Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-03-21T18:01:01

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

Patients living with multiple myeloma and physicians who treat them are realizing the importance of not only treating the underlying disease, but also treating or preventing disease complications. One important area that sometimes gets overlooked is how multiple myeloma can impact the bones. Multiple myeloma is typically characterized by bone lesions, which often result in serious bone problems, defined as broken bones, the need for surgery (to prevent or repair broken bones), the need for radiation treatments to the bone, and pressure on the spinal cord (spinal cord compression).^1,2

While still incurable, availability of new multiple myeloma treatment regimens have been shown to improve survival compared to recent standards-of-care. With these gains in survival, doctors and patients should be considering the importance of setting additional treatment goals to try to prevent some of the problems having multiple myeloma can bring, like fractures and other serious bone problems.³

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, which recognizes patients like Joshua Fine who are living with this life-threatening, incurable blood cancer that, as of 2014, affected an estimated 118,539 people in the U.S.^4,5

Bone lesions were present at the time of Joshua’s diagnosis and, in his case, were an indication of the underlying disease.⁶

“After I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I experienced significant damage to my hip and had to begin using crutches. My doctor wanted to avoid surgery,” recalled Joshua. “We immediately discussed the importance of getting on a bone targeting agent to help protect my bones from further damage.”

Until recently, treatment options to prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma were limited to bisphosphonates, most commonly given as an intravenous infusion.⁷ These are cleared by the body through the kidneys. Renal impairment (which means your kidneys are not working normally) is a common problem for patients with multiple myeloma.⁷ In fact, approximately 60 percent of all multiple myeloma patients have or will develop renal impairment over the course of the disease.⁸

There is a new bone targeting medicine available, called XGEVA^® (denosumab), that is not cleared through the kidneys and can help prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma.⁹ XGEVA^®‎, a prescription medicine given as a shot once every four weeks in your doctor’s office, is used to prevent fracture, spinal cord compression, or the need for radiation or surgery to bone in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.¹⁰

XGEVA^® should not be used by women who are pregnant because it could harm the unborn baby. XGEVA^® should not be used by people with low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). XGEVA^® can cause low blood calcium levels, which in some cases could be life threatening. Patients with renal impairment are more likely to have problems with low calcium levels in their blood while taking XGEVA. Your doctor should check your blood calcium levels before you start and while on XGEVA^®. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as directed by your doctor while you are on XGEVA^®. Please see the additional Important Safety Information at the end of this article to learn about risks to consider when talking to your doctor about starting XGEVA^®.

In the largest international multiple myeloma clinical trial ever conducted, which enrolled 1,718 newly diagnosed patients, XGEVA^® was no worse at reducing the risk of having a serious bone problem than another drug called zoledronic acid, based on the time to first on-study serious bone problem (median 22.8 months vs. 24 months, respectively).^10,11

Despite the risk of experiencing a serious bone problem, 36 percent of myeloma patients remain untreated for the prevention of bone problems.¹² XGEVA^® offers multiple myeloma patients protection from serious bone problems, with a convenient shot under the skin, instead of an intravenous infusion, providing patients with an alternative treatment option. Your doctor will check your blood before you start XGEVA^® to make sure you do not have low calcium levels in your blood.¹⁰

“Since my diagnosis I have learned a lot about the effect multiple myeloma has on the body, especially the bones,” Joshua said. “I’m excited about the approval of XGEVA in multiple myeloma as it provides patients like me a new option that can help prevent serious bone problems.”

For more information about how XGEVA^® can prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma, and for support tools such as a list of questions for your doctor, visit http://www.xgeva.com/.

Important Safety Information

Do not take XGEVA^® if you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Your low blood calcium must be treated before you receive XGEVA^®. XGEVA^® can significantly lower the calcium levels in your blood and some deaths have been reported. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor right away if you experience spasms, twitches, cramps, or stiffness in your muscles or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

Do not take XGEVA^® if you are allergic to denosumab or any of the ingredients of XGEVA^®. Serious allergic reactions have happened in people who take XGEVA^®. Call your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including low blood pressure (hypotension); trouble breathing; throat tightness; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, rash; itching; or hives.

What is the most important information you should know about XGEVA^®?

Do not take XGEVA^® if you take Prolia. XGEVA^® contains the same medicine as Prolia^® (denosumab).

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis)

Severe jaw bone problems may happen when you take XGEVA^®. Your doctor should examine your mouth before you start, and while you are taking XGEVA^®. Tell your dentist that you are taking XGEVA^®. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with XGEVA^®. In studies of patients with bone involvement, the rate of severe jaw problems was higher the longer they were being treated with XGEVA^®.

Unusual thigh bone fracture

Unusual thigh bone fracture has been reported. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Risk of high calcium levels in patients who are still growing

Patients with bones that are not fully matured are at a greater risk to develop high blood calcium levels after they stop taking XGEVA^®, that can be serious.

Increased risk of broken bones in the spine after discontinuing XGEVA^®

After your treatment with XGEVA^® is stopped, your risk for breaking bones in your spine can increase, especially if you have a history of risk factors such as osteoporosis or prior fractures.

Possible harm to your unborn baby

You should not become pregnant while taking XGEVA^®. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant. XGEVA^® can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking a medicine called Prolia^® (denosumab) because it contains the same medicine as XGEVA^®
• Have symptoms of low blood calcium such as muscle stiffness or cramps
• Have symptoms of severe jaw bone problems such as pain or numbness
• Have ongoing pain or slow healing after dental surgery
• Have symptoms of high blood calcium such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and decreased alertness
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, or breastfeeding

While taking XGEVA^®, you should:

• Take good care of your teeth and gums and visit a dentist as recommended
• Tell your dentist that you are taking XGEVA^®
• Tell your doctor if you plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed
• Talk to your doctor before you stop taking XGEVA^® about your risk for broken bones in your spine.
• Women of child bearing age should use highly effective contraception while taking XGEVA^® and for at least 5 months after the last dose of XGEVA^®

What are the possible side effects of XGEVA^®?

In patients with bone metastases from solid tumors using XGEVA^®, the most common side effects were tiredness/weakness, low phosphate levels in your blood, and nausea. The most common serious side effect of XGEVA^® was shortness of breath.

In multiple myeloma patients receiving XGEVA^®, the most common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, low red blood cells, low blood platelets and calcium levels, back pain, swelling of the lower legs or hands, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, and headache. The most common serious adverse reaction in multiple myeloma patients was pneumonia.

These are not all the possible side effects of XGEVA^®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor 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–FDA1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

*BPT: Brandpoint

References

1. Roodman GD. Pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease. Leukemia. 2009;23(3):435–441.
2. Drake MT. Bone disease in multiple myeloma. Oncology (Williston Park). 2009;23 (14 Suppl 5):28-32.
3. Rajkumar, SV, Moreau, P. Advances in biology and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2014; 11.
4. Jakubowiak A. Management Strategies for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Current Clinical Perspectives. Semin in Hematol. 2012; 49(3)(1),S16-S32.
5. NCI SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Myeloma. www.seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html. Accessed August 28, 2017.
6. International Myeloma Working Group. International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Criteria for the Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. http://imwg.myeloma.org/international-myeloma-working-group-imwg-criteria-for-the-diagnosis-of-multiple-myeloma/. Accessed January 24, 2018.
7. Terpos E, et al. International Myeloma Working Group recommendations for the treatment of multiple myeloma-related bone disease. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(18):2347-57.
8. Qian Y et al. Renal impairment and use of nephrotoxic agents in patients with multiple myeloma in the clinical practice setting in the United States. Cancer Med. 2017;6:1523-1530XGEVA^® (denosumab) prescribing information, Amgen.
9. Lewiecki EM. Denosumab: an investigational drug for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Biologics: Targets & Therapy. 2008;2:645-653, 638-A-2.
10. XGEVA^® (denosumab) Prescribing information, Amgen.
11. Raje et al. Denosumab versus zoledronic acid in bone disease treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: an international, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, controlled, phase 3 study [published online ahead of print February 8, 2018]. Lancet Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30072-X.
12. Kim, C., Hernandez, R. K., Cheng, P. C., Smith, J., Cyprien, L., & Liede, A. (2016). Bone Targeting Agent Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated at Oncology Clinics Across the United States: Observations from Real-World Data. Blood. 128(22), 2364.

2018-03-22T08:31:01

(BPT) – You finish a workout and when you’re done, you reach for a bottle of water. Afterward, you shower, the clean water hitting your skin and then, that evening, you use water to prepare dinner for your family. It’s a standard day for you, but what if you were one of the millions of people around the world who didn’t have access to the clean water needed for life’s daily routines?

What if the clean water you rely on every single day wasn’t available?

While many people take clean water for granted, access remains a challenge for millions. Across the world, more than 844 million people lack access to clean drinking water. In some cases, the women and girls in the community, often those responsible for tasks requiring water, have to walk miles to reach the nearest water source. This is a staggering truth in countries around the world, yet many Americans are still unaware of how serious the problem really is.

Raising awareness

Recent research from Procter & Gamble (P&G) finds that one in four Americans underestimates the number of children who die each year because of waterborne illness, and that most Americans have no idea how many people struggle to have clean water.

To raise awareness of the global water crisis, P&G launched a new documentary in partnership with National Geographic, titled “The Power of Clean Water,” to honor World Water Day celebrated each year on March 22 and feature the impact of the P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program.

The documentary follows the lives of three women and their families in three areas of the world where many lack access to clean water. Documentary viewers visit Indonesia, Kenya and Mexico and see firsthand the daily challenges of living without clean water and how transformational it can be when clean water is available in a community.

The new film is the latest initiative for the CSDW Program, which began in 2004 and has since worked with more than 150 partners and organizations to provide P&G’s water purification technology to communities that lack access to clean drinking water. To date, P&G, along with its partners, has delivered more than 13 billion liters of clean water to people who need it.

Helping those in need

If you’re interested in helping those affected by the global water crisis, take a moment to view highlights of the documentary and learn how the lack of clean water impacts people around the world. From there, take action by making a donation, getting others involved through a fundraiser or by purchasing a water purification demonstration kit with packets to share the power of clean water with others. Every action, large or small, makes a difference. To learn more about CSDW, visit www.csdw.org.

2018-03-20T14:45:01

(BPT) – How would you describe happiness? You may have trouble putting it into words, but you know you want it for yourself and your loved ones. One thing that’s harder than describing it for many people is knowing how to achieve it.

Researchers studying social emotional well-being define happiness as a balance: the combination of how frequent and robust your positive emotional experiences are, how gracefully you recover from difficult experiences, and how meaningful and worthwhile you feel your life is overall.

“Happiness is the ability to consistently recognize that life is good, even if it’s difficult,” says Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., science director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California Berkeley. “It’s being able to identify and enjoy the positive times but also have resiliency to bounce back from the hard times.”

This is particularly important for youth. Research shows two out of three American teens are stressed and many don’t know how to cope. When school is in session, teens are the most stressed group in the country. The inability to reduce and cope with stress and anxiety can negatively impact different facets of a teen’s life including their health, friendships, relationships with parents and academic performance.

To help further the idea that happiness skills must be learned, Simon-Thomas identified six Sustainable Happiness Skills which provide the foundation for a new initiative called Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, which helps bring scientific, evidence-based tools and sustainable happiness skills directly to young people across America. Backed by 70 years of scientific research showing that happy people are healthier, live longer, earn more and do better in school and life, the platform aims to reach, teach and increase sustainable happiness.

Happiness is associated with several positive health effects, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies, including less insulin resistance, better sleep, higher HDL cholesterol levels and less reactivity to stress. Additionally, teens who identify as happy are more creative, helpful and sociable.

Research has also shown that happy kids do better in school. Happy learners remember information better and happiness is positively associated with GPA. The research also shows that schools that teach happiness skills outperform schools that don’t, and typically experience dramatic drops in bullying, absenteeism and discipline issues. They also see impressive gains in student engagement, optimism, test scores and executive functioning skills that are key to future success.

When practiced, the six sustainable happiness skills can sustain a person’s ability to recognize that life’s good, even if it’s hard sometimes, according to the research from Simon-Thomas. These are the foundation of Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, the new corporate social responsibility initiative led by LG Electronics USA.

Mindfulness: Being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judging those thoughts or feelings as admirable, shameful or anything in between.

Human connection: Building and sustaining relationships with significant others, friendships and social engagement with peers, which is the most reliable, enduring predictor of happiness in life.

Positive outlook: Harnessing the ability to imagine a fruitful outcome and maintain a readiness to pursue and experience the opportunity in any circumstance.

Purpose: Understanding your ability to make a difference in the world, at work, school or for a team leads to a refined sense of purpose and increases your sense of happiness.

Generosity: Helping and giving to others can increase one’s own happiness. According to a study overseen by Harvard University, people who donated time or money were 42 percent more likely to be happy when compared to those who didn’t.

Gratitude: The simple act of appreciating and thanking others for the goodness they contribute to your life helps foster happiness.

To learn more about these six skills, find tools you can use to teach happiness skills to your children and start your own journey to sustainable happiness, visit www.LGExperienceHappiness.com. A primary focus of the Life’s Good: Experience Happiness platform is driving positive change in lives across America with the goal of equipping 5.5 million youth with happiness skills over five years.

2018-03-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Want to start making more earth-friendly food choices in the kitchen? This Earth Month, start with mushrooms, a healthy food that requires minimal natural resources to produce.

According to a 2017 study titled “The Mushroom Sustainability Story,” mushroom production requires relatively low water, energy and land space. Growing one pound of mushrooms involves using only 1.8 gallons of water and 1.0 kilowatt hours of energy and generates only 0.7 pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. And since mushrooms are grown on vertically stacked beds, it’s possible to grow up to 1 million pounds of mushrooms per acre annually.

Mushrooms’ environmental footprint is just one reason to add them to your shopping list. They are full of health benefits, including B vitamins, copper, potassium and riboflavin. They are also low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free and low in sodium.

“There’s no doubt that mushrooms are having a moment — they are popping up on food trends lists across the nation, and for good reason,” says celebrity chef Jehangir Mehta, owner of Graffiti Earth Restaurant and ‘New York City’s Most Sustainable Chef,’ according to Michelin. “The deliciousness of mushrooms coupled with its nutritious and gentle footprint on the environment attributes itself as a sustainable winner.”

So, if you want a simple, easy and healthy way to be more earth-friendly in your kitchen, make mushrooms a part of your favorite dishes for Earth Month and every month.

Marinated Mushroom Bowls with Lentils and Wild Rice

This meal-in-a-bowl is full of bright flavors and delicious textures. A mix of crimini mushrooms are marinated in an Asian-inspired dressing and paired with hearty grains and lentils alongside crunchy vegetables.

Ingredients

Mushrooms

* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

* 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

* 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

* 2 teaspoon dark sesame oil

* 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

* 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced

Bowls

* 2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage

* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

* Pinch of salt

* 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

* 2 cups cooked French lentils

* 1 cup cooked wild rice

* Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, black sesame seed, lime wedges

Instructions

1. To marinate the mushrooms, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili oil in a shallow bowl. Stir in the green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds. Add the mushrooms and gently toss in the marinade. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Place the cabbage in a bowl and toss with the lime juice and pinch of salt. Set aside.

3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce each to the lentils and the wild rice.

4. To service, arrange an equal amount of mushrooms, cabbage, lentils, wild rice and cucumbers in each bowl. Drizzle with any remaining marinade and garnish with cilantro, green onions and black sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy room temperature or cold. Makes 4 servings.

2018-03-22T10:01:01

(BPT) – Nutrition is important for everyone. The proper vitamins and nutrients help the body stay healthy and function well. For people with chronic conditions, the right nutrition is essential in helping to ward off potential health hazards.

Depending on your state of health, some nutrients may be critical and too much of others can be toxic. For example, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. For people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), too much potassium can be fatal.

The kidneys play a major role in maintaining potassium levels. For people with CKD, it’s more difficult for the body to maintain the right levels of potassium and they are at risk of developing hyperkalemia, a condition in which someone has elevated potassium levels in their blood. Hyperkalemia is a serious condition and can pose major health risks, including irregular heartbeat.

Many people don’t even know that they have hyperkalemia and symptoms can be difficult to detect. According to the National Kidney Foundation, many people with high potassium have few, if any, symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, nausea or other feelings.

High potassium usually develops slowly over many weeks or months; however, it can also occur suddenly. You may feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting. Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical care.

If you have CKD or other chronic conditions or diseases, it’s important to take your nutrition seriously. Here are three tips to help you take control of your diet:

Talk with your doctor

Talk to your doctor or a member of your health care team about proper nutrition and dietary changes that might help protect your kidneys. A simple call or checkup can provide a wealth of important information.

Your physician may even have you work with a nutritionist or dietitian who can guide you toward food that will help you stay healthy.

Consider medications

To manage a serious condition like CKD, it’s likely you are already taking a variety of medications. Some medications may affect how your body processes certain nutrients, so it’s important to be aware of which medications you are taking and at what dosage. For example, some medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers are frequently prescribed to people with CKD and heart failure, and these can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect.

If you are being treated with these medications, talk to your doctor to understand any risk you might have for hyperkalemia.

Watch what you eat

If you have a disease or chronic condition, being aware of what you eat is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you get the right level of nutrients. Some people keep a food diary to track and record how certain foods make them feel. This can be a valuable resource for your health care team when reviewing your nutritional concerns.

For people with hyperkalemia, it’s important to eat a low-potassium diet. You can still enjoy many foods, but you may need to make adjustments or eat certain foods in moderation. For example, fruits like bananas, melons and oranges are high in potassium. Instead, eat low-potassium options such as apples, grapes or berries. Your doctor can provide you with a reference list to keep on hand as you learn more about what to eat and what to avoid.

Make your kidney health a priority. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the link between nutrition and kidney health, and to design a diet and treatment plan that works for you. Understanding your particular dietary needs can help keep you and your kidneys healthy and thriving.

2018-03-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no surprise that we all feel the need to get more sleep. However, for some people who feel tired all the time, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. If the urge to sleep during the day is overwhelming and irresistible, it may be excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

Roughly 20 percent of Americans have EDS. It is one of the most common complaints people make to a sleep specialist and a symptom that can be seen in a variety of sleep disorders. Being able to recognize the difference between normal sleepiness and EDS is important to your health, but more than 60 percent of Americans find it difficult to do, according to a new survey of 3,000 people conducted by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

“Occasionally feeling tired is normal,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, pulmonary and sleep specialist at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “People with EDS have a hard time staying awake or alert during the day and may doze off during inappropriate times such as during meals, in the middle of a conversation or even when in a car stopped for a few minutes in traffic.”

EDS is a hallmark symptom of narcolepsy. Not everyone who has EDS has narcolepsy, but everyone who has narcolepsy has EDS. Narcolepsy affects approximately 1 in 2,000 Americans. It is a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain can’t control sleep-wake cycles normally. A narcolepsy diagnosis can be tricky because many disorders, such as depression, insomnia and sleep apnea, have some of the same symptoms. This may be why it is estimated that half of those with narcolepsy are undiagnosed.

Narcolepsy has five major symptoms, but you don’t need to experience them all to have it.

1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: This is when you have an uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day.

2. Cataplexy: The weakening of muscles when you feel strong emotions like embarrassment, laughter, surprise or anger. Cataplexy can cause your head to drop, your face to droop, your jaw to weaken or make your knees give way.

3. Sleep disruption: This is when you often fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently throughout the night.

4. Sleep paralysis: Feeling unable to move or speak for a short time when falling asleep or waking up. You may also feel like you can’t breathe deeply.

5. Vivid dreaming: Often frightening dreamlike experiences that seem real and happen when falling asleep or waking up. You may experience hearing sounds or words when drifting to sleep or have unwanted visions. Sleep paralysis often accompanies these vivid dreams.

The survey also revealed that a majority of Americans don’t feel they know enough about sleep disorders. Less than 50 percent report being familiar with narcolepsy and only 70 percent report being familiar with sleep apnea. Approximately 60 percent of Americans said that they find it difficult to know when they need to talk to a doctor about daytime sleepiness.

Dasgupta adds, “If you’re having trouble staying awake during the day or experiencing other sleep-related problems, it may be time to talk to your doctor.”

To learn more about narcolepsy, take the Narcolepsy Symptom Screener or to find a sleep specialist near you, visit MoreThanTired.com.

This content is provided by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

2018-03-19T15:01:01

(BPT) – –

2018-03-23T17:01:00

(BPT) – “For many women, getting pregnant can be a frustrating and anxiety-filled experience. It certainly was for me, which is why I was inspired to write ‘The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant,'” said Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D, whose book offers tips for women trying to conceive (TTC) so they are empowered to effectively navigate the fertility journey.

Try the following tips:

1. A good rule of thumb is to get off the pill three months before trying to conceive if you have been on it for less than a year, and six months prior if you have been on it for over a year.

2. Make friends with your ovulation cycle. Between a third and two-thirds of women under age 35 who are aware of their five-day fertile window are able to conceive in their first month of trying. Find this window by using a fertility monitor, ovulation predictor kits, charting or by leveraging all three. Consider a test like the First Response Ovulation Test so you’ll know exactly when to get busy.

3. If you’ve been having ovulation-focused sex for over three months and still haven’t conceived, keep calm and consider convincing your partner to get a quick and easy sperm analysis. This “male factor” or sperm issue comprises nearly half of all fertility issues.

4. Adjust your diet for optimal fertility. Incorporate fertility-boosting foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, soy foods and olive oil. Avoid trans-fats and partially hydrogenated oil, found in frosting and some baked goods. These are so bad that the FDA just outlawed them. Food companies have three years to comply, so, for now, you have to police yourself.

5. Many studies show that taking prenatal vitamins, with important nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B6 and DHA, increases your chances of getting pregnant quickly. Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) have been linked to better embryos in IVF, positive brain development and higher IQs. There is also strong evidence that prenatal vitamins lower the chance of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, so begin taking them immediately, even if you’re just thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your medical provider about a prescription vitamin like OB Complete Petite since the variety of over-the-counter vitamins can be confusing. It’s sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free and has 1,000 mcg or 1 mg of folic acid.

6. Contrary to popular belief, having sex every day doesn’t lower sperm count, so, feel free to have as much sex as you please, and enjoy it. But, if you are dry, use Pre-Seed, a sperm-safe lubricant developed specifically for couples who are trying to conceive. Pre-Seed is pH balanced and isotonic to mimic a woman’s fertile fluids and the pH of sperm, allowing them to swim freely on their journey to fertilization.

7. Cut the caffeine. Non-smoking women who consume about 2-5 cups of coffee per day cut their fertility by 12 percent. Consuming caffeine has an even worse effect on male fertility, where having 5 cups of coffee a day will cut his fertility in half. An alternative to getting more energy? Try getting a full eight hours of sleep — it will enhance your mood and your health.

8. Soak up the sun. Sunlight causes your skin to generate vitamin D, which has been linked to fertility. Sit outside for 15-30 minutes without sunscreen a few times a week in the afternoon. This will also help you sleep.

9. When you think you may be pregnant — the earlier you know, the better. Several scientific studies show that the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test detects the smallest amount of the pregnancy hormone HcG — so it can tell you sooner than any other test. The sooner you know you’re pregnant, the faster you can begin making healthy pregnancy choices for yourself and your baby that include diet and limiting exposure to hazards. To be extra sure of the result when it matters most, First Response Triple Check offers three unique pregnancy tests all over 99 percent accurate in one convenient combination kit.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about getting pregnant, more information lies within “The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant.” Besides planning on incorporating these tips into your daily life, here are two things that you can do right now: Take a supplement of 1,000 mg of fish oil a day and learn the relaxation technique of deep breathing to ease anxiety. You’re about to start your trying to conceive (TTC) journey. Enjoy the ride.

2018-03-20T07:01:17

(BPT) – Did you know planting a tree is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do to have a positive impact on the environment? It’s true. Trees clean the air, prevent rainwater runoff, help you save energy and even combat global warming. And they’re a snap to plant! No horticultural degree required. With Arbor Day just around the corner in April, there’s no better time to give Mother Nature a little TLC by planting a tree.

From the single homeowner in Nebraska planting a maple in her backyard to the 250 Comcast employees volunteering in communities devastated by hurricanes, fires and Emerald Ash Borer infestation by planting hundreds of trees on Comcast Cares Day (the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer event), people nationwide are getting their tree on this spring. Here are 10 reasons why you should join them.

Trees fight climate change

Wish you could do more than recycling and reducing your carbon footprint to combat climate change? Trees have you covered. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air.

Trees clean the air and help you breathe

Trees don’t just absorb CO2. They also absorb odors and pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. It’s estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen.

Trees prevent soil erosion and rainwater runoff

During heavy rains, water runoff finds its way to streams, lakes and wetlands, creating the potential for flooding. It also picks up and carries pollutants along the way. The EPA and the Center for Watershed Protection are recognizing the importance of trees in managing runoff. Leaf canopies help buffer the falling rain and their roots hold the soil in place, encouraging the water to seep into the ground rather than run off.

Planting trees is easy

Gardening can be intimidating for newbies because there are so many variables. Which plants and flowers should you put next to each other and which should you separate? Which bloom in the summer and which bloom in the fall? When you’re dealing with trees, there’s none of that. Just choose a spot in your yard and you’re good to go. Here’s a video showing you all you need to know about planting your young trees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FiqoypXfo.

You’ll save money

Trees conserve energy in summer and winter, providing shade from the hot summer sun and shelter from cold winter winds. With trees standing between you and the elements, you’ll spend less on your energy bill to heat and cool your home.

Trees increase your home’s value

Studies of comparable homes with and without trees show that, if you have trees in your yard, your home’s value increases by up to 15 percent. It’s all about curb appeal, and trees make your home and yard more beautiful.

You’ll attract birds (and critters)

Trees provide nesting sites, food and shelter for your bird friends. Hang a feeder in one of the branches and enjoy the birdsong all year long. Squirrels love to make their homes in trees, too, and watching their antics is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

Trees are good for your mental and physical health

A view of trees in urban areas has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and even the crime rate. Tree-filled gardens on hospital grounds speed healing in hospital patients.

You’ll be giving your descendants a gift

Trees can live hundreds of years, so when you plant one, you’re giving a gift to your children and grandchildren. It’s a symbol of your commitment to the environment and the beauty of the world around you that will live on far beyond your own lifetime.

Free trees!

Join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they’ll send you 10 trees selected for the region of the country where you live, at the right time to plant them. You’ll also get planting instructions and other information. The trees are guaranteed to grow or the Foundation will replace them. Visit www.arborday.org to join.

An ancient Chinese proverb states: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” To find out more about planting trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.

2018-03-21T11:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, it’s important to eat a diet that includes a symphony of minimally processed plant foods, according to Sharon Palmer, an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, plant-based food and nutrition expert, author and blogger. This includes whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, seeds and nuts.

“The key to health — for people and the planet — is becoming increasingly clear. We need to make a sure-footed return to including plants regularly in our diet,” says Palmer. For some, including more of the above in their daily diet (or switching over entirely) can be difficult, Palmer acknowledges. If the goal is weight loss or maintenance, the dietitian suggests starting with pistachios.

“Pistachios offer a multitude of health benefits that can help you maintain a healthy weight,” notes Palmer. “The fact that they’re extremely versatile, and taste great, makes it easy to include them regularly, if not daily.”

Palmer offers these seven tips to achieve or maintain a healthy weight:

Prioritize breakfast. Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and gives you energy and focus to begin your day. Adding pistachios to common breakfast foods, like cereal, toast or oatmeal, can balance your blood sugar levels and prevent energy slumps. Whole, chopped or crushed pistachios can add a satisfying crunch and a flavorful punch of plant-based protein.

Add movement. Just 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity, like a brisk walk, can help you maintain or lose weight. Instead of watching TV before or after dinner, encourage your family to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood. On the weekends, longer walks or hikes are the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones. Luckily, pistachios are lightweight and portable — the perfect snack for refueling after exercise. Keep a bag handy in your car, backpack or purse for a quick pick-me-up.

Start with SMART goals. Sustainable weight loss begins with baby steps. When your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, you are more likely to achieve them. Try this goal on for size: Replace your usual afternoon snack with one serving of shelled pistachios three times per week for one week. Achieving SMART goals boosts your confidence and these small pistachio wins are packed with protein, B vitamins, healthy fats, potassium and even antioxidants.

Don’t skip meals or snacks. Skipping meals can lead to uncontrollable hunger and binge eating. Three to five hours after eating, your blood sugar begins to fall and can leave you feeling fatigued and unfocused. Eating three small to moderate meals, and two to four snacks per day, can keep hunger at bay and keep your energy levels steady. Crack open a handful of pistachios for a quick snack — no preparation required — and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

Pre-portion pistachios. Did you know there are 49 pistachios in one serving? That’s more than any other nut, plus 10 percent of the Daily Value of fiber. Pre-portion pistachios into small bags on Sunday evening and you’ll be set for a week of smart snacking. At just 160 calories per serving, pistachios are a nutritious, low-calorie, portable snack that can help you reach your goals.

Get creative with pistachio flour. Pistachio flour is a fun, gluten-free flour alternative that can spice up traditional recipes. Adding ground pistachios to standard crust recipes can boost the fiber and protein content of your favorite dishes. Try adding pistachio flour to Greek yogurt, along with freshly chopped garlic and lemon zest for a tangy, protein-rich, savory dip.

Swap your nighttime snack. When hunger strikes late at night, it’s easy to reach for indulgent foods. Swap your typical nighttime snack of cookies, candies, pizza or ice cream for a more balanced choice: pistachios. Forget willpower and keep a pre-portioned bag of pistachios handy for when you need it the most.

Whether you have a little or a lot of extra weight to shed, adding pistachios to the mix has helped many people lose weight and improve overall health, adds Palmer.