Category: Brandpoint Health

2025-08-05T12:01:00

(BPT) – The pregnancy journey can be an exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — experience for new moms-to-be. Taking steps to stay healthy and making it a priority to get care before, during and after your pregnancy can help get you and your baby off to a good start.

Nearly 1 in 4 women in the U.S. do not begin prenatal care (the care you receive while pregnant) during the first trimester of their pregnancy, which can have an impact on the overall health of the baby.¹ If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, the most important step to take is to visit a doctor.

“We’re seeing far too many preventable complications simply because care starts too late — or not at all,” said Nancy Parson, RN, UnitedHealthcare. “But the good news is, support is available. No one has to go through this journey alone.”

Having prenatal care is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

If you need help finding a doctor or have questions about health coverage, call the number on your plan ID card or contact your local health department or Medicaid program.

Knowing more about what to expect and plan for can help provide reassurance through every stage of pregnancy.

Prenatal appointments

Common symptoms of pregnancy include a missed period; sore breasts; nausea; fatigue; and slightly higher body temperature. If you suspect you are pregnant or test positive through an at-home pregnancy test, call your doctor to start care.

“The first trimester is an important time for both mom and baby,” Nancy said. “Early care helps your provider identify risks, offer support and work with you to build a plan that promotes a healthy pregnancy experience.”

During a prenatal care appointment (depending on where you are in your pregnancy), your provider will:

• Provide an estimated due date
• Review your medical history
• Perform a physical exam and any necessary tests
• Measure your baby’s growth and check your baby’s heartbeat
• Determine the frequency/schedule for future appointments

Prenatal appointments are ongoing throughout the pregnancy, routinely starting at once a month and increasing to every one to two weeks as your due date gets closer. These appointments are also when an ultrasound will take place.

Obstetric ultrasounds, which help your provider monitor fetal development, assess the health of your uterus and placenta, and check for potential abnormalities. They also help estimate gestational age (how far along the pregnancy is) and determine the number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy.

Prenatal visits with your provider are an opportunity for you to ask questions about symptoms, diet, exercise, medications and more. Keeping a running list of questions to ask at each appointment can also be helpful as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Doula care

As part of your care plan, your provider may suggest a doula. Unlike a doctor who provides medical care, a doula is a non-clinical professional who offers emotional, mental and physical support during labor and delivery. The services a doula provides are different than those of a doctor but can be just as essential to those who rely on them throughout a pregnancy.

Doulas can help:

• Calm worries
• Provide comfort and coaching
• Provide education about pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, and more
• Translate medical terms and procedures into plain language
• Help when communicating with your doctor

Doulas serve as advocates to help make sure you are being heard and your needs are addressed. Working with a doula may help lead to improved health outcomes for mothers, with fewer labor complications, less pain medication and shorter labors.²

2025-07-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – For anyone interested in healthy aging, it can seem overwhelming to keep up with the latest trends. The good news is, many trends today focus on holistic approaches aiming to support your body’s natural processes.

To stay healthier as you get older, it’s important to understand how your body’s systems change. For example, your digestive system slows, and the strength of your immune system declines. Fortunately, some lifestyle habits and supplements can help your body’s processes function better. Certain trending practices and supplements are backed by scientific research. Because everyone has different health needs and concerns, consult your health care provider before beginning any wellness routine.

Here are five ways to help support your well-being as you age.

Follow a varied, plant-based diet

Plant-based diets continue trending due to concern for the environment as well as the desire to be healthier. A diet rich in plant-based foods can help reduce your risk for heart disease and other illnesses, which increases as you age. Advocates of plant-based diets stress the importance of choosing a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein sources like legumes and nuts.

Support your immune system with glutathione

If you haven’t heard of glutathione yet, you probably will. Celebrities and influencers are embracing the trend of supplementing with glutathione, a substance that’s produced in the body’s cells, but declines as you age. Glutathione is comprised of three types of amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Important functions of glutathione include supporting your immune system and neutralizing free radicals, plus improving the function of certain enzymes in your body.

To help increase the levels of this vital antioxidant it’s far easier to take an oral supplement such as those containing Setria^® Glutathione, a clinically researched form of L-glutathione. Setria^® Glutathione is made through a controlled fermentation process that produces glutathione in its purest, bioidentical form that is over 99% pure, free from synthetic residues or unknown contaminants.

Oral supplements have shown efficacy in raising the body’s glutathione levels^[1]. Higher levels of glutathione help with immune support,^[2] gut health,^[3],[4] skin health,^[5] fitness^[6],[7],[8] and healthy aging.^[9]

“With consistent use of a product containing Setria^® Glutathione, you can significantly boost a substance that helps your body to function optimally as you age,” said Danielle Citrolo, PharmD, VP, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc.

To find products containing Setria^® Glutathione from supplement brands you may already know and trust like BrainMD, Ghost or Codeage, visit SetriaGlutathione.com/en/where-to-find.

Back to basics: Get enough sleep

Like much advice you’ve heard your entire life, sufficient quality sleep is a basic worth repeating. When you sleep, your body undergoes a restorative process essential for your well-being. Research shows getting good quality sleep is vital to help prevent many aspects of aging, including disease and cognitive decline.

While it can be harder for older adults to get enough sleep, stress reduction and relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises can help.

Try fermented foods

Consuming certain fermented foods and drinks is also on-trend, and there’s scientific evidence behind it. Fermentation helps provide anti-aging effects ranging from improved gut biome and immune function to reduction of inflammation, increased antioxidants and more. Examples of fermented foods include yoghurt, kimchi, miso, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Keep moving

The benefits of exercise to boost health as you age are well documented. It’s also key to vary your routine to include cardio exercise like brisk walking, plus strength training and balance. Exercise benefits include lowering disease risk, better sleep, reducing fall risk and improving cognitive function.

Boosting your health as you get older is possible by following health practices and by strengthening your body’s natural processes. Learn more at SetriaGlutathione.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2025-07-25T12:55:00

(BPT) – Smart, simple steps can help homeowners avoid expensive repairs this hail season.

As hailstorms grow more frequent and severe across many parts of the country, homeowners are looking for ways to better protect their properties. Mercury Insurance is sharing practical, affordable tips to help people safeguard their homes and avoid the high cost of hail-related damage.

With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk regions, Mercury is committed to helping homeowners stay prepared — before the first hailstone falls.

“Many people don’t realize how vulnerable their homes can be until it’s too late,” said Steve Bennett, Senior Director of Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance. “Taking a few preventive measures now can save thousands of dollars in repairs and offer peace of mind.”

Hail protection checklist for your home:

• Inspect and reinforce your roof:
  Check for missing or damaged shingles. If you live in a hail-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials.
• Consider a FORTIFIED Roof upgrade:
  These roofs use sealed decks, stronger nailing patterns, and high-impact shingles to better withstand storms.
• Install hail-resistant window film or shutters:
  This can minimize the chance of breakage and reduce damage from flying debris.
• Trim nearby trees:
  Remove weak branches and keep trees maintained to prevent falling limbs during a storm.
• Protect your car:
  Park vehicles in a garage or under cover when hail is in the forecast.

Why It Matters:

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes billions in property damage every year. And 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most active hail seasons on record.

Mercury encourages homeowners to review their insurance policies in advance and make sure they fully understand their coverage and deductibles.

To learn more about how Mercury Insurance can help you prepare for severe weather, visit www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources.

You can also get more hail storm preparation pro tips here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OAkTU8UN1HE.

2025-07-23T05:01:01

(BPT) – When Jen’s alarm clock sounds the call of a new day, her first steps are not to the coffee machine, but rather to her desk to accomplish anything that might require handwriting. She then turns her attention to any household chores that require her to go upstairs — and hopes to tackle them before noon. When she can return to the first floor of her home where she will remain for the rest of the day, she readies her meals to ensure they require little preparation when hunger strikes. These tasks all need to be done as soon as she rises, because as the clock ticks onward, Jen’s mobility will decline. Her handwriting will become illegible, the second floor of her home will become a destination no longer in reach, and her ability to maneuver throughout her kitchen to make food will become an uphill battle she cannot win.

Jen has a form of Ataxia called spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a group of rare progressively debilitating neurodegenerative diseases characterized by loss of voluntary motor skills, loss of balance, frequent falling, impaired coordination of arms and legs, and premature death in some cases, among many other symptoms. Despite these symptoms, Jen persists and finds a way to overcome the challenges that SCA poses against her.

Beyond the physical difficulties, one of the most devastating parts of this disease is the generational impact it has on families, where multiple family members (parents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins) are living with SCA, often at the same time. For Jen, losing her mobility throughout the day is a physical burden that pales in comparison to the mental anguish of knowing that her children and grandchildren may inherit the disease. Jen’s family has been plagued by a type of SCA for generations, an experience that is all too familiar to many families affected by the disease. This is why Jen is joining the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) in the “Let’s Find A Way” campaign.

It has been more than thirty years since the first specific genetic mutation was discovered for SCA, yet the community waits for the first FDA-approved treatments to become available — and has tired of waiting. The “Let’s Find A Way” campaign, inspired by the determination of so many people living with SCA to find a way to overcome the challenges of the disease, aims to raise awareness of the approximately 15,000 people in the U.S. who have no treatment options to slow progression of the disease — and the generations to come who will be subjected to the same fate if no treatments become available.

Though rare diseases like SCA impact a relatively small number of individuals, together they represent a powerful community facing unique and often overwhelming challenges — limited research, delayed diagnoses, and few or no treatment options. Let’s find a way to give hope to the SCA and rare disease community by encouraging the FDA to approve safe and effective treatment options. Patients and families deserve the same urgency and access as those affected by more common conditions. Let’s find a way to raise awareness of SCA to shine a light on its impact, to drive more research, and to spark greater investment, because rare does not mean invisible. Let’s find a way to secure access to treatment, for those like Jen, currently fighting the battle that SCA yields, and for future generations. A future with hope starts with action today.

Join Jen in finding a way by signing and sharing NAF’s petition urging the FDA to consider treatment options for rare diseases with unmet needs, including SCA, and visit https://www.ataxia.org/ to learn more about how NAF is working to find a way.

2025-07-10T13:01:00

(BPT) – Tattoos have gone mainstream — about one in three U.S. adults has at least one. Some people consider the pain of getting a tattoo part of the experience or a rite of passage. Others may look for relief via numbing creams, sprays, ice packs or even anesthesia. This is especially true for large tattoos or long sessions, which can last eight hours or more. If you are considering anesthesia for a lengthy tattoo session, make sure the procedure follows the same safety standards as any elective surgery or procedure, according to new guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). With National Tattoo Day on July 17, it’s the perfect time to remember that safety should be as much of a priority as self-expression.

Leave tattoo anesthesia to anesthesiologists

If you choose anesthesia, you may have several options, including regional anesthesia (which only numbs part of your body), various levels of monitored sedation (from feeling drowsy but aware to not remembering any of the procedure) and general anesthesia (where you are unconscious).

No matter which type of anesthesia you receive, a tattoo artist’s studio is not a medically appropriate setting. Anesthesia comes with risks beyond the tattoo itself. Just as for a colonoscopy, MRI, plastic surgery or any other procedure, anesthesia for tattooing should always be administered by a qualified anesthesia professional, such as an anesthesiologist, and in a facility that is equipped to monitor your safety and handle emergencies. Your anesthesiologist will choose the right facility based on your health and the length of the tattooing session.

“Anesthesia is very safe when delivered by an anesthesiologist, who has the education and training to provide the best care, including determining the most appropriate anesthesia for each patient, monitoring their vital signs during the procedure and managing complications if they arise,” said ASA President Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA. “Your anesthesiologist will be there for you before, during and after the procedure.”

Tattoo anesthesia 101: What to expect and how to prepare

Before you undergo the procedure, you will meet with your anesthesiologist, who will:

• Review your medical history and conduct an exam
• Order any necessary tests or lab work
• Discuss the risks associated with anesthesia
• Determine the right type of anesthesia
• Ask if you use tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or other drugs — they can affect the anesthesia, so it’s important to be honest to ensure the safest care
• Review your anesthesia plan and post-anesthesia care plan, including your follow-up care instructions

To be sure you are prepared for your anesthesia care you should:

• Bring your medical records and required test results with you when you meet with your anesthesiologist
• Arrange to have someone with you to drive you home after the procedure

Other considerations are the same as those for elective surgery, including avoiding eating or drinking before the procedure and being prepared to have a urinary catheter if the procedure is long.

Learn more by reviewing ASA’s Patient Guidance on Anesthesia Care for Tattoo Procedures and visiting ASA’s Made for This Moment website to understand the specific types of anesthesia care available, find out more about the critical role anesthesiologists have in keeping you safe and comfortable, and to download ASA’s Anesthesia Care for Tattoo Procedures checklist.

2025-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Immunovant

Three years ago, Jesse was living her very best life. An avid hiker, travel enthusiast and professional photographer, she was never short on energy, always up for her next challenge. Then, one morning, she woke up with a swollen face, lips and eyes.

“At first, I shrugged it off as an allergic reaction, but my primary doctor didn’t seem to know what was going on,” said Jesse. “I decided to mention the symptoms to my OB-GYN. She noticed that my thyroid was enlarged and suggested I speak to an endocrinologist.”

What happened next frightened Jesse. She began to rapidly lose weight, experience hair loss, and suffer anxiety and a racing heartbeat. When the endocrinologist finally reviewed her bloodwork, Jesse was not only diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but immediately sent to the emergency room due to her high heart rate and severe symptoms. A few hours later, Jesse was discharged, left to navigate this new, confusing and overwhelming diagnosis.

Understanding Graves’ disease

Graves’ is a common autoimmune disease. In people with autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself.^1,2 Certain autoimmune disorders, like Graves’, are caused by harmful immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies – they are often unpredictable, and can prove challenging to control.^1,3,4 In Graves’ disease, harmful IgG autoantibodies attack the thyroid and cause it to make more hormones than the body needs. The resulting condition is known as hyperthyroidism.¹

“Graves’ disease needs to be closely managed, because when it’s left uncontrolled it can lead to serious health complications,” said Mark Lupo, MD, founder and medical director of the Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida. “Because the thyroid affects multiple body systems, symptoms that people experience are often very wide-ranging. They can include rapid weight loss, anxiety, tremor, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, racing heart, among others.”^1,5

People with Graves’ may also show complications of the disease beyond the thyroid. One of the most common is thyroid eye disease where the harmful IgG autoantibodies impact the muscles and tissues around the eyes causing inflammation, pain and bulging eyes.^6,7

A challenging condition to manage

For Jesse, the challenges in managing Graves’ disease didn’t end after her hospital visit. She continued to experience significant fluctuations in her thyroid hormone levels – often ranging from exceedingly high to dangerously low. Over the next 1.5 years, Jesse and her endocrinologist worked closely to manage her anti-thyroid medications, but her thyroid levels never seemed to even out.

“I just never felt well. I would go from feeling extreme fatigue to hyper-anxiety. I had constant swelling in my legs, and my eyes were always inflamed,” said Jesse. “The worst part though was that I started pulling away from all the people and things I loved. It was a depressing time.”

According to Dr. Lupo, Jesse’s experience is not an uncommon one. “In my practice, we see about one-third of people who aren’t optimally treated. These people often fluctuate between hypo- and hyperthyroidism, or can’t tolerate medication due to side effects,” said Lupo. “The challenge is that current treatments don’t actually address the underlying autoimmune disease driver – the harmful IgG autoantibodies.”³

Left with few other options, and desperate to feel better, Jesse proceeded with thyroid surgery. While the surgery corrected the symptoms of her hyperthyroidism, she’s now left dealing with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, chronic low calcium levels and extreme fatigue.

Hope for the future

While Jesse’s life has changed dramatically since her diagnosis, she shares her story to bring awareness and encouragement to others living with Graves’ disease.

“I think it’s important for people with Graves’ to be proactive,” said Jesse. “My advice – reach out to others in the autoimmune disease community, and speak up about your ongoing symptoms. If you aren’t feeling right, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your options.”

Today, clinical research is actively advancing to identify treatment options that address the root cause of Graves’ disease. Immunovant, a clinical-stage immunology company, is pursuing a patient-focused development approach with a goal to develop additional treatment options in autoimmune disease, including Graves’ disease. To learn more, visit https://www.immunovant.com/our-science/pipeline-and-therapeutic-areas.

References:

1. Antonelli A., Fallahi P., Elia G., et al. Graves’ disease: Clinical Manifestations, immune pathogenesis and therapy. Best Prac Res Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2020; 34:101388.
2. National Library of Medicine. Autoimmune diseases. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html Accessed May 2025.
3. Kahaly, G., Bartalena, L. et al. 2018 European Thyroid Association Guideline for the Management of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism. European Thyroid Journal. 2018; 7:167-186.
4. Bartelena L, et al. Front Endocrinol. 2020 Nov 30:11:615993[1]
5. Chaker L., Cooper DS., Walsh JP., et al. Hyperthyroidism. Lancet. 2024; 403:768-780.
6. Davies, T.F., Andersen, S., Latif, R. et al. Graves’ disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020 Jul 2;6(1):52.
7. National Organization for Rare Diseases. Thyroid Eye Disease. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/thyroid-eye-disease/ Accessed May 2025.

2025-07-09T12:11:00

(BPT) – Have you skipped or delayed your yearly mammogram? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 MedStar Health survey, 59% of American women over 40 skip their annual mammogram, and almost a quarter say they’ve never had one.

There are several reasons why women forgo a mammogram, including myths that the procedure is uncomfortable and painful. However, mammograms are important diagnostic tests that can save lives and offer peace of mind.

Are you avoiding getting a mammogram because of common myths? Check out these five mammogram misconceptions and learn the truth about this critical healthcare procedure.

Myth 1: Mammograms are only necessary if you have a family history of breast cancer

Fact: The American College of Radiology (ACR) breast cancer screening guidelines recommend that women of average risk get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. That means that even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you should schedule a mammogram every year.

Why? Early detection gives you the best chance of treating breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), decades of research show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to find breast cancer early, are less likely to need aggressive treatments and are more likely to be cured.

Myth 2: Mammograms are painful

Fact: Many women avoid scheduling a mammogram because they think it will be painful. While breast compression isn’t pleasant, the discomfort should only last a few seconds. Talk with your technician. They’re specifically trained to adjust the pressure just enough to get a clear picture.

Myth 3: Mammography technology has not changed

Fact: Mammograms aren’t just manual exams and 2D X-rays. There have been several advances in breast cancer screening. From MRIs to 3D images, the types of screening available show an advancement in the field that helps women get the diagnosis and treatment they need.

For example, GE HealthCare’s Pristina Via™ is one of the latest advancements in mammography systems and is setting a new standard in breast imaging.

Designed to improve patient experience, The Senographe Pristina platform features breast supports with rounded angles, comfortable arm rests and patient-assisted compression, giving women a sense of control during the exam. When asked about their mammogram, 83% of patients reported a more positive experience on the Senographe Pristina Platform compared to previous exams.¹

The Pristina Via also eliminates repetitive steps, clicks and wait-time between exposures, which can help minimize the time under compression and prioritizes patient comfort. By streamlining workflow for technicians, you’ll get in and out of the exam quicker.

“Mammograms are an indispensable preventative procedure,” said Jyoti Gupta, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for Women’s Health and X-ray at GE HealthCare. “That’s why we focus on pushing technology forward to improve not only the experience of healthcare professionals but also to enhance the patient experience. The Pristina Via is designed by women for women with the goal of minimizing the time it takes technologists to perform a mammogram and make mammograms more approachable to those who need it most.”

To learn more about this technology, visit the GE HealthCare website.

Myth 4: Mammograms are time-consuming

Fact: Mammograms aren’t time-intensive. The whole appointment tends to take 20-30 minutes or less, and the actual procedure only lasts a few minutes. Also, new technology like GE HealthCare’s Pristina Via 3D mammogram streamlines the mammogram process so you can get screened faster. Recent analysis found that it can acquire an image in as little as 2 minutes.²

Myth 5: 3D mammograms are the same as traditional ones

Fact: Traditional 2D mammograms compress breast tissue and use low-dose X-rays to capture flat images from above and from the side of each breast. A 3D mammogram, on the other hand, takes several low-dose X-rays (the same as a simple 2D mammogram) in a small arch around your breasts. A computer then combines these images, allowing your doctor to see the breast tissue more clearly in three dimensions, as the name suggests.

3D mammograms increase clinical accuracy, compared to 2D alone, for all types of breasts including dense breasts³, and lower your chance of being called back for a follow-up screening. Another tool for dense breast diagnosis is contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) which uses an injected dye to examine breast tissue and flag abnormalities with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Don’t wait. Now that you know the truth about mammograms, you can confidently schedule an appointment so you can invest in your health and wellness.

Sources

1. Ipsos Patient Satisfaction Study sponsored by GE Healthcare, conducted with 315 patients across 2 sites in Europe, February 2017.

2. Pristina Workflow analysis. Aggregated data from +2k exams and 78 systems worldwide. Data on File. GE Healthcare 2024

3. GE Healthcare’s DBT delivers superior diagnostic accuracy compared to 2D alone for all types of breast densities, including dense breasts. (ref: Superior diagnostic accuracy demonstrated in a reader study comparing the ROC AUC of GE screening protocol (V-Preview + 3D CC/MLO with 3D in STD mode) to that of 2D FFDM alone. FDA PMA P130020)

Disclaimer: Pristina Via is a commercial offering of Senographe Pristina™.

2025-07-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – Health care essentials like over-the-counter (OTC) products can quickly add up and eat into your budget. Whether you’re buying pain medication to manage headaches or antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes, stocking your medicine cabinet can be expensive.

Making affordable choices at the pharmacy is especially daunting when trying to manage your environmental impact. Navigating the pharmacy aisle in search of eco-friendly product options during your busy day can feel like an overwhelming task.

If you regularly use OTC medications and want to save more and waste less, you can do so with just a few easy tips. Foster & Thrive, a private-label OTC health and wellness brand, offers five simple ways to make more affordable and sustainable choices when purchasing health care essentials.

1. Use your health insurance plan resources

Do you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)? You can use your funds for more than just copays and medical expenses.

Many pharmacy products, from OTC medication to health and wellness essentials like bandages, are HSA- or FSA-eligible items. Alternatively, your health plan may cover a yearly OTC credit. Check your health insurance plan to see what resources it offers and discover eligible items.

2. Choose private-label items

One of the easiest ways to help save on your OTC expenses is to choose private-label brands. Private-label drugs tend to cost less than brand names while still delivering the same effectiveness.

Foster & Thrive OTC products, for example, provide consumers with reliable care at an affordable price. With over 500 products for acute care, preventive care, everyday care and diagnostic care, you’re likely to find whatever health and wellness OTC products you need.

Private-label goods generally always meet or exceed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality, and are tested and compliant with industry-leading quality standards, so you can rest easy knowing you’re using safe and effective products.

3. Chat with your pharmacist

Pharmacists can provide personalized advice to guide your healthcare purchases. Before you select an antacid for a stomachache or acid reflux, check with a pharmacist to ensure you’re choosing the best OTC product for your needs.

A pharmacist can spot potential interactions between an OTC drug and any prescription medications you’re taking. They can also help you pick the right medication and dosage that can help alleviate multiple symptoms so you can avoid buying unnecessary products, saving you money and helping reduce drug waste.

4. Look for sustainable packaging

You can do your part to help the environment by choosing OTC products that come in eco-friendly packaging. Consider buying medications like those from Foster & Thrive’s eco-friendly aluminum product line, which is made with 70% less plastic than traditional bottles. The bottles are designed for recyclability,* and are made primarily of aluminum — one of the most commonly recycled materials in the U.S.¹

5. Check out your local, small business pharmacy

There are plenty of chain pharmacies, but if there is a locally owned pharmacy in your area, consider shopping for your OTC products there. Mom-and-pop shops often carry the same private-label and prescription products you can find at larger pharmacies, but with a more personalized focus. Community pharmacists often get to know their patients personally and can deliver more individualized care. They may even offer deals or reward programs that can help defray your health care costs.

OTC expenses don’t have to be expensive. Using these five tips, you can help save on your essential health care expenses so you can focus on investing in your health and wellness. To find a Foster and Thrive retailer near you, visit FosterAndThrive.com/Where-To-Buy.

*Availability of recycling programs and facilities may vary by location.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling.

2025-07-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Asthma, allergies and eczema are more common than you may think. More than 28.2 million people in the U.S. have asthma. About one in three adults and one in four children live with allergies. And almost 6% of adults and more than 10% of children have eczema. These conditions can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

When symptoms get worse, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids (OCS). If you’re prescribed OCS to treat severe flare-ups of these or related conditions, make sure to have an open conversation with your doctor about these medications. Learn how OCS can get symptoms under control. Ask about the risk of potential side effects.

1. What are OCS?

Oral corticosteroids are human-made steroid medications modeled after cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. These pills or liquid medications are used to quickly reduce inflammation. Examples of OCS include:

• prednisone
• prednisolone
• methylprednisolone
• dexamethasone

OCS are inexpensive, fast-acting drugs. They are typically prescribed in a short course, or burst, of three to five days. That is often all it takes for OCS to provide relief from symptoms.

OCS differ from inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and topical corticosteroids. ICS, delivered through an inhaler or nebulizer, act directly on the lungs and airways as a daily controller medication for asthma. Topical corticosteroids, on the other hand, are applied to the skin to treat localized inflammation from eczema.

OCS are also different from anabolic steroids, which are related to the male hormone testosterone and sometimes used for muscle building.

2. What are OCS prescribed for?

OCS are powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are mostly prescribed to manage flare-ups of respiratory and allergic conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps and sinusitis. They are sometimes used to treat severe flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, chronic hives or psoriasis.

In addition, OCS are used to treat autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. What are the benefits of OCS?

OCS can quickly reduce inflammation and swelling in various body systems, including the airways and skin. They can provide relief and effectively stop symptoms from worsening.

This is why OCS are prescribed for severe asthma symptoms, nasal inflammation, and eczema flares, among other conditions. They are not usually prescribed for long-term daily management or control of symptoms.

4. What are the potential side effects of short-term OCS use?

OCS can quickly treat flare-ups, but they can cause serious side effects. That’s why doctors prescribe them in short courses of three to five days – to minimize the risk and impact of side effects.

Some short-term side effects include:

• Weight gain, particularly in the abdomen, face or neck
• Eye problems
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia and sleep problems
• High blood pressure
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Swelling in lower legs
• Gastrointestinal issues (heartburn, nausea)
• Mood changes and irritability
• Depression and anxiety

5. What are the potential side effects of long-term OCS use?

In rare cases, doctors prescribe OCS for long-term use when inflammation is severe, and the benefits outweigh the risks and side effects.

Long-term use can lead to the following side effects:

• Skin thinning and easy bruising
• Osteoporosis and bone loss or weakness
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular risks
• Diabetes onset
• Slow growth in children
• Immune system suppression and increased infection risk
• Adrenal gland suppression and hormonal imbalance
• Glaucoma and cataracts

6. What is OCS overuse?

Oral corticosteroids have a high rate of success in treating flare-ups. As a result, some people may develop a reliance on them for treatment. They may want to continue taking OCS to keep their condition under control.

OCS overuse is defined as when you take the medication at a dose or duration that increases the risk of adverse effects without a clear benefit.

The overuse may occur when you:

• take more than 2 courses or bursts of OCS per year, especially for asthma symptoms;

• take OCS daily or regularly for more than 3 months, particularly at high doses.

How much is too much? This is a conversation you should have with your doctor to decide what’s best for your medical condition.

7. How to prevent OCS overuse?

If you are prescribed two or more courses of oral corticosteroids per year, this is a sign that your condition is not well-controlled. You may need to adjust your treatment plan instead of continuing to rely on OCS.

Talk with your doctor – preferably a specialist such as an allergist or dermatologist – to discuss treatment options. Ask about advanced treatments such as biologics to help keep your symptoms in check.

Learn more about OCS and OCS overuse at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

2025-06-30T07:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

It’s an unfortunate reality that myths and misconceptions about type 1 diabetes (T1D) are widespread today, leading to significant awareness gaps that ultimately make it harder for people to understand their own risk of developing the disease. Consider this: While many believe that T1D is a juvenile disease, it can impact anyone at any age. Others think it begins only when symptoms appear, when in fact, the disease progresses gradually in stages over time.

These misconceptions extend to a root cause of the disease. T1D is not simply caused by a lack of insulin; it’s a result of the autoimmune response in which the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy beta cells. The destruction of beta cells is central to the development of Stage 3 T1D, which is why understanding beta-cell function is foundational to understanding the progression of T1D. Below, explore why beta cells are such a critical piece of the T1D progression puzzle.

The role of beta cells

Located in the pancreas, beta cells are responsible for insulin production, insulin storage, and the regulated release of insulin. Beta cells work to create glucose homeostasis (i.e., keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range) and precisely respond to changes in the body’s metabolic status due to food intake and other factors. In T1D, an autoimmune-mediated response – likely initiated by a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers – targets and destroys these insulin-producing beta cells.

Ongoing, underlying beta-cell destruction is a critical marker of progressive autoimmune T1D. This progression is what defines the stages of T1D. Beta cell destruction can begin as early as four to six years before clinical symptoms appear. In Stage 2 T1D, more damaged beta cells release autoantigens which causes T1D autoantibodies to develop in the blood in response to the autoimmune attack. T1D screening through a blood test can detect these autoantibodies early, potentially identifying T1D in its early stages – before symptoms even emerge.

As we continue to learn more about the unique role of beta cells in T1D, education around beta-cell function becomes critical. That’s where “Professor Beta T1D” comes in.

Meet Professor Beta T1D

To help demystify the science behind T1D and build a better understanding of beta-cell function, Sanofi created Professor Beta T1D – an animated, educational digital avatar dedicated to making beta-cell science more accessible and digestible. Professor Beta T1D’s goal is to highlight the unique impact of beta cells in T1D.

Professor Beta T1D is bringing his expertise to HCPs through social channels like X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Professor Beta T1D is a healthy beta cell living his best life, seeking to keep calm and carry on in the face of T1D.

As an ambassador for the clusters of other beta cells, Professor Beta T1D is highly knowledgeable, but also frustrated, fighting to be heard before it’s too late. As a strong believer that there’s a “beta way to look at T1D,” there are two things Professor Beta T1D wants others to know about beta-cell function:

1. Beta-cell function determines disease progression and an individual’s T1D journey. As measured by C-peptide, beta-cell function can indicate patients’ level of remaining beta-cell activity and help determine the extent of autoimmune T1D progression.
2. Beta cells define clinical outcomes, because some functional beta cells are better than none! It has been observed that in T1D even low beta cell function can produce adequate endogenous insulin to maintain glycemic control.

Insights into how beta cells influence T1D are key to understanding disease progression and may help inform the development of novel disease management approaches. Learn more about beta-cell function on www.betawayt1d.com.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment – information is provided for educational purposes only. Patients are directed to their doctor if they have any questions about their health or disease management.