Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-06-21T07:01:24

(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 elephantiasis. 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 United States 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 United States 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.

2018-06-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – As environmentally aware Americans join the movement to reduce, reuse and recycle, many are turning to the past to find unique, well-made vintage pieces to complement their wardrobes.

The hunt for great vintage wear has become so popular that we’re spending some $4 billion annually on such fun finds, reports the Huffington Post.

“For many it offers individuality, affordability, and that feel-good moment of rescuing an item from the landfill and reducing the environmental footprint,” writes Kate Black in that article. “This also makes it the retail unicorn, that rare occasion when a single store can appeal to stylish fashionistas, value-conscious consumers and passionate environmentalists.”

Building a distinctive, one-of-a-kind vintage wardrobe can be fun and easy once you learn a few guidelines for finding and caring for your collection. LG Electronics and luxury vintage clothing purveyor What Goes Around Comes Around recently partnered to bring the LG LaundROO Lounge and Vintage Clothing Swap to Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee. Festival-goers were invited to peruse 3,000 pieces of vintage gear and exchanged their own clothes for a new look. The swapped pieces were then washed in LG washers and dryers onsite and put back into the closet for another attendee to choose. If LG and What Goes Around Comes Around can handle the danced-in duds of 60,000 festival-goers, they can definitely help you take care of your vintage finds! Co-founder and chief creative officer at What Goes Around Comes Around, Gerard Maione, shares these tips to best maintain your vintage and hard-to-care-for pieces so you can keep festival style season going all year round:

1. Aim for versatility with fabrics such as cashmere and silk that can be easily layered to work well through every season. Look for well-cut pieces that can transition from day to night with simple shifts in accessories.

2. Choose quality over quantity. Whether you’re opting for vintage or new clothing, pieces featuring high-quality fabrics and construction will stand the test of time — as long as they’re well treated.

3. Read and carefully follow cleaning recommendations, ensuring that you’re using appropriately gentle wash cycle or steam options. Making that process easier than ever is the LG TWINWash washing machine with SideKick pedestal washer, dryer and LG Styler offered by LG Electronics, a package Maione calls “the ultimate laundry room.” Its ultra-convenient design features a front loader stacked onto a pull-out wash compartment, allowing you to simultaneously run one cycle for your heavier items and one for your specialty items such as delicate vintage pieces.

4. Narrow wire hangers can create wrinkles, bumps and bulges in aged, delicate fabrics. Instead, choose wider and/or padded hanger styles that better distribute the weight of each garment. Vintage fashionistas often prefer heavy-duty wooden hangers, while others swear by the velvet-covered varieties that keep silky fabrics from slipping off. For pants and skirts, seek out specially designed hangers that ward off unnecessary creases.

5. Care for your treasured vintage items between wearings by folding sweaters onto shelves or in drawers, storing handbags and shoes in dust bags, then freshening items up between cleanings. The LG Styler steam clothing care system makes it effortless, using chemical-free steam-based cycles that can handle anything from sanitizing and removing allergens to eliminating odors and reducing wrinkles.

Vintage clothing can be a unique, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient means to add flair to your wardrobe. Know how to care for your vintage pieces so you will continue to enjoy the past far into the future.

2018-06-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – While most Americans are excited about a summer full of fun activities like travel, swimming and gatherings with friends and family, for those living with heart failure, their condition doesn’t take a vacation.

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition where the heart is too weak to pump enough blood around the body. With more than 17,000 heart failure hospitalizations per week occurring on average during the summer months, it’s important for those with the condition to take extra care during this more relaxed time of year.

Data shows that following the Fourth of July, hospitalizations for heart failure increase significantly. This may be attributed to overeating, emotional stressors and lack of physical activity.

Dianne, diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or HFrEF, knows that healthy lifestyle choices and a strong support network help make all the difference when living with the condition. These choices include taking her prescription medication, ENTRESTO^® (sacubitril/valsartan), a heart failure medicine that has been proven superior at helping people stay alive and out of the hospital longer compared to a leading Heart Failure medicine (enalapril), as well as managing the condition through a low-salt diet and regular physical activity.

With warmer temperatures and an abundance of hot dogs and hamburgers on the barbeque, it’s important for heart failure patients to remain vigilant in making healthy food choices like eating chicken instead of hot dogs and enjoying seasonal fruit like berries and melons rather than apple pie. It’s important to talk to your doctor before you start any diet or exercise plan and if you may need to alter that plan in warmer weather.

“Heart failure is subtle; you have to be aware of your body. I have also made important changes to my daily life. Together, my daughter and I have learned to bake instead of fry chicken, use less salt, and watch our carbs,” says Dianne.

“In addition to watching my diet, I take ENTRESTO.” Dianne concludes, “For me, life is about family and one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my new great-grand baby.”

Focusing on regular physical activity can also help lead a heart healthy life. “For me, this condition is a battle between mind and body. I’m enjoying the ability to now participate in community walks,” adds Patricia, another person diagnosed with HFrEF. “Since starting ENTRESTO, I have not been hospitalized for heart failure.”

Having a strong support system of friends and family is important for helping patients feel in control of their lives. When Patricia needs support, she reaches out to her son, “he knows the importance of destressing to help me manage my heart failure.”

Regardless of the season, heart failure is a progressive disease that doesn’t go away. Hospitalizations are a hallmark of disease progression, with data showing that just one HFrEF hospitalization can increase a patient’s risk of death. Throughout the year, it’s important to manage the condition by eating a low-sodium diet, getting in regular physical activity and taking medication as prescribed.

Both Dianne and Patricia highlight the importance of staying active, leading a healthy lifestyle, having that strong support network and being vocal with your health care provider when it comes to finding the right treatment plan.

Learn more at Entresto.com

What is ENTRESTO?

ENTRESTO (sacubitril/valsartan) tablets 24/26 mg, 49/51 mg, 97/103 mg is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in people with certain types of long-lasting (chronic) heart failure. ENTRESTO is usually used with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

ENTRESTO can harm or cause death to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat heart failure if you plan to become pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking ENTRESTO, tell your doctor right away.

Who should not take ENTRESTO?

Do not take ENTRESTO if you

• are allergic to sacubitril or valsartan or any of the ingredients in ENTRESTO
• have had an allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat (angioedema) or trouble breathing while taking a type of medicine called an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
• take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Do not take ENTRESTO for at least 36 hours before or after you take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ENTRESTO if you are not sure if you take an ACE inhibitor medicine
• have diabetes and take a medicine that contains aliskiren

What should I tell my doctor before taking ENTRESTO?

Before you take ENTRESTO, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have kidney or liver problems or a history of hereditary angioedema; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should either take ENTRESTO or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take potassium supplements or a salt substitute; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); lithium; or other medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or aliskiren.

What are the possible side effects of ENTRESTO?

ENTRESTO may cause serious side effects including:

• angioedema that may cause trouble breathing and death. Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of angioedema or trouble breathing. Do not take ENTRESTO again if you have had angioedema while taking ENTRESTO. People who are Black or who have had angioedema and take ENTRESTO may have a higher risk of having angioedema
• low blood pressure (hypotension). Call your doctor if you become dizzy or lightheaded, or you develop extreme fatigue
• kidney problems
• increased amount of potassium in your blood

The most common side effects were low blood pressure, high potassium, cough, dizziness, and kidney problems.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, available at: https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/sites/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/files/entresto.pdf.

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

2018-06-15T07:01:02

(BPT) – Many women trying to conceive are confused about their period, the 28-day cycle and when they’re most likely to get pregnant.

When a couple is planning to have a baby, understanding the 28-day cycle can mean the difference between success and disappointment, says Gloria Richard-Davis, MD, Ob/Gyn, fertility specialist and author of Planning Parenthood.

Timing is a critical factor when you’re trying to get pregnant. As more and more women are waiting to conceive until later in life, we have seen an uptick in fertility tracking technologies — from apps to wearables that help women pinpoint their most fertile days. However, it’s important to supplement an app or fertility monitor with simple ovulation tests to accurately identify your fertile days.

Each month, the body prepares for ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovaries. The cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and serves as a detox to dispose of old uterine lining and make way for the next cycle. Day one, the first day of menstrual bleeding or spotting, represents a new opportunity to conceive. Days eleven-sixteen are the optimal time to kick-start baby-making efforts, as ovulation is nearing.

A simple at-home ovulation predictor kit like First Response Ovulation Test Kit will identify your two most fertile days by pinpointing a surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. Women can maximize their chances by having sex within 24-36 hours after detecting this luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. If a sperm successfully fertilizes the egg, conception occurs.

The lining of the uterus thickens between day seventeen and twenty-four, and if the egg and sperm have successfully met, the fertilized egg will soon implant or attach to the uterine lining (endometrium). The end of the cycle is near, and PMS symptoms may present themselves if pregnancy has not occurred, as progesterone peaks around day twenty-one or twenty-two.

If you think you might be pregnant, but haven’t missed your period yet, try the First Response Triple Check Pregnancy Test Kit. It includes one Early Result Pregnancy Test that can let you know six days before your missed period, a Digital Pregnancy Test for women who like to see a yes/no answer, and a Rapid Result Pregnancy Test to take on the day of your missed period or anytime after.

Other important considerations to keep in mind when trying to conceive include:

* Keeping a healthy, well-balanced diet and practicing stress relief.

* Prenatal vitamins with sufficient folic acid like prescription OB Complete are critical even before trying to conceive to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey for both mom and baby.

* Vaginal dryness is twice as common in women who are trying to conceive due to the stress of ‘sex on demand.’ Traditional lubricants can harm sperm motility, which is why using a fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed is crucial, as it encourages sperm to swim freely and meet an egg.

Don’t guess at your fertile window when it’s so easy to identify the best time to conceive. Every woman is born with millions of immature eggs, but the quantity and quality of remaining eggs, known as the ovarian reserve, decreases. If you’re not able to get pregnant, your ovarian reserve may be low. Tracking ovulation can be challenging as well, especially if your menstrual cycle is irregular. Remember to note your cycle and its symptoms so you can discuss concerns with your medical provider and schedule a preconception checkup.

2018-06-14T14:57:00

(BPT) – Jessica Cording, RD Shares Her Tips to Shape Up For Summer

With warmer months and beach days on the horizon, many people are looking to eat clean and shape up for summer. However, a summer bod isn’t the only reason to clean your diet. A new study from Harvard found that incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can lower the risk of developing heart disease and other major illnesses. It appears eating more plant-based foods may just add years to your life … can you say endless summer? We tapped into leading registered dietitian, Jessica Cording, to share her top tips on how to eat more plant-based foods this season:

1. Slow and steady wins the race

If you’re new to plant-based foods or just beginning your journey towards healthier eating, making the transition a gradual one will help establish long-lasting habits and set you up for success. “If you’re someone who eats meat daily, incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can be intimidating. In fact, introducing too many new flavors, textures and food types can sometimes be off-putting for those who don’t regularly eat plant-based foods,” says Cording. To help ease the transition, Cording advises her clients to use familiar garnishes, condiments and spices on plant-based foods. “When you pair plant-based proteins, like tempeh or lentil burgers, with familiar flavor profiles, like dairy-free ranch dressing or plant-based cheddar cheese, you’re more likely to stick to the plan in the long run,” adds Cording, who often swaps out dairy-based products with tasty plant-based alternatives from Daiya.

2. A balanced plate is a happy plate

“One of the biggest challenges my clients struggle with when beginning their plant-based journey is feeling satisfied with meatless meals,” says Cording, who recommends having a good balance of protein, fiber and fat in each meal. “When you’re incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, fiber and fat go a long way in aiding with digestion and helping you feel satiated.” Cording’s rule of thumb is to dedicate half your plate to non-starchy vegetables (think Swiss chard, leafy kale, or bok choy), a fourth of the plate to plant-based proteins, and the remaining portion to complex carbs, like brown rice or whole grain pasta. Balance out the meal with monounsaturated fat by adding a third of an avocado, using tahini (toasted sesame seed paste) as a dressing, or sprinkling pumpkin seeds on top of her entrée. Looking for recipe inspiration? These recipes for Kale and Mushroom Crepes and Quinoa Bowls are delicious, balanced and easy to make.

3. Limit your dairy intake

While dairy can be a good source of calcium, it can often lead to bloating and gas, especially in those with a dairy sensitivity. Over 65 percent of the population experiences a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, so if you’re experiencing unexplained bloating after consuming meals, it’s possible that dairy could be the culprit. “If you’re looking to slim down during the summer months, limiting your dairy intake may help reduce bloating and gas, especially on beach days,” says Cording. Still craving ice cream during the summer months? Opt for alternatives made from coconut cream, which Cording says provides a satisfying creamy texture without the dairy. “The fat in coconut also helps with the digestive process,” adds Cording.

4. Don’t let vacation plans set you back

Summertime means fun road trips or weekend getaways, which can often wreak havoc on your diet. “There are a lot of opportunities for indulgence on vacation, which can be tempting even to those with the best intentions,” says Cording, who advises her clients to be selective about what they choose to indulge in. “You shouldn’t let your diet get in the way of enjoying your vacation, but I find that being intentional about what you eat — and choosing to only say ‘yes’ to the stuff you’re really excited about — helps to set some guardrails to keep you on track. If you’re big on sweets, splurge on dessert but lay off on fried foods or salty snacks during the day. If pasta is your weakness, forgo other carbs throughout the day and fill up on fiber and protein instead.” In the event you do overindulge, don’t beat yourself about it. “It’s more productive to ask yourself why those guardrails didn’t work so you can make better changes in the future,” advises Cording.

5. Stock up on smart options

Because life and responsibilities can often get in the way of healthy eating, Cording recommends stocking up on healthy options and alternatives at home. “If you’re somebody that struggles with cravings, having better-for-you options in your freezer can make it easier to stick to a plan,” says Cording. That could mean stocking up on plant-based versions of your favorite comfort foods, like plant-based pizza, dairy-free mac ‘n cheese, vegan cheesecake, etc., for days you need a treat but don’t want to feel bad about what you’re eating.

2018-06-12T07:01:01

(BPT) –

2018-06-12T09:11:01

(BPT) – Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), often referred to as knee replacement surgery, can sound like an intimidating and worrisome procedure, especially for those who aren’t familiar with advances in knee replacement implants. Knee replacement surgery is a viable option because it can help alleviate pain and improve mobility by replacing damaged bone. Many patients discover they are able to get their mobility back after surgery and return to doing the things they love.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 43.5% of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis have limitations in their usual activities due to their arthritis¹. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Knee replacement surgery is a common approach to treating osteoarthritis of the knee – a disease where cartilage covering the bones wears down over time, leaving them to rub against each other and causing pain and reduced motion.

Even though TKA is a common procedure performed more than 600,000 times each year in the U.S. alone², many have misconceptions about knee replacement surgery. Two of the most common fears people express are how painful the procedure and recovery will be, and whether they will regain their mobility afterward.

In part, advancements in knee replacement implants such as the ATTUNE^® Knee from DePuy Synthes can help alleviate some of these concerns. Because it was designed to work in harmony with a patient’s knee muscles and ligaments, the ATTUNE Knee can help increase stability and reduce pain, thereby helping patients get back to living life and pursuing passions sooner^3,4.

“I’ve been using the ATTUNE Knee in my practice for about three years,” said Dr. Sarkis Bedikian, orthopaedic surgeon, MidAmerica Orthopaedics. “With the improvements in technology that the ATTUNE Knee delivers, my patients have had less pain and swelling after surgery, allowing them to recover quicker so they can get back to life quicker.”

Just as important as the choice of implant, is a focused rehabilitation protocol. “I tell my patients to expect pain after surgery. They know that they need to listen to their physical therapist and work hard at rehab,” said Dr. Bedikian. “The benefit I have seen with the ATTUNE Knee is that the rehab activities that used to take my patients three months, now take about six weeks.”

In fact, in a clinical study, physical therapists noted that ATTUNE Knee patients had significantly greater range of motion than other knee replacement patients, both at two and six weeks post-surgery⁵.

“Before surgery simple tasks like sleeping, visiting friends, and even using the restroom are difficult and significantly impact quality of life,” said Dr. Bedikian. “After surgery, it’s rewarding when my patients tell me they are happy and are able to get back to their activities with less or no pain.”

Choosing the right knee replacement is an essential part in helping patients get back to the activities they love sooner.

It’s important to know that the performance of knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have these surgeries. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if knee replacement is necessary based on an individual patient’s condition.

Knee replacement surgery is not always the answer, but for those wishing to learn more, www.ATTUNEknee.com has resources to learn about TKAs and hear from patients who have faced similar situations.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html, Accessed June 1, 2018.

2 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Total Knee Replacement. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/, Accessed June 5, 2018.

3 Hamilton W.G., Brenkel, I., Clatworthy, M., Dwyer, K., Himden, S., Lesko, J., Kantor, S.: Early Outcomes with a New Primary TKA System vs. Contemporary TKA: Interim Results of Two Worldwide, Multi-Center Prospective Studies. AAOS, San Diego, California, March 14-18, 2017; Poster #106. Other implants tested: SIGMA Knee (DePuy), NexGen® (Zimmer), Triathlon® (Stryker).

4 Etter K, Lerner J, Kalsekar I, de Moor C, Yoo A, Swank M. Comparative Analysis of Hospital Length of Stay and Discharge Status of Two Contemporary Primary Total Knee Systems. J Knee Surg. 2017. 1(212): 1-10. DOI.

5 Clatworthy, M. (2015). An Early Outcome Study of the ATTUNE® Knee System vs. the SIGMA® CR150 Knee System. DePuy Synthes Companies White Paper. DSUS/JRC/0814/0418 (1). In an IRB approved early outcomes study, physiotherapists collected data on 40 patients implanted with ATTUNE® Knees and 40 patients with SIGMA® CR150 knees. The results demonstrated that patients implanted with the ATTUNE Knee had statistically signicant improvements in some early outcomes, other outcomes demonstrated a trend favoring the ATTUNE Knee, and some outcomes were equivalent.

2018-06-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer.

Janet H., a wife and mother from Alabama, had many things to celebrate in her life — two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, her dog Falco, and a rewarding career. She was proud that even with all of this, she was able to achieve her personal goal of staying active. However, she was diagnosed with a chronic disease the week before her 40^th birthday.

Janet enjoyed moderate exercise, so when she began to have persistent joint pain and swelling in her knees, she suspected it was from an old injury. After initial visits with an orthopedic specialist, she was referred to a rheumatologist who diagnosed her with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — a chronic, autoimmune disease of the joints.^[i]

“I remember thinking that if this is what 40 is like, I don’t know if I can handle 50,” she says. “I wasn’t sure how RA would affect my life.”

Unfortunately, this story is all too common, as RA impacts approximately 1.6 million adults in the United States.^[ii],[iii] Many living with a chronic condition like RA can feel that their life is put on hold while trying to manage their symptoms, doctor’s appointments, and the daily demands of life. Working toward personal goals can be put on the backburner, but does it have to be?

With her rheumatologist, Janet was motivated to find a treatment plan that could help relieve her RA symptoms before being prescribed XELJANZ^® (tofacitinib) 5 mg twice daily tablets, an oral medication for adults with moderate to severe RA in which methotrexate did not work well enough. Janet’s rheumatologist reviewed the potential side effects of XELJANZ and explained that it is taken twice daily and has a BOXED WARNING for serious infections and malignancies.

Within three to six months, Janet felt improvement in her RA symptoms and found herself thinking about ways to become more active. She spoke with her rheumatologist and, together, they came up with exercise goals including yoga classes, cycling, and walking her dog with her husband and children. She also says one of her biggest milestones was walking her daughter down the aisle and gaining a new son-in-law. Eventually, Janet even worked with her rheumatologist to switch to a once-a-day version of XELJANZ, called XELJANZ XR extended release tablets.

Here are some of Janet’s tips to help someone living with a chronic illness work toward their personal goals:

• Plan ahead: Living with a chronic condition can put a pause on spontaneity. Plan ahead when it comes to things like travel or big life events to allow ample time for adjustments and preparation.
• Partner up: Find a significant other, friend or sibling who can join you on your journey toward reaching your goals. Sometimes living with a chronic condition requires extra support from others, so having a partner to plan with can help make that support seamless.
• Consult your doctor: Before considering any new travel or physical activity, make sure to consult your doctor. Discuss your plans and how you and your doctor can work together to help ensure you can meet these goals.

By following these tips, Janet says that she has been able to better manage her RA and have more time to focus on her family, friends and herself.

“I hope my story can help other adults who are living with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and inspire them to share their stories,” she says.

What is XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is a prescription medicine called a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in which methotrexate did not work well.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people can have serious infections while taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR treatment, and monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment. You should not start taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay.

You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster).

Before starting XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, such as fever, sweating, or chills; cough; blood in phlegm; warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body; burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal; muscle aches; shortness of breath; weight loss; diarrhea or stomach pain; or feeling very tired
• are being treated for an infection
• get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back
• have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
• have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB
• live or have lived in, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you use XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common
• have or have had hepatitis B or C

After starting XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have.

Cancer and immune system problems. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, have happened in patients taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach-area pain that does not go away and a change in your bowel habits.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start receiving XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, and while you take XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, to check for the following side effects:

• changes in lymphocyte counts. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.
• low neutrophil counts. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.
• low red blood cell count. This may mean that you have anemia, which may make you feel weak and tired.

Your healthcare provider should routinely check certain liver tests.

You should not receive XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low or your liver tests are too high. Your healthcare provider may stop your XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR treatment for a period of time if needed because of changes in these blood test results.

Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4-8 weeks after you start XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, and as needed after that.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

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

• have an infection
• have liver problems
• have kidney problems
• have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines, or narrowing within your digestive tract
• have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients in XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
• plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR will harm an unborn baby. You should use effective birth control while you are taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR and for at least 4 weeks after you take your last dose.
  • Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll
• plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, especially any other medicines to treat your rheumatoid arthritis. You should not take tocilizumab (Actemra^®), etanercept (Enbrel^®), adalimumab (Humira^®), infliximab (Remicade^®), rituximab (Rituxan^®), abatacept (Orencia^®), anakinra (Kineret^®), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia^®), golimumab (Simponi^®), ustekinumab (Stelara^®), secukinumab (Cosentyx^®), azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs while you are taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Taking XELJANZ or XELJANZ XR with these medicines may increase your risk of infection.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

Taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR

When you take XELJANZ XR, you may see something in your stool that looks like a tablet. This is the empty shell from the tablet after the medicine has been absorbed by your body.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may cause serious side effects, including hepatitis B or C activation infection in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Tell your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B or C infection: feel very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, diarrhea, and nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis).

To learn more about XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, a treatment option for moderately to severely active RA, visit XELJANZ.com.

Please click the direct link to the full US Prescribing Information for XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide: http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=959.

2018-06-11T07:31:00

Former professional football player and national sports talk show host Mike Golic follows these tips for staying healthy with the help of his diabetes support team:

• Work with your support team to stay on track. Part of Mike’s diabetes management plan includes designating people like his wife Chris as his team’s captain, his children as his teammates, and his doctor as his head coach. Set a game plan that includes staying active, eating healthy, and working with your doctor to manage type 2 diabetes.
• Plan ahead when it comes to meals. Whether Mike and Chris are heading to a cookout or a picnic lunch, it helps to plan ahead to ensure they have healthy options. Having a go-to favorite in mind, like Buffalo Chicken Salad, can help save time and make the meal selection and preparation process much easier.
• Stay hydrated. Mike knows staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy every day—especially when he is physically active and in hot weather. He is sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising. There are a variety of different ways to hydrate for your active life.
• Exercise with a partner — or even your pet. The American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week. Two-thirds of adults with type 2 diabetes (67%) stay active regularly.^[1] Varying the types of exercise can help. Mike’s workout plan often includes exercising with Chris and going on walks with his three dogs. To switch up your regular walk, try incorporating dynamic moves such as walking lunges and squats shown in this walking-partner workout. Before any physical activity, be sure to talk to your doctor.
• Feel confident in your numbers. To help Mike manage his type 2 diabetes, Mike’s doctor prescribes INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin). INVOKANA^® has been taken by over 1.5 million people since launch and counting to help lower their blood sugar (A1C). Mike likes to take his diabetes numbers as a challenge, and says between doctor’s checkups, “I physically put my numbers somewhere, look at them, and say ‘Next time, this is going to be better!’” INVOKANA^® helps Mike to feel confident about his numbers and is an important part of the game plan that he created with his doctor. Learn more about Mike’s tips at ICanImagine.com.

INVOKANA^® is a once-daily pill used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. In most clinical trials, the majority of people taking INVOKANA^® reached an A1C goal of less than 7.0 percent, which is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. INVOKANA^® is not for weight loss, but may help people lose weight — on average 2-3 percent. INVOKANA^® was also shown in clinical trials to reduce systolic blood pressure (on average 3-5 mmHg), though it is not indicated as a blood pressure medication. Results may vary by dose and when used alone or with certain other diabetes medications. INVOKANA^® may increase a person’s risk of lower-limb amputations. The most common side effects of INVOKANA^® include genital yeast infections, urinary tract infection, and changes in urination. These specific adverse events were generally mild to moderate in intensity in clinical studies.

Visit INVOKANA.com for more information, and planning and motivation tips. Find enjoyable ways to stay active and browse diabetes-friendly recipes to help stay healthy this summer.

WHAT IS INVOKANA^®?

INVOKANA^® is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. INVOKANA^® is not for people with type 1 diabetes or with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in blood or urine). It is not known if INVOKANA^® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INVOKANA^® can cause important side effects, including:

• Amputations. INVOKANA^® may increase your risk of lower-limb amputations. Amputations mainly involve removal of the toe or part of the foot; however, amputations involving the leg, below and above the knee, have also occurred. Some people had more than one amputation, some on both sides of the body. You may be at a higher risk of lower-limb amputation if you: have a history of amputation, have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease, have had blocked or narrowed blood vessels (usually in leg), have damage to the nerves (neuropathy) in the leg, or have had diabetic foot ulcers or sores. Call your doctor right away if you have new pain or tenderness, any sores, ulcers, or infections in your leg or foot. Your doctor may decide to stop your INVOKANA^® for a while if you have any of these signs or symptoms. Talk to your doctor about proper foot care
• Dehydration. INVOKANA^® can cause some people to become dehydrated (the loss of too much body water), which may cause you to feel dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or weak, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). You may be at higher risk of dehydration if you have low blood pressure, take medicines to lower your blood pressure (including diuretics [water pills]), are on a low sodium (salt) diet, have kidney problems, or are 65 years of age or older
• Vaginal yeast infection. Women who take INVOKANA^® may get vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms include: vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (discharge may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching
• Yeast infection of the penis (balanitis or balanoposthitis). Men who take INVOKANA^® may get a yeast infection of the skin around the penis. Symptoms include: redness, itching, or swelling of the penis; rash of the penis; foul-smelling discharge from the penis; or pain in the skin around penis

Talk to your doctor about what to do if you get symptoms of a yeast infection of the vagina or penis.

Do not take INVOKANA^® if you:

• are allergic to canagliflozin or any of the ingredients in INVOKANA^®. Symptoms of allergic reaction may include: rash; raised red patches on your skin (hives); or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis

Before you take INVOKANA^®, tell your doctor if you have a history of amputation; heart disease or are at risk for heart disease; blocked or narrowed blood vessels (usually in leg); damage to the nerves (neuropathy) of your leg; diabetic foot ulcers or sores; kidney problems; liver problems; history of urinary tract infections or problems with urination; are on a low sodium (salt) diet; are going to have surgery; are eating less due to illness, surgery, or change in diet; pancreas problems; drink alcohol very often (or drink a lot of alcohol in short-term); ever had an allergic reaction to INVOKANA^®; or have other medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. INVOKANA^® may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking INVOKANA^®, tell your doctor right away. INVOKANA^® may pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed while taking INVOKANA^®.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take diuretics (water pills), rifampin (used to treat or prevent tuberculosis), phenytoin or phenobarbital (used to control seizures), ritonavir (Norvir^®, Kaletra^® — used to treat HIV infection), or digoxin (Lanoxin^® — used to treat heart problems).

Possible Side Effects of INVOKANA^®

INVOKANA^® may cause serious side effects, including:

• Ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine). Ketoacidosis has happened in people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, during treatment with INVOKANA^®. Ketoacidosis is a serious condition, which may need to be treated in a hospital. Ketoacidosis may lead to death. Ketoacidosis can happen with INVOKANA^® even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL. Stop taking INVOKANA^® and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, tiredness, or trouble breathing
• Kidney problems. Sudden kidney injury has happened to people taking INVOKANA^®. Talk to your doctor right away if you: 1) reduce the amount of food or liquid you drink, if you are sick, or cannot eat or 2) you start to lose liquids from your body from vomiting, diarrhea, or being in the sun too long
• A high amount of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
• Serious Urinary Tract Infections: may lead to hospitalization and have happened in people taking INVOKANA^®. Tell your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as: burning feeling while urinating, need to urinate often or right away, pain in the lower part of your stomach (pelvis), or blood in the urine. Some people may also have high fever, back pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you take INVOKANA^® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you take INVOKANA^®

Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or feeling jittery.

Serious allergic reaction. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking INVOKANA^® and call your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Broken Bones (fractures): Bone fractures have been seen in patients taking INVOKANA^®. Talk to your doctor about factors that may increase your risk of bone fracture.

The most common side effects of INVOKANA^® include: vaginal yeast infections and yeast infections of the penis; changes in urination, including urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC at 1-800-526-7736.

Please see full Product Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide for INVOKANA^®.

Canagliflozin is licensed from Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Trademarks are those of their respective owners.

076190-171006

2018-06-07T17:26:00

(BPT) – Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can be found in nearly 90 percent of American homes. These minerals cause scaling, a buildup that clogs waterlines and plumbing forcing appliances to work harder and operate less efficiently. The scale may also harbor bacteria. The only way to truly remove the hard and soft scale from household water systems is with salt-based water softeners.

The benefits of salt-based water softening are significant. Hard water scaling can cause your showerhead to lose up to 75 percent of its flow rate in 18 months. Hard water also interacts negatively with soap, reducing its cleaning power. Soft water is up to 12 times more effective at cleaning dishes than increasing the amount of detergent used.

According to the Water Quality Research Foundation for washing machines, the most important factor in removing stains from clothing was water softness. Reduction of water hardness was up to 100 times more effective at stain removal than increasing the detergent dose or washing with hotter water. In fact, soft water can reduce soap use by as much as half. Hard water can also reduce the efficiency of water heaters and increase electricity costs by as much as 48 percent, according to the Battelle Memorial Institute.

Hard water scaling can also affect your health. The piping used in home plumbing, whether copper or PVC, has very smooth interior surfaces that don’t permit bacteria to settle and grow. However, hard water results in scale formation on the interior surfaces of those pipes, providing a perfect home for bacteria.

Researchers at the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University found bacteria may grow in pipes filled with hard scale and soft scale at the same rate. This is important because some forms of water conditioning produce this soft scale. The solution is to remove hard and soft scale in the pipes with a salt-based water softener.

Hard water you use to wash your fresh fruits and vegetables may contain more bacteria, and the problem isn’t only in the kitchen. When you take a hot shower, the steam you are inhaling can also contain the same microbial contamination that is in the rest of your plumbing, exposing you to bacteria such as Legionella, which can cause Legionnaire’s disease.

A salt-based water softener is the most functional and cost-effective means of removing hardness minerals. It is a tool to improve health and lower maintenance costs for home appliances like dishwashers and washing machine. It also reduces the need for detergents and high-water temperatures, leading to a smaller household carbon footprint.