Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-07-24T07:01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018-07-17T17:17:00

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

1) Be mindful of food choices

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

2) Be prepared

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

3) Opt for smaller meals

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

4) Consider losing weight

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

5) Check the time

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

6) Channel your stress

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

For more information, visit dissolveyourheartburn.com.

2018-07-13T13:57:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Safety Information

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

Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important Safety Information

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

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

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

What are the possible side effects of Repatha^®?

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

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

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

These are not all the possible side effects of Repatha^®. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

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

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Product Information.

REFERENCES

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

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

2018-06-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Cada año, al menos 1.7 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos presentan septicemia, y casi 270 000 mueren por su causa. Aunque cualquier persona puede contraer una infección, y casi cualquier infección puede ocasionar septicemia, solo el 55% de las personas en los EE. UU. han escuchado hablar sobre la septicemia.^[1]

La septicemia es la respuesta extrema del cuerpo a una infección. Es potencialmente mortal, y sin tratamiento oportuno, puede causar muy rápido daños en los tejidos, insuficiencia orgánica y la muerte. La septicemia ocurre cuando una infección que usted ya tiene —en la piel, los pulmones, las vías urinarias o en alguna otra parte— provoca una reacción en cadena por todo el cuerpo.

Inicie hoy la conversación sobre la septicemia con su médico o enfermero haciendo estas cinco preguntas:

1. ¿Cómo puedo proteger a mi familia de la septicemia? Es importante conocer los signos y síntomas, y actuar con rapidez si se sospecha que se trata de septicemia. Los signos y síntomas de la septicemia pueden incluir alguno o una combinación de los siguientes: confusión o desorientación; dificultad para respirar; frecuencia cardiaca alta; fiebre, escalofríos o sensación de mucho frío; dolores o molestias extremos; y piel pegajosa o sudorosa. Una infección que no mejora o que empeora puede ocasionar septicemia. Obtenga atención médica de inmediato si sospecha que puede ser septicemia.
2. ¿Cómo podemos prevenir las infecciones? Hable con su médico o enfermero sobre las medidas que usted y su familia pueden tomar para prevenir las infecciones que pueden causar septicemia. Para prevenir las infecciones, controle bien las afecciones crónicas y póngase las vacunas recomendadas. También, practique buena higiene, lavándose las manos y manteniendo limpios los cortes y cubriéndolos con vendas hasta que sanen.
3. Ayer, mi hija de seis meses tenía fiebre leve y tos. Pero hoy, no está alerta, está orinando menos y tiene dificultad para respirar. ¿Podría esta infección causar septicemia? Si usted o un ser querido sospecha que tiene septicemia, o tiene una infección que no mejora o que empeora, pregúntele al médico o enfermero: “¿Podría esta infección causar septicemia?”. ACTÚE RÁPIDO y busque atención médica INMEDIATAMENTE.
4. Mi padre es anciano y tiene diabetes. ¿Podría tener un mayor riesgo de sufrir infecciones que puedan producir septicemia? Algunas personas tienen un riesgo más alto, como los adultos de 65 años o más; las personas con afecciones crónicas, como la diabetes, las enfermedades pulmonares, el cáncer y las enfermedades de los riñones; las personas con el sistema inmunitario debilitado; y los niños menores de 1 año de edad.
5. ¿Cómo se puede tratar la septicemia? Una persona que contrae septicemia debería ser tratada con antibióticos lo más pronto posible, además de recibir otras terapias que el médico o enfermero decida que sean apropiadas para ese paciente, como mantener el flujo de sangre a los órganos o recibir líquidos por vía intravenosa. Además, el médico o enfermero debería chequear al paciente con frecuencia y volver a evaluar el tratamiento con antibióticos dentro de las 24 y 48 horas para suspenderlo o ajustarlo según sea necesario.

Recuerde, la septicemia es una emergencia médica. Mejorar la identificación de la septicemia y brindar tratamiento oportuno aumenta sus posibilidades de sobrevivencia y disminuye la posibilidad de tener efectos a largo plazo.

Para saber más sobre la septicemia y sobre cómo prevenir infecciones, así como para descargar nuevos materiales GRATUITOS en español para ayudarlos a usted y a sus seres queridos a ACTUAR RÁPIDO si se sospecha que es septicemia, visite www.cdc.gov/sepsis. Para aprender más sobre el uso de los antibióticos, visite www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.

2018-06-14T07:01:01

(BPT) – Los CDC instan a las familias a tomar conciencia sobre los antibióticos

Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) animan a los padres, los abuelos y a las otras personas que cuiden de un familiar a que Tomen Conciencia sobre los Antibióticos al hablar con sus profesionales de atención médica sobre el uso seguro de los antibióticos. Es importante saber que los antibióticos salvan vidas, pero que solo se deben usar cuando son necesarios. Cada vez que se usan antibióticos, estos pueden causar efectos secundarios y llevar a la resistencia a este tipo de medicamento.

Qué tratan los antibióticos

Los antibióticos solo se necesitan para tratar las infecciones causadas por bacterias, pero incluso algunas infecciones bacterianas pueden mejorar sin el uso de antibióticos. Se pueden usar antibióticos para tratar una variedad de infecciones comunes, como las estreptocócicas de garganta y las urinarias, así como afecciones potencialmente mortales, como la septicemia.

Qué no tratan los antibióticos

Los antibióticos no funcionan contra los virus, como los que causan los resfriados, la influenza (gripe), la bronquitis o el moqueo, aunque las secreciones sean espesas o de color amarillo o verde. Tampoco se necesitan antibióticos para algunas infecciones bacterianas comunes, incluidas muchas infecciones sinusales y algunas de oído.

Efectos secundarios de los antibióticos

Cuando usted o un miembro de su familia necesitan antibióticos, los beneficios generalmente superan el riesgo de que provoquen efectos secundarios o de que lleven a la resistencia a este tipo de medicamento. Pero cuando no los necesitan, no ayudarán y los efectos secundarios podrían incluso hacerle daño a usted o a alguien en su familia.

Los efectos secundarios comunes incluyen sarpullido, mareo, náuseas, diarrea e infecciones por hongos (candidiasis). Los efectos secundarios más graves incluyen reacciones alérgicas graves e infecciones por Clostridium difficile (también llamadas C. difficile o C. diff), las cuales provocan diarrea que, a su vez, puede causar daño grave en el colon y la muerte. Los pacientes y sus familiares pueden hablar con el médico si tienen alguna pregunta sobre los antibióticos o si estos provocan efectos secundarios, especialmente diarrea, ya que podría tratarse de C. difficile, lo cual debe tratarse de inmediato. El médico les puede explicar los riesgos de cualquier antibiótico que recete.

Los peligros de la resistencia a los antibióticos

Es importante recordar que “resistencia a los antibióticos” no significa que el cuerpo se haga resistente a los antibióticos; sino que son las bacterias las que desarrollan la capacidad de derrotar a los medicamentos diseñados para eliminarlas. Cuando las bacterias se vuelven resistentes, los antibióticos no pueden combatirlas, y estas se multiplican. Algunas bacterias resistentes pueden ser más difíciles de tratar y podrían potencialmente propagarse a otros miembros de la familia.

Lo que puede hacer para combatir la resistencia a los antibióticos

Para ayudar a reducir la propagación de las bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos, puede ayudar a su familia y a sus amigos a entender lo importante que es limpiarse las manos. El lavado de las manos es una de las medidas más importantes que usted y su familia pueden tomar para evitar enfermarse y para evitar propagar microbios a otras personas. Los padres, los abuelos y cualquier persona que tenga parte en el cuidado de la familia también pueden animar a los familiares enfermos a que se cubran la boca cuando tosan y a que no salgan de la casa mientras sigan enfermos.

Por qué son importantes las vacunas

Recibir las vacunas recomendadas, según el calendario de vacunación, ayuda a proteger a su familia y a aquellos a su alrededor. A lo largo del tiempo, las vacunas han prevenido cantidades incontables de casos de enfermedades infecciosas y han salvado millones de vidas. La mayoría de las vacunas recomendadas están disponibles en el consultorio de su médico, en centros de atención médica, departamentos de salud y centros de medicina del viajero. También puede haber vacunas disponibles en ciertas farmacias en su área.

Puede sentirse mejor sin antibióticos

Debido a que los antibióticos solo sirven para tratar ciertas infecciones causadas por bacterias, pregúntele al médico qué los está enfermando a usted o a su ser querido. Por ejemplo, los virus respiratorios generalmente desaparecen en una o dos semanas sin tratamiento. Dígale a su médico, enfermero, farmacéutico u otro profesional de atención médica de confianza si su enfermedad o la de su familiar empeora o dura más de lo previsto. Su profesional de atención médica puede ayudar a determinar cuál es la mejor manera de ayudar a que se sientan mejor.

Para saber más sobre la prescripción y el uso de antibióticos, visite www.cdc.gov/antibioticos.

2018-07-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Golden Globe Award-winning actress, producer, director, author and mother Drew Barrymore knows summer is the perfect time to kick back, enjoy life and embrace the possibilities of the season. Of course there’s no better time to let your personality shine, whether that means trying a new summer activity, bonding with the kids or feeling comfortable in your own shoes.

To ensure you’re ready for whatever summer adventure awaits, stock up on Barrymore’s favorite summer must-have’s:

Slide sandals

Drew fell in love with Crocs’ Swiftwater Sandal after partnering with the fun footwear specialist in its “Come As You Are” campaign. She calls this versatile slide-on style “An absolute must-have.” Why? The minimalist design easily takes you from a casual walk on the beach to a night out enjoying great food, great conversation and balmy evening breezes with friends. Perhaps best of all, the ultra-comfortable straps gently hug your feet as you walk, but they’re flexible enough to slip on and off whenever you choose.

Sensational shades

“Choose your summer sunnies with care!” cautions Barrymore, who is currently into sunglasses with metal trim like the Sheila Sunglasses.

Versatile tees

“Summer is about ease,” says Barrymore. “The Love Lane Short Sleeve Washed Tee is casual and easy, but still stylish and sweet. Can be worn over a bathing suit or paired with a dressy skirt.”

Superb setting spray

Barrymore’s favorite is Seal the Deal Hydrating Setting Spray. “It hydrates, refreshes and is humidity-proof for your best summer look,” she says. “A purse staple to keep your look together, plus it’s sweat-proof to last through the day at the beach.”

Pressed powder

Excess oil doesn’t stand a chance on a hot summer day thanks to Flower Miracle Matte Pressed Powder. “This will absorb excess oil and keep your look flawless all day!” Barrymore says.

Terrific travel dryer

Barrymore adores the You Are Adventurous travel dryer. “Tiny yet powerful, this hair dryer can be tossed in your bag for a quick dry after a day at the pool!” she says.

Terrific tunes

Summer isn’t summer without music, so customize your own playlist with the vibes that make you smile. “Personalize your summer now,” suggests Barrymore, “and when you listen back in the chilly winter months, it will remind you of all your great summer experiences.”

Comfy classic clogs

Barrymore’s pick: Crocs’ White Classic Clog. She describes the timeless style as “before trend, on-trend and beyond trend.” Think of this bright, clean accessory as a blank slate that can effortlessly (and very comfortably) accompany any casual-themed outfit you choose to pull out of your closet, no matter the color or style.

Bluetooth travel speaker

You need something to rock those summer tunes wherever your daily adventures lead you! “I take a speaker with me everywhere,” says Barrymore. “Make sure to get one small enough to fit in your bag so you can have traveling music.”

Backyard sprinkler

Never forget simple summer pleasures! “This is a major crowd-pleaser,” says Barrymore. “My kids love running around in the sprinkler on those way-too-hot days in August.” (You might catch her running in it here and there too!)

2018-07-04T07:01:01

(BPT) – The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation. It’s an opportunity to celebrate patriotism with fireworks and parades.

But it can also be an opportunity to show your appreciation for the brave servicemen and -women who protect our freedoms. The Purple Heart Foundation is sharing Brendan Looney’s story to remember the brave sacrifice he made for this country.

Brendan Looney was the oldest of six siblings, always looking out for his younger brothers and sisters. Family was extremely important to him. A natural leader, his ability to lead translated over to his passion while growing up, sports. Football and baseball were Brendan’s favorites, but after seeing his younger brothers play lacrosse, he decided to take it up during his college years at the U. S. Naval Academy. Brendan played on Navy’s nationally ranked team, and they went to the NCAA National Championship.

Brendan went to Navy because he wanted to play D1 football. To do that he had to get a waiver due to color blindness. He started at Naval Academy Prep School and continued to the Academy. In the fall of 2001 Brendan had just begun his sophomore year at the Naval Academy, when the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11 pushed him to want and be more. Brendan graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign. He began his naval career as an intelligence officer. Brendan’s first deployment was to Korea and then Iraq. Upon his return he wanted to make a change, and went on to join the Navy SEALS.

Brendan earned a spot to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal training, BUD/S. BUD/S is considered the most demanding and grueling military training. Each training class starts with close to 300 men, and on average 10 men make it all the way through to graduation. Brendan graduated from BUD/S in June 2008 and was bestowed with the highest honor a BUD/S graduate can receive, being named “Honor Man.” Brendan was assigned to SEAL Team 3.”

Shortly after Brendan earned his Seal Trident, he married the love of his life. Just two days after the wedding, Brendan was deployed to Iraq. When he returned from this deployment, it was a short turnaround time before he left for his third and final deployment.

Brendan was a Troop Commander this deployment and responsible for developing strategies. During this deployment, Brendan and his SEAL Team 3 brothers completed 59 missions in less than seven months. Brendan’s commanding officer wrote that “his great qualities as a man and a diplomat ensured the delivery of humanitarian assistance and medical treatment for children and a representative governance to an embattled society.”

Ten days prior to Brendan’s expected return to the States, his SEAL team’s helicopter went down in the mountains of Afghanistan. On that day, his family says, Brendan gave his best self to our country. He was 29.

Brendan’s service, dedication and sacrifice to this country did not go unrecognized. His military awards and commendations include a Bronze Star with Valor, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal. Brendan was given full military honors and is interred with his fellow brothers-in-arms at Arlington National Cemetery. His grave is alongside his fellow fallen hero and USNA roommate Travis Manion.

Brendan is a hero. He gave everything for this country.

The Looney family remains very connected to the military. They have many family members who proudly serve this country. Brendan’s mom, Maureen Looney, created the Brendan Looney Foundation. This “ultimately became a way for our family to thank all those brave men and women who have heard the call to serve and help aid them through supporting their sons and daughters. Although we cannot help everyone, we try to help, one kid/one family at a time.”

So, while you enjoy the holiday alongside your family and friends, the Purple Heart Foundation asks you to remember the sacrifices that have been made so that you are free to do so.

2018-07-04T07:01:01

(BPT) – Summer is a great time to create memories with friends and family, and some of the best times happen when you gather your favorite people together on your deck, balcony, poolside or screen porch. As singer John Mayer puts it, “A little bit of summer’s what the whole year’s all about.”

As you prepare to entertain during these long, lazy days of summer, it’s convenient to keep on hand easy-to-prepare refreshments your guests can snack on as they enjoy the balmy breezes. Consider the following suggestions for lightning-fast, ultra-easy, fresh-tasting treats that can help you welcome visitors at a moment’s notice.

1. Refreshing blender drinks: Stockpile a selection of frozen juices and fruits so you can blend up icy-cold cocktails — either the adult or kiddie versions — on demand. Because so many tasty drinks start with simple syrup or sour mix, you may want to mix up your own and store those concoctions in your fridge for impromptu events. When serving, don’t forget the fruit garnishes and little umbrellas.

2. Fresh guacamole and chips: Whipping up everyone’s favorite avocado dip is nearly effortless when you keep on hand Simply Organic’s Guacamole Mixes. The flavorful, liquid-based mixes, available in spicy or regular varieties, come in handy packets so you need only add two ripe, peeled, pitted avocados (organic is best) and break open a bag of tortilla chips to create a fresh, fun and wholesome snack. You get all the flavor, texture and tang without taking on all the work.

3. Mediterranean pita dip: Stock your vegetable drawer and spice cabinet with organic ingredients for this hearty, cool and flavorful dip: hummus, red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, artichokes, feta cheese, oregano, onion powder and garlic powder. When guests arrive, spread the hummus in a casserole dish, sprinkle on the seasonings, layer the vegetables, then top your colorful creation with the cheese. Enjoy with pita chips or crudités.

4. Divine deviled eggs: When you keep hard-boiled eggs on hand, whipping up these classic favorites only takes a few minutes. Remove the shells, halve the eggs and mash up the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pickle relish, salt and/or pepper to taste. If desired, you can add even more flavor by stirring in hot sauce, bacon bits, blue cheese, chives, pickles, mango chutney, pesto, pickled okra or crumbled potato chips. Spoon or swirl the yolk mixture back into the half-eggs and serve.

5. Bountiful bruschetta: Slice a crusty baguette, brush it with olive oil and toast the slices under your broiler (one to two minutes for each side). Top the slices with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, onion and garlic, mixing in olive oil, salt and pepper and grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Sprinkle with balsamic reduction and serve.

Check out SimplyOrganic.com for more delicious recipes to enhance your summer entertaining.

2018-06-29T14:15:00

(BPT) – As seasons change, so do your clothing choices! No matter the season, there are constants to getting the most out of your clothing every day. Maintain and maximize your vintage looks all year round with these five tips from Gerard Maione of luxury vintage shop What Goes Around Comes Around.

2018-06-28T14:30:00

(BPT) – Summer is nearly upon us. The warm weather leads to flowers blooming, luscious green grass, and verdant trees. Unfortunately, for those with seasonal allergies, the picture is not as lovely, with visions of a spike in pollen, stuffy noses, congestion, facial pain and tenderness, decreased smell and taste, and sinus infections.

For most people suffering from seasonal allergies, relief is found with over-the-counter and prescription medications, allowing them to enjoy the sunshine and smell the flowers. However, if the condition lingers or becomes more severe, you could be the 1 in 7 people in the United States battling chronic sinus infections.¹

More than 30 million Americans experience the pain and discomfort of chronic sinus infections, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).¹ Unlike acute sinus infections, CRS is unresolved, with severe inflammation of the sinuses lasting for more than 12 weeks.¹ Several factors are associated with the potential development of CRS, including infection, growths in the sinuses known as nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, abnormal anatomy of the sinuses, allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke.^2,4

Signs and symptoms of CRS include at least two of the following:¹

• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to nasal obstruction or congestion
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Thick, discolored discharge from the nose or drainage down the back of the throat
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around the eyes, nose, or face

The pain from CRS can be agonizing. It can affect nasal function, impair health and diminish quality of life — most individuals with CRS report a lower quality of life than individuals with chronic back pain or even congestive heart failure.³ In addition to the unrelenting pain, CRS also has a financial impact — directly costing society more than $4.3 billion annually.³

If you are unable to find relief from the pain and congestion of CRS with over-the-counter or prescribed drug therapies, you should see your Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or primary care physician to have further evaluation.

When drug therapies fail to provide relief from CRS, doctors typically recommend that their patients consider functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to remove the source of the blockage and infection.⁴ More than 500,000 sinus surgeries are performed every year in the United States.³

As with most surgeries, there are risks to consider such as damage to the areas surrounding the sinuses or failure of the procedure. Approximately 1 in 5 sinus surgeries fail to provide desirable outcomes and require subsequent procedures to provide CRS patients with relief.⁴

However, there are ways to minimize the risks and improve the chances of a successful surgery.⁵ If sinus surgery is recommended by your doctor, consider image-guided, or navigated surgery, with the StealthStation™ ENT, which may enable a more thorough sinus procedure.

Recently granted 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the StealthStation™ ENT allows surgeons to “visualize” your sinuses in three-dimensional (3D) images so they can maneuver to where they will be operating and avoid critical anatomical structures, such as the brain, optic nerve and vital arteries. The surgical navigation system can provide surgeons with images of your anatomy during the procedure, allowing surgeons to see behind delicate or hard-to-reach areas unique to only you. StealthStation™ ENT and other image-guidance systems are associated with better patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.⁵

If you believe you may be battling chronic sinusitis, download and print this infographic questionnaire, which you can share with your primary healthcare provider or ENT specialist during your next appointment.