm adhere to these high environmental standards.

To learn more, visit ChileanSalmon.org.

2024-09-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past 20 years, the world has witnessed a staggering rise in extreme weather events. According to a 2020 report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction the dramatic increase is largely fueled by rising global temperatures and other climatic changes. These weather trends pose a serious threat to populations worldwide, but especially to vulnerable groups like older adults.

During heat waves, floods, fires, hurricanes, droughts and cold spells, older adults are at significant risk for respiratory, cardiovascular and psychological harm due to existing health conditions like compromised immune systems, dementia and limited mobility.

This problem will only be exacerbated by the “silver tsunami” of Baby Boomers. By 2030, one-fifth of the country’s population will be over age 65, with the fastest-growing segment being ethnic minorities.

“Anyone caring for vulnerable older adults must be knowledgeable about the health effects of climate change events,” said Dr. Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, a Walden University nursing faculty member and president of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.

Heat waves and droughts

Heat waves, heat domes and droughts can lead to poor air quality that worsens lung conditions in elderly patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergies. Also, hotter climates increase the risk of dehydration, stressing the cardiovascular and renal systems and leading to kidney failure.

Older people tend to have decreased thirst perception and may take medications that put them at risk for dehydration and heat-related illnesses on normal temperature days. During high-heat days, they may experience a medical emergency like heat stroke, characterized by a temperature of 104° F, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, confusion, blurry vision and falling.

Wildfires

Wildfires pose another significant threat to older adults, particularly those in low-income areas with limited resources to evacuate or relocate to new housing. If they have to stay in an area with an active wildfire, the smoke can contribute to respiratory challenges. In the aftermath, ash that contains hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollutes the water and land, making the area practically unlivable.

Mold

Longer rainy seasons and increased flooding foster the growth of indoor and outdoor molds and fungi. Mold doesn’t just smell unpleasant. It can exacerbate allergies, asthma, emphysema and COPD, increasing the need for emergency services and hospitalizations.

Improving care through education

No one on their own can stop climate change. However, practical steps can be taken to assess and tend to older adults in the face of health threats during extreme weather.

Anyone caring for an elderly person should review medications for ones that can worsen the impact of extreme temperatures and take time to evaluate their living conditions. Older adults on fixed incomes may experience food insecurity and can’t stock up on provisions in case of a disaster. Additionally, their homes may be unprepared for a climate change event.

During a serious weather event, healthcare providers can evaluate older adults via telehealth services. Doing so allows patients to receive care without enduring environmental factors to get to appointments.

Finally, it’s important to educate older adults about steps they can take to mitigate their risks during extreme weather events. For example, they should be reminded of the importance of drinking water even if they’re not thirsty. Not only does this help them avoid dehydration during a typical day, but it can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, renal damage and heat stroke during high temperatures.

Raising awareness among healthcare professionals

Because traditional nursing curricula include little content about the health impacts of climate change on older people, Dr. Kriebel-Gasparro and her nursing colleagues at Walden University are weaving these topics into their course materials. She says, “It is essential that healthcare providers have the knowledge to evaluate this age group for presentations of heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration, acute kidney injury, and cardiorespiratory illness brought on by extreme temperatures.”

By equipping nursing students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for older adults during environmental crises, the university is creating a new generation of healthcare providers that can make a significant difference during these unprecedented times. To learn more about the Walden University nursing curriculum, visit WaldenU.edu.

2024-09-30T08:31:00

(BPT) – One woman shares her story of hope living with a rare and aggressive brain cancer.

Jennifer’s* story begins in a small town in Alabama where she was born into a loving family. From a very young age, it was clear that she had a tenacious spirit and a fierce determination to make the most of her life.

She excelled academically, poured her heart into sports, and always aimed to better herself and those around her. With a clear vision for her future, she aspired to become an attorney. Marriage and children were not part of her plan.

“I always said I was never going to get married or have kids. I was going to be a lawyer and help people who couldn’t help themselves,” Jennifer said. “But life had other plans for me.”

She met a man who completely captured her heart. They got married, and together they built a beautiful life. She ended up changing her career path, earning an MBA instead of a law degree, and her husband secured a job as an engineer. Together, they built their family by having three boys. They instilled in their children the values of volunteerism and community, creating a nurturing and enriching family environment.

Their life was vibrant and fulfilling, with every day bringing new joys and challenges. But in 2015, when Jennifer was 40 years old and her children were ages 11, 8 and 4, their journey took an unexpected turn. One day, Jennifer felt what she described as “off” and looked in the mirror to find that half her face was paralyzed. She brushed it off and told her husband she was going to see a nurse practitioner. What seemed like what she called a “minor inconvenience” turned into a whirlwind of events as Jennifer was advised to go to the emergency room immediately.

“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t have a stroke. I just ran a 5K that morning. I have a meeting to attend,'” Jennifer recalls. “But when I got to the ER, things got serious quickly.”

At the ER, it was discovered that Jennifer had a lesion on her brain. The news was shocking and surreal. She, a strong and healthy person who lived life at full speed, couldn’t fathom having a possible brain tumor. But reality set in. Despite the gravity of the situation, Jennifer remained positive and determined.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Jennifer said. “Me? A brain tumor? It seemed impossible.”

Through a surgical resection, the lesion was identified as glioma, a rare brain cancer. She later found out that she had a specific type of glioma with an IDH­-mutation.

“A glioma is a type of tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord. The overwhelming majority of all primary malignant brain tumors are gliomas,” said Dr. Rimas V. Lukas, a neuro­-oncologist and Associate Chief of Neuro­-Oncology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Note, Dr. Lukas was not Jennifer’s healthcare provider. “Of those, approximately 20 percent harbor what’s known as a mutation in the genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase, or IDH.”

IDH­-mutant gliomas are malignant and incurable brain tumors that continue to grow and relentlessly infiltrate the brain, even after surgery. Symptoms of glioma vary from patient to patient and are influenced by tumor type and location. Both before and after a glioma diagnosis, patients may experience a wide range of symptoms including changes in mental function, speech difficulties, new weakness or numbness in one or more body parts, seizures, headache, nausea and vomiting.

“IDH­-mutant glioma is a relatively overlooked and generally understudied patient population,” added Dr. Lukas. “Approximately 2,400 patients a year are diagnosed with this aggressive cancer, but there are likely many living with these tumors, either receiving active treatment or being followed clinically and radiographically on what physicians call a ‘watch and wait,’ or active surveillance, protocol.”

Jennifer’s journey took her out of her local hospital and into a larger one in a nearby city, where she met her neuro­-oncologist for the first time. Her neuro­-oncologist was a true partner to her from the start and someone who she described as “patient, treated me with respect and cared about who I was as a person.” He confirmed the diagnosis because of her age and extensive surgical resection, and instead of prescribing immediate radiation and chemotherapy, placed her on a “watch and wait” protocol. For her, this meant regular MRIs and close monitoring of the tumor’s progression before considering more aggressive forms of treatment.

During this journey, she reconnected with Tara, a former colleague and mother of four daughters, who, coincidentally, had also been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer and was seeking treatment at the same hospital as Jennifer. Tara and Jennifer became each other’s pillars of support. They turned doctor visits into opportunities for camaraderie, sharing laughs and tears along the way.

“Tara and I became each other’s rock,” Jennifer explains. “We turned hospital visits into moments of strength and support, knowing we were in this together.”

Jennifer’s outlook on life changed. She focused on creating memories with her children, ensuring they always remembered her as a loving and fun mother. She took them on trips, engaged in activities they loved, and lived each day to the fullest. She also made practical decisions, ensuring her family’s future was secure financially.

“I took my kids on every adventure I could think of,” Jennifer says. “From road trips to the beach to visiting zoos, I wanted to create as many memories as possible.”

As the days passed, the reality of her condition weighed heavily on Jennifer, but her spirit remained unbroken. Jennifer had a Grade 2 glioma, and the time had come for her to consider more aggressive treatment options.

Jennifer vividly remembers the day she was about to start radiation. As she was being prepped, a nurse suddenly entered the room, bringing everything to a halt.

Wait,” the nurse said urgently. “The doctor has news for you.”

The doctor told Jennifer about a new trial, INDIGO, specifically designed for patients with IDH­-mutant gliomas.

The INDIGO trial was investigating a new oral therapy at the time, Voranigo^® (vorasidenib).

See below for additional Important Safety Information, including the benefits and risks of Voranigo^® (vorasidenib). Click here for Prescribing Information and discuss with your doctor.

With her neuro­oncologist’s guidance and an understanding of the benefits and risks of Voranigo, Jennifer quickly enrolled in the INDIGO study.

“I was both excited and nervous,” Jennifer recalled.

The journey was challenging, but Jennifer’s unwavering determination and the support of her loved ones carried her through.

While Jennifer was participating in the clinical trial, her friend Tara faced her own challenges. Tara’s condition worsened, and she did not survive the cancer. Jennifer was heartbroken by the loss of her friend but continued to draw strength from the bond they had shared.

“Tara’s passing was a profound loss,” Jennifer said. “She was my rock, and I miss her every day. But her memory drives me to keep fighting and to live fully.”

Today, Jennifer’s brain tumor progression has slowed.

“Every day, I feel grateful,” Jennifer said. “Life is precious, and I’m determined to make the most of every moment. I dream of holding my future grandchildren one day. Despite my condition, I’m thinking about the adventures ahead and hope to take a Mediterranean vacation with my husband soon.”

Dr. Lukas stated: “We are now entering a new era in the treatment of IDH­-mutant gliomas, with the recent approval of the first targeted therapy for this patient population.”

Voranigo, which was approved in the U.S. on August 6, 2024, is an isocitrate dehydrogenase­-1 (IDH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase­-2 (IDH2) inhibitor, indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with Grade 2 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with a susceptible IDH1 or IDH2 mutation following surgery including biopsy, sub­total resection, or gross total resection.

The approval of Voranigo is supported by results from the pivotal Phase 3 INDIGO clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 2023 ASCO plenary, which showed that Voranigo significantly extended progression-­free survival and time­-to-­next intervention, when compared to placebo.

“There are benefits and risks associated with Voranigo. It is important for patients to speak with a doctor to learn more,” said Dr. Lukas.

For more information about Voranigo, please visit www.Voranigo.com.

*Jennifer is a paid consultant for Servier in the U.S. Last name withheld to protect personal privacy.

**Dr. Rimas Lukas is a paid consultant for Servier in the U.S.

What is VORANIGO?

VORANIGO (40 mg tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with certain types of brain tumors called astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-­1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-­2 (IDH2) mutation, following surgery. Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that VORANIGO is right for you. It is not known if VORANIGO is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of VORANIGO?

VORANIGO may cause serious side effects, including:

• Liver problems. Changes in liver function blood tests may happen during treatment with VORANIGO and can be serious. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with VORANIGO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms of liver problems:
  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice) dark tea­-colored urine
  • loss of appetite
  • pain on the upper right side of your stomach area feeling very tired or weak

The most common side effects of VORANIGO include:

• increased liver enzyme levels in the blood
• lack of energy, tiredness
• headache
• COVID­-19
• muscle aches or stiffness
• diarrhea
• nausea
• seizure

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with VORANIGO if you have certain side effects.

VORANIGO may affect fertility in females and males, which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of VORANIGO.

Before taking VORANIGO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems
• have kidney problems or are on dialysis
• smoke tobacco
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. VORANIGO can harm your unborn baby

Females who are able to become pregnant:

• Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with VORANIGO
• You should use effective nonhormonal birth control during treatment with VORANIGO and for 3 months after the last dose. VORANIGO may affect how hormonal contraceptives (birth control) work and cause them to not work well. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you during treatment with VORANIGO
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with VORANIGO

Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:

• You should use effective birth control during treatment with VORANIGO and for 3 months after the last dose
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if your partner becomes pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant during your treatment with VORANIGO

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VORANIGO passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with VORANIGO and for 2 months after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-­the-­counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VORANIGO may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VORANIGO works.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

2024-09-30T04:01:00

(BPT) – At a time when even the most optimistic of us can’t help but get stuck on the negative, science tells us that tapping into our sense of gratitude is a shortcut to feeling more grounded. Doing so not only has the power to change your emotional state for the better but can also have a positive impact on your physical health and help strengthen relationships with the people in your life.

Let’s check out some of the ways expressing gratitude can help you live a happier and healthier life.

1. Practicing gratitude has been proven to increase levels of positive emotions, leading to more pleasure, joy, optimism, and happiness.

Practicing gratitude, even for five minutes a day, has been scientifically proven to increase happiness and pleasure and bolster our sense of emotional resilience.

To get started, tap into the present moment and think about five things to be grateful for. Don’t overthink it! Just focus on what immediately comes to mind. Maybe it’s your sister. Maybe it’s the feeling of the warm sun on your face. Maybe it’s your favorite band. Maybe it’s a stranger who held the subway door for you.

By focusing on what you’re grateful for, you’re more likely to have a more centered perspective, regardless of whatever else is going on in your life. That makes the hard things that much easier to tackle.

2. There are physical health benefits to practicing gratitude too.

A grateful heart is also a healthy heart, as it turns out. A 2019 Open University of the Netherlands study found that keeping a regular gratitude journal has the power to regulate your breathing and slow your heart rate, lowering blood pressure overall.

Other benefits of gratitude include better sleep (yes, please!). A study conducted in 2009 for the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that participants who expressed gratitude had an easier time falling — and staying — asleep. Other pluses include a stronger immune system, less stress, and fewer symptoms of chronic pain. Who knew?

3. Expressing gratitude can spark a human connection.

Upworthy believes that taking steps to appreciate your loved ones can directly impact your overall well-being. In fact, they have a whole book about it called GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity.

In a 2005 study conducted by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, delivering a handwritten note to someone they’d never had the chance to thank improved participants’ subjective well-being for three months. Reaching out to people not only feels good but also facilitates an opportunity to strengthen relationships with your friends, family, and neighbors. This, in turn, wards off loneliness, isolation, and disconnection.

Try this exercise on your own by sending a handwritten postcard (or even a text!) based on these sample prompts from the book:

• I never got the chance to thank you.
• I believe in good people because of you.
• I’ll never forget how you were there for me.
• I just want to tell you how much this meant to me.

Remember, the benefits of gratitude are just a few introspective moments away. Let’s all give it a go!

Takeaway tips:

• Try logging five things you’re grateful for each day.
• Try to find a moment — even if it’s five minutes — for yourself every day to contemplate what matters most.
• Read Upworthy’s new book, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, for 101 stories of people expressing gratitude for others in their lives, from loved ones to strangers.

2024-09-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Did you know that in the US, nearly half of all adults have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), also referred to as known heart disease?[1] A common type of heart disease, called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is caused by consistent high levels of “bad cholesterol” (aka, low density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C).[2],[3] Prolonged exposure to high levels of bad cholesterol can result in the formation of plaque, which can lead to blockages that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.[2],[3] The problem? Many people may not know this vital information or how to manage high levels of bad cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol can be measured through a standard lipid panel, which can be done at a healthcare provider’s office.[4] But the reality is that one in five heart attacks that occur in the US are silent, meaning the damage was done without the person knowing.[5] One reason this may happen is because high levels of bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition — that is why it’s critical for everyone to be aware of their bad cholesterol levels, and if they are high, take proactive steps to reduce their bad cholesterol.[3]

Bringing the Connection to Life

Richard is an active person who likes to fish, work on his home landscaping projects, and play with his son. Coming from a family with a long history of heart disease, Richard always knew he had to be proactive and take his health seriously. But despite his best efforts with diet and an active lifestyle, healthcare providers found a 95% blockage in his left anterior descending artery, also known as the “widowmaker.”[6]

“This significant of a blockage, created by plaque build-up as a result of consistently high levels of bad cholesterol, can cause fatal heart events, hence the name ‘widowmaker,’” says Nicole Ciffone, Nurse Practitioner, Lipid Specialist and Founder of Arizona Lipid Center. “Richard’s proactivity around managing his health might have just saved his life, but many patients don’t know that consistently high levels of bad cholesterol can put them at serious risk for a cardiac event.”

To reduce the blockage and increase blood flow, Richard’s care team placed a stent into his heart, followed by three more over the next six years. Stents are placed in arteries to keep the artery from narrowing or closing.[7] During this time, Richard and his cardiologist kept a close eye on his bad cholesterol levels, which remained high.

After recovering from cardiac surgery, Richard was prescribed statins, a common cholesterol medication, and continued to prioritize a healthy diet and exercise routine.[8]

A Turning Point

“I was doing everything right, but my bad cholesterol remained higher than it should be, even after I started statin therapy,” recalls Richard.

“When you’re already doing everything you think you can do to manage or lower bad cholesterol, not seeing those numbers go down can be frustrating,” said Ciffone. “Sometimes a cholesterol-lowering treatment like statins, even when paired with a healthy lifestyle, isn’t enough.”

Determined not to let his challenges with managing his bad cholesterol impact his most important role in life, being a parent to his young son, Richard worked proactively with his healthcare team to find a treatment to lower his bad cholesterol, which included the addition of non-statin therapy. Richard was prescribed an injectable treatment called Leqvio^® (inclisiran), which works with the liver’s natural process to support the lowering of bad cholesterol, along with diet and a statin.[9]

After an initial dose, followed by one at three months, it’s administered by a health care provider twice-yearly.[9] In clinical studies it has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol by about 50% and keep it low through each six-month dosing interval at 17 months.[9]

“I’ve been taking Leqvio for one year now and have been able to reduce my bad cholesterol to levels both me and my healthcare provider are happy with,” Richard said. “It’s been nice to see my numbers go down after years of struggle. And for me and my lifestyle, it’s nice to not have to remember to take another medication or self-inject.”

Finding a Treatment that Works for You

“Leqvio is another great tool in our toolbox to help patients lower their bad cholesterol levels, along with diet and statins,” said Ciffone. “The twice-yearly dosing, after two initial doses, and HCP administration may work for some patients’ lifestyle. But, it’s important that patients speak with their own healthcare providers about what treatment option may be right for them.”

The most common side effects of Leqvio include injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.[9] Please see additional safety information below. It is not known if Leqvio can decrease problems related to high cholesterol, such as heart attacks or stroke.[9]

Bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition, which can make it easy to forget or ignore as patients may be prioritizing other health conditions.[3] However, managing bad cholesterol is extremely important, especially for patients who are considered “high-risk” for heart disease.

“It’s understandable, given the overwhelming amount of change a patient may need to adopt, that some patients and providers may not prioritize getting to LDL-C guideline recommended thresholds,” said Ciffone. “I encourage both patients and the community of healthcare providers to remain vigilant on bad cholesterol management throughout a patient’s healthcare journey.”

Opportunities for Others

“I hope sharing my story and acknowledging some of the challenges I’ve faced managing my bad cholesterol can help others,” shares Richard. It’s critical to know the status of your bad cholesterol and lower it to the recommended goal and keep it low.[10] By talking to his healthcare providers, Richard was able to find a treatment option that worked for him.

To prepare for these conversations you should understand your target LDL-C number. For example, for patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke the American Heart Association recommends LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL or lower.[11]

“If people knew about the importance of managing bad cholesterol, they would take a more proactive approach and have those important conversations with their healthcare providers early,” says Richard.

If you or a loved one has continued to struggle with high LDL-C, despite statin therapy and lifestyle changes, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

To learn more about Leqvio, visit Leqvio.com.

What is LEQVIO?

LEQVIO (inclisiran) is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or “bad” cholesterol.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to LEQVIO or any of its ingredients.

The most common side effects of LEQVIO were: injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.

These are not all the possible side effects of LEQVIO. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. 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.

Please click here for accompanying LEQVIO full Prescribing Information.

References

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2024-09-25T04:01:00

(BPT) – It was a diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear, and few parents have heard it. Mandy and Ryan Aberegg’s world shifted on its axis when their son Cooper, now 13 years old, was diagnosed shortly after birth with severe hemophilia B, a rare disorder that prevents the blood from clotting.

The condition is caused by omission of factor IX, a protein that controls bleeding, from the X chromosome. But at the time, Mandy and Ryan weren’t familiar with the medical lingo surrounding the disorder. They only knew it meant their son could suffer from excessive bleeding, perhaps with fatal consequences.

According to the Hemophilia Federation of America, of the 30,000 Americans who have hemophilia, only about 7,000 have hemophilia B. The condition is hereditary but can also be caused by a spontaneous gene mutation. It’s also more likely to affect males because it is linked to the X chromosome.

The Abereggs didn’t want the diagnosis to hold their son back. “We made it a priority that Cooper could have as normal a life as any other child,” Ryan said.

But that would require considerable support. At first, the Abereggs found help from a local bleeding disorders patient group. Then, a friend from that community introduced them to the Coalition for Hemophilia B, an organization focused exclusively on Cooper’s disease. That introduction opened up a whole new set of options, along with support and hope.

It wasn’t too long ago that therapies for hemophilia B were very limited, but through the Coalition, the Abereggs learned about multiple treatment options, including the factor IX replacement therapy Cooper now undergoes weekly, and likely will continue for the rest of his life.

A double rarity in the family

After Cooper’s diagnosis, Mandy and Ryan underwent genetic testing to get to the bottom of how their son ended up with his disorder. What they found surprised them, as it was Mandy who had the gene mutation for mild hemophilia B, which is characterized by factor IX levels between 6% and 49%. Since nobody else in her family has the altered gene, Mandy’s mutation is considered spontaneous, which occurs in about 30% of people with the disorder, according to the Coalition.

Despite being a carrier of the gene mutation, Mandy had no symptoms and required no treatment. But she could pass the condition along to her children, and did, with Cooper. Even so, buoyed by the confidence they had built in treating Cooper, Mandy and Ryan decided to expand their family. Their daughter Brooke, now 8 years old, was also born with mild hemophilia B and “bruises like a peach,” according to Mandy. But because Brooke was a girl, getting her diagnosed and treated was an uphill battle for the Abereggs. Fortunately, they were well armed.

“Even in this day and age, some doctors don’t believe girls have hemophilia, but are just carriers,” Mandy explained. “I found a female doctor who works with female hemophilia patients. She is the one who listened to me as a concerned mom and confirmed Brooke has mild hemophilia.”

That diagnosis was critical. The Abereggs knew how important it was to have “on-demand” treatment for Brooke, meaning access to timely intervention if Brooke was injured, fell, or had a bleeding episode, which was likely to happen since she is very active and participates in competitive gymnastics. Mandy and Ryan therefore fought hard to obtain that therapy, even when insurance denied their claims. Now, both of their children use the same therapy, but in different ways.

Cooper must be infused prophylactically with his factor IX replacement therapy on a weekly basis, while Brooke receives it on an “on-demand” basis to ensure her body has factor IX for her blood to clot when she has bleeding episodes. The Abereggs now have the treatment on hand, at their house, and have learned how to administer it to both children.

The family now looks forward each year to the Coalition’s annual conference, where Cooper can rekindle friendships he has made over the years. That is an especially big deal since Cooper is also on the autism spectrum and has attention-deficit disorder. Bolstered by new connections and teen role models, Cooper has been able to attend a sleepaway camp for kids with bleeding disorders over the last few summers.

Mandy and Ryan are a solid team. As the adage goes, it takes a village to raise children, and this is especially true when those children have a rare bleeding disorder.

To see the family in action, and to hear them discuss their experiences with hemophilia B, visit PatientIXperiences.com.

2024-09-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have intensely itchy, flaky skin that flares up during certain times of the year or in certain conditions? Does the itching get so bad it interrupts your sleep? Does your incessant scratching cause skin to crack, ooze or become infected?

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have moderate to severe eczema. And you’re not alone. Among the 31.6 million people living with eczema in the United States, 40% of adults and 33% of children have moderate to severe eczema.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It causes itchy, painful rashes.

While the cause of eczema is unknown, doctors believe it’s related to:

• genetics or family history of the condition;
• an overactive immune system that causes skin inflammation when exposed to allergens and irritants;
• a defective skin barrier that allows moisture to escape the body, and allergens and bacteria to enter.

Eczema can appear on the face, neck, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Common symptoms include:

• Red bumps, blisters or patches on light skin
• Brown, purple or ashen gray bumps, blisters or patches on dark skin
• Itchiness
• Dry skin
• Swelling
• Flaky, scaly or cracking skin
• Open, oozing skin
• Thickened skin
• Raw or sensitive skin due to scratching

When eczema is moderate to severe, symptoms are often widespread across the body. The inflammation causes intense, constant itching. This leads to the natural response of scratching. And unfortunately, too much scratching can then cause an infection if the surface of the skin is broken. Signs of an infection include crusty skin (often on top of the eczema), swollen bumps and pus-filled blisters.

Moderate to severe eczema can significantly impact your quality of life. It may affect your ability to do daily tasks and disrupt sleep at night.

How to manage and treat eczema

While there’s no cure for eczema, treatments are available that can help reduce symptoms and break the itch-scratch cycle.

You can also take steps to avoid what triggers your symptoms. Because each person has specific triggers that may cause or worsen eczema, it’s helpful to track and identify when and where your symptoms are at their worst. Typical eczema triggers include:

• Contact allergies to jewelry, cosmetics, cleaning or skin products
• Dry skin
• Dust mites that live in mattresses, carpets, pillows and furniture
• Environmental allergies like pollen or mold
• Food allergies to foods like tree nuts, shellfish or wheat
• Pet dander
• Hormonal changes around menstruation, pregnancy or menopause
• Outdoor temperatures including excessive heat or severe cold
• Skin irritants like heavy or tight clothing, certain fabrics or detergents
• Stress
• Cigarette smoke

It’s common to have more than one trigger. Some may be easier to avoid than others.

If you’re unable to identify your triggers, see a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for testing. These specialists can accurately pinpoint your triggers and recommend treatments.

The first line of treatment for mild to moderate eczema typically involves moisturizers and topical medications like corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors. These medications help reduce skin inflammation, irritation and itch.

Advanced treatments for moderate to severe eczema

What can you do when eczema is moderate to severe and topical medications do not provide enough relief?

Ask your doctor about more advanced treatments. Biologic medications and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are two options. They target the source of eczema symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves, stopping skin inflammation at the cell level before it can start.

JAK inhibitors are approved to treat mild, moderate and severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 12 and older whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with topical medications. Three JAK inhibitors are available for atopic dermatitis. Two are taken daily as a tablet or liquid. A third is a topical applied to affected skin twice a day — but on no more than 20% of the body.

Biologic medications dupilumab (Dupixent^®) and tralokinumab (Adbry^®) are approved to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in people whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with all other medications. Dupilumab and tralokinumab prevent certain cells in the body from activating and causing skin inflammation.

Dupilumab is prescribed to adults and children ages 6 months and older. Tralokinumab is for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Both are given as injections every 1-4 weeks, either in the doctor’s office or at home with an auto-injector pen. You can learn more about biologics for severe eczema at BiologicMeds.org.

Don’t just put up with constant eczema symptoms when you can take action to start finding relief. See a board-certified allergist or dermatologist and ask about the latest treatments.

2024-09-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 men getting diagnosed in their lifetime. The risk of prostate cancer increases as men age, with the majority of cases found in men older than 65. Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, now is a great time to take a few minutes to learn the facts behind some common myths about prostate cancer. Read on to understand the risks, treatment options and when to take action.

Myth 1: Those without symptoms or a family connection to the disease are unlikely to have prostate cancer.

For many men, prostate cancer often has no signs or symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to self-detect. While a family connection does increase one’s risk for prostate cancer, there are several other factors that can make a man more prone to the disease, including age. Prostate cancer can also occur more often in Black men than in people of other races and ethnicities.

Myth 2: Prostate cancer grows slowly, so it’s fine to skip annual screenings.

Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100 percent, so regular screenings are imperative. Men with an average risk of prostate cancer should begin regular screenings at age 50, while men at a higher risk, including Black men, men with a family history of prostate cancer or those with certain genetic mutations, are recommended to start as early as age 40.

Myth 3: Surgery is the only treatment option following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

There are several approaches to treat prostate cancer depending on its stage and patient preferences for treatment. Options for prostate cancer treatment can include active surveillance — or “watch and wait” — for low-grade cancers. In other instances, doctors may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy or radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a common treatment approach, with over 60,000 U.S. men opting for this option to treat their prostate cancer every year as an alternative to surgery.

Myth 4: Radiation therapy will cause side effects like rectal bleeding.

Like any option to treat prostate cancer, radiation therapy can cause unwanted side effects, which vary for each patient. Some common side effects are urinary or bowel leakage, diminished erectile function or damage to the rectum and surrounding organs due to their proximity to the prostate. For some patients, there are options available that may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy, such as SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates a small amount of space between the prostate and the rectum, which helps reduce radiation side effects, including minimizing radiation damage to the rectum. A health care professional can place SpaceOAR Hydrogel during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in an office, hospital, clinic or surgery center.

As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Talk to your doctor about what screening and treatment options are best for you. Learn more about the benefits and risks of SpaceOAR Hydrogel and find a doctor here.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.