Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-11-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Sherly P.

Coming of age in Puerto Rico, life was vibrant. As a family matriarch, I baked, cooked, and cared for 30+ relatives. My house was always the center of our family’s activities. Unseen against the backdrop of family events, tables of food and the paradise that is Puerto Rico was my daily experience of living with migraine disease. I never allowed chronic migraine to slow down my education, career or impact my family, but it wasn’t always easy.

Through my early 30s, my migraine attacks were mild and manageable. I earned two master’s degrees, opened my own bakery, worked as a professional counselor and became a university professor. I also raised two rescue dogs, traveled the world, and maintained a busy social life.

Everything came to a crushing halt, and my migraine began to spiral out of control, after a serious injury in October 2012. I opened my eyes after an eight-hour surgery, but I didn’t register the back pain because I was in the throes of the most excruciating migraine attack of my life. Immediately after surgery, my migraine symptoms intensified to include sensitivity to daylight, certain foods, and smells. Light sensitivity was impacting me so severely that I shifted to a nocturnal schedule to avoid daylight, making me feel like a vampire.

This rapid change started years of cycling through neurologists and various treatments in my desperate attempt to regain some control: acupuncture, vitamins, infrared light, yoga and even Himalayan sea salt in my coffee. Nothing worked for me.

Migraine pain became my new normal, robbing me of my health and happiness, and before long, the impact of my migraine disease was too much to bear. I lost my job, abandoned my studies, and retreated from family functions and socializing. The emotional low point came when my own loved ones accused me of exaggerating or faking my symptoms. The severity of it all led to self-isolation, anxiety, and depression. Medical professionals implied my suffering was just “in my head.” I decided that I deserved more out of my migraine treatment plan and a neurologist who listened, believed, and validated the severity and impact of my migraine disease over my whole health. Finally, a recommendation led to a new neurologist who was both a migraine specialist and living with migraine herself. Finding her was my turning point as she combined migraine expertise with human empathy.

When I first visited her six years ago, she helped me understand the impact migraine was having on my life, and she was the first person in five years to validate the severity of my condition. I told her my migraine treatment plan wasn’t working, and I needed to make a change. We developed an action plan to get a clearer picture of possible triggers for my migraine attacks. Armed with this information, we set out in search of a different treatment plan that would help address the severity of my disease and limitations. While I was in the waiting room for a follow-up appointment, I came across a brochure for VYEPTI^® (eptinezumab-jjmr), a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. What jumped out at me with VYEPTI is that it’s administered by a healthcare provider four times a year (every three months) via intravenous (IV) infusion. I brought the brochure to my neurologist to discuss it during our appointment. Together we discussed the potential benefits and risks of VYEPTI, and we decided to give it a try. After starting treatment with VYEPTI, I noticed my overall migraine symptoms were becoming less severe.

Finally, I started being able to go back out on my balcony and enjoy the sunshine. Before long, I was experiencing intervals where I would go three or four days without a migraine attack — a huge improvement.

In patients with 4 or more migraine days a month, VYEPTI has been proven to reduce monthly migraine days over months 1-3 compared to placebo. However, individual results may vary and you should not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. See additional Important Safety Information for VYEPTI below.

With more migraine-free days, my house is once again the home to my family. I’m finally making plans! I’m even going to a concert soon, since it seems I can enjoy music again. I also plan to go back to school to get my Ph.D. in naturopathy. Migraine disease taught me the importance of putting myself first because I deserved more. With my migraine attacks less frequent and severe, I feel like my mental and physical health has improved. The biggest reward were the words from my therapist of 20 years, “finally, I see you again!”

Check out the doctor discussion guide on vyepti.com to get started today.

APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.

VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.

Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

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

The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

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.

For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information or go to vyepti.com.

© 2024 Lundbeck. All rights reserved. VYEPTI is a registered trademark of Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. EPT-B-101669

2024-11-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – By Sanofi

The holiday season is upon us — along with the many in-person gatherings that come along with it. This time of year, it’s important to know how to help keep your family protected from illnesses like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough.

In the winter months, we often see a rise in cases of the flu and RSV.^[1] But there are several preventive actions we can take to help avoid getting sick this holiday season. Avoiding gatherings when you are not feeling well, covering your mouth when you cough, and washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses.^[2] Immunizations can also be key to helping avoid serious complications from respiratory illness. Some immunizations can help to keep your family and friends protected.^[3]

“As we enter the holiday season, it’s critical to ensure that all eligible members of your family are up to date on their immunizations, particularly as illnesses can spread through close contact during holiday gatherings,” said Dr. Sean X. Leng, geriatric medicine and infectious disease expert.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintaining a routine immunization schedule is one of the best ways to help protect against certain respiratory illnesses.^[4] If you are headed to your healthcare provider or pharmacy for an annual flu vaccine, it can be a good time to ensure eligible members of your family are also up to date on other immunizations.

The Risk of Complications of the Flu in Vulnerable Populations

Flu vaccinations can help reduce the burden of illness and hospitalization — especially for people who are at higher risk of developing serious complications, such as older adults or people with chronic conditions like lung or heart disease.^[5]

Anyone can catch the flu, but people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe illness and flu-related hospitalizations.^[6] The CDC estimates that 70% to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people of this age group, making them a high priority for receiving vaccination.^[6]

Several vaccines are available for more vulnerable, older adult populations including Sanofi’s Fluzone^® High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine) and Flublok^® (Influenza Vaccine).^[7],[8] Flublok and Fluzone High-Dose are vaccines indicated for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B strains contained in (or in the case of Flublok represented by antigens contained in) the vaccine.^[7],[8] Flublok is given to people 18 years of age and older.^[8] Fluzone High-Dose is given to people 65 years of age and older.^[7] Flublok or Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine (including egg or egg products for Fluzone High-Dose).^[7],[8] In addition, Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.^[7] See below for additional Important Safety Information about Flublok and Fluzone High-Dose.

Helping to Protect Babies from Serious Lung Infection Caused by RSV

It is equally important to help provide protection for babies who are at risk of developing a serious lung infection caused by RSV.^[9],[10] The holiday season can bring an increase in cases, as RSV can be spread from a kiss or touching a shared toy.^[11]

“RSV is a highly contagious virus that can progress from mild cold-like symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.^[12] While hospitalization is uncommon, it is the most common cause of hospitalization in babies, with a staggering two out of three getting RSV by age 1,”^[9] said Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins, Board-Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN).

There is an immunization to help prevent serious lung infection caused by RSV.^[13] Beyfortus^® (nirsevimab-alip) 50mg and 100mg Injection is a preventative antibody that helps provide an extra layer of protection against serious RSV lung infections for babies under 1 born during or entering their first RSV season, and certain kids up to 24 months.^[13] Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus. Beyfortus may not protect all children.^[13] See below for additional Important Safety Information about Beyfortus.

Continuing the Conversation About Immunizations

And while respiratory illnesses are top of mind, it’s a good time to ensure that eligible members of the family are up to date with a Tdap vaccine, such as Adacel^® (Tdap vaccine), to help combat the risk of whooping cough (pertussis). In addition to whooping cough, Tdap vaccines help prevent diphtheria and tetanus.^[14] Adacel is indicated for:

• active booster immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Adacel is approved for use in persons 10 through 64 years of age.^[14]
• immunization during the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent pertussis in infants younger than 2 months of age.^[14]

You should not take Adacel if you’ve had severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of Adacel or any other diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid and pertussis antigen-containing vaccine.^[14] See below for additional Important Safety Information about Adacel.

Whooping cough also poses a serious risk for babies and young children.^[15] The bacterial infection, also known as pertussis, can cause uncontrollable and violent coughing.^[15] It can be extremely serious and even deadly for babies and young children.^[15]

While infection rates had been falling in previous years, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns.^[16]

Be a Health Advocate This Season

Immunizations are a great tool to help protect eligible members of your family during times of peak illness and throughout the year.^[1],[3] Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about options that may be right for you or your loved ones this holiday season.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR FLUBLOK^® (INFLUENZA VACCINE) AND FLUZONE^® HIGH-DOSE (INFLUENZA VACCINE)

Flublok or Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine (including egg or egg products for Fluzone High-Dose). In addition, Fluzone High-Dose should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.

Tell your health care provider if you have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) after a previous influenza vaccination.

If Flublok or Fluzone High-Dose are given to people with a compromised immune system, including those receiving therapies that suppress the immune system, the immune response may be lower than expected.

Vaccination with Flublok or Fluzone High-Dose may not protect all people who receive the vaccine.

Fainting has occurred following vaccination with Flublok and Fluzone High-Dose. Procedures should be in place to avoid injury from fainting.

For Flublok, in adults 18 through 64 years of age, the most common side effects were pain where you got the shot, headache, tiredness, and muscle pain. In adults 65 years of age and older the most common side effects were pain where you got the shot, tiredness and headache.

For Fluzone High-Dose, in adults 65 years of age and older, the most common side effects were pain where you got the shot, muscle pain, tiredness, and headache.

For Flublok and Fluzone High-Dose, other side effects may occur.

Before administration, please see the full Prescribing Information for Flublok, or Fluzone High-Dose. Also, please see complete Patient Information for Fluzone High-Dose.

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BEYFORTUS (nirsevimab-alip) 50mg and 100mg Injection INDICATION

Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in:

• Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.
• Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.

Before your child receives Beyfortus, tell your healthcare provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:

• has ever had a reaction to Beyfortus.
• has bleeding or bruising problems. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your infant should not receive a medicine called palivizumab if they have already received Beyfortus in the same RSV season.

Serious allergic reactions have happened with Beyfortus. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• unresponsiveness
• bluish color of skin, lips, or under fingernails
• muscle weakness
• severe rash, hives, or itching

The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for more details.

+++

ADACEL (Tdap vaccine) INDICATION

Adacel is a vaccine indicated for:

• active booster immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Adacel is approved for use in persons 10 through 64 years of age.

• immunization during the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent pertussis in infants younger than 2 months of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Adacel is contraindicated in persons who have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, or pertussis containing vaccine, or to any component of Adacel; or encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous dose of a pertussis containing vaccine with no other identifiable cause.

Epinephrine hydrochloride solution (1:1,000) and other appropriate agents and equipment must be available for immediate use in case an anaphylactic or acute hypersensitivity reaction occurs.

If Guillain-Barré syndrome or brachial neuritis has occurred within 6 weeks following previous vaccination with a tetanus toxoid or if progressive or unstable neurologic disorders exist, the decision to give Adacel should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

Persons who experienced an Arthus-type hypersensitivity reaction following a prior dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine should not receive Adacel unless at least 10 years have elapsed since the last dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.

Some individuals with altered immunocompetence, including receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have reduced immune responses to Adacel.

Syncope can occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including Adacel. Procedures should be in place to prevent falling injury and manage syncopal reactions.

After the first and second dose of Adacel, the most frequently reported solicited reactions were pain, swelling, and erythema at the injection site; headache, body ache or muscle weakness, tiredness, myalgia, and malaise.

Other adverse reactions may occur. Vaccination with Adacel may not protect all individuals.

Please click to see full Prescribing Information.

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2024-11-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – The end of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is fast approaching. By Dec. 7, it’s important that eligible adults choose a plan that fits their needs, especially when it comes to vision care benefits.

Not all Medicare plans provide vision care. Some require beneficiaries to pay 100% of the cost for routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts. To ensure you can afford vision care in 2025, it’s crucial that you carefully review your plan’s benefits.

Why vision care matters

Vision difficulties are common among Medicare beneficiaries. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 35% of beneficiaries reported difficulty seeing in 2019.

Seeing clearly isn’t the only reason older adults need vision care. Routine eye exams can also help detect signs of over 270 health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Does Medicare Advantage cover vision?

Original Medicare does not cover vision. You’ll be on the hook for the full price of a routine eye exam, which can range from $75-$200 for patients without vision insurance.

Luckily, Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C) plans often do, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors. In fact, KFF found that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans spent less out-of-pocket on vision care than beneficiaries in traditional Medicare in 2018.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, vision care benefits may vary. If you qualify for Medicare Advantage but have not signed up, consider doing so this year.

If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to review your vision care benefits in case of changes. It’s also a good idea to compare Medicare Advantage plans to make sure you’re getting vision care that you can afford and that meets your vision needs.

You have options

If your Medicare plan doesn’t cover all your vision needs, you still have options for vision care benefits. Separate vision insurance, like a plan through VSP^® Individual Vision Plans, can help complete your coverage at an affordable price.

VSP vision insurance offers coverage for routine eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, which are not covered by Original Medicare. Because VSP doesn’t have open enrollment or waiting periods, you can purchase and use your vision insurance plan at any time. You’ll also have access to a large doctor network, so you don’t need to stress about finding an eye doctor near you.

Benefits include 20% off additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam.

Whether you have Medicare Advantage or not, you can make sure you have access to vision care you can afford with the benefits you need to keep your vision healthy.

Visit VSPDirect.com to find the best vision plan for you. While you’re there, you can also compare insurance plans and see which one meets your needs.

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you ever wonder why it may be harder to breathe during cold and flu season? Cold air, for one thing. Cold air can irritate airways and make them narrower, increasing mucus production. What else makes you feel stuffy? Spending more time indoors during cold weather may expose you to poor air quality from closed doors, sealed windows and stale air from heating systems which may leave you feeling congested. And, sometimes your nose is blocked due to inflammation and mucus buildup caused by an actual cold or flu virus.

When you’re feeling stuffy, here are five tips for clearing your nasal passages to help you breathe easier:

Take a hot shower: The steam created in a hot shower can open your sinuses and help loosen mucus. If a shower isn’t available, you can lean over a bowl of hot water. Covering your head with a towel or other cloth can keep the steam in.

Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can prevent your nasal passages from drying out. Be mindful to keep your humidifier clean.

Stay hydrated: Fluids — from chicken soup to cups of your favorite tea — will help loosen the goo in your nose and lungs. Research shows your body needs more fluid for quick relief and to fight off infection.

Flush out the mucus: Nasal irrigation is a safe and easy way to clean your nose when you’re stuffed up during cold and flu season. An excellent option is Navage Nasal Care, the #1 doctor recommended drug-free nasal irrigation device according to an independent study of 300 Ear, Nose and Throat specialists. Navage uses gentle, powered suction and a Saltpod^® containing saline concentrate that is combined with distilled, boiled or bottled water to flush out mucus, help with postnasal drip and relieve sinus congestion and sinus headaches. Naväge works fast to flush, moisturize and cleanse the nasal cavity. Find Naväge online at www.navage.com and in many national retailers.

Add a few pillows when you sleep: Elevating your head during sleep can help with mucus drainage and reduce congestion.

Data show that nose breathing not only makes you feel better, it is also good for your heart with positive effects including decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.

“A stuffy nose is one of the most commonly experienced and annoying symptoms during cold and flu season,” said Howard L. Levine MD, listed as one of The Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors in Cleveland, world-renowned expert in nasal and sinus disorders, and consultant to Naväge. “Breathing easier — and especially through your nose — provides real relief.”

2024-11-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Bare Snacks

Fall is such a beautiful time of year — crunching through the leaves, pulling out the cozy sweaters, and best of all, enjoying popular seasonal flavors! Fall’s favorite fruit, apples, start to ripen for fall so it only makes sense to give apples the spotlight they deserve for their nutritious benefits and delicious, crisp taste.

There are so many ways to experience the simple joys of apples with fall-inspired activities. Here are three ways to enjoy and appreciate the bounty of the season while making precious memories with loved ones before the season shifts once again.

1. Go Apple Picking

Fall is a great time to visit one of many apple orchards bursting with apples of all varieties ready for picking. Seasonal outings provide a great bonding moment with friends and family to make memories and enjoy apples with a new appreciation for how they are grown and harvested. How to enjoy all those apples once they’ve been picked from the tree? Along with classics like apple pies or apple cider donuts, try an even simpler recipe such as Cinnamon Baked Apples, which pairs freshly picked apples with some extra crunch from Bare^® Apple Chips.

Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Bare^® Apple Chips
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together oats, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, Bare^® Apple Chips, and vanilla extract, then set aside. Use an apple core utensil to remove cores from apples. Place in a square baking dish. Tightly pack filling into each apple core. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the dish. Loosely cover dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and add 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil to the top of each apple. Bake for another 25 minutes until apples are soft, and filling is bubbling. Serve while warm with coconut cream if desired.

2. Visit an Apple Festival

Many communities host seasonal events like apple festivals for even more hands-on opportunities to engage with fall’s bounty. Taste it for yourself with creamy apple butter, crispy apple fritters, warming apple cider and more, or participate in activities like bobbing for apples and making apple art. Festival hopping is a great way to get together with friends and neighbors while enjoying a glorious, crisp fall day. End the day with a cozy bonfire with a mug of hot apple cider to warm up your hands or extend the fun by preparing a delicious apple-inspired brunch the following morning using the recipe below.

Apple Sheet Pan Pancakes Recipe

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

• Baking spray
• 2 cups Bare^® Apple Chips
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 cups 1% milk
• 4 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• Syrup and bananas (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 16- x 12-inch baking sheet with baking spray. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; add milk, oil, and eggs, whisking until combined. Pour pancake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly and arrange Bare^® Apple Chips evenly over batter. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into squares. Top with syrup and sliced bananas, if desired.

3. Take a Nature Walk

There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as the colorful foliage once the leaves begin changing colors. Throw on a comfy sweater and hit the trail to enjoy all that leaf peeping has to offer. These jaunts can range in difficulty, from a casual walk around the neighborhood to climbing new heights where fall foliage can be enjoyed from a unique vantage point. No matter where you go, don’t forget the snacks to enjoy on breaks while you soak in the scenery. Try Bare^® Apple Chips, which are baked crunchy, a good source of fiber, and available in several apple flavors, including a cozy Cinnamon Apple flavor. Bare^® Apple Chips are an easy, packable option and can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into an easy, seasonal trail mix!

As the seasons change, embrace the everyday moments during apple season! No matter how you enjoy them, we hope you’ll feel inspired to enjoy apples all season long.

2024-11-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Drowsy driving is risky and dangerously common. Many drivers are either unaware or don’t prioritize getting enough sleep as an important part of safe driving. Even though drowsy driving is high risk — the cause of nearly one in five deadly car crashes — many people continue to drive when they’re not fully alert.

Did you know that getting only 3-4 hours of sleep is similar to having a few drinks? It’s time to start thinking about drowsy driving more like drunk driving. New data from the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2024 Drowsy Driving survey show only four in 10 adults are likely to find alternatives to driving when they haven’t gotten enough sleep, whereas nearly seven in 10 adults are likely to find alternatives to driving after a few drinks.

Even if you’ve had some sleep, it may not be enough. The survey found just 50% of adults are likely to avoid driving when they haven’t gotten the sleep they need, but almost 90% of adults are likely to avoid driving when they’ve had a few drinks. More people have urged someone not to drive because of drinking than for being too sleepy or tired. However, if you haven’t had enough quality sleep to drive alert, it’s not safe for you to be behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is impaired driving. As part of its continued commitment to educate the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, NSF produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert.^® Here’s a short list of things you can do before you get behind the wheel.

Prioritize Sleep Ahead of Your Drive

It is important to get the recommended amount of sleep the night before your trip. While the feeling of a good night’s sleep varies from person to person, NSF recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults and eight to 10 hours for teens.

Bring a Buddy: Plan to Have a Companion for Your Longer Trips

A companion passenger can not only help look for early warning signs of driver fatigue or sleepiness but can also help with driving when needed. A good driving co-pilot is someone who stays awake to talk to you and will be aware of your alertness. They can be particularly helpful on long trips. As you plan your next adventure, consider inviting along a driving buddy or two to make your trip safer and more memorable.

Proper Planning: Schedule Regular Stops for Your Trip

Plan a stop every 100 miles or two hours during your driving trip. Stops help you stay alert by giving you a chance to check your alertness, stretch, or rest a bit if you need to. Schedule some stops that are meaningful to you in addition to your necessary breaks. For instance, you could stop by a park for a quick stretch or walk along a scenic path before hitting the road again.

Look Out for the Signals of Drowsy Driving

Be aware of the warning signs that come with drowsy driving. Frequent blinking and yawning or having difficulty with lane and speed control are common signs that you may be too tired to drive. A companion driver can help keep an eye on the warning signs of drowsy driving, too. Remember: a drowsy driving crash can happen in just seconds. If you notice these warning signs, take action — pull over to a safe place and take a quick nap.

NSF has more science-backed recommendations to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self^®. It’s the place to start and can make a big difference to help avoid drowsy driving. There are simple things you can do every day and night to help you get enough of the quality sleep you need.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol, keeping a wind-down routine, and sleeping in a place that’s cool, dark, and quiet — which also means putting your screen devices away an hour before bed.

Visit theNSF.org for more key tips while you make your own plan to prevent drowsy driving, plus get NSF’s expert resources to help you be your Best Slept Self^®.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice.

NSF thanks its Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® 2024 sponsors, GM, Schneider National and Waymo for their support and commitment to helping the public stay safe on the road.

2024-11-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – GERD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, triggered by the recurrent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the tube linking the mouth and stomach. Learn more about GERD, including the different types and challenges, below.

2024-11-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Award-winning TV host, comedian, actress and author Sherri Shepherd is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because she has diabetes. She doesn’t want to let it stop her from taking her shot on — or off — the stage. That’s why Sherri is partnering with Pfizer to share her diabetes story and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Sherri, there’s no doubt that you’re a superstar in more than one arena. What has helped contribute to your success over the years?

Sherri: I learned early on that you need to run toward the thing that scares you because that’s where you can really thrive. And let me tell you, starting out in comedy and TV can be scary. But I put in the time practicing jokes on the bus, spending time on the road, working late hours behind the scenes, and it all led me to where I was supposed to be. And now, I get to take my shot at doing what I love every day.

Q: I’m sure you faced some challenges to get where you are today. What was one of the biggest you’ve faced?

Sherri: I think the biggest one for me is more of a personal one. I have diabetes, so over the years I’ve had to learn how to keep my health in check. For me, I prioritize eating right, keeping active, talking with my doctor regularly, and getting vaccinated to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. It took a lot to get here so I don’t want to be held back from doing what I love.

Q: Tell me more about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. Are they serious?

Sherri: Absolutely. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In more severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also cause invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

Q: That does sound serious. Who is at greater risk?

Sherri: People like me who are 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma or COPD. In fact, people 19-64 living with diabetes are at over 5x higher risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and up to 4.8x higher risk for IPD, compared with healthy adults the same age. People 65 or older are also at increased risk, even if they’re healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to people about protecting themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Sherri: Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself. And vaccination is available all year round, so I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to see if a pneumococcal vaccination is right for them. They can also visit VaxAssist.com to book an appointment online today.

Q: Thanks, Sherri. Is there anything else people should know about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Sherri: People assume you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. And even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor may still recommend another vaccination for further protection. I love hosting my show and doing comedy, but I don’t joke around when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD — and you shouldn’t either. Go talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, so you can also keep taking your shot at whatever it is you love to do.

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