Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-08-15T14:01:00

(BPT) – When Skippy Reeves’ mother lost her eyesight to wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), treatments didn’t exist.

After experiencing symptoms himself years later, Skippy went to his eye doctor immediately and was diagnosed with wet AMD. Unlike his mother, he had options available to help keep his vision thanks to the help of treatment.

“Getting started with Vabysmo as soon as I was diagnosed has allowed me to keep my vision as I continue doing the things I love with clarity and joy – fishing, golfing, and watching my grandsons play sports,” Skippy said.

According to a survey of 56 retina specialists – eye doctors who treat wet AMD and other retinal conditions – 95% of them would use a treatment called Vabysmo to care for their own loved ones to treat vision loss caused by wet AMD.* Vabysmo is a prescription medicine given by injection into the eye^[1], and is the first and only FDA-approved treatment thought to block two causes of wet AMD^[2]. Patients should not use Vabysmo if they have an infection in or around their eye, have active swelling around their eye that may include pain and redness, or are allergic to Vabysmo or any of the ingredients in Vabysmo.

Skippy is also passionate about advocating for the best care not only for himself, but for his family and friends as well. “Making my loved ones aware of this condition and the value of treatment is very important to me,” Skippy added.

Esther L. Kim, MD, a retina specialist at Orange County Retina in California, sees patients with wet AMD regularly, and has prescribed Vabysmo for many of them.

“If you or someone you care for is diagnosed with wet AMD, it’s crucial to have a conversation with a provider about the different medicines available, and explore the possibility of switching treatments,” Dr. Kim, who has already had many patients make the switch, said.

Skippy’s journey with Vabysmo – and the positive impact it’s had on his life – is an experience many patients share. Jane Burdette, a wet AMD patient from Thomaston, Georgia, was prescribed Vabysmo when she became interested in the chance to go up to four months between treatments.*

“I feel truly blessed that my healthcare provider prescribed Vabysmo,” Jane said. “I used to have to get injections every month, but now I can go four months between visits. This has made a huge difference.”

In the U.S., 1.5 million people are living with wet AMD. The risk for developing the condition increases with age and is higher for women and those who smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of the disease.

James (Van) Van-Eimeirem, a patient from Huntington Beach, CA, was receiving treatment for 17 years before switching to Vabysmo.

“I tell all of my family and friends about the success I’ve had with Vabysmo and encourage them to talk to their provider if they are experiencing vision changes,” Van said.

For those who are at risk of or already experiencing vision loss, it is crucial to advocate for a diagnosis and the best care, and enlist help from a support system along the way. Some of the ways people can show up for their loved ones experiencing vision loss include:

• accompanying them to doctor appointments
• guiding them in researching the most effective treatment options
• helping discuss these options with their eye doctor
• being there for them emotionally

With any treatment, there can be side effects. Injections like the one for Vabysmo can cause an eye infection; separation of layers of the retina; a temporary increase in pressure in the eye, and problems related to blood clots, such as heart attacks or strokes.

They can also cause swelling inside the eye that in rare circumstances can cause blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the retina. The most common adverse reactions reported in patients receiving Vabysmo were cataract, which was reported in 15% of patients, and blood on the white of the eye, also called conjunctival hemorrhage, which was reported in 8% of patients. These are not all possible side effects. For more information, talk to your eye doctor and visit Vabysmo.com for the full Prescribing Information.

When vision is at risk due to wet AMD, how we care for ourselves and our loved ones can change everything. Take ownership of your eye health by being proactive about routine eye exams and exploring treatment options such as Vabysmo, and encouraging your loved ones to do the same. Learn more at https://Vabysmo.com.

About Vabysmo^® (faricimab-svoa)

Vabysmo is the first bispecific antibody approved for the eye. It targets and inhibits two signaling pathways linked to a number of vision-threatening retinal conditions by neutralizing angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). While research is underway to better understand the role of the Ang-2 pathway in retinal disease, Ang-2 and VEGF-A are thought to contribute to vision loss by destabilizing blood vessels, which may cause new leaky blood vessels to form and increase inflammation. By blocking pathways involving Ang-2 and VEGF-A, Vabysmo is designed to stabilize blood vessels.

Vabysmo U.S. Indications

Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa) is a prescription medicine given by injection into the eye, used to treat adults with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

Vabysmo is contraindicated in patients who have an infection in or around their eye, have active swelling around their eye that may include pain and redness, or are allergic to Vabysmo or any of the ingredients in Vabysmo.

Warnings and Precautions

• Injections like the one for Vabysmo can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment). Patients should seek medical care if they experience increasing eye pain, vision loss, sensitivity to light, or redness in the white of the eye.
• Vabysmo may cause a temporary increase in pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), which occurs 60 minutes after the injection.
• Although not common, Vabysmo patients have had serious, sometimes fatal, problems related to blood clots, such as heart attacks or strokes (thromboembolic events). In clinical studies for wet AMD during the first year, 7 out of 664 patients treated with Vabysmo reported such an event. In DME studies from baseline to week 100, 64 out of 1,262 patients treated with Vabysmo reported such an event. In clinical studies for RVO during 6 months, 7 out of 641 patients treated with Vabysmo reported such an event.
• Retinal vasculitis and/or retinal vascular occlusion, typically in the presence of intraocular inflammation, have been reported with the use of Vabysmo. Healthcare providers should discontinue treatment with Vabysmo in patients who develop these events. Patients should be instructed to report any change in vision without delay.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving Vabysmo were cataract (15%) and blood on the white of the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage, 8%). These are not all the possible side effects of Vabysmo.

Pregnancy, Lactation, Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

• Based on how Vabysmo interacts with your body, there may be a potential risk to an unborn baby. Patients should use birth control before their first injection, during their treatment with Vabysmo, and for 3 months after their last dose of Vabysmo.
• It is not known if Vabysmo passes into breast milk. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about the best way to feed their baby if they receive Vabysmo.

Patients may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Patients may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see additional Important Safety Information in the full Vabysmo Prescribing Information or visit https://www.Vabysmo.com.

2024-08-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – According to McKinsey & Co., 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a top priority, with more than half saying they prioritize it more than they did a year ago.^[i] However, rising healthcare costs pose significant challenges to consumers, and an unpredictable healthcare payment landscape can leave them with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

These expenses can force people to forgo the care they want or need, leading to poorer health outcomes.^[ii]

Given these realities, it’s important to consider the following steps to inform financial decisions about potential out-of-pocket health and wellness costs.

1. Research the cost of your procedures or services in advance. Many websites provide estimated costs of various procedures by region or provider. You can also get estimates by calling your insurance company or the provider directly in advance of your appointment.

2. Check if you qualify for subsidized coverage or financial assistance. People with incomes below certain levels may be eligible for health coverage at reduced or no cost. Hospitals may offer free or discounted care, known as charity care, to people not able to pay.

3. Confirm with your provider and insurance company that you are maximizing health plan coverage. Take advantage of your annual benefits, including getting recommended preventive screenings and visiting in-network providers that usually cost less than those who are out-of-network.

4. Enroll in an employer-based program that uses pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Spending Accounts (HSA) allow employees to set aside money from their pay for qualified medical expenses.

5. Consider promotional financing options. Health and wellness credit cards, such as CareCredit, that offer deferred interest financing, enable you to pay for care over time with the opportunity to avoid interest charges, making out-of-pocket costs more manageable. Here are a few things about deferred interest financing to consider:

0. • Deferred interest: No interest is assessed if the balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period.
   1. How deferred interest promotional financing works. Deferred interest financing allows consumers to avoid interest charges on larger expenses if they are paid off before the promotional period ends. If you don’t pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, you will have to pay interest that has accrued as of the transaction date.^[iii]
   2. The required minimum monthly payments. Understand the required minimum monthly payments and if those payments will pay the balance off in time. Online calculators, such as CareCredit’s payment calculator, are a valuable resource to estimate possible monthly payments needed to pay off the balance within a given promotional period. Those payments may be more than the lender’s monthly minimum payment requirement.
   3. Mark your calendar for when the promotional period ends. It is important to track and pay the balance of the purchase before the end of the promotional period to avoid paying the deferred interest that has accrued on the purchase.

In the end, it’s important that people have access to health and wellness care for themselves, their family and pets. As healthcare costs continue to rise, it is critical consumers be aware of the various benefit programs and payment options to plan for health and wellness costs. Financial literacy is key!

2024-08-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – CDKL5 deficiency disorder, one of the most common genetic epilepsies, is estimated to occur in approximately 100 newborns in the U.S. per year.

CDKL5 deficiency disorder, or CDD, is a rare, X-linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by refractory seizures and severe global developmental impairment. The frequency of seizures related to CDD can vary, with some patients experiencing up to 20 seizures a day.

Those diagnosed with CDD face many challenges living with a rare disease and can experience a wide range of chronically debilitating symptoms, including early-onset seizures, global developmental impairment, and intellectual disability, as well as disorders related to sleep, speech, physical development, and cortical vision.

Although there is currently no cure for CDD, research into better understanding the disease and the development of treatment options continues to advance. In fact, in 2022 the FDA approved the first treatment specifically for seizures associated with CDD in appropriate patients.

As CDD is caused by a mutation in the CDKL5 gene, genetic testing is required for a diagnosis. With 70-80% of unexplained epilepsy cases now estimated to have a genetic cause, the use of improved genetic testing technologies has assisted in identifying the genes associated with epilepsy in patients and expanding diagnostic utility.

For patients with unexplained epilepsy, genetic testing results may influence their treatment plan, diet, and options to participate in suitable clinical trials for gene-specific studies that further enhance research in the space.

Furthermore, genetic testing is not restricted to pediatric patients. The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) recommends that all patients with unexplained epilepsy be offered genetic testing regardless of age and periodic reanalysis of prior test results, if needed.

“Finding the best care and resources for the CDD community is crucial to supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of patients and their families,” said John Flatt, M.D., Pediatric Neurologist and Medical Director at Marinus Pharmaceuticals. “I encourage those affected by refractory seizures to discuss the resources available to them with their healthcare team, including genetic testing, treatment options, and counseling, to better understand their or their loved one’s condition and explore tailored approaches to managing their symptoms.”

Confirming a diagnosis of a rare genetic epilepsy disorder such as CDD through genetic testing can help clinicians and families personalize treatment plans and best prepare for the challenges and treatment pathways ahead.

To learn more about CDD, access educational resources from trusted advocacy organizations, and read patient stories, visit the Marinus website, here: https://marinuspharma.com/focus-areas/cdkl5-deficiency-disorder-cdd/.

2024-08-14T06:45:01

(BPT) – Dry eye is increasingly common and can range from occasional symptoms of dryness to a chronic condition called dry eye disease. The majority of people may not know that their symptoms may be associated with eye dryness.

There are multiple reasons why people may experience occasional dry eye. If not addressed, symptoms may become more frequent and severe and eye surface damage may occur, resulting in a diagnosis of dry eye disease.

If you think you may have dry eye, talk to your eye doctor. There are various options available that can provide relief. Learn more at www.KnowYourDryEye.com.

2024-08-13T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

Male incontinence, also known as bladder leakage, may stop men from doing activities they once enjoyed for fear of embarrassment. While this can feel isolating, the truth is that incontinence is a common condition and impacts about 1 in 10 men in the U.S.¹

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when physical movement or activity — such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or heavy lifting — puts pressure or stress on the bladder, causing urine to leak.^2,3

Want to learn more? Here are some frequently asked questions about SUI:

Is stress urinary incontinence a problem for men?

Rates of urinary incontinence continue to rise, particularly in men 60 years or older.¹ A common cause of SUI in men is the surgical removal of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, or a prostatectomy.³ When the urinary sphincter muscle is damaged or weakened, it cannot squeeze and stop urine from flowing out of the body when you laugh, lift, walk or move.^2,3

While incontinence becomes more common as men age, it shouldn’t be ignored.¹ Bladder leakage could be a sign of brain or nerve issues, dementia or other health problems that make it hard to feel and respond to the urge to urinate. Sometimes it’s due to problems with the urinary system itself.⁴

Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

Though it might not be completely preventable, you can lessen your chances of developing SUI. Managing your weight through a healthy diet and exercising regularly — including doing kegels — is a good way to help address SUI.⁴

Will drinking less water decrease leakage?

Drinking normal amounts of water does not exacerbate the problem of incontinence. On the contrary, it improves overall bladder health and helps your body work as optimally as possible.⁵

If I have surgery for prostate cancer, is incontinence an unavoidable side effect?

Bladder leakage is a common side effect for men who undergo a prostatectomy, however, SUI is sometimes resolved within one year following the procedure. If you find bladder control to still be an issue six months after your procedure, don’t be afraid to see a specialist to discuss your options.⁶

Are adult diapers my only option for managing incontinence? Are there longer-lasting treatments?

Many men start managing their bladder leakage with products they can buy at pharmacies or grocery stores, such as pads and diapers.

However, if this approach doesn’t produce wanted results, there are other treatment options that your doctor can recommend, such as catheters, penile clamps, male slings or an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).

One example of an AUS is the AMS 800™. This three-part system allows users, when they need to urinate, to squeeze and release the pump in the scrotum several times, removing fluid from the cuff and pushing it into a balloon. When the cuff is empty, urine can flow out of the bladder. After a few minutes, the cuff automatically refills with the fluid stored in the balloon, which squeezes the urethra shut again.

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask about available treatment options. To learn more, visit fixincontinence.com.

Important Risk Information: As with any medical procedure, complications may occur. The AMS 800 requires manual dexterity. Some risks with AMS 800 include but are not limited to: device malfunction or failure which may require revision surgery, erosion of the urethra in the cuff area, urinary retention, post-operative pain and infection. Find a link to additional patient safety information at fixincontinence.com.

Caution: U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

References

1. Markland AD, Goode PS, Redden DT, et al. Prevalence of urinary incontinence in men: results from the national health and nutrition examination survey. J Urol. 2010 Sep;184(3):1022-7.

2. Abrams P, Andersson KE, Birder L, et al. Fourth International Consultation on Incontinence Recommendations of the International Scientific Committee: Evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Neurology and Urodynamics. 2010;29:213-240.

3. Stress Incontinence. Mayo Clinic Website. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stress-incontinence/basics/definition/con-20027722. Accessed July 2024.

4. “Urinary Incontinence – What to Ask Your Doctor.” Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/questions-to-ask-your-doctor/urinary-incontinence-what-to-ask-your-doctor.

5. “Does Drinking More Water Help Incontinence?” UC Irvine Health, Department of Urology. www.urology.uci.edu/does_drinking_more_water_help_incontinence_can_drinking_too_much_water_irritate_your_bladder_does_drinking_water_help_with_overactive_bladder.shtml.

6. Sandhu JS, Breyer B, Comiter C, Eastham JA, Gomez C, Kirages DJ, et al. Incontinence after Prostate Treatment: AUA/SUFU Guideline. Journal of Urology [Internet]. 2019 Aug 1; 202(2):369–78. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000314

2024-08-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – Every day, people across the country are making proactive choices to maintain good health, which absolutely includes eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. And it has been well established that nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting one’s overall health, their well-being and in preventing or managing chronic conditions. Among the easiest ways for people to enhance the quality of their diet and to stay in good health is to manage their intake of added sugar.

Consuming excess added sugar has been linked to various health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.^1-3 Low- and no-calorie sweeteners, like Splenda, give individuals the ability to enjoy the same great sweet taste of sugar without the excess calories or blood sugar impact.⁴

Interested in managing your sugar intake? One important step is to become familiar with nutrition labels and to recognize alternative names for sugar. Common names for sugar include Cane Sugar, Glucose, Corn Syrup, Invert Sugar, Agave Nectar, Molasses, Barley Malt Syrup, Evaporated Cane Juice, Honey, Powdered Sugar, and Fructose. Once you understand where your sugar intake is coming from, you can make intentional sweet swaps using low- and no-calorie sweeteners!

Here are five easy ways to immediately begin reducing your sugar intake, today:

1. Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages: Add fruit, herbs, and a low- and no-calorie sweetener like Splenda to your sparkling water for a refreshing beverage
2. Coffee and tea: Sweeten with a low- and no-calorie sweetener instead of sugar or honey
3. Keep an eye on condiments: Use the nutrition facts label to identify sauces, jams, and dressings that are high in added sugar and swap for a sugar-free option
4. Oatmeal & yogurt: Sweeten with a low- and no-calorie sweetener and add protein with natural peanut butter, almonds, or seeds
5. DIY homemade desserts: Discover your new favorite recipe for cookies, pies, cakes, and more that use low- and no-calorie sweeteners

Reducing added sugar intake is not just a trendy health fad; it is a proactive approach to your overall well-being. Today, Splenda continues to underscore its commitment to its mission of helping people live happier, healthier, longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar, through initiatives like its 25th anniversary campaign, “25 Families for 25 Years,” which honors families impacted by diabetes by awarding $2,500 to 25 deserving households.

Among the inspiring honorees is Jaime Burchuck, who nominated her daughter, Jules, a remarkable young girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 3 years old. Now 7 years old, Jules has spent the last 4 years bravely navigating the challenges of diabetes. From wearing an insulin pump at school to missing out on classroom birthday treats, these daily obstacles make her feel “different” from her friends. However, with sugar-free alternatives, Jules can enjoy the treats she loves without added health risks, allowing her to live the life every child deserves and shine brightly despite her condition. To further recognize Jules’ inspiring bravery, Splenda threw her an out-of-this-world party at Dave & Buster’s for her 8th birthday.

Additional honorees include Christina Dominguez from Los Angeles, CA, Cindy Gladden from Denver, CO, Jessica Phelps from Chicago, IL, Eeron Mobley from Indianapolis, IN, Kalen Da Sylveira from Los Angeles, CA, and Stefanie Cardino from Denver, CO, Susan Depner from Chicago, IL., Stacey Grantham from Tampa, FL, Susan Blackwell from Chicago, IL, Lesley Hammer from Tampa, FL and Juliette McCarey from Tampa, FL.

These stories reflect the resilience found within communities striving for better health. By promoting awareness for sugar alternatives and supporting those affected by diabetes, organizations are empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices that positively impact overall well-being.

References:

1. Warshaw H, Edelman SV. Practical Strategies to Help Reduce Added Sugars Consumption to Support Glycemic and Weight Management Goals. Clin Diabetes. 2021;39(1):45-56. doi:10.2337/cd20-0034
2. Malik VS, Hu FB. The role of sugar-sweetened beverages in the global epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022;18(4):205-218. doi:10.1038/s41574-021-00627-6
3. Huang Y, Chen Z, Chen B, et al. Dietary sugar consumption and health: umbrella review. BMJ. 2023;381:e071609. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-071609
4. Greyling A, Appleton KM, Raben A, Mela DJ. Acute glycemic and insulinemic effects of low-energy sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Oct 1;112(4):1002-1014. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa167. PMID: 32672338.

2024-08-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – As parents start getting kids back to school, one important topic looms large: What should you prep for lunches and snacks to make sure kids get the nutrition they need? This can be a source of anxiety for parents, as planning and packing better-for-you lunches can be time-consuming — and you want your kids to like the food you’re sending to help fuel their day.

Fortunately, there are choices available that can ensure your kids’ lunchboxes are filled with foods that are nutritious, easy to pack — and fun and tasty to eat.

“As we gear up to get kids ready for school, it’s so important to pack nutrient-dense snacks for school lunches, and have options to satisfy after-school munchies,” said Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, best-selling author of Everyday Snack Tray, and nationally recognized health expert.

Here are tips to help you plan and pack school lunches for your kids this year.

Opt for nutrient-dense almond butter

With just one serving of JUSTIN’S^® Classic Almond Butter (two tablespoons), you’ll get 6 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber, as well as calcium and iron.

JUSTIN’S^® Almond Butter is great for meals on-the-go, and it’s ready when you need it — breakfast crunch time, lunch fueling and after-school snacking. You can pack convenient, no-refrigeration-needed JUSTIN’S^® Nut Butter Squeeze Packs in lunchboxes as is, or spread along with banana slices on bread for a tasty, nutritious alternative to traditional PB&Js.

“For an after-school snack, I love slicing up a medium banana and schmearing the top of each slice with a little JUSTIN’S^® Classic Almond Butter, about two tablespoons. Then sprinkle a little unsweetened shredded coconut on top if you like,” Largeman-Roth said.

JUSTIN’S^® offers a variety of almond butter flavors, including JUSTIN’S^® Honey Almond Butter, with the slight sweetness of organic honey plus a one-of-a kind grind that gives it a naturally delicious taste — perfect for pairing with fruits, veggies and crackers; for lunch or snacks; with oatmeal and toast in the morning; or simply enjoying straight out of the squeeze pack or jar.

Best yet, all of JUSTIN’S^® delicious nut butter varieties including almond, peanut and other specialty nuts, pack 4-7 grams of protein per serving, providing high-quality products made with mindfully sourced ingredients. You can find their products at Justins.com/where-to-buy.

Pro tip: Let kids choose their favorite nut butters and add-ons — banana slices, jam, etc. — and have them help pack lunches ahead, so you’ll know they’re getting something they like.

Maximize your sandwiches by choosing natural, organic meats

Sandwiches are classic lunch fare for a reason: They’re easy to pack and easy to eat. So why not make the most of them? These sandwich ingredients will help you level up this lunch staple.

If you’re looking for great protein sources to include in kids’ lunches, check out deli meat options from APPLEGATE^®, which raises animals with their Applegate Humanely Raised standard, in which the animals are provided with space to engage in natural behaviors and promote natural growth, and with no antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants. You can also feel good knowing that the meat you’re buying is free of added chemical nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, artificial ingredients and preservatives.

Even better, their products taste great, and are easy to enjoy in lunches and for after-school snacking. Try these selections:

• Organic Slow Cooked Ham
• Organic Roasted Turkey Breast
• Organic Oven Roasted Chicken Breast

You can mix and match any of these tasty deli meats with your kids’ favorite cheeses or toppings so they’ll get the most nutrition possible packed into one great sandwich. Find other APPLEGATE^® products and recipe inspo at Applegate.com/recipes.

Pro tip: Pack moisture-rich toppings and dressings separately to avoid soggy-bread syndrome! For example, sliced tomatoes or cucumbers, lettuce leaves, pickles or mayo can be stored in separate containers to help keep everything fresh and crisp.

Amp up the fun factor

Your kids may enjoy lunches more — and be more likely to eat them — if they have a part in their creation. For example, pack a pita or soft flour tortilla in their lunchbox along with sandwich fillings they like so they can create their own wrap or pocket sandwich at lunchtime. Ask for their input on what types of meats, nut butters, cheese, veggies and fruits they want included — but don’t be afraid to think outside the lunch box.

“You know best what types of foods your child likes, and how adventurous they are (or not), so take your time introducing new ideas,” said Largeman-Roth. “Try new foods at home first, over the course of a week or longer, to see how they respond before adding to their lunchbox — unless your kid enjoys surprises! Many children are more likely to eat foods they’re already familiar with, so keep that in mind as you explore new options.”

2024-08-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Pop quiz: Do you know which childhood diseases the DTaP vaccine helps prevent?

(Answer: Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis — also called whooping cough).

If you didn’t know the answer, you’re not alone! Recommended childhood vaccines like DTaP have been so successful in preventing serious illness and even death from once common diseases that many of us are unfamiliar with their names or symptoms.

Ensuring your child is up to date with their recommended vaccinations helps keep it that way. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the latest vaccination coverage, or the percentage of people who are vaccinated with specific vaccines, among kindergarten children is 93%. This is lower than pre-pandemic coverage, which hovered around 95% for nearly a decade. This is significant because it means that there are nearly 250,000 kindergartners who may not be completely protected against serious diseases like measles.

Help make sure that your child is protected from serious diseases like measles and chickenpox, which can spread easily in school settings. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about keeping your child up to date with recommended vaccines.

Want to learn more? Consult CDC’s easy-to-read vaccination schedule to see if your child is protected. And check out the handy “cheat sheet” below to learn more about some once-common childhood diseases that recommended vaccinations now help protect your child from:

Diphtheria

• About: Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat and sometimes skin. The disease spreads when people with diphtheria cough or sneeze, or if others come into contact with their infected wounds.
• Symptoms and complications: Diphtheria can cause difficulty breathing. In more serious cases, diphtheria can cause heart muscle damage, heart failure, and nerve damage. About 1 in 5 kids under the age of 5 who get diphtheria die from it.
• How to protect your child: Make sure your child is up to date on their DTaP or Tdap vaccinations.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• About: Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a very contagious bacterial infection of the lungs. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around others.
• Symptoms and complications: Pertussis usually starts with cold-like symptoms, and maybe a mild cough, but can become very serious. Someone with whooping cough can cough violently and rapidly, over and over. This extreme coughing can result in vomiting and exhaustion. Babies and young children may not cough at all but may have difficulty breathing instead.
• How to protect your child: The best way to stay protected from pertussis is with DTaP or Tdap vaccination.

Polio

• About: Polio is caused by poliovirus, a viral infection of the nerves and brain. It is spread through person-to-person contact from infected stool.
• Symptoms and complications: Poliovirus can cause life-long paralysis and be life-threatening.
• How to protect your child: There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with vaccination.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• About: Varicella (also known as chickenpox) is a contagious viral infection that causes fever, headache, and an itchy, blistering rash. It is spread through the air and direct contact. Up to 9 in 10 people that are not immune and come into contact with someone with chickenpox will also get infected.
• Symptoms and complications: Varicella can cause infected sores, brain swelling, infection of the lungs (pneumonia), and can be life-threatening.
• How to protect your child: The varicella vaccine protects children against chickenpox.

Measles

• About: Measles is very contagious and can be serious. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. About 9 in 10 people who are exposed to measles and not protected against measles get infected.
• Symptoms: Measles can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and rash. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.
• How to protect your child: The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects children against measles.

Thanks to the protection given by recommended vaccines, it makes sense that there is less awareness about these once common childhood diseases. Let’s keep it that way. Before your child goes back to school, make sure they are up to date with recommend vaccines. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about recommended childhood vaccines. Visit CDC’s webpage to learn more.

2024-08-07T12:01:01

(BPT) – When you turn 65, your enrollment windows open. During this process, there are a number of lifestyle choices to consider when reviewing your coverage options. These can include aspects like employment status, veteran status, and travel preferences. Learn more about your options below.

2024-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Cancer biomarkers can be tested to reveal important details about your cancer. To learn more about biomarkers and how biomarker testing may inform treatment decisions for certain cancers, click here.