Category: Brandpoint Health

2017-12-27T14:31:00

(BPT) – Looking and feeling your best go hand in hand. When you take charge of your well-being, you’ll feel healthier inside and out. Small efforts every day add up to a big impact.

“By taking specific steps each day, you can optimize your beauty hormones,” says Dr. Shelena Lalji, founder of Dr. Shel Wellness & Aesthetic Center and medical advisor to Douglas Laboratories. “These hormones help boost your overall appearance. Features like your skin, hair and nails suddenly look stronger, younger and more radiant than ever.”

Dr. Shel says the following five steps can help jump-start your beauty hormones so you can look your best whether you’re in your 20s or 60s:

Step 1: Follow a plant-based paleo eating plan.

Your diet directly affects how you feel on the inside and how you look on the outside. Cut out dairy, sugar, gluten and alcohol to reduce inflammation internally and externally. Boost your intake of fresh organic produce, striving for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A simple rule is, the more variety of colors you eat, the more nutrients your body receives.

Step 2: Balance your hormones through supplementation.*

Talk with your health care practitioner about adding nutritional supplements that can help support beauty hormones and skin health.* Some of Dr. Shel’s favorites include:

Ultra HNS, a blend of high dose biotin, methylfolate, vitamin C, zinc and Cynatine(R) HNS, a patented, solubilized keratin for the health of hair, nails and skin. Cynatine(R) HNS has demonstrated that it can improve the strength, brightness and appearance of hair, nails and skin, as well as reduce hair loss associated with washing.*

Skin Nourish, a special skin nutrient blend containing polyphenolic compounds from grape seed, superoxide dismutase (SOD) from melon, vitamin C and zinc which are primary and secondary antioxidants that support the appearance of radiant skin color, contrast and integrity.*

Skin Protect, a clinically studied combination of the antioxidants carnosic acid, lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene to promote smooth, healthy skin from the inside out, while helping to protect from damage caused by UV sunlight exposure and environmental stresses.*

Hydrolyzed Collagen Plus, a unique formulation for skin and joint health. Collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid and co-factors support the appearance of healthy skin by promoting collagen production, skin elasticity and hydration, while lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.*

Finally, daily probiotics and vitamin C support overall well-being while supporting a healthy immune system.* Learn more at www.douglaslabs.com/HealthyAging.

Step 3: Identify and avoid food sensitivities.

You’re likely sensitive to some foods and don’t even know it. Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. Does cheese make you feel sluggish? Does processed food make you feel bloated? To learn more, ask your doctor about running an allergy and food-sensitivity test. Then make adjustments to your nutrition as needed. If a test is not readily available, begin by cutting out processed foods including sugar, gluten and dairy.

Step 4: Focus on daily detoxification activities.

Start each day with a cup of room-temperature water with lemon to eliminate toxins from the liver and balance the body’s PH levels and get alkalinized. Exercising each day also supports detoxification, getting the heart pumping and organs working to flush pollutants that come from daily exposure.

Step 5: Keep calm.

Stress impacts cortisol levels, suppresses the immune system and causes hormonal imbalance. Plus, it affects your overall happiness. Fortunately, managing stress is in your control. Simple deep breathing techniques and daily meditation can help you feel centered and in control. In addition, make adequate time for rest and sleep each night (at least 7 to 8 hours per night) so your body can heal and recharge. Your cortisol will start balancing out.

“Transforming your health both inside and out will boost your self-confidence so you feel your best,” says Dr. Shel. “From smart supplements to daily detox, you’ll look amazing no matter your age.”

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

2018-01-08T11:59:00

(BPT) – Though many women are reluctant to discuss ’embarrassing’ health issues — especially those pertaining to gynecologic health — many don’t understand the impact these same issues can have on a woman’s overall health and quality of life. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent gynecologic infection, affecting 21 million women in the U.S. ages 14 to 49 each year. Despite its prevalence, women may not understand that the total impact of BV can go beyond its serious physical health implications. The condition can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, causing feelings of anxiety and embarrassment that can influence health, sex lives, dating and personal relationships.

A new national survey* of 304 U.S. women ages 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed with BV within the past two years highlights the lack of knowledge of BV and its associated risks as well as the serious impact of the condition on women.

What are the risks?

Common signs and symptoms associated with BV include unusual vaginal discharge that may be white or gray, watery, and may also have a strong fish-like odor. It can be difficult to tell common gynecologic infections from one another because the symptoms can be similar. However, if ignored or mistreated, BV increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis and HIV. BV also increases the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight, which can negatively impact the overall health of the baby; and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Many women don’t understand the risk of these serious health concerns if BV is left untreated. In fact, according to the national survey, 76 percent of women with BV state they would have gone to see a healthcare professional sooner if they were aware of the risks associated with BV if left untreated. Additionally, not only did 62 percent of women mistake BV for a yeast infection prior to diagnosis, but 20 percent still believe that BV is a yeast infection.

How does BV impact a women’s overall health and quality of life?

The total impact of BV goes beyond the physical symptoms. BV can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, influencing healthy sex lives, dating and personal relationships. Results from the national survey found that most women with BV feel self-conscious (68 percent) and embarrassed (66 percent) due to their condition. Furthermore, women with BV admit they have avoided certain everyday activities that may often be taken for granted, including being intimate with their spouse/partner (79 percent); working out (27 percent); going on a first date (17 percent); performing everyday activities (e.g., running errands, doing chores) (16 percent); and spending time with family/friends (15 percent).

A new online resource

A new online resource, www.KeepHerAwesome.com, features additional results from the Harris Poll national survey that was sponsored by Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). The website also provides women and healthcare professionals with information on BV including downloadable resources, such as a BV fact sheet, discussion guides on how to talk with your partner and healthcare provider about BV, and Do’s and Don’ts for healthcare professionals to share with their patients.

*The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) within the United States between September 14 and 29, 2017 among 304 U.S. women aged 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with bacterial vaginosis (BV) within the past 2 years (“women with bacterial vaginosis”). Figures for age, income, race/ethnicity, region, education, and size of household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

2018-01-11T13:33:00

(BPT) – Figuring out what’s best for your skin can feel like solving a difficult mystery — everyone’s condition is unique, there are countless treatment options and people will do almost anything for a clear complexion.

“When it comes to your skin, there are many elements to consider,” says Dr. David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist, CEO and founder of Curology. “Clogged pores, acne and other common issues can be a result of age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. I often hear about common misconceptions that cause otherwise well-meaning people to make mistakes that trigger larger skincare problems.”

To help people better understand skincare and take control of their daily regimen, Dr. Lortscher shares the top misconceptions about skincare and acne.

Misconception: Exercise and sweat can cause acne.

Fact: Sweating while exercising doesn’t cause acne. The eccrine glands produce sweat and the sebaceous glands produce oil — so revving up the sweat glands doesn’t actually turn on the oil glands involved in acne breakouts. The truth is sweating and humidity can aggravate breakouts by giving the bacteria on the skin a better environment to grow.

Cleansing is key post-workout, but keep in mind vigorously cleansing your skin can also be a source of friction that aggravates acne. The best strategy is to splash comfortable-temperature water on your face and neck, then pat dry gently.

Misconception: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

Fact: Many people have heard that chocolate and junk food are the worst foods for your skin, but modern science hasn’t found a direct link between acne and oily foods.

Diets are like acne treatments: highly individual. That’s not to say your eating habits can’t affect your skin. Eating simple carbs and sugar raises your blood sugar levels, causing your body to produce excess insulin, in turn stimulating oil production and leading to more inflammation and increased acne severity.

Misconception: DIY skincare and home remedies are good for your skin.

Fact: The DIY craze has extended to skincare routines, giving people ample ways to create their own remedies at home. However, it’s wise to be careful about the ingredients applied to your skin.

Some people try baking soda as a cost-effective scrub or mask. Baking soda is pH 9 and the pH of the skin is 4.5-5 or so. Therefore, scrubbing your face with a baking soda paste can be harsh and disturb your skin’s natural barrier, leading to red, raw and sensitive skin and leaving it susceptible to breakout.

Others suggest lemon juice as a home remedy for acne but it can cause significant dryness, redness and irritation. Lemon juice may have an exfoliating effect on the most superficial dead skin cells, but there are better ways to treat your acne.

If you’re fed up with DIY remedies and over-the-counter products just haven’t worked for you, you have options. Try custom prescription skincare like Curology, a service that gets you expert dermatology care from the comfort of your home. Just take a few photos and a skin quiz to get a prescription formula customized to your individual needs.

Misconception: You can make your pores smaller.

Fact: Most people want smaller pores, but in reality, you can’t change the size or force them “open” or “closed.”

Pore size is genetic; you can’t shrink them or make pores go away. To keep large pores from worsening, treat acne breakouts, don’t pick and use sun protection. Sun exposure breaks down collagen, which is the support structure surrounding the pores, so pores do appear larger as you age.

Misconception: You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days.

Fact: It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or cloudy; if you plan to spend time outdoors, wear sunscreen daily. It is estimated that damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun is responsible for up to 80 percent of skin aging.

SPF is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

2017-12-20T14:01:01

(BPT) – Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t?

Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception.

In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) — which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss — adding to the confusion.

To help consumers cut through the clutter, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has pulled together six essential facts for people with hearing loss who are considering the purchase of hearing aids.

BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these six points in mind:

1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. Hearing loss also is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show.

2) Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader glasses at the grocery store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids — which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing loss — must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy.

3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. The beauty of authentic hearing aids is that they’re tailored — through personalized fitting, programming and follow-up adjustments — to correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate across the entire frequency spectrum. Follow-up hearing aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and process sounds they had been missing, further increase user satisfaction.

4) Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are not hearing aids and are not cleared by the FDA to treat hearing loss. Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume — sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels — regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage.

5) Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net for proper diagnosis and treatment. Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Hearing care professionals — audiologists, hearing aid specialists and ENTs (Ear, Nose and Throat doctors or doctors of otology and otolaryngology) — are best suited to help consumers with hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and amplification, and they are state-licensed. Many work in practices with ENT doctors. They have the most appropriate and accurate equipment to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a hearing health care professional also means the consumer gets maximum benefit from their hearing aids.

6) Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S. without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional. The way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not change. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek professional hearing health care advice from the start.

BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family members and friends, BHI research shows.

For information on types of hearing loss, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/news/heres-what-you-need-know-about-different-types-hearing-loss.

2018-01-10T06:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, read more or start playing guitar, there are thousands of New Year’s resolutions to pick from. For most people, though, their resolutions have to do with losing weight, exercising more or getting healthier. In fact, 69 percent of resolutions are about losing weight or staying healthy.

After all those cookies and belt-loosening meals of the holidays, it’s no wonder people want to get healthier.

Unfortunately, deciding on a resolution is the easy part; maintaining it is the challenge. But it’s not impossible. With the right resources and habits, there’s no reason you can’t realize your goal.

These five tips will help you do just that.

1. Set up a lot of smaller, incremental goals. In making our New Year’s resolutions, we can sometimes get a little ambitious. While it’s great to dream big, on a practical level, you need to figure out how to reach your target. Rather than have an enormous goal looming in front of you, think in terms of days or weeks. For instance, if you want to lose 25 pounds this year (which would be a significant and awesome accomplishment!) focus on losing two pounds a month. Breaking your goal into smaller increments can help you succeed in achieving that ambitious resolution.

2. Take advantage of perks. Did you know that your health insurance may have extra perks that give you an incentive to get healthier? Through the Blue365 health and wellness discount program, members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have access to discounts on gym memberships, athletic gear, nutrition products, and vision and hearing products. To see if your BCBS company participates in this program, visit www.Blue365deals.com.

3. Make it a team effort. Instead of making your resolution an individual goal, team up with a friend or family member, and together, work toward a shared goal. Having someone to hold you accountable, who you are responsible to and who can motivate you, is huge. It creates a great dynamic and source of inspiration that can get you through those mental slouches. If you can’t find a resolution partner, be sure to tell people about what you’re doing and talk about your progress.

4. Enlist the aid of technology. You may have noticed there are a lot of people wearing thin bands around their wrists these days. These fitness trackers track your movements, monitor your heart rate, provide a record of your movements and more. They help you to hone in on your fitness goals and remind you when you need to move. If you’re ready for a fitness tracker, or need to upgrade your old one, the Blue365 health and wellness discount program offers discounts on these essential workout tools.

5. Be meticulous. Don’t be casual about your goals! Treat them like you would a project for work. Set up a schedule that you can follow and create specific, measurable goals. This might sound a bit rigid, but it will give you concrete steps to follow, and once you start seeing your progress, you’ll feel a new boost of energy.

You should be excited about your New Year’s resolution, and you should be excited about challenging yourself to see it through and to realize your goals. For tools and motivation to keep your efforts on track, visit www.Blue365deals.com and get ready to welcome 2018 with gusto!

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index^SM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

Blue365 offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services and other items that may be purchased from Blue365 Vendors, which are different from covered benefits under your policy(ies) with your local Blue Company, its contracts with Medicare, or any other federally-funded healthcare program. To find out what is covered under your policy(ies), contact your Blue Company. The products and services described on Blue365’s website are neither offered nor guaranteed under your Blue Company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these products and services are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding your insurance products and services may be subject to your Blue Company’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from Blue365 Vendors. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific Blue365 Vendor’s product or service available through the Site.

*Note to Editors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies participating in Blue365 are in the following states: AZ, AR, DC, DE, FL, IL,IA, KS, LA, MA,MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY,OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® also participates in Blue365.

2018-01-17T14:33:00

(BPT) – Healthy snacking and making good food choices can be difficult any time of the year, but it can be especially tough during the big game. Business Insider reports that only 80 percent of people who start a New Year’s resolution keep that resolution through February. This happens to correspond with the biggest football game of the year and the common food temptations that go along with it — chicken wings, chips and salsa, pizza, not to mention beer.

Bryan Snyder, registered dietitian and nutrition director for the Denver Broncos, who is responsible for keeping the year-round nutrition strategies for the team’s players on track, also knows the pitfalls for the fans. “I advise people trying to eat healthier to follow a sustainable meal plan.”

Snyder describes a sustainable meal plan as one that allows some flexibility to have a meal here and there that might have a higher calorie intake.

“I often see people go from eating a poor diet and choosing unhealthy snacks, in combination with not exercising, to all of a sudden deciding to work out every day and eat perfectly every meal. The issue that can arise from that behavior is that it isn’t a sustainable plan, and it doesn’t allow any room for those big game snacks.”

Snyder’s recommendation is to find a nice middle ground. Allow yourself to sneak in some of those not-so-healthy calories on game day, but also give yourself some healthier options that you can have while keeping a guilt-free conscience.

Snyder’s snack of choice? Pistachios. “Pistachios are loaded with antioxidants and fiber, which will help you feel full and prevent you from overeating during the big game, and give you an immune system boost as well.”

Other healthy options are pita chips with hummus, vegetables with vegetable dip, bison or turkey burger sliders, popcorn, baked sweet potato fries, or a cup of turkey chili. For those who can’t imagine game day without wings, Snyder suggests baking the wings instead of deep-frying to replace some of the unwanted and unnecessary fats.

“Oftentimes we want to eat healthier, but we simply don’t know what to eat,” says Snyder. “All of these options are healthy swaps for satisfying game day enjoyment.”

Snyder recommends, too, having a backup plan if you’re going over to someone else’s house to watch the game, as this can be one of the biggest pitfalls to straying from a diet. “Don’t give yourself an excuse to eat poorly. Take along some portable healthy snacks — such as healthy bars, trail mix or pistachios — to be sure you have options and don’t indulge in hours of unhealthy snacking.”

While it is certainly understandable and sometimes difficult to eat healthy during the big game, it is something that can be done with the right planning and preparation, according to Snyder.

“One other common misconception about healthy snacking is that you have to sacrifice great taste,” warns Snyder. “Follow this game plan, and I guarantee you won’t.”

2018-01-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Dru Riddle of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the estimated 7.5 million people afflicted with psoriasis across the United States. A nurse anesthetist and university professor, Riddle understands first-hand the importance of receiving the proper treatment as quickly as possible and treating the condition with safe, effective medicine. Diagnosed with psoriasis in 2003 and psoriatic arthritis (PA) in 2010, Riddle underwent the treatment trials and errors common to many sufferers of PA before he was connected with a health care provider who prescribed a more aggressive plan that included biologics. Before doctors put him to a biologic therapy, Riddle suffered for several years with skin lesions and joint pain. “Finally I was switched to an injectable biologic medication,” Riddle says. “Those medications have really helped control my disease and the symptoms.”

A condition that is more than skin deep

Psoriasis often presents as patches of itchy, flaky skin, while PA — which affects about a third of psoriasis patients — results in joint swelling and pain, which may cause permanent damage. Both conditions are a product of the body’s immune system attacking itself instead of the foreign invader that should be its target.

PA can usually be identified by psoriasis-like skin inflammations. However, sometimes the joint pain and swelling appear first. This can make it difficult for doctors to properly diagnose the condition.

Initially, Riddle’s condition was treated topically with little to no effect. The relief he found with the right medicines was life-changing and he has vowed to help others with PA find the right care.

“I recommend anyone with PA be extremely aggressive with their treatment,” Riddle says. “The risks of not treating your PA are so much greater than treating it.”

Understanding biosimilars

In his quest for the right treatment regime, Riddle was diligent about his self-care and joined a number of clinical trials for the types of biologics that have been so integral to his treatment plan. It was thanks to his proactive approach to treating his condition that he started learning more about biosimilars.

Biosimilars are safe, effective and affordable alternatives to conventional biologic medicines, similar to generic offerings in other medicinal categories. Widely used in Europe, biosimilars have faced a biologics-dominated market in the United States that has so far been successful in limiting their availability. Expanding the biosimilars market in the United States will require manufacturers, the government and regulatory groups to work together to craft new policies, making access to these potentially life-changing treatments their top priority.

Riddle applauds the option of safe, effective and affordable biosimilars for patients.

“The expense of the biologic medication can be prohibitive — they’re very costly,” Riddle says. “So some people may benefit from a more affordable biosimilar medication. That medication has the same efficacy, meaning it works just as well as the biologic.”

Learning more about your options

“There’s no need to be afraid of the medicine,” says Christine Simmon, Executive Director of The Biosimilars Council, a group working to support the broad components of the biosimilar industry and enabling increased access to safe, effective and affordable biosimilar medicines. “Learn more about your options, talk to your doctor and make sure you’re receiving the medication that is the most effective treatment for your condition.”

If you have psoriasis and/or PA, you deserve to know all of your options, including biosimilars. Your doctor can provide you the information you need on these treatment options. To prepare for your next doctor’s visit and have your initial questions answered, visit http://biosimilarscouncil.org/ today.

2018-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – At the turn of the calendar, many people begin taking action on what they plan to accomplish in the new year. Some have resolved to take up a new hobby, to save more money, to travel and, of course, to improve their health.

New eating plans and gym memberships are common steps people take toward their health goals, but there are other effective ways to improve your health — like adding probiotics to your daily regimen. You’ve likely heard of probiotics before, but do you know how they benefit your health and how to select the right one for you? This article can help.*

What is a probiotic?

Before delving into how probiotics can help your body, let’s first explain what they actually are. In the simplest terms, probiotics are the good bacteria (live microorganisms) that live inside your digestive tract and help your body to function properly. There are many different types of probiotics, and each one performs a different function in your digestive system.*

The billions of bacteria that live inside your digestive tract are often called “microflora,” or more correctly, “microbiota,” and the environment that they work together to create inside the body is called the microbiome. Maintaining proper balance within your microbiome is crucial for overall health.*

How do probiotics help?

The beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract are influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, medication use, traveling and poor diet. Therefore, it is important to prioritize diet and lifestyle to maintain proper gut ecology. Probiotics are also effective for maintaining healthy populations of beneficial bacteria. Numerous clinical studies have shown probiotics have positive effects on health, including assisting in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients and contributing to immune system health. Some studies have suggested that certain beneficial strains may also support brain function.*

Probiotics in your diet

Probiotics are found in many foods you may enjoy every day including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. However, due to food processing and packaging, maintaining the stability and potency of the live beneficial bacteria in these foods can be a challenge. Including probiotic supplements in your routine ensures a consistent dose to help you and your family maintain optimal health.*

Finding the right probiotic supplement for you

Probiotic supplements can help support health at any age — from infancy to adulthood. When it comes to selecting the probiotics for you and your family, the best options are those that are formulated based on clinical research. Genestra Brands offers a comprehensive line of clinically studied, effective probiotic strains that have been recommended by doctors for more than 20 years. With more than 25 gluten-free, non-GMO formulas, Genestra Brands’ probiotics offer personalized support to help make your New Year’s resolution of becoming a healthier you that much easier.*

Before you begin taking any type of probiotic, speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist about whether they are safe and right for you.

To learn more about probiotics designed with you in mind, visit genestrahmf.com.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2018-01-12T15:51:00

(BPT) – Like many people, you are likely aware of the term “liver cancer” and may have some perceptions of this disease, but you may have less information than you think. Chances are, though, you have never heard of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though it’s the most common type of liver cancer and the fastest-growing cause of cancer death in the United States.^1,2,3

Andrea Wilson was in a similar situation when her younger sister Adrienne was diagnosed with HCC. Once Andrea understood more about this devastating disease, she made it her mission to tell Adrienne’s story and to help others who suffer from this cancer.

More than sisters

Andrea and Adrienne shared an inseparable bond. As Adrienne’s legal guardian, Andrea was both Adrienne’s parent and sister.

“Adrienne was simply the best—my everything,” said Andrea, president and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, a leading liver cancer advocacy group. “She taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.”

One day, Adrienne felt severe pain in her right side. Six hours later, an ER doctor told Andrea and Adrienne she had tumors in her liver and lungs. Within two days, Adrienne was diagnosed with stage IV HCC.

“Our lives changed forever when we heard those eight words, ‘She has tumors in her liver and lungs,’” Andrea said. From the time she felt the pain in her side to the moment she died, Adrienne lived 147 days.

Raising awareness

According to a survey fielded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, in collaboration with Blue Faery, nearly half (47%) of people who care for someone with advanced stage liver cancer said they were aware of liver cancer but not very knowledgeable.⁴ In fact, Andrea never would have expected that Adrienne could have been at risk of developing the disease. Before that day, she believed heavy alcohol use was the only cause of this cancer.

She isn’t alone.

Many caregivers (43%) of patients with advanced stage disease did not think their loved one was at risk. One of the reasons may be that many of these people (72%), like Andrea, believed that heavy alcohol use was the most common risk factor for liver cancer.⁴ In reality, chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common risk factor for liver cancer.^3,5

Caregivers may also face the challenge of making critical treatment decisions with their loved one. However, more than half of caregivers of people with advanced stage liver cancer surveyed (58%) admit it’s hard to understand what treatment options are available for their loved one. Nearly all of these caregivers (95%) believe more information needs to be available about different types of liver cancer treatment options and/or areas of research, and eight in 10(82%) wish they knew where to go to find this information.⁴

Making this type of information available became Andrea’s mission when she founded Blue Faery to support people affected by primary liver cancer, specifically HCC.

Additionally, according to the caregivers surveyed, 90% wish there were more public awareness of the seriousness of a liver cancer diagnosis, and 77% think liver cancer doesn’t get as much attention as other cancers.⁴

To address the needs these caregivers identified in the survey, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Blue Faery have launched LiverCancerOutlook.com, a website offering information about liver cancer and providing links to additional resources for patients and caregivers.

“Before Adrienne passed away, she said that cancer added to the story of her life. She believed it contributed to her character and sense of humor,” Andrea said. “I could not save Adrienne from liver cancer, but I have made it my mission to tell her story and to help others suffering from this devastating disease.”

For more information, or to share with a loved one, visit LiverCancerOutlook.com.

Blue Faery was compensated by Bristol-Myers Squibb for its time spent as an advisor on the Liver Cancer Outlook Survey and related content. Bristol-Myers Squibb does not endorse and is not responsible for information provided by third-party organizations.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures. 2017. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2017.

2. Islami F, Miller K, Siegel R, et al. Disparities in Liver Cancer Occurrence in the United States by Race/Ethnicity and State. Ca Cancer J Clin 2017 Jul 8;67(4):273–289.

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2018-01-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – A 2017 U.S. survey of 301 adults living with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 149 gastroenterologists (GIs) suggests that some patients may be suffering from symptoms that may impact their life choices. Here are some preliminary findings from the survey (see survey methodology below) that show how the daily impact of the disease combined with communication breakdowns may be creating a “new normal” for patients, along with some tips that may help some patients discuss UC disease management with their GIs.