Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-08-12T07:01:01

(BPT) – Busy school nights can make your house feel like a zoo. Between commutes, sports practices and dinner plans, it feels like everyone is always either on the go or hustling to get there.

Your child may not be aware of it, but you can see it: They’re feeling the pressures of school. Whatever their age, they are juggling multiple things to get through their school day, from keeping up with classroom lessons to navigating playground politics.

The school year can certainly inspire its share of frantic feelings. At home, you can try some of these simple, nature-inspired approaches to make your child feel more grounded, centered and ready to learn.

Spend more time in nature: The more time spent outdoors, the better, whether it’s in the backyard or at the neighborhood park. Time spent outdoors reduces stress in children, plus it promotes more exercise and movement, according to the Child Mind Institute. Where you can, try to work in extra minutes of fresh air time. In the morning, leave a few minutes early for the bus stop or, even better, try walking or biking to school on nice days. After school, send them outdoors to play in the yard and take evening walks as a family.

Practice mindful parenting: After a busy day, you have a long to-do list, from getting dinner on the table, to juggling sports practices with homework time. In the midst of these crazy evenings, remember when it comes right down to it, kids crave attention from and interaction with their parents. Make sure you hit pause and take time for face-to-face conversations. When they have something on their minds and you show that you care and want to listen, they’ll feel supported. Plus, one-on-one time is just a great way to improve the parent-child bond.

Protect their sleep schedule: No doubt about it, kids need to get their rest. Sleep is essential for their mental and physical development, but it also lets them start the day with fresh minds that are ready to focus on school. For kids who are between the ages of 6 and 13, the National Sleep Foundation says a good range is 9 to 11 hours a night. To make sure they’re getting enough, have them go to bed at the same time each night, and make it a rule to power down all devices and screens an hour before.

Inspire a balanced mindset with essential oils: To help your kids incorporate balance and calm in the middle of the school day, pack some personal care items that incorporate essential oils. Aura Cacia’s Chill Pill Roll-On has a special blend of pure lavender and sweet orange essential oils in an apricot kernel base to inspire balance and calm. All they have to do is roll a bit on their temples or wrists, take a moment to breathe deeply, and they’ll feel ready to take on the next task.

Or, create a boosting study space by diffusing rosemary in the room. The herbal, camphorous aroma of rosemary is traditionally associated with memory, recollections and nostalgia, so is a great adjunct to reading and studying.

A quick tip is to dispense 10 to 18 drops of rosemary essential oil on a cotton ball set in a dish.

For more ideas and inspiration, look for community recipes on auracacia.com/community/recipes.

2018-08-10T11:55:00

(BPT) – Like many psoriasis patients, Kim Knight has tried numerous treatment options over the years to help reduce the red, flaky patches covering the skin on her elbows, hands, knees and scalp. Unlike many people with psoriasis, however, she is lucky enough to work in a dermatology office as a Superficial Radiation Technology Specialist, where she is able to receive the direct advice and support of her office’s healthcare providers.

“I’ve had psoriasis for more than two decades, and growing up in the south near the beach meant I always had to cover up to avoid people staring at me or asking questions,” Kim said. “But working in the dermatology industry and alongside my doctor allows me to get first-hand knowledge on innovative research and access to new treatment options to help my psoriasis.”

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, a chronic, non-contagious skin disease that alters the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin.^1,2,3 Depending on the severity of the psoriasis and type, the condition can be treated with a topical treatment, oral drug, or injectable.⁴ August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, helping to bring attention to the 7.5 million Americans that have psoriasis.⁵

“We’ve used a range of treatments through the years for Kim’s psoriasis, but found their effects wore off over time,” said Douglas DiRuggiero, physician assistant, in Rome and Cartersville, GA. “During Kim’s most recent flare up, I recommended she try SILIQ, since it works differently than other treatments by blocking a specific group of proteins at the site of inflammation.”⁶

SILIQ™ (brodalumab) injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light treatment), and who have tried other systemic therapies that didn’t work or stopped working.⁶ It is not known whether SILIQ is safe and effective in children.

Since being treated with SILIQ, Kim’s psoriasis is under control, and she feels less itching and burning. Individual results may vary.

“It’s been so nice to be able to take trips to the beach with my husband and son without having to cover up. I’m so happy to be able to wear short-sleeves and tank tops this summer!” said Kim.

If you have psoriasis, talk to your health care provider about potential treatment options. For more information about SILIQ, visit www.siliq.com.

Important Safety Information

What is SILIQ?

SILIQ^TM injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis:

• who may benefit from injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light treatment)

and

• who have tried another systemic therapy that didn’t work or stopped working

It is not known if SILIQ is safe and effective in children.

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

Suicidal thoughts or behavior: Some patients taking SILIQ have had suicidal thoughts or ended their own lives. This risk is higher if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or depression. It is not known if SILIQ causes these thoughts or actions.

Get medical help right away if you or a family member notices that you have any of the following symptoms:

• new or worsening depression, anxiety, or mood problems
• thoughts of suicide, dying, or hurting yourself
• attempt to commit suicide, or acting on dangerous impulses
• other unusual changes in your behavior or mood

Your healthcare provider will give you a SILIQ patient/wallet card about symptoms that need medical attention right away. Carry the card with you during treatment with SILIQ and show it to all of your healthcare providers.

Serious Infections: SILIQ may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections.

• Your healthcare provider should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with SILIQ and may treat you for TB before starting SILIQ if you have TB or a history of it
• You and your healthcare provider need to watch closely for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with SILIQ, including fever, sweats, chills, shortness of breath, stomach issues, muscle aches, cough, sore throat or trouble swallowing, warm/red/painful skin sores, burning while urinating or more frequent urination

Who should not use SILIQ?

Do not use SILIQ if you have Crohn’s disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop diarrhea, bloody stools, stomach pain or cramping, sudden or uncontrollable bowel movements, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, fever or tiredness as these may be symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Before starting SILIQ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have a history of mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or mood problems
• have an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back
• have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid getting live vaccines while being treated with SILIQ
• are or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to do so. It is unknown if SILIQ can harm your unborn or newborn baby

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

How should I use SILIQ?

See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that come with your SILIQ for information on the right way to store, prepare, and give your SILIQ injections at home, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used SILIQ prefilled syringes. Use SILIQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

What are possible side effects of SILIQ?

SILIQ may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about SILIQ?” and “Who should not take SILIQ?”

The most common side effects of SILIQ include: joint pain, muscle pain, headache, injection site reactions, tiredness, flu, diarrhea, low white blood cell count (neutropenia), mouth or throat pain, fungal infections of the skin, nausea.

Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA at www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please click here for accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about suicidal ideation and behavior, and Medication Guide.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

SILIQ is a trademark of Ortho Dermatologics’ affiliated entities.

References

1. National Psoriasis Foundation. (2014). About Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis. Accessed February 6, 2018.
2. World Health Organization. (2016). Psoriasis. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/ncds/management/psoriasis/en/. Accessed February 6, 2018.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2017). Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840. Accessed February 6, 2018.
4. Informed Health Online. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Psoriasis: Oral medications and injections. 2017 May 18. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK435704/. Accessed March 29, 2018.
5. American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis: Who Gets and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis#causes. Accessed March 30, 2018.
6. SILIQ [prescribing information]. Bridgewater, NJ: Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC.

SLQ.0210.USA.18

2018-08-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease that may include manifestations in peripheral joints, tendons, ligaments or skin.^{1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2} Follow along to learn about navigating the psoriatic arthritis journey.

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.