Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-08-28T15:25:00

(BPT) – There it is again. That pain in your side that comes and goes. Not sure what to do about it? How about talking about your symptoms with a health care professional from the comfort of your own couch?

Today, the doctor’s office isn’t the only place to go to get your medical questions answered. In fact, you may not need to go anywhere. Since convenience and options are important to many of us, most health plans offer choices on how and where to access medical information and care.

Phone lines staffed by nurses. Many health plans offer access to a telephone-based support line staffed 24/7 by registered nurses — often referred to as “24/7 nurse lines” or “nursing hotlines.” The nurses take note of your symptoms. Together, you can discuss next steps and there is typically no additional charge to use this service.

Online or “virtual” office visits. Some Medicare plans allow you to visit with your doctor without leaving your living room. The clinician uses a computer or mobile device with a camera to see and talk with you. These visits sometimes even allow physicians to bring in specialists, also by computer, if needed. While in-office visits may still be the best options when it comes to serious illnesses, virtual visits work well for follow-ups and for more common illnesses and injuries like colds, flu, rashes, etc. In some states, online doctors can write and submit prescriptions after a virtual consultation. If covered, these visits may be subject to a copay or coinsurance.

In-home visits by a health practitioner. You may remember the days when doctors made home visits. Today’s in-home clinicians are often nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) who spend 45 to 60 minutes with each patient. They review your health history and current medications, perform a physical exam, offer health education and coordinate care with your primary care provider. The visit allows the health practitioner to spend a great deal of time with you in an environment where you are comfortable. They are so popular that UnitedHealthcare’s HouseCalls program recently completed its 5 millionth home visit.

These care options are not just convenient, they can also save lives. A simple urine test that Paul Engwall completed during his first HouseCalls visit led to the discovery of an abdominal aortic aneurysm that was nearing rupture. “There is no doubt in my mind that Paul’s HouseCalls visit very likely saved his life,” said his wife, Lorna. “Now we tell everyone we know about this program; we are so grateful.”

So the next time you want to speak with someone about a medical issue, pick up your phone or tablet, get comfortable and dial up the personalized support you want.

To find a UnitedHealthcare plan that offers these services, visit UHCMedicareSolutions.com.

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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year.

2018-08-28T07:03:00

(BPT) – Life can get hectic. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with busy schedules and everyday challenges, it is important to carve out personal time for relaxation and renewal. The practice of self-care and personal wellness is becoming a trend on the rise.

To incorporate this trend into your daily routine, take a page from the luxury hotel playbook. Imagine what you would see, feel, smell and experience if you stepped into the bathroom of a five-star suite. Luxury bathrooms are designed to invite you to slow down, relax and spoil yourself.

Instead of thinking of your bathroom as your “hurry-up-and-get-ready space,” transform it into a “shut-out-the-world-and-recharge-your-batteries-space.” These are some luxury hotel concepts you can implement in your own home.

Draft your color theory

Soft and subtle or deep and bold? It depends on how you want to set the mood. Soothing colors that call back to natural scenery, like seafoam greens, pale blues and soft sandstones, are relaxing. Yet rich, supersaturated colors are on-trend and can create the perfect backdrop to make chrome fixtures, sculptural appliances and other statement pieces stand out.

Indulge in upgraded essentials

Nothing speaks to luxury like thoughtfully designed bathroom products that are beautiful to look at and deliver an incomparable user experience. For example, TOTO’s elegant line of NEOREST NX Intelligent Toilets take pampering to the next level. These smart toilets feature high-tech innovations like an auto-open/close seat and lid, and a unique, integrated personal cleaning system that leaves you feeling clean and refreshed. The high-luxe NEOREST NX line is also environmentally sustainable, reducing the need for toilet paper and automatically keeping the bowl pristine without harsh chemicals thanks to their ACTILIGHT, EWATER+, and CEFIONTECT cleansing technologies. To learn more about these beautiful intelligent toilets, visit totousa.com.

Provide an extra blast of warmth

Heated flooring makes the transition from tub to toweling off pleasant, leading to a relaxing bathroom experience. For an extra touch of luxury, install a bathroom fireplace and take additional time to let your troubles melt away in the warmth and flickering light.

Don’t shy away from glamorous lighting

When adding finishing touches, try installing a great chandelier to create a focal point for the bathroom. A sparkly overhead chandelier throws light-scattering dazzle around the room, while a bold pendant light fixture adds color and clean lines. Dimming switches will give you the option to create your desired mood lighting.

Dress it up with blooms and greenery

A beautiful plant or a vase of fresh flowers will dress up any room. Research shows that the simple act of incorporating nature into your everyday life elevates the mood, making “me time” in the bathroom much more enjoyable. Opt for plants that thrive on humidity and natural light, such as orchids, ferns, bamboo and aloe vera.

Make it multisensory

When creating the ultimate luxury bathroom space, consider all five senses. Create a visually stunning scenery. Splurge on plush towels that caress your skin. Install overhead speakers to fill your ears with natural sounds or soothing music. Incorporate scents that make you feel happy and relaxed. Set up a reed diffuser or arrange scented bath bombs on a beautiful platter. And to end your day peacefully, treat yourself to a nice cup of herbal tea.

Now that you know what’s essential in a luxury-grade bathroom, take the first step in bettering your self-care routine by making transformations to your bath space.

2018-08-24T15:03:00

(BPT) – Did you know that approximately 6.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their lifetime?^1* With ADHD Awareness Month coming up in October, what better time to learn more about this chronic mental disorder and debunk some myths about ADHD? Below are some common misperceptions about ADHD and five fast facts that may surprise you.

Myth: ADHD isn’t a serious or real disorder.

ADHD can be a chronic mental disorder characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5^®) and includes the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.² ADHD is commonly referred to as AD/HD and ADD, although the correct term is ADHD.

Myth: ADHD is an “excuse.”

This is not the case. In fact, ADHD is a real disorder that can cause challenges at home, school/work or in social situations.²

Myth: ADHD only affects men, not women.

While ADHD is more frequent in men than women within the general population, women are more likely to primarily have symptoms of inattention than men.²

Myth: ADHD is a “kid’s disorder.”

While an estimated 11 percent (6.4 million) of U.S. school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime,^1* 4.4 percent of adults are estimated to have ADHD as well. When this number is applied to the full U.S. adult population (aged 18 and over), approximately 10.5 million adults are estimated to have ADHD in the U.S.^3,4,† Furthermore, in approximately 50 to 66 percent of children with ADHD, the symptoms may continue from childhood into adulthood.^5,6,7

Myth: ADHD is curable.

While there is currently no cure for ADHD, there are a variety of treatment options, both medication and non-medication alternatives, available that may help to manage the symptoms. If you think you or someone you know may have ADHD, speak to your healthcare professional about what treatment options may be right for you.

One treatment option is VYVANSE^® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), the #1 prescribed branded ADHD medication approved for ADHD patients 6 and older. Medication may not be appropriate for all patients. Individual results may vary so to learn more about Vyvanse and whether it could be right for you, talk to your doctor and visit www.vyvanse.com.

VYVANSE^® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and above. It is not for weight loss. It is not known if Vyvanse is safe and effective for the treatment of obesity.

Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Vyvanse in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Vyvanse may harm others and is against the law. See below for continued safety information.

Vyvanse Capsules are currently available in seven once-daily strengths (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, and 70mg). Vyvanse Chewable Tablets are currently available in six once-daily dosage strengths (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, and 60mg). To learn more about Vyvanse and for the Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information, talk to your doctor and visit www.vyvanse.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-828-2088.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Vyvanse is a stimulant medicine. Tell the doctor if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Who should not take Vyvanse?
Do not take Vyvanse if you or your child are:

• taking or have taken an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

• sensitive or allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.

Serious problems can occur while taking Vyvanse. Tell the doctor:

• if you or your child have heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. Sudden death has occurred in people with heart problems or defects taking stimulant medicines. Sudden death, stroke and heart attack have happened in adults taking stimulant medicines. Your doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting Vyvanse. Since increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur, the doctor should regularly check these during treatment. Call the doctor right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.

• if you or your child have mental (psychiatric) problems, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. New or worse behavior and thought problems or new or worse bipolar illness may occur. New psychotic symptoms (such as seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not true, being suspicious) or new manic symptoms may occur. Call the doctor right away if there are any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems during treatment.

• if you or your child have circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, sensitive to temperature and/or change color from pale, to blue, to red. Call the doctor right away if any signs of unexplained wounds appear on fingers or toes while taking Vyvanse.

• if your child is having slowing of growth (height or weight). The doctor should check your child’s height and weight often while on Vyvanse, and may stop treatment if a problem is found.

• if you or your child have symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, coma, or changes in mental status; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching, stiffness, or tightness; fast heartbeat; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if symptoms occur. Serotonin syndrome may occur if Vyvanse is taken with certain medicines and may be life-threatening.

• if you or your child are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Vyvanse may harm your unborn baby.

• if you or your child are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed while taking Vyvanse. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Vyvanse.

What are possible side effects of Vyvanse?
The most common side effects of Vyvanse in ADHD include:

anxiety	dry mouth	trouble sleeping
decreased appetite	irritability	upper stomach pain
diarrhea	loss of appetite	vomiting
dizziness	nausea	weight loss

For additional safety information, click here for the Medication Guide, including Boxed WARNING regarding Potential for Abuse and Dependence, and discuss 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.

2018-08-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Anyone who has been affected by cancer knows that facing the disease takes enormous personal strength. Each day can present new challenges and obstacles, and it’s easy to start to feel powerless.

Dak Prescott, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, had to find an inner power when he lost his mother to cancer. Inspired by his family’s experiences, he teamed up with Bristol-Myers Squibb to educate people about advances in cancer research, including Immuno-Oncology (I-O).

I-O research seeks to harness the power of the body’s own immune system to help fight cancer. An important new area of I-O research is exploring biomarkers – individual characteristics of each person’s cancer. By understanding immune biomarkers, researchers may be able to help personalize care for those living with the disease.

That’s just one thing Dak Prescott wants you to know about I-O research. Here are five more facts to empower people to better understand both cancer and I-O research.

1. Cancer cells can sneak past natural defenses

Cancer cells can trick the immune system by escaping and deactivating immune cells. If the immune system doesn’t recognize cancer cells as a threat, they can survive and grow into a tumor.

2. Each person’s body is unique – and so is their cancer

Most people already know that their body is different from everyone else’s. What they might not realize is that their cancer is, too. The differences between each person’s cancer, deep down at cellular and molecular levels, give scientists and doctors important information.

3. Researchers can learn more about an individual’s cancer through biomarkers

Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other bodily fluids or tissues that are signs of a normal or abnormal process or of a condition or disease. Understanding a tumor’s unique makeup through biomarkers may help researchers predict how well someone may respond to certain treatments.

4. The power of your immune system can also be harnessed to help fight cancer

The immune system constantly works to find and destroy abnormal cells, but sometimes “sneaky” cancer cells can get away. I-O research looks at how to help the immune response do what it is supposed to do – fight disease. The ultimate goal of I-O research is to improve survival and the quality of life for people living with cancer.

5. You can join the fight against cancer by participating in Ready. Raise. Rise.

To raise awareness about I-O research, Bristol-Myers Squibb is encouraging individuals to participate in the Ready. Raise. Rise. movement, alongside Dak Prescott and many others who have been impacted by cancer. Join the photo-sharing challenge and learn more about I-O research by visiting ReadyRaiseRise.com, where you can find all applicable rules and guidelines.

Content is brought to you by Bristol-Myers Squibb

2018-08-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-08-17T13:30:00

(BPT) – Haiti has among the highest rates of elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), which attacks the lymphatic system, leading to abnormal enlargement of body parts, disfigurement, pain, disability and social ostracism. The World Health Organization estimates that 856.4 million people in 53 countries remain threatened by the condition.

The Haitian population also suffers from widespread iodine deficiency. The Haitian Ministry of Health has established a goal to completely eradicate elephantiasis and iodine deficiency disorders in Haiti by 2020. Fortunately, there is a simple cure for these conditions: salt fortified with iodine and diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC).

Iodine is an essential element for healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don’t get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development is impaired. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a child to develop learning and intellectual disabilities as well as developmental problems affecting speech, hearing and growth.

“Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the single greatest cause of preventable mental retardation,” says Kul Gautam, the former deputy executive director of UNICEF. “Severe deficiencies cause cretinism, stillbirth and miscarriage. But even mild deficiency can significantly affect the learning ability of populations. Scientific evidence shows alarming effects of IDD. Even a moderate deficiency, especially in pregnant women and infants, lowers their intelligence by 10-15 IQ points.”

Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization in more than 82 nations and geographic areas, partnered with UNICEF in a global effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). In just 10 years, starting in 1990, the percentage of the world population consuming iodized salt went from 20 percent to 70 percent. Kiwanis ultimately provided nearly $105 million to protect children from preventable mental and physical disabilities.

“There is no reward greater in life than helping children, and seeing them live healthy, vibrant lives. Our clubs and members understand the importance of helping children in their communities, and in communities around the world, and have proudly contributed to protecting more than 80 million children from the devastating effects of iodine deficiency,” said Stan D. Soderstrom, executive director of Kiwanis International, during a Kiwanis sponsored presentation at the 2018 World Salt Symposium in Park City, Utah.

Iodine deficiency was a problem in the U.S. as well, until American salt producers started adding iodine to table salt more than a century ago. Today, about 70 percent of the table salt sold in the U.S. is iodized. In fact, salt has been and remains the primary source for iodine in the American diet. The effect of this public health initiative has been to virtually eliminate the incidence of thyroid related illness, including goiters. “Iodized salt has been one of the greatest and most economical public health successes and it continues to help raise healthy, smart children,” said Lori Roman, President of the Salt Institute, which hosted the 2018 World Salt Symposium.

2018-08-16T09:31:00

(BPT) – Gone are the days of plumped-up puckers, ski-sloped noses, overfilled cheeks and wind-tunnel faces that were obviously “done.” Today, facial plastic surgery is about looking like the best version of yourself — refreshed, relaxed and natural.

Celebrities are driving this trend. Reality-star-turned-make-up-mogul Kylie Jenner recently announced that she had fillers dissolved from her signature pout, according to Allure, revealing natural, shapely lips. But this new trend is not just about reversing overly done procedures. It’s also about avoiding the over-done look in the first place.

As many as one-third of facial plastic surgeons report that the “fear of looking unnatural” is a top concern among cosmetic surgery patients today, according to the latest annual survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). The good news is that subtle improvements are increasingly possible, due to advances in techniques and technologies perfected by specially trained facial plastic surgeons.

“The priority to look natural continues to gain popularity, especially as more treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, are available to patients,” says facial plastic surgeon and AAFPRS Board Member Dr. Patrick Byrne, director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins University.

Topping the list of facial plastic surgery procedures that restore natural beauty are eyelid lifts that rejuvenate tired-looking eyes. Facelifts have also come a long way. It’s no longer about pulling back tissue — instead, facial plastic surgeons lift and reposition underlying facial muscles to avoid a tight, pulled, wind tunnel look, and are able to minimize scarring and downtime in the process.

Even minimally invasive facial procedures such as neuromodulators and fillers are now injected in ways and amounts that create natural youthful-looking results and contours, avoiding a frozen or puffy look.

“When used correctly, injectables, such a BOTOX^® Cosmetic and hyaluronic acid fillers, can deliver a very natural result. Patients should be careful to choose an experienced injector and a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in the face, head and neck to ensure the most successful, natural-looking outcomes,” shares AAFPRS president and facial plastic surgeon Dr. William H. Truswell. “The result is not permanent and aging continues over time, as it does with any rejuvenation procedure.”

Pre-juvenation, or getting a head start on the aging process by stopping wrinkles and other signs of facial aging in their tracks, can forestall the need for more invasive facial plastic surgeries. In fact, more than half of AAFPRS members saw an increase in cosmetic procedures in those under age 30 last year.

Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is the best way to assure natural-looking results and avoid an overly done look or the need for reversal procedures. The AAFPRS is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery, and all 2,500 members are board certified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Start your search for a facial plastic surgeon at https://www.aafprs.org/patient/finder/finder.cfm.

2018-08-14T10:19:00

(BPT) – AUVI-Q^® (epinephrine injection, USP) is still available by prescription for children with life-threatening allergies.

Most kids spend the final weeks of summer amassing school supplies and cramming through summer reading lists. For children with life-threatening allergies and their parents, this time is also spent preparing for the challenge of navigating school cafeterias, packed classrooms and after-school programs.

An important part of that preparation often involves securing a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) before the first day of school. EAIs are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They do not take the place of emergency medical care, but are critical and potentially life-saving in an allergic emergency, so many parents and children prefer to keep a set at school.

However, some families are having trouble filling their EAI prescriptions this back-to-school season. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that manufacturing delays caused an ongoing supply constraint for several EAI manufacturers, including authorized generic versions of the medication.

One EAI not experiencing any supply issues is AUVI-Q^® (epinephrine injection, USP). It is developed by kaléo using a high-tech, 100% automated robotic production line and is FDA-approved in three doses: AUVI-q 0.1 mg for infants and toddlers weighing 16.5 lbs to 33 lbs, AUVI-Q 0.15 mg for children weighing 33 lbs to 66 lbs, and AUVI-Q 0.3 mg for anyone weighing 66 lbs or more.

AUVI-Q is the only EAI with an innovative electronic voice instruction system and visual cues that guide users step-by-step through the administration process. It’s been voted the number one prescribed branded EAI by allergists.¹

AUVI-Q is not always available at local pharmacies, but kaléo is able to fill, and is filling, all order requests through their Direct Delivery service at www.auvi-q.com. So if a doctor prescribes you AUVI-Q, it can be shipped directly to your doorstep quickly. If you have commercial insurance and use the Direct Delivery service, you can get AUVI-Q for $0 out-of-pocket. Please see full terms and conditions: https://www.auvi-q.com/getting-auvi-q/. It’s important to note that patients must obtain AUVI-Q through the Direct Delivery service to ensure delivery to their home or healthcare provider’s office and the best expiration dating for AUVI-Q.

Not all pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of the more common EAIs, but knowing the alternatives before the school year begins is more important now than ever. A study published in 2017 determined that children are increasingly being treated for anaphylaxis, with an estimated 130 percent increase in emergency room visits for anaphylaxis among children four years old and younger between 2005 and 2014.²

A recent survey of 289 parents with children who have food allergies found that >87% of parents find policies about epinephrine in the schools to be helpful. Similarly, in this same study, a majority of parents who reported that epinephrine policies were not in place felt that such policies were needed.³ Food allergies (the most common cause of anaphylaxis) affect 1 in every 13 children in the U.S.,⁴ or roughly two in every classroom.⁵

As parents and children with life-threatening allergies gear up for the challenges of another school year, finding an epinephrine auto-injector should not be one of them.

Indication

AUVI-Q^® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions.

Important Safety Information

AUVI-Q is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical treatment after using AUVI-Q. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine. AUVI-Q should only be injected into your outer thigh, through clothing if necessary. If you inject a young child or infant with AUVI-Q, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injuries. Do not inject AUVI-Q into any other part of your body, such as into veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands, or feet. If this occurs, seek immediate medical treatment and make sure to inform the healthcare provider of the location of the accidental injection. Only a healthcare provider should give additional doses of epinephrine if more than two doses are necessary for a single allergic emergency.

Rarely, patients who use AUVI-Q may develop infections at the injection site within a few days of an injection. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms at an injection site: redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.

If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have more or longer lasting side effects when you use AUVI-Q. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Also tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart problems or high blood pressure, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Common side effects include fast, irregular or ‘pounding’ heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, headache, paleness, feelings of over excitement, nervousness, or anxiety, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or breathing problems. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information at www.auvi-q.com.

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.

¹ Based on IMS prescription data September 2017 – May 2018 (AUVI-Q 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg).

² Motosue, M. et al. Increasing ED visits for anaphylaxis 2005-2014 The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (2017) 5:1, 171-175.

³ Mustafa SS, Russell AF, Kagan O, et al. Parent perspectives on school food allergy policy. BMC Pediatrics. 2018. 18:164.

⁴ United States Census Bureau Quick Facts (2016 estimates).

⁵ FARE. Food Allergy Facts and Statistics for the U.S. https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/facts-and-statistics [Accessed July 2018].

2018-08-14T07:01:00

Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as bacterial meningitis, are continuing to impact our communities, including in our schools and on college campuses. With many young adults heading off to college this fall, now is an ideal time to set up medical appointments to talk to their doctors about the vaccinations they may need.

Visit http://www.meningitis.com for more information.

2018-08-13T09:45:00

(BPT) – Summer welcomes a return to favorite outdoor activities. Yet, along with fun in the sun comes some not-so-friendly creatures to be mindful of, namely venomous snakes. Just like us, snakes become more active when the temperatures rise, and with most snakebites taking place during the summer months,^[i] it is especially important to know how to avoid and treat a snakebite before heading outdoors.

How to Handle a Snake Encounter

From rural hiking trails to even your own backyard, many people likely will come across a snake this summer. Of the different types of venomous snakes across the U.S., the most common venomous ones are North American Pit Vipers like rattlesnakes, water moccasins and copperheads.^[ii] Since it may not be easy to tell if a snake is venomous or not, assume it is and continue to be careful, not stopping to touch or play with the snake, even if it appears dead. Take two giant steps backward to get out of its striking range. Snakes are wild animals — show the snake respect, and let it be.

Seeking Immediate Treatment for a Snakebite

If someone is bitten by a snake, act quickly and take it seriously, regardless of the type of snake or how symptoms initially present. Envenomation, the process through which venom is injected from the bite, is unpredictable. Symptoms can vary widely from patient to patient,^[iii],iv with the impact felt in minutes for some cases and in hours for others.^iii,[iv] Early and aggressive intervention is critical to gaining initial control over the spread of the venom — the longer the patient is exposed to venom, the greater the potential for long-term, potentially irreversible damage.

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Snakebite First Aid

To ensure the victim is treated as soon as possible, dial 911 immediately and transport them to the emergency department. At the hospital, a physician can quickly assess the situation and decide whether to administer a drug called CroFab^®, the only FDA-approved treatment to treat all North American pit viper envenomations in adult and pediatric patients.

In addition to seeking medical attention, people can help the victim by keeping the bite area raised, as well as removing the victim’s jewelry and tight-fighting clothes. Another important reminder: Stay calm, both as the victim and their support! Ensuring the victim remains as still as possible will prevent their heart rate from increasing and speeding up the rate at which the venom spreads.

Surprisingly, commonly sought home remedies for bites — applying tourniquets, ice packs, incisions or suction to the site of the bite — end up causing more harm than good.^[v] Capturing and killing the snake to bring to the hospital will only lead to potentially more dangerous interaction with the snake.

“There are no particularly game-changing first aid measures like in the old cowboy movies,” says Dr. William Banner, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center and Clinical Professor of Pharmacy, at the Oklahoma University College of Pharmacy in Oklahoma City. “The cornerstone of venomous snakebite treatment is antivenom and supportive care. CroFab^® has been shown to halt the local effects of the bite, including the immediate source of the pain, while resolving other systemic and hematologic effects, like nausea, dizziness and bleeding.^[vi],[vii] Seek medical attention as soon as possible, as a snakebite can have serious consequences, which could include life-threatening conditions.”

To remember these tips as you are on the move this summer, the SnakeBite911 App (for iPhone and Android devices) provides access to useful information, from snake safety and basic pit-viper-bite first aid, to bite management and treatment in the emergency room.

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

CROFAB is an antivenom used in an emergency situation to reverse the effects of the venom from a pit viper snake bite.

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience unusual bruising or bleeding (such as nosebleeds, excessive bleeding after brushing teeth, the appearance of blood in stools or urine, excessive menstrual bleeding, any small purple or red spots on your skin, excessive bruising or persistent oozing from superficial injuries) after hospital discharge. Such bruising or bleeding may occur for up to 1 week or longer following initial treatment.
• Allergic reactions can happen upon use of the drug and can be severe (anaphylaxis).
• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs and symptoms of delayed allergic reactions or serum sickness (such as rash, itching, hives after hospital discharge).
• Patients allergic to papain, chymopapain, papaya extracts, or bromelain (pineapple enzyme), may react to CROFAB.

What is CROFAB?

• CROFAB is a prescription medicine used for the emergency treatment of a pit viper snake bite. This includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths/water moccasins.
• CROFAB is given into the vein as an infusion. The dose is based on the physician’s evaluation of the severity of the patient’s reaction to the snake bite.

Who should not receive CROFAB?

CROFAB should not be administered to patients with a known history of allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to any of its components, or to papaya or papain unless the benefits outweigh the risks and appropriate management for severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions) is readily available.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving CROFAB?

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

• Are allergic to papain, chymopapain, papaya extracts, or bromelain (pineapple enzyme). People who are allergic to these may react to CROFAB.
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if CROFAB can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. It should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. CROFAB contains a small amount of mercury in the form of ethyl mercury from thimerosal. While there are limited data on administration of ethyl mercury to pregnant women, high and acute doses of methyl mercury have been associated with nervous system and kidney toxicities.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if CROFAB passes into human breast milk.

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

What are the possible side effects of CROFAB?

CROFAB can cause serious side effects.

• The most common side effects are hives, rash, nausea, itching and back pain
• Allergic reaction (severe hives and a severe rash and itching) has occurred following treatment
• Recurrent bleeding due to the snake venom requiring additional treatment may occur after discharge from the hospital

These are not all of the possible side effects of CROFAB. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.