Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-05-23T10:57:00

(BPT) – The various forms of viral hepatitis impact millions of people across the U.S. As a critical public health concern, May is designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month to encourage people to be educated about hepatitis and motivate those at risk to be tested.

For baby boomers, or those born between 1945 and 1965, an important part of this conversation is hepatitis C. Hep C is a liver infection caused by a virus primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person. The virus causes more than 40% of all chronic liver disease in the U.S., including liver cancer, and has been one of the leading causes of liver transplants for many years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hep C affects more than 3.5 million people in the U.S., but more than half aren’t aware they are infected. Hep C is often referred to as a “silent epidemic,” as a person can have the virus for decades without any symptoms. In fact, most people only find out they have Hep C after learning they have a liver problem.

Why are baby boomers at high risk of having hepatitis C?

Despite only making up 27% of the U.S. population, boomers account for more than 75% of Hep C cases in the U.S. The CDC estimates boomers are 5 times more likely to have Hep C than the average adult.

Hep C rates peaked in the 1970s and 1980s when boomers may have been exposed to infected blood before certain safety precautions were adopted for common medical procedures, like blood transfusions and hemodialysis, and even body piercing and tattoos.

To assess their risk for Hep C, baby boomers can visit KnowAboutHepC.com to take a brief risk quiz.

Why should someone be tested for hepatitis C?

The only way to know if someone has Hep C is through a blood test, yet only 13% of boomers report having been tested for the virus. The CDC recommends all boomers speak with their doctors and request a simple, 1-time test for Hep C.

One-time testing of all boomers could prevent more than 120,000 Hep C-related deaths. Quest Diagnostics, a leading diagnostics company, has more than 2,200 Patient Services Centers with labs offering Hep C testing for boomers.

Quest Diagnostics patient Robin Roth was diagnosed with Hep C following a routine doctor’s visit and it changed her life. Watch Robin’s journey and other patient experiences from diagnosis to recovery at KnowAboutHepC.com.

Is there a cure for hepatitis C?

Yes, there are successful treatments that can cure the virus and prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and disease. Treatment typically includes taking pills for 8 to 12 weeks with mild and manageable side effects. With treatment, 95% to 99% percent of people can be cured.

The biggest barrier to treatment is diagnosis, which is why every baby boomer should get tested for Hep C today.

Hep C can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to. For more information, visit KnowAboutHepC.com.

2018-05-22T07:01:01

(BPT) – There are many misconceptions out there about pregnancy and preterm birth. Staying pregnant to full term, 39-40 weeks, is one of the best ways to give babies the time they need to grow. Preterm birth — or delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy — can prevent growth and development from happening inside a baby’s body during the final weeks of pregnancy. Here are some common myths about preterm birth:

MYTH: Preterm birth is rare, especially in a country like the United States.

REALITY: The U.S. preterm birth rate is 9.84 percent, meaning approximately 1 in every 10 babies is born preterm, and more than 1,000 babies are born preterm every day.

MYTH: After 37 weeks, the baby is considered full term and has reached full development.

REALITY: At 37 weeks, a baby is considered early term, but not full term. While 37 weeks is an important milestone for expecting mothers, newborn outcomes are not uniform even after reaching this stage. Critical development occurs through the pregnancy, including the last three weeks. Each week of gestation up to 40 weeks is important for a baby to develop before delivery.

MYTH: Babies born between 34 weeks to 36 weeks, 6 days generally do as well as full-term babies.

REALITY: Major organs, like the brain and lungs, are among the last to develop and important developments occur during the final weeks of pregnancy. Compared to term infants, infants born between 34 weeks to 36 weeks, 6 days were four times more likely to have at least one medical condition diagnosed and 3.5 times more likely to have two or more conditions. Explore inside the womb to learn more about the important developments that occur during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

MYTH: A healthy weight is the key factor to determine a newborn’s overall health.

REALITY: While a healthy weight is an indicator of overall well-being, allowing the baby to grow in the womb until 39-40 weeks is one of the most important factors to a newborn’s health. Babies who are born during the late preterm period may pass for full term in looks. On the outside they may be the same size as full-term infants, but on the inside there is a significant amount of growth occurring with the brain, lungs, liver, eyes, ears and more.

MYTH: Preterm birth is always unexpected and unavoidable.

REALITY: While preterm birth is often unexpected, there are known risk factors associated with preterm birth that can help determine your risk. For some of these risk factors, there may be ways you can reduce your risk. Risk factors include, but are not limited to:

• Prior preterm birth (unexpectedly delivered a baby before 37 weeks in the past)

• Pregnant with twins, triplets or other multiples

• Problems with uterus or cervix

• African-American heritage

• Health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes

• Being overweight or underweight

• Smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs

• Short time between pregnancies

If you think you may be at risk for preterm birth, talk to your doctor about your individual situation. You can learn more about preterm birth by visiting www.growthyoucantsee.com.

Content provided by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

© 2018 AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved.

NP-MKN-US-00091 05/18

2018-05-21T07:33:00

(BPT) – If you have started to notice changes in your skin in your late 30s or early 40s, you’re not alone. This is when most people see their skin start to sag around the forehead and jowls, and some areas may look more sunken, such as around the eyes and cheek area. These changes tend to make your face look older. Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help forestall and reverse the aging process that do not involve invasive cosmetic surgery.

Start by evaluating what you are putting on your face. Most dermatologists recommend a daily application of broad spectrum SPF30+ by day to prevent premature aging from sun exposure, plus adding a vitamin A-derived cream at night time to improve skin texture, such as prescription tretinoin or retinol. Among the other top-ranked anti-aging ingredients to look for are antioxidants from green tea, vitamin C and E plus resveratrol found in red wine.

A third choice may be botulinum toxin injections, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, to help smooth wrinkles of the forehead and creases around the eyes. These treatments are temporary and last about three to four months. Next on the anti-aging menu are injectable hyaluronic acid gel fillers, such as Restylane® , that plump up deflated areas like cheeks and lips and replace lost volume. These are also temporary and can last from months to years, depending on the type and amount used.

One of the newest and most exciting innovations is Secret RF from CUTERA that delivers radiofrequency or heat energy into the skin to tighten slack areas and stimulate new collagen that is lost with age.

According to Dr. George Ibrahim of Biltmore Restorative Medicine & Aesthetics in Asheville, North Carolina, “Secret RF Microneedling is perfection in an aesthetic treatment, correcting three major concerns women have about their skin: wrinkles, texture and laxity. The system delivers precise radiofrequency into the skin through a microneedle tip. This safe and effective treatment offers gentle to dramatic improvements in all skin types and colors.”

“With little to no downtime, improvements in skin texture, tightening and fading of scars, Secret RF Microneedling is truly the treatment of the future without the peeling and redness or downtime of other laser treatments,” says Ibrahim.

According to Dr. Arash Moradzadeh, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, “Secret RF is a next generation fractional radiofrequency device that jumpstarts collagen production, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to fade acne scars. It can be used on the chest, the hands, for stretchmarks, crepey skin and to reduce pore size. Secret RF has become the go-to treatment in our practice for a very broad audience because it is safe for people of all skin types and doesn’t have the downtime of lasers.”

“This is very different from other microneedling treatments that are more superficial. We are able to use controlled RF energy to reach multiple layers of the skin. Since the surface of the skin remains intact, patients can apply makeup after a few hours to cover any redness,” he says.

To find a Secret RF provider near you, visit http://www.cutera.com.

2018-05-15T12:31:00

(BPT) – To mark Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, we’re busting five common myths about allergic asthma, which is asthma triggered by allergies. To learn more, visit allergicasthma.com.

1. MYTH: The most common type of asthma is exercise-induced asthma.

FACT: The most common type of asthma is allergic asthma, or asthma triggered by allergies.

What is allergic asthma, you ask? It’s asthma triggered by allergens in the air, which if uncontrolled can lead to an asthma attack. In a survey of more than 2,000 people conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 81 percent of the general population was unaware that allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. Even more astounding, half of those surveyed were people with asthma.

2. MYTH: Allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma are caused by the same things.

FACT: Allergic asthma is caused by allergens in the air; think dust mites or pet dander.

Allergic asthma is different than non-allergic asthma, which is typically triggered by factors such as exercise, stress, cold or dry air, smoke or other irritants. If you notice allergic asthma symptoms when you’re around your neighbor’s pet or in a dusty environment, you may want to talk to an allergist or pulmonologist about allergic asthma.

3. MYTH: Allergic asthma affects a small percentage of people with asthma.

FACT: Allergic asthma is actually quite common, accounting for about 60 percent of asthma cases in adults.

It affects an even larger portion of asthma cases in children, with 80 percent of cases being allergic. If you think you or a family member has allergic asthma, it’s important to speak with an allergist or pulmonologist. They can test you for allergic asthma, discuss treatment options and help you manage the disease.

4. MYTH: Skin tests are the only way to check for allergic asthma.

FACT: Skin tests are one of the ways to test for allergic asthma, but certainly not the only way. An allergist or pulmonologist may perform a blood test to check for an antibody known as IgE, or Immunoglobulin E.

IgE is an antibody that plays an important role in how your body responds to allergens. Its presence in an individual may trigger swelling of the airways in the lung, making it harder to breathe and therefore causing an asthma attack. An allergist can perform a skin or blood test to determine the presence of this antibody.

5. MYTH: Allergic asthma is difficult to control.

FACT: Allergic asthma can be well-controlled and treatment options are available. Learn more by talking to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

Signs of uncontrolled allergic asthma include: (1) experiencing asthma symptoms more than two days per week or multiple times on two or fewer days per week, (2) night time awakenings two or more times per month for children and one to three times per week for youths and adults, (3) requiring the use of a type of medicine called a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) for symptom control more than two days per week or (4) experiencing flare-ups requiring oral corticosteroids two or more times per year. If one or more of these is true for you or someone you know, talk to a specialist, such as an allergist or pulmonologist about treatment options that may be able to help you better control your asthma.

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2018-05-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-05-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – At some point, many adults will have to face a difficult conversation with a young child (aged 5-8) who is important to them, whether it is about bullying or trouble in school. But most adults never imagine needing to explain something quite as serious as breast cancer unless they are faced with a diagnosis in the family.

This year, thousands of families will be challenged with sharing the news of a breast cancer diagnosis with children.^[1] An already trying topic can become that much more difficult when complicated questions or unexpected reactions arise. For those about to undertake such a discussion, it helps to prepare, to be open and honest, and to feel confident in having this conversation.

Of course, talking about cancer isn’t a “one and done” situation — discussions may take time and be ongoing — but opening the dialogue and acknowledging a child’s concerns are important first steps.^[2]

A first-of-its-kind mobile app in the U.S. is now available to support families facing these difficult conversations. The Celgene Magic Tree mobile app, developed with input from patient advocacy groups and doctors, is an interactive tool designed to help families and their children (ages 5 to 8) have meaningful and open discussions about a breast cancer diagnosis.

The app features age-appropriate animated videos that address common questions young children may have about cancer, such as:

• What is cancer?
• Can I catch cancer?
• Is it my fault?
• How do you treat breast cancer?

Each video is paired with an interactive one- or two-player game to help keep children engaged. A child-friendly glossary of common terms, as well as a discussion guide for parents, help to navigate this difficult conversation.

When talking to young children about cancer, here are some tips you may want to keep in mind in initiating conversations:

1. Start with the basics

Without proper context, a child may be overwhelmed when they hear the word “cancer.” Asking what they already know or believe about cancer can break the ice. Once you’ve established your starting point, you can help fill in the gaps or address misconceptions.

2. Be honest about what you know

Cancer is complicated; even science still can’t fully explain how and why cancer occurs, and you aren’t expected to either. If you don’t know the answer to a question, assure children you will do some research and let them know what you learn.

3. Explain that breast cancer is not something they can “catch”

Some children may think that a healthy person can “catch cancer,” like a cold or the flu. Letting children know that cancer is not contagious can help ease concerns. Specifically naming what kind of cancer you or your loved one is dealing with can provide additional context.

4. Explain possible changes

There are different options for breast cancer treatment and each approach may be accompanied by changes in behavior or appearance.^[3],[4] While it may not be necessary to go into detail on how a treatment works, it may help to provide an understanding of some basic side effects, such as hair loss and weight loss, to help reduce confusion if changes occur.^[4]

5. Remind them that it isn’t their fault

Children may feel partially responsible when a family member has breast cancer. Reassurance that it isn’t their fault can help ease anxieties.

To offer further support about talking to children about cancer, as well as about breast cancer overall, the Magic Tree app provides a list of resources including links to several breast cancer organizations.

The Magic Tree app is available for download in the U.S. on both Apple and Android devices.

2018-05-14T08:05:00

(BPT) – –

2018-05-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Poise partner and OBGYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd shares shocking misconceptions about light bladder leakage. To learn about product solutions, visit Poise.com.

2018-05-14T07:01:01

(BPT) – While all of us have experienced the dull pain of a headache and some know the recurrent pulse and throbbing of migraine, few people can understand the severity of pain associated with cluster headache, also known as “suicide headache.”

What is cluster headache?

Cluster headache is an extremely painful primary headache disorder characterized by recurring unilateral attacks, or attacks that occur on one side of the head. It is called “cluster” headache because headaches typically occur in bouts (or “clusters”) for 6 to 12 weeks, often at the same time each year or day, and are more frequent at night. It begins as sharp pain centered at the eye, temple or forehead, and can be as brief as 15 minutes or as long as several hours. Attacks can strike up to 8 times a day.

The condition, which affects about one to two people in every 1,000, predominantly occurs in males, with symptoms typically manifesting by the age of 30. Those at greater risk of cluster headache include heavy smokers and individuals with a family history of the condition.

“Cluster headache is one of the most painful conditions an individual can experience, known for being potentially more excruciating and debilitating than migraine,” said Stephen Silberstein, M.D., from the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “Sadly, patients diagnosed with cluster headache commit suicide twenty times more than the national average as the pain can be described as unbearable.”

Diagnosis and treatment

Unfortunately, diagnosis of cluster headache may be delayed significantly due to patients and physicians mistaking the end of a bout for resolution of a separate, standalone condition.

Historically, even after the proper diagnosis is made, there have been very few viable therapies for cluster headache, making prevention and treatment strategies a challenge. While the exact cause of cluster headache is unknown, it is typically treated with injectable sumatriptan, a combination of oxygen and various drugs and/or nerve blocks. These methods are associated with barriers to use including a myriad of pharmaceutical side effects. Not surprisingly, 79 percent of patients have been dissatisfied with available treatment options.^[1]

Today, patients now have a novel treatment option called gammaCore^®(nVNS). gammaCore, the first non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy applied at the neck for the acute treatment of pain associated with migraine and episodic cluster headaches in adult patients, offers a way to treat symptoms without many of the side effects and dose limitations observed with commonly prescribed treatments or the need for invasive and costly procedures. Patients prescribed gammaCore can have reliable access to treatment for up to four cluster attacks per day for 30 days.

“gammaCore has shifted the paradigm by allowing patients to self-administer non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy for acute treatment of cluster headache, resulting in the reduction of pain,” notes Dr. Silberstein. “gammaCore’s efficacy and safety profiles, along with its self-administered mode of delivery, have the potential to not only reduce the side-effect burden associated with other medications but also bring much needed relief to patients.”

For more information on cluster headache and treatment with gammaCore (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator), please visit http://gammacore.com/.

Important Safety Information

gammaCore (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator) is indicated for the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache and migraine in adult patients.

• The safety and effectiveness of the gammaCore non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) has not been established in the acute treatment of chronic cluster headache.
• gammaCore has not been shown to be effective for the prophylactic treatment of migraine headache, chronic cluster headache, or episodic cluster headache.
• The long-term effects of the chronic use of gammaCore have not been evaluated.
• Safety and efficacy of gammaCore has not been evaluated in the following patients, and therefore is NOT indicated for:
  • Patients with an active implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any implanted electronic device
  • Patients diagnosed with narrowing of the arteries (carotid atherosclerosis)
  • Patients who have had surgery to cut the vagus nerve in the neck (cervical vagotomy)
  • Pediatric patients
  • Pregnant women
  • Patients with clinically significant hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, or tachycardia
• Patients should not use gammaCore if they:
  • Have a metallic device such as a stent, bone plate, or bone screw implanted at or near their neck
  • Are using another device at the same time (e.g., TENS Unit, muscle stimulator) or any portable electronic device (e.g., mobile phone)

Note: This list is not all inclusive. Please refer to the gammaCore Instructions for Use for all of the important warnings and precautions before using or prescribing this product.

gammaCore is available by prescription only. U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed healthcare provider.

2018-05-14T07:01:01

(BPT) – Recently, World Cancer Day was commemorated, which is an annual effort focused on raising awareness of cancer and those impacted by the disease around the world. This day is another reminder of the impact the progress being made in oncology has on the cancer community, particularly patients facing the need for additional treatment options. One patient’s story truly showcases just how the lives of people impacted by cancer are improved with a curative resolve through science and innovation.

Receiving a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) felt “like getting hit in the face with a brick,” recalls Brenda Montgomery of Carrollton, Kentucky. Active and healthy throughout her life, Montgomery never expected a routine gynecological checkup to lead to a nine-year battle with FL, the most common form of indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.¹ Nor could she have guessed she would relapse after receiving first- and second-line treatment, leaving her with few options until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of another treatment option for patients like Brenda.

“When I was first diagnosed, my husband and I had a three-day pity party,” she says of her initial diagnosis. “I wondered why me, when I’d been so healthy my whole life. I felt like I was too young to die, so when we were done with our pity party, we got up and decided ‘What are we going to do next?’ and we started treatment.”

Some patients, like Montgomery, experience initial success with first- and second-line treatments, only to find out later on that their disease has come back.

“Often, patients who are diagnosed with lymphoma initially know little about the disease, and those diagnosed with a rarer form, such as follicular lymphoma, may be even less aware at first what their diagnosis means,” says Dr. Don Stevens, Medical Oncologist, Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville, KY, Montgomery’s physician and investigator in the clinical trial of this treatment that led to its approval. “They may have experienced no symptoms prior to diagnosis, or they may be diagnosed when their follicular lymphoma is in a more advanced stage. Many patients’ follicular lymphoma may come back after first- and second-line forms of treatments, but currently, only a small portion of patients receive systemic therapy in third-line and beyond after initial treatments fail. It’s important for these patients to know they now have another treatment option in the third-line that has been FDA-approved.”

A different option

In February 2016, Montgomery made the decision to participate in a clinical trial of Aliqopa (copanlisib) 60 mg vial for injection. The study, known as CHRONOS-1, was investigating the safety and effectiveness of Aliqopa in 104 adult patients with FL when the disease has come back after treatment with at least two prior medicines.² Fifty-nine percent of patients (61 of 104) had a response to the drug in the clinical trial, and the average duration of response was about one year (median of 12.2 months).²

Following an FL diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with FL, it’s important to know some basic facts about the disease, including:

These are not all of the possible side effects of ALIQOPA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For full prescribing information, visit:

http://labeling.bayerhealthcare.com/html/products/pi/Aliqopa_PI.pdf

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¹Cancer.net. Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin: Subtypes. http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/subtypes. Accessed March 2018.

²Aliqopa™ injection [Prescribing Information]. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, September 2017.

³Lymphoma Research Foundation. Follicular Lymphoma. 2017. Available at:

http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6300155. Accessed March 2018.

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