Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-08-03T07:01:01

(BPT) – Tanara never thought she’d be where she is today. Leading up to and following her diagnosis with schizophrenia, she often felt alone — her symptoms led her to isolate herself from her friends, family, and community. Now, 7 years later, Tanara is proud of the close relationships she’s developed and is thriving as a peer support specialist who helps others living with the disorder.

“It took me time to open up about what I was feeling, but once I put all of my cards on the table, I finally felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel,” Tanara says. “Today, not only am I on my own journey with schizophrenia, but I am also helping other people set goals and achieve them. I feel like I am doing what I was destined to do.”

Tanara is helping others as a volunteer with the SHARE Network, a Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., program made up of people who are dedicated to inspiring others through their personal health journeys and stories of caring. She was paid an honorarium by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Affecting approximately 2.4 million adults in the United States, schizophrenia is a complex and chronic brain disorder that can impact all aspects of a person’s daily life. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually emerge early in young adulthood, which often coincides with major milestones, such as living independently, continuing education, starting a job, and maintaining and developing relationships.

Recovery is different for everyone, and it is an ongoing process. By following their schizophrenia treatment plan and taking medication as prescribed, people living with the disorder can have the best chance to control their symptoms and begin working toward their treatment goals.

Tanara continues to work toward her treatment goals with her psychiatrist. Her treatment plan includes a long-acting medication for schizophrenia, INVEGA TRINZA^® (3-month paliperidone palmitate). INVEGA TRINZA^® is a prescription medicine given by injection every 3 months by a healthcare professional and used to treat schizophrenia in adults. INVEGA TRINZA^® is used in people who have been adequately treated with INVEGA SUSTENNA^® (1-month paliperidone palmitate) for at least 4 months.

In a long-term study, 93% of patients treated with INVEGA TRINZA^® did not experience a significant return of schizophrenia symptoms vs those not treated. The most common side effects of INVEGA TRINZA^® include injection site reactions, weight gain, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, feeling restlessness or difficulty sitting still, slow movements, tremors, stiffness and shuffling walk.

With her treatment plan and help from her psychiatrist and support system, Tanara has been pursuing her goal of inspiring others. She was recently recognized with an award from her local mental health services organization, for her accomplishments. In addition, being able to support others with similar experiences has provided her with a rewarding opportunity to share her perspectives.

“I’ve learned so much and want to share that knowledge with others. And I’ve learned how important it is to work with my doctor so I can keep on track with my treatment goals,” Tanara reflects. “My message to others is to stay positive and be open with your treatment team so you can find out what will work for you.”

Click here to watch Tanara’s full story and to get to know more people living with schizophrenia.

INDICATION

INVEGA TRINZA^® (3-month paliperidone palmitate) is a prescription medicine given by injection every 3 months by a healthcare professional and used to treat schizophrenia. INVEGA TRINZA^® is used in people who have been adequately treated with INVEGA SUSTENNA^® (1-month paliperidone palmitate) for at least 4 months.

INVEGA SUSTENNA^® (In-VEY-guh Suss-TEN-uh) (paliperidone palmitate) is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional. INVEGA SUSTENNA^® is used to treat schizophrenia in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® if you are allergic to paliperidone,
paliperidone palmitate, risperidone, or any of the ingredients in INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®. See the end of the Patient Information leaflet in the full Prescribing Information for a complete list of INVEGA TRINZA^® and INVEGA SUSTENNA^® ingredients.

Before you receive INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have had Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• have or have had heart problems, including a heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm, or long QT syndrome
• have or have had low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
• have or have had uncontrolled movements of your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (tardive dyskinesia)
• have or have had kidney or liver problems
• have diabetes or have a family history of diabetes
• have had a low white blood cell count
• have had problems with dizziness or fainting or are being treated for high blood pressure
• have or have had seizures or epilepsy
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® will harm your unborn baby
  • If you become pregnant while taking INVEGA TRINZA^®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry
  • Infants born to women who are treated with INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® may have withdrawal symptoms or other symptoms such as tremors, muscle spasms, abnormal movement of arms and legs, and twitching of eyes.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. INVEGA TRINZA^® and INVEGA SUSTENNA^® can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Patients (particularly the elderly) taking antipsychotics with certain health conditions or those on long-term therapy should be evaluated by their healthcare provider for the potential risk of falls.

What should I avoid while receiving INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®?

• INVEGA TRINZA^® and INVEGA SUSTENNA^® may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® affects you
• avoid getting overheated or dehydrated

INVEGA TRINZA^® and INVEGA SUSTENNA^® may cause serious side effects, including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about INVEGA TRINZA^® or
  INVEGA SUSTENNA^®?”
• stroke in elderly people (cerebrovascular problems) that can lead to death
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a rare but very serious problem that can happen in people who receive INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®. NMS can cause death and must be treated in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become severely ill and have any of these symptoms: high fever; severe muscle stiffness; confusion; loss of consciousness; changes in your breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure
• problems with your heartbeat. These heart problems can cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: passing out or feeling like you will pass out, dizziness, or feeling as if your heart is pounding or missing beats
• uncontrolled movements of your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (tardive dyskinesia)
• metabolic changes. Metabolic changes may include high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetes mellitus and changes in the fat levels in your blood (dyslipidemia), and weight gain
• low blood pressure and fainting
• changes in your blood cell counts
• high level of prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia). INVEGA TRINZA^® and
  INVEGA SUSTENNA^® may cause a rise in the blood levels of a hormone called prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) that may cause side effects including missed menstrual periods, leakage of milk from the breasts, development of breasts in men, or problems with erection
• problems thinking clearly and moving your body
• seizures
• difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into your lungs
• prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. Call your healthcare provider or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• problems with control of your body temperature, especially when you exercise a lot or spend time doing things that make you warm. It is important for you to drink water to avoid dehydration

The most common side effects of INVEGA TRINZA^® include: injection site reactions, weight gain, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, feeling restlessness or difficulty sitting still, slow movements, tremors, stiffness and shuffling walk.

The most common side effects of INVEGA SUSTENNA^® include: injection site reactions; sleepiness or drowsiness; dizziness; feeling of inner restlessness or needing to be constantly moving; abnormal muscle movements, including tremor (shaking), shuffling, uncontrolled involuntary movements, and abnormal movements of your eyes.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^®

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about INVEGA TRINZA^® or INVEGA SUSTENNA^® that is written for healthcare professionals.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about INVEGA TRINZA^® and INVEGA SUSTENNA^®. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider.

You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, go to www.invegatrinza.com or www.invegasustenna.com or call 1-800-526-7736.

045411-170710

2018-08-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – When a person is first diagnosed with an illness, support from friends and family can be instantaneous. People want to know what they can do to help, offer to lend a hand or an ear to listen, and are frequently checking in. This support can be key to helping someone cope with a new diagnosis.

But those living with a chronic condition may need support beyond the initial diagnosis. This is particularly true for conditions that are not always well understood, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — an autoimmune disease of the joints^[i] that impacts approximately 1.6 million adults in the United States.^[ii],[iii] In fact, people with RA may find their need for support from family and friends is even more important as their disease progresses than when they were first diagnosed.

Why a “support squad” is important

Research shows that for people living with a chronic condition, the support of family and friends may be associated with improved health outcomes.^[iv] This could include additional assistance with everyday tasks or someone to listen for emotional support.

Building a “support squad” also means having someone or several people to lean on for encouragement, motivation and, most of all, understanding. These people can help navigate new obstacles in the condition over time and remind their loved one that he or she is more than just the disease.

Tips for building an RA support squad

With an “invisible” chronic illness like RA, someone may not look sick on the outside, and it can be difficult for loved ones to recognize symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, and fatigue.^[v] If you or someone you know has RA, consider the following tips for building a support squad:

• Set clear expectations with friends and family. While some people with RA may find it helpful if their loved ones ask them how they are feeling, others may feel overwhelmed with constant questioning. Being clear with your specific needs, and helping friends and family understand the best way to support the management of RA, can alleviate confusion and frustration.
• Make it a family affair. Bringing a partner or parent to a rheumatologist appointment can create support in between appointments and help ensure the person living with RA does not feel alone.
• Extend support systems beyond friends and family. Sometimes an immediate support system doesn’t fully understand what a person with a chronic condition like RA is going through and what he or she may be facing. Support can be found in other places, whether that be a social or online community of others living with the same condition or experts such as a healthcare provider. A support squad should include people with all different types of backgrounds, as each will have a different perspective and advice to give.
• Encourage loved ones to build their own support squad. Support squads aren’t just for a person living with a chronic condition like RA. Significant others or loved ones should have someone to talk to when they’re not sure what the right approach is for offering support. This can be a friend, spouse of someone else living with RA or even a healthcare provider.

For more tips about building a support squad and communicating with friends and family members about living with a chronic condition like RA, visit www.Arthritis.com.

Content was provided by Pfizer.

2018-07-31T12:05:00

(BPT) – Dry skin. Tingling feet. An aching shoulder. A lingering cough. Blurry vision.

Our bodies often send out signals when something needs attention. And as we age, it can be hard to know which changes in our bodies are normal signs of the aging process and which could be cause for greater concern.

Most of us don’t want to sprint to the doctor at every runny nose or aching joint. But at the same time, we don’t want to find ourselves wishing we had, when something more concerning is uncovered.

It can be tricky to find that middle ground, but nobody knows your body better than you do, so listen to it and pay attention to any changes — big or small — to help you determine your best course of action.

What to ask yourself

When you notice a new symptom, ask yourself: Have you ever experienced this symptom before? How intense is it? How long does it last? Did it happen just once, is it periodic or is it consistently present? The answers can help you determine what to discuss with your doctor or when to seek more immediate medical care.

“If you aren’t quite sure what to do next, services like UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine¹ provide 24/7 phone access to a registered nurse to talk through your symptoms,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. “You can then discuss options ranging from self-care and over-the-counter treatments, to scheduling a primary care appointment or virtual doctor’s visit, to stopping by an urgent care center or emergency room.”

What to watch for

It’s important to become familiar with symptoms associated with the gradual aging process that, when appearing in older adults, also can be indicators of more significant conditions.

Some symptoms can signal possible medical emergencies or urgent concerns, such as:

* Heart attack: Symptoms vary by gender and can include pain in the jaw, neck or back, nausea and feeling light-headed or the more commonly known shortness of breath, a tight feeling or intense pressure in the chest and pain in the arm.

* Stroke: Numbness or drooping in the face, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, slurred speech, dizziness and lack of coordination can all be stroke-related symptoms.

* Flu and pneumonia: Symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, trouble breathing.

Other symptoms may indicate a yet-undiagnosed chronic condition, including:

* Diabetes: Symptoms that can appear slowly and over a long period of time include: dry skin, increased thirst, the need to urinate often, tingling in your hands and feet, blurry vision, and feeling tired and run down.

* Macular degeneration: Blurry vision, loss of central vision, trouble reading in low light, and straight lines appearing wavy are markers of macular degeneration.

* Osteoporosis: Back pain, rounded shoulders, stooped or hunched-over posture and loss of height could be indication of bone loss or fractures due to osteoporosis.

* Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: In addition to the more commonly known symptoms like forgetfulness or losing/misplacing items, other early signs of these conditions include taking longer to complete everyday activities and mood or personality changes.

Why to seek treatment

Detecting and addressing symptoms early on often can prevent or minimize certain conditions, through immediate treatment or lifestyle changes. However, people sometimes downplay the symptoms or want to avoid the perceived hassle and cost of medical treatment. Almost 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries said in a 2013 survey that they did not seek medical care for a medical condition, with the two most frequent reasons being they did not think the problem was serious or it might be too expensive.

What you might not consider is that seeking medical care in the earliest stages of an illness can make it easier and more affordable to treat. A doctor visit and a course of antibiotics will typically cost much less than a stay in the hospital. The more time a condition or disease has to take hold without being addressed, the harder it could be to treat and get it under control.

For many conditions, early symptoms are subtle, simple and common, so it’s important to pay attention to what your body might be telling you. Even better? Schedule your annual wellness visit so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re being proactive about your health and working with your doctor to take control of your well-being.

Take care of your body and let it take care of you.

————————————————————–

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, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.

¹This service should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The information provided through this service is for informational purposes only. The nurses cannot diagnose problems or recommend treatment and are not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. Access to this service is subject to terms of use.

Y0066_180625_025239 Accepted

2018-07-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-07-30T07:03:01

(BPT) – Properly taking care of your skin each day — and countering the possible effects of pollution — is quick, affordable and easy to do. So why do so many Americans forgo that step in their daily routines?

A recent survey by CeraVe found 48 percent of American adults often worry about their skin, yet 36 percent have no regular skincare routine. Only 36 percent regularly use cleanser, and 33 percent say they’re confused about how to choose effective products and methods.

Unfortunately, everyday pollution and UV rays can easily wreak havoc on your skin, so it’s essential to develop a proper skincare routine to combat these effects. In a given year, Americans are subject to some 83 million tons of pollution particles emitted into the air. Many Americans encounter those particles on their daily commutes, and because they can be 20 times smaller than your pores, they can infiltrate deep levels of your epidermis, leading to inflammation, dehydration and/or loss of elasticity.

Without a regular skincare routine, you’re also more apt to deal with dryness, irritation, acne, accelerated aging, hyperpigmentation, dullness and other unwanted attributes that can result from the air quality. That may be why six in 10 U.S. adults say they cope with as many as 10 “bad skin days” monthly.

“Forming good skincare habits is not complicated, and it can pay off significantly in terms of your health and appearance,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. “It’s never too late to begin a daily skincare routine that offers the best possible protection against unhealthy elements in our environment.”

Consider adopting these five habits that will keep your skin glowing and protected from all that it encounters.

1) Use an effective sunscreen every day. Apply a product that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant and provides broad-spectrum coverage so it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply it throughout the day as needed. Henry points to studies indicating pollution may worsen the effects of UV and increase the risk of skin cancer.

2) Wash twice daily with a quality cleanser. Choosing the right product is key. Henry recommends CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or Foaming Facial Cleanser, which are gentle on skin and deeply cleanse to remove dirt, oil and residue that build up throughout the day, helping to counteract the harmful effects of pollution and leaving skin hydrated.

3) Send linens through the laundry. Ideally, towels and washcloths should be washed in hot water after one use, and pillowcases should be washed or changed multiple times per week. While this may seem nearly impossible, frequently changing or washing pillowcases will help to keep dirt, oil and dead skin cells from building up and seeping into skin night after night.

4) Eat an optimal diet. Henry suggests eating a diet rich in antioxidants, which may help protect skin, pointing to foods such as carrots, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, berries, beans, peas, lentils, salmon and nuts. Conversely, diets high in processed or refined sugars or other carbohydrates and unhealthy fats may promote skin aging.

5) Get moving. Ever notice how your skin glows after a good workout? Physical activity promotes circulation, which carries oxygen and nutrients that nourish skin cells. Increased blood flow also helps whisk away waste products like free radicals from your cells. Further, exercise can reduce stress that may adversely affect your skin.

Taking a few minutes each day to care for your skin is well worth your while, especially when it comes to combating the effects of pollutants encountered daily. Visit Cerave.com to find dermatologist-recommended skincare products suitable for your skin’s needs.

2018-07-30T07:01:01

(BPT) – A new school year is quickly approaching, and while you probably have supply lists and bus schedules in hand, there are a few other things parents should tackle to get a head start on the back-to-school season. Prepare kids for the best school year yet by handling these important tasks that sometimes are overlooked during the hectic summer.

Routines

Before the school year starts, begin building a routine so children can adjust properly. This means structuring activities so kids know what to expect, including healthy meals at the same time each day and a regular bedtime.

Getting enough sleep is critical to students’ well-being and ability to learn, says Dr. Suresh Kotagal, pediatric sleep expert at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. He suggests establishing a bedtime routine before school starts to help children fall asleep and get a good night’s rest. He adds that children rest better if they skip caffeine after dinner, get regular exercise, turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime, and silence phones so text messages or alerts don’t disrupt sleep.

Vaccinations

Dr. Robert Jacobson, Mayo Clinic Children’s Center pediatrician and vaccine specialist, advises parents to ensure their child has recommended vaccinations and to be aware of changes to those recommendations. He suggests parents contact their family physician or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s online registry to stay informed of the recommended school admission vaccine requirements for their child.

For example, children can now be vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV), at age 11, rather than having to wait until they are 16 years of age. What’s more, some vaccines are now more easily administered. Jacobson says, “We’ve combined the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine with the chickenpox vaccine so a single dose will cover all four of those diseases.”

Medical records

If your child is starting a new school or after-school program, you may be required to supply medical records or vaccination forms. Doctor’s offices should be able to supply this to you at no charge simply by calling or stopping by and filling out a request, just make sure to allow a week or more for processing.

By reviewing this record you can also verify if your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and wellness visits. “It’s very easy to fall behind and a simple phone call to your primary care practitioner will assure you that your children are up-to-date or whether you need to make an appointment,” says Jacobson.

Anxiety

Heading back to school is exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For some children, it can fuel anxiety, which parents can help get ahead of by taking proactive measures.

“Some kids are more anxious than others, and transitions like going back to school can be more difficult for them,” says Dr. Stephen Whiteside, psychiatrist with the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. “Talking to them and preparing them ahead of time by doing things such as visiting the schools and meeting teachers can be beneficial.”

Bullying

One reason a child may have anxiety about heading back to school is he or she experienced bullying previously. Mayo Clinic Children’s Center psychologist Dr. Bridget Biggs says bullying comes in many forms: physical, verbal, emotional, social and online. Biggs says creating a culture of respect in and out of the classroom is key to bullying prevention.

Before school starts, ask your child about their concerns. Learn about what happened and discuss how to respond if it happens again in the new school year (for example, walk away or get help from a trusted adult or peer). Build up your child’s self-esteem so they have confidence to handle difficult situations. Finally, reach out to teachers to build a team mentality.

By taking a few proactive steps now, both parents and children can be well prepared for the start of a great new school year. For more tips on back-to-school and pediatric health, visit us at mayoclinic.org.

2018-07-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Salt is everywhere, it seems. It is on our tables, in many of our favorite foods and even in life-saving hospital infusions.

After more than a century of debate over the role of salt in human health, the overwhelming medical evidence makes it clear that reducing salt in the U.S. diet may pose a greater risk to many consumers. Consider these four common myths about salt:

Myth 1: Americans eat more salt than ever

Military records from the early 1800s up to WWII show that the average soldier was consuming between 6,000 and 6,800 mg/day of sodium. We eat about half of that today, and that number has remained consistent since WWII. The advent of refrigeration meant that we could preserve food with less salt, but salt remains a critical ingredient for myriad other functions.

Myth 2: Salt consumption leads to hypertension

According to Dr. Jan Staessen, head of the Research Unit on Hypertension at the University of Leuven in Belgium, “The evidence relating blood pressure to salt intake does not translate into an increased risk of incident hypertension in people consuming a usual salt diet.”

Myth 3: Americans could massively reduce their salt consumption without any negative health consequences

Dr. Andrew Mente, of McMaster University in Canada, and his team conducted the largest ever epidemiologic study of the impact of sodium intake on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. “We found that regardless of whether people have high blood pressure, low-sodium intake is related to more heart attacks, strokes and deaths compared to average intake,” he said.

Myth 4: The U.S. population would gain significant health benefits from major population-wide salt reduction

The FDA recommends a maximum daily limit of 2,300 mg of sodium per day and a maximum of 1,500 mg for people with certain conditions. Salt is 40 percent sodium. According to Dr. Michael H. Alderman of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, “Sodium consumption around the globe has a mean of about 3,600 mg/day, and a range from 2,600–5,000 mg/day. This mid-range describes about 90 percent of the world’s population. … Optimal survival is realized by those whose intake is between 2,800 and 5,000 mg/day. Specifically, there is no evidence of a superior health outcome at intakes less than 2,000 mg/day compared with those in the usual range.”

Salt is essential for life. In fact, no mineral is more essential to human survival than sodium because it allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses, helps your muscles stay strong and keeps your cells and brain functioning. However, sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be consumed. The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, right in the middle of the healthy range.

2018-07-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – While injectables like fillers and botulinum toxins, energy-based devices and cosmetic surgery can soften wrinkles, improve skin tone and increase your supply of collagen, the right skincare can do all of that plus more, but without any downtime.

The principles of regenerative medicine are now being harnessed in topical skin care products that can hit the rewind button for your skin’s aging. By using a highly targeted skincare system consistently, you can regain a more youthful complexion in as little as six weeks.

The DefenAge three-step system reverses aging from the inside out by waking up the skin’s master stem cells, aka LGR6-positive stem cells.

Proprietary Age-Repair Defensins, a patent-pending peptide complex, activates the dormant reserve of “fresh” LGR6-positive stem cells. Once activated, these potent stem cells migrate into the skin’s uppermost layer and form the skin’s barrier, which protects it from external threats, prevents moisture loss and creates younger, fresher-looking skin.

Many other skin care products rely on retinol to produce anti-aging benefits which, while effective, can cause irritation and sun sensitivity.

According to Nashville, Tennessee, dermatologist Dr. Natalie Curcio, M.P.H., “The DefenAge system relies solely on Age-Repair Defensins, so it offers the same benefits as retinol minus the potential side effects. In a recent clinical study, participants who used the DefenAge system, which includes the 2-Minute Reveal Masque, the 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream and an 8-in-1 BioSerum, had smaller-looking pores, fewer wrinkles, reduced oiliness and improved skin tone, texture, brightness and hydration after just six weeks.”

These findings appeared in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). “The clinical study results showed that the defensin-containing trio of products from DefenAge offer most of the advantages of time-honored retinols as well as newer but widely used growth-factor containing cosmeceuticals, without irritation, inflammation or sun-sensitivity,” says the study’s co-investigator, Dr. Vivian Bucay, a dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas. “The clinical results put DefenAge Skincare into the best-in-class category for age-reversing skincare. This truly is a landmark product,” she adds.

DefenAge is exclusively available through leading physicians and select medical spas across the U.S.

For more information, visit https://defenage.com.

2018-07-17T17:17:00

(BPT) – From the food or beverages consumed to the way we eat and when, there are many factors that play a role in the onset of heartburn. To help keep it at bay, internal medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center Dr. Keri Peterson recommends the following tips:

1) Be mindful of food choices

Many foods and beverages can contribute to heartburn. Ice cream, wine and lemonade are some of the top culprits. Limiting, or even avoiding when possible, the consumption of fatty, fried or spicy foods can help diminish the chance of heartburn rearing its ugly head. While these foods are often known to lead to heartburn, every person is different. If you start to see a pattern of certain foods triggering your heartburn, it is best to cut your intake of them.

2) Be prepared

Despite sufferers’ best efforts, sometimes heartburn is inevitable and current treatment options are not conducive to their busy lifestyles. Cue new store brand Omeprazole Delayed Release Orally Disintegrating Tablets 20 mg., the first and only orally dissolving form of omeprazole, the No. 1 selling PPI ingredient in heartburn treatment, available for people suffering from frequent heartburn, defined as heartburn that occurs two or more days per week. Find it at retailers nationwide under each store’s brand label. This product is not intended for immediate relief; it may take 1-4 days for full effect. Omeprazole ODT is a 14-day treatment program that is not to be repeated for four months.

3) Opt for smaller meals

Eating smaller, more frequent meals as opposed to three big meals each day can help reduce the chance of heartburn. When there’s a larger quantity of food in the stomach, the stomach stays enlarged for a longer period, increasing the chance that food or acids will find their way back up into the esophagus. With smaller, lighter meals, you decrease your risk of this happening.

4) Consider losing weight

If you are overweight, consider an exercise and diet regimen to improve your health. Carrying excess weight can put pressure on your stomach, driving more acid up into the esophagus.

5) Check the time

Eating within two to three hours of lying down can lead to heartburn, as the meal just consumed can slide up into the esophagus. Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating. When you do lay down, use extra pillows to raise your head a bit off the mattress. Sleeping at an elevated angle can help stop the acid backup.

6) Channel your stress

From the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling brought on by anxiety to hunger pangs caused by seeing tasty food, the emotions a person feels have strong, direct links to their stomach. Stress has been found to induce heartburn in some people because when a person is stressed, the body will often slow down digestion, causing food to stay in the stomach longer and providing more time for stomach acid to make its way up to the esophagus. Try to reduce your stress by doing some light exercise, meditating, getting a good night’s sleep or watching a funny movie to relieve stress through laughter.

For more information, visit dissolveyourheartburn.com.

2018-07-13T13:57:00

(BPT) – This article is sponsored advertising content from Amgen, Inc.

Count to 40. Then again. Two people in the United States (U.S.) just had a heart attack. Every 40 seconds equals one more person.¹ While these individual experiences may be unique, these are life-changing events for everyone involved.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading health issue in the U.S., with 790,000 heart attacks and 795,000 strokes annually.¹ High cholesterol—particularly high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)—is a leading modifiable risk factor for heart attack and stroke.^2,3

Take Mahendra Mahabir, for example. A 43-year-old man, living in Florida with his wife and children, Mahendra has familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder which makes the body unable to remove LDL-C from the blood. Elevated LDL-C, also known as “bad cholesterol,” increases Mahendra’s risk for heart attack and stroke.⁴ Mahendra has had seven stents put in and has suffered from four heart attacks since the age of 17.

One way of reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke is by taking steps to reduce high cholesterol. Drug treatment is a long-standing, effective measure for reducing cholesterol. One category of drugs called statins is widely prescribed and effective for many patients. However, some patients, like Mahendra, need more to lower their LDL-C. In spite of diligently taking his statin medication, he still struggles to achieve his LDL-C target, leaving him vulnerable to a cardiovascular event.

Repatha^® (evolocumab) is a groundbreaking treatment that dramatically lowers LDL-C by helping the liver remove bad cholesterol from the body. It does this by blocking an enzyme—called PCSK9—whose function is to prevent the liver from clearing bad cholesterol.⁵ Repatha^® is proven to dramatically lower LDL-C levels, significantly drops the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and reduces the need for a stent or open-heart bypass surgery in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Repatha^® is the first and only medication of its kind to offer an every-two-week or single monthly at-home injection option.^5,6

For people with high cholesterol, like Mahendra Mahabir, who have been diagnosed with FH or who have established cardiovascular disease, Repatha^® may be an effective option.

“Several people in my family, including my father, passed away from heart disease at a young age. I had my first heart attack when I was just seventeen and have had three more since,” said Mahendra. “I have been on statins for a number of years and my LDL cholesterol levels were still high. I kept an optimal diet and weight and exercised regularly, yet was unable to get my LDL cholesterol levels where they needed to be. I was finally prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor, Repatha^®, and have since significantly lowered my LDL cholesterol levels.”

A recent clinical trial with over 27,500 patients demonstrated the efficacy of Repatha^® in preventing heart attack and stroke in high-risk individuals with established cardiovascular disease. Repatha^® plus a statin reduced the risk of a heart attack by 27 percent and the risk for stroke by 21 percent.⁶ The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Repatha^® as the first and only PCSK9 inhibitor to prevent heart attacks, and strokes, and to prevent the necessity for a stent or open-heart bypass surgery in patients with established cardiovascular disease.⁵ The most common side effects of Repatha^® include: runny nose, sore throat, symptoms of the common cold, flu or flu-like symptoms, back pain, high blood sugar levels (diabetes) and redness, pain, or bruising at the injection site.

Important Safety Information

Do not use Repatha^® if you are allergic to evolocumab or to any of the ingredients in Repatha^®.

Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

According to Mahendra’s cardiologist, Seth J. Baum, M.D., Repatha^® offers a viable treatment option for those who have tried other treatments with no success.

“People who have had a previous cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke, are at a very high risk for another event and may need to lower their LDL cholesterol levels beyond what is possible with statins alone,” says Dr. Baum. “There’s an urgent need to lower LDL cholesterol in high-risk patients with established cardiovascular disease. Repatha^® is an effective way to do so.”

If you have any of these risk factors, you should ask your doctor about Repatha^®:

• Genetically high cholesterol (known as familial hypercholesterolemia)
• History of heart attack or stroke (established cardiovascular disease)

“I am elated when I see my high-risk patients get their LDL down to very low levels. Doing so will reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. This is the preventive cardiologist’s mission, to prevent cardiovascular events. Dramatically lowering LDL cholesterol is unquestionably one of the best ways we can accomplish this goal,” said Dr. Baum.

Talk to your doctor about how a PCSK9 inhibitor, like Repatha^®, can help lower your LDL cholesterol level. For more information, visit www.Repatha.com.

Important Safety Information

Do not use Repatha^® (evolocumab) if you are allergic to evolocumab or to any of the ingredients in Repatha^®.

Before you start using Repatha^®, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are allergic to rubber or latex, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. The needle covers on the single-use prefilled syringes and the inside of the needle caps on the single-use prefilled SureClick^® autoinjectors contain dry natural rubber. The single-use Pushtronex^® system (on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge) is not made with natural rubber latex.

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

What are the possible side effects of Repatha^®?

Repatha^® can cause serious side effects including: Repatha^® may cause allergic reactions that can be serious. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction including a severe rash, redness, severe itching, a swollen face, or trouble breathing.

The most common side effects of Repatha^® include: runny nose, sore throat, symptoms of the common cold, flu or flu-like symptoms, back pain, high blood sugar levels (diabetes), and redness, pain, or bruising at the injection site.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Repatha^®. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. 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 and Patient Product Information.

REFERENCES

1. AHA. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2017. https://healthmetrics.heart.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Heart-Disease-and-Stroke-Statistics-2017-ucm_491265.pdf. Accessed November 9, 2017.
2. NIH. How to Prevent and Control Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors. https://nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hd/prevent. Accessed October 30, 2017.
3. Kuklina. CDC. Vital Signs; Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of High Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol United States 1999-2002 and 2005-2008. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6004a5.htm. Accessed October 30, 2017.
4. CDC. High Cholesterol Facts. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm. Accessed on April 6, 2018.
5. Repatha^® (evolocumab) U.S. Prescribing Information. Amgen.

6. Sabatine MS, Giugliano RP, Keech AC, et al, for the FOURIER Steering Committee and Investigators. N Engl J Med. Evolocumab and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. 2017;376:1713-22.