Focus on autoimmune disease: One woman’s journey with Graves’ and thyroid eye disease

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Immunovant

Christine Gustafson had always been the picture of health. She swam a mile each day and biked regularly. Then, seemingly overnight, she began experiencing a series of health-related symptoms that would ultimately change her life.

“It started with a racing heartbeat. I was anxious all the time. I started losing weight without explanation. My eyes were also getting very red, painful and irritated,” said Gustafson. “It was hard to comprehend what was going on with my body.”

So began the long, arduous journey of trying to determine the cause of Gustafson’s mysterious symptoms. After months of doctor’s appointments, she was finally diagnosed with two separate, but related, autoimmune diseases — Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease (TED).

A life turned upside down by Graves’ disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, organs or cells. Certain autoimmune disorders can be caused by harmful immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, and are typically chronic, unpredictable and debilitating conditions.

In Graves’ disease, the harmful IgG autoantibodies attack the thyroid and cause it to make more hormones than the body needs. The resulting condition is known as hyperthyroidism.

Gustafson’s doctors said that her thyroid hormone levels were the highest they’d ever seen. Because of that, she experienced many of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism including rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue and muscle weakness.

“I remember the anxiety the most — it was paralyzing. I couldn’t sleep and struggled to go out,” said Gustafson. “I remember thinking — how could this be my life?”

An emotional struggle with TED

About half of people diagnosed with Graves’ disease will also go on to develop TED. In addition to attacking the thyroid, the same harmful autoantibodies bind to thyroid hormone receptors in tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation, pain, double vision, and swollen, bulging eyes.

Over time, Gustafson found that her eyes kept changing and getting worse. Her vision was blurred, and the sunlight was blinding. At one point, she felt that she looked like her eyes were dangling by a thread. But the most challenging aspect was the emotional toll that an ever-changing appearance had on her life.

“I avoided mirrors and cameras and struggled mightily to maintain my self-esteem,” said Gustafson. “I felt isolated, and incredibly alone. I put tremendous effort into not losing myself to Graves’ and TED.”

Forging a path forward

While Graves’ disease and TED are related disorders, they require distinct management approaches. For many people, including Gustafson, it can be a challenging path to navigate.

“I thought the Graves’ medication would help with my eyes, but it didn’t,” said Gustafson. “It took almost four years for me to finally be referred to an eye specialist. Since then, I’ve had seven eye surgeries and, while I’ve seen benefits, there have also been complications.”

Today, Gustafson recommends that people do their research and have informed conversations with their doctors. Clinical research is also actively advancing to identify more and better treatment options for people living with autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease and TED. (To learn more about clinical studies designed to address the complex and variable needs of people living with autoimmune diseases like TED, visit Immunovant.com.)

Gustafson also recommends connecting with others who have been on a similar journey, something that she helps foster through the work of her nonprofit, the TED Community Organization.

“My hope is for more education around Graves’ and TED, increased awareness in the healthcare community and innovation to address the needs of people living with these autoimmune conditions,” said Gustafson.

Editor’s note: The rising prevalence of autoimmune disease is a concerning trend that underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, education and research. Data indicates that autoimmune diseases affect approximately 50 million Americans. Even more alarming, autoimmunity is reaching epidemic levels, with some studies estimating an increase of 3-12% annually (Source: Autoimmune Association).

Tips to help keep your teen safe behind the wheel this summer

2024-07-10T16:01:01

(BPT) – Summer season is in full swing, and that means more beach days, barbecues and road trips. But for teens, it also means a greater likelihood of being involved in a serious car accident.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is dubbed the “100 deadliest days of summer” due to a more than 20% surge in teen automobile fatalities, according to the National Road Safety Foundation. Every year, 2,100 teens on average are involved in fatal crashes, with 30% — or seven deaths per day — occurring in that 100-day period. Making matters worse, more than half of teen drivers involved in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

“It’s imperative that teens understand and practice safe driving behaviors to protect themselves and others while on the road, first and foremost, but it also helps to keep the cost of insurance down for an age group that is notoriously expensive to insure,” said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance’s vice president of claims. “Parents play a key role in shaping the driving habits of their teens. It’s best for parents to lead by example while behind the wheel, spend time driving with their teen, and initiate discussions about the ramifications of dangerous driving, including varying degrees of legal charges — or worse, even death.”

As more teens take to the road for the summer, Mercury Insurance has compiled some tips for parents to help keep their teens safe while behind the wheel:

  • Always insist on wearing a seatbelt: In 2019, 43% of high school students nationwide reported not always wearing a seat belt during the past month, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. Buckling up is the law in nearly all 50 states, but teens are needlessly dying or getting injured. Insist that your teen always wear a seatbelt, every time they drive, and that they ensure all passengers are buckled up too.
  • Set house rules: Parents can help manage their teen’s crash risk by enforcing rules, such as banning nighttime driving and high-speed roads or controlling the keys, meaning they need to ask to use the car first. Having a “pre-drive” check-in with your teen before every trip is ideal — all predicated on the understanding that the parent has the right to revoke their teenager’s permit or license at any time if rules are not followed. You should also ensure your teen is complying with state Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws.
  • Discuss safe driving behaviors with your teen: Examples of safe driving behaviors include wearing seat belts, putting the phone away and always driving sober. This video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_HfbiM5jjE) details how you can effectively communicate with your teen about safe driving. You should also convey that you care about their safety and that house rules are not intended to be punishments, but rather safeguards.
  • Get as much practice as possible: “Most teen driver crashes are due to the lack of active visual scanning that should be used to detect and respond to hazards, going too fast for road conditions, and being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle,” said Quinn. “As a parent, it can be difficult to hand over the keys, but a teen’s safest time behind the wheel is with you or another trusted adult closely supervising.” The more time and thought you devote to practicing safe driving, the more skills and experience your teen will take with them into independent driving.

To learn more about safe driving for teens, visit the following links:

12 Safe Driving Tips for Teens – https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/drive-safe/12-safe-driving-tips-for-teenage-drivers.html

Teen and Young Driver Safety – https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-topics/Pages/teen-driver-safety.aspx

Worn out or worn down? How to tell the difference between tiredness and fatigue

2024-07-10T08:31:00

(BPT) – Have you ever felt like no amount of coffee or rest can shake off your lingering exhaustion? Do you wake up from a full night’s sleep and still find yourself dragging? If so, you might be dealing with more than just tiredness; you could be experiencing fatigue. Fatigue is not just a fleeting feeling of sleepiness — it’s a deep-seated exhaustion that can impact your daily life and point to more serious health conditions. However, these feelings are often dismissed as simply needing more sleep or seen as a normal part of a busy lifestyle. According to recent research by MD Live, an Evernorth company and leading virtual care provider, many aren’t aware of what fatigue is despite experiencing symptoms and 35% rarely think about the reasons behind their tiredness.

“While we often use words like ‘tired’ and ‘exhausted’ interchangeably, there are distinct and clinical differences between tiredness and fatigue,” explains Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director for MD Live Primary Care. “Occasional tiredness can often be managed with better sleep habits or lifestyle changes, but fatigue is a persistent exhaustion that could signal underlying health issues that should be discussed with a doctor.”

Dr. Williams shares telltale ways to determine whether you may be experiencing simple tiredness or if your symptoms might point to something more serious.

1. Scrutinize your sleep

First, look at your sleep patterns. Tiredness generally improves with a good night’s sleep or a short nap, whereas fatigue persists even after adequate rest. Try keeping a sleep diary for a week, noting when you go to bed, when you wake up, and how you feel upon waking and throughout the day. If you consistently wake up feeling unrefreshed or have difficulty staying asleep, it might indicate something more serious. Pay attention to other signs like frequent waking during the night or difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired.

2. Track your tiredness

Consider how long and how often you feel exhausted. Tiredness is typically temporary and linked to specific activities or lack of sleep, such as staying up late to finish a project or getting a poor night’s sleep. Fatigue is long-lasting and occurs frequently, often without a clear cause. Ask yourself whether exhaustion is a constant presence in your life, lingering for weeks or months. If symptoms persist and you cannot pinpoint a specific reason, it’s more likely to be fatigue.

3. Be on the lookout for other symptoms

Fatigue often accompanies broader and more severe symptoms, such as muscle weakness, joint pain, headaches, and a lack of motivation. Mentally, fatigue can lead to prolonged mood swings, depression, anxiety, and severe cognitive impairment, making it difficult to concentrate or remember things. Keep track of any additional symptoms you experience, noting their severity and duration.

4. Gauge the impact on daily life

Reflect on how your tiredness affects your daily activities. Tiredness might cause a temporary decrease in productivity and social interactions. Fatigue has a significant and prolonged impact on your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and maintain social relationships. For example, you may find it increasingly difficult to keep up with work responsibilities, household chores, or social commitments. Evaluate how often you find yourself canceling plans, avoiding activities, or struggling to keep up with everyday demands.

5. Revamp your rest routine

To assess whether you may be dealing with fatigue, address sleep-related issues, including irregular sleep schedules, screen time before bed, and an uncomfortable sleep environment. Establish a regular and consistent sleep routine, even on the weekends. Avoid alcohol consumption, limit exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime and create a comfortable sleep environment by ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. If these changes don’t help, it could point to fatigue — persistent problems despite good sleep hygiene warrant further investigation.

The chronic condition connection

Fatigue is often linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and thyroid disorders. These illnesses significantly impact the body’s ability to maintain energy levels, resulting in persistent exhaustion that can negatively affect quality of life. According to the survey, one-third of respondents with chronic diseases experienced extreme tiredness but didn’t recognize it was a symptom before their diagnosis. Identifying and managing these conditions properly can help alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings of exhaustion.

When to consult a doctor

While you might be inclined to dismiss or brush off tiredness as not a priority, persistent problems are not something you have to live with. If sleep-related issues or extreme tiredness begin to affect your everyday life, you can schedule a virtual visit with an MD Live board-certified doctor to discuss your concerns. They can help identify the root cause of your symptoms, develop an effective treatment plan and recommend in-person follow-ups if necessary.

Remember, understanding and addressing the root causes of your tiredness can pave the way for improved well-being and a more energetic life.

Times have changed: How to reclaim your power over perimenopause

2024-07-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Expert advice from Eva Beaulieu, M.D., a well-respected internal medicine specialist

As women, we’re accustomed to navigating many stages and transitions throughout our lives, each with its own unique joys and challenges. During these stages, it’s often easy to default to assuming our experience will be universally the same or similar to our mother’s or close friends’. As a physician with over 10 years of experience, I see this expectation rise up most often when treating women entering perimenopause or menopause. Women who believe that because their mom had severe hot flashes and mood swings at age 50, they will have the same symptoms around the same age. Or women who are caught off guard with the transition into perimenopause and are attributing their symptoms to the busyness of their daily lives. But I’m here to set the record straight by sharing steps that can help you take control of your own journey.

  • Know the difference between perimenopause and menopause. It’s important to understand that perimenopause and menopause are two distinct stages. Perimenopause is the stage before menopause when ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to irregular periods. Menopause is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle and is often oversimplified to experiencing symptoms like hot flashes. However, both perimenopause and menopause involve much more than hot flashes and night sweats and present uncomfortable, life-disruptive symptoms that can exacerbate each other, creating a symptom cycle.
  • Learn more about your symptoms and the solutions available. While some women may sail through these life stages unscathed or experience milder symptoms, others may find perimenopause and menopause makes it more challenging to live their daily life as they battle burdensome symptoms like fatigue, irritability, sleeplessness, as well as increased mood changes, especially heightened anxiety and stress — all related to hormonal changes. Educating yourself about what to expect during these periods is a great way to help set your expectations for symptoms and begin to explore the solutions to address them. To learn more, take this confidential online quiz here.
  • Talk with your doctor about the best solution for you. As an Amberen® Brand Partner, I am excited to talk about a new solution — Amberen® Energy Mood Sleep Gummies, a dietary supplement formulated to address symptoms triggered by hormonal changes occurring during perimenopause and menopause*. The key ingredient in Amberen Energy Mood Sleep Gummies is Pycnogenol®, an extract of French maritime pine bark, which is nature’s super ingredient that has antioxidant properties and provides effective relief from common symptoms such as occasional sleeplessness, mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes and night sweats.‡‡ Pycnogenol has been clinically tested and used in health and wellness products for the past 40 years and does not affect estrogen levels. You can also explore Amberen.com to find products formulated to relieve the most common symptoms stemming from perimenopause and menopause.
  • Talk with your friends about it. We’re entering a new era for menopausal awareness that is devoid of some of the shame and secrecy our mothers faced when experiencing this life change, but awareness is still low for what to expect or where to find relief. In fact, a recent consumer survey of more than 1,000 U.S. women aged 35-65 revealed that many women may be attributing perimenopausal symptoms to other common challenges they find in their daily lives, especially since symptoms can appear as early as 35 years old. According to this survey:
    • The majority (66%) of women aged 45-54 have been aware they are either perimenopausal or menopausal. However, women under 45 are highly likely to deny they are perimenopausal, with almost half saying they haven’t entered this phase yet.
    • Despite this denial, 90% of women have experienced at least one symptom that could be attributed to perimenopause or menopause, and the average woman reports experiencing six symptoms.1
  • Remember that your mother’s menopause is not yours, nor can it fully predict your experience. While some symptoms are hereditary, you only have 50% of your mother’s genes. Factors like your environment, physical and mental health and lifestyle play a role in perimenopause and menopause. Fortunately, there has been so much research and innovation since your mom went through menopause, and now, more than ever, there are options available to treat your symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.

Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions every woman will experience in her lifetime. But we don’t have to “just deal” with it, especially considering the advancements in women’s health since our mother’s menopause journey. By understanding the changes happening in your body, discussing treatment options with your doctor and adopting strategies to manage symptoms, you can navigate this journey with confidence.

1Flow Strategy conducted the menopausal study on behalf of Amberen using an online omnibus survey of n=1,002 U.S. women ages 35-65. This survey was conducted from January 18 to January 20, 2024.

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

‡‡In a clinical trial of perimenopausal women.

Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research.

5 Expert-Approved Wellness Tips to Help Make the Most of Longer Summer Days

2024-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you love “hot girl walks,” hiking mountain tops, or playing doubles in pickleball, summer is the perfect time to prioritize your fitness and wellness routines — especially with the extra daylight we get. Sports RD Angie Asche is sharing five expert-approved tips to help you stay active and incorporate proper recovery habits — like eating almonds because of their exercise recovery benefits — during longer summer days.

1. A morning digital detox goes a long way

When your alarm rings in the morning, try not to start scrolling on your phone. While decreasing screen time may be a difficult habit to break, starting with a focused and positive mentality can set you up for a successful day. Instead of catching up on social media or checking your texts, I suggest stretching, making a nutrient-filled smoothie with some of my favorite ingredients like berries and almond butter, and getting outside in the warm weather to get beneficial exposure to light so your mind and body can get ready for the long summer day ahead.

2. Soak up the sun and don’t forget to hydrate!

Summer is the perfect time to take your workouts or other fitness activities outdoors. While you’re soaking up that sunshine, don’t forget your warm-ups, cool-downs and short breaks in between intervals. As a sports dietitian, I often tell my clients to listen to their bodies and use these brief rest periods as an opportunity to hydrate. This helps to prevent dehydration and exhaustion during exercise.

3. More time = more routine

Motivation and time are the biggest barriers to exercising. According to a recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California1, yielding a sample size of 3,024 U.S. adults aged 18 and older representative of the U.S. adult population, a third of respondents are not motivated to exercise and more than a third of millennials (35%) report they don’t have time to exercise. The extra daylight is a chance to find time for you, including prioritizing your wellness routine. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather to get outside with your dog, try yoga in the park, or pick up a new sport.

4. It’s time for proper recovery

Summer activities can take a toll on your body, so give yourself enough time to allow your muscles to recover. According to the recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California1, while 76% of Americans report exercising weekly, 30% don’t believe that their fitness routines are intense enough to need recovery and 22% don’t believe they exercise often enough to need recovery. But, even if you participate in a light walk on the beach or bike your favorite trails this summer, your muscles are moving, and you need proper recovery! Choose nutrient-rich foods that aid in your entire routine, like eating almonds for their exercise recovery benefits. Let your body recharge, and your muscles will thank you later!

5. A long day calls for quality sleep

Do you feel burned out by the end of summer days? One potential cause could be an inadequate amount of sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your physical and mental capabilities. The amount of sleep you need varies by your age, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, but overall, sleeping the recommended hours is associated with better health outcomes. While prioritizing your sleep might not seem easy with a busy schedule, consistency throughout the week is key to reenergizing your mind and body.

Overhead shot of a woman selecting a nut from a can of almonds with work-out weights jump rope and water bottle near by.

“Make the most of your longer days by getting active, but don’t forget to incorporate time to recover along the way. This can be as simple as stretching, hydrating or even choosing the right snacks. Almonds have been a must-have for me because they give me the nutrients I need to keep my body moving, especially during the warmer months,” said Asche. “And, promising new research found almonds may have a positive impact on exercise recovery.”

Like Asche recommends to her clients, two handfuls of almonds a day can aid in exercise recovery. New research2, conducted over four weeks among 64 U.S. adults ages 30-65 who are occasional exercisers, found that most participants who ate almonds experienced reduced fatigue and tension, increased leg and lower back strength during recovery, and decreased muscle damage during the first day of recovery. Rest and recovery are equally as important to your fitness routines as you get active this summer, so choosing foods that can help, like almonds, is key.

It’s time to enjoy your summer — you deserve it! Staying active and making time for recovery activities will help you have your best season yet. Check out almonds.com for more information on how you can make the most of your wellness routine.

Survey Methodology: A custom survey was conducted among a sample of 3,024 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older. The survey was live on January 29 – February 4, 2024. Quota sampling was used to collect a nationwide sample of respondents who were then weighted by gender, age, region, race/ethnicity, and education to mirror the demographical composition of the U.S. population.

Subgroup analysis was conducted to understand nuances across audience segments, with a priority on the following:

  • Almond eaters: n=2,495
  • Exercise at least once/week: n=2,309
  • Include exercise recovery at least somewhat: n=1,248

1 The survey yielded a sample size of 3,024 U.S. adults aged 18 and older representative of the U.S. adult population.

2 Nieman, D. C., Omar, A. M., Kay, C. D., Kasote, D. M., Sakaguchi, C. A., Lkhagva, A., Weldemariam, M.M.,& Zhang Q. (2023). Almond intake alters the acute plasma dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) response to eccentric exercise. Front. Nutr. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1042719

Resilience in the face of a rare, neuromuscular disorder, gMG

2024-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine going to work and, in the middle of leading a staff meeting, you start slurring your words. You don’t feel ill and nothing like this has ever happened before. You have no explanation as to what could be going on, but you shake it off and go about your day like normal.

Later that evening, the same slurred speech comes back over dinner. Then again during a walk around the neighborhood. Now you’re starting to get concerned.

This was Mike’s experience one day in 2011, a day that should have been like many others — working as a manager at an aerospace company followed by dinner with his wife. While Mike was inclined to dismiss the sudden slurring, his wife was worried and insisted that he schedule a doctor appointment for the very next day.

“The next morning, I sat in the exam room with my general practitioner, and he listened carefully as I explained the strange symptoms. He looked at my eyes and had me gaze at his finger as he moved it around. He checked my throat muscles and decided that I needed to have blood drawn,” said Mike.

“He said that I might have generalized myasthenia gravis or gMG. He didn’t explain what it was or why he thought it was gMG at that time. A few days later, I received a call from him that the blood test confirmed his suspicions that I had gMG.”

What is gMG?

gMG is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease that can lead to a loss of muscle function and can cause severe muscle weakness. The diagnosed prevalence of gMG in the U.S. is estimated at approximately 90,000.

An estimated 80% of people with gMG are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive, meaning they produce anti­-AChR antibodies that bind to signal receptors at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the connection point between nerve cells and the muscles they control. This binding activates the C5 complement protein, part of the body’s immune system, in an uncontrolled manner. As a result, the immune system attacks the NMJ, which leads to inflammation and a breakdown in communication between the brain and the muscles.

This inflammation and breakdown in communication is why Mike had difficulty speaking on the first day his symptoms arose and why he’d soon have trouble chewing and swallowing as well.

Other symptoms of gMG may include double vision, droopy eyelids and lack of balance, which can potentially be followed by more severe symptoms including extreme muscle fatigue, choking and respiratory failure as the disease progresses.

Mike considers himself lucky that his physician had previous experience with autoimmune diseases and recognized his symptoms as gMG. Patients can sometimes go years without a correct diagnosis, leaving them without a management plan for the disease.

Mike’s treatment journey

After his anti-AChR antibody positive gMG diagnosis, Mike’s doctor referred him to a neurologist for further evaluation. He met with several specialists and started his treatment plan.

“I was still experiencing some symptoms. I now know that many of us experience gMG differently, and after speaking with and seeing other patients, I wanted to do what I could to manage my symptoms,” he said.

Mike adapted his lifestyle and learned to make adjustments to make things easier for himself. For work, they moved him into a position that was less demanding. Mike limited his evening activities because his muscle fatigue made it hard to participate. He took breaks when watching and playing with his grandkids. In 2018, Mike learned about potential treatment options and a doctor a few hours away who specialized in treating gMG patients. After running some initial tests, his doctor started him on SOLIRIS® (eculizumab), a C5 complement inhibitor treatment for adult patients with anti-AChR antibody positive gMG.

Mike’s doctor explained that SOLIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections, and because of this, SOLIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.

Mike received his meningococcal vaccines two weeks before his first dose of SOLIRIS.

At first, Mike had the intravenous (IV) infusions every week, and then after five weeks, he received the treatment every other week. Mike received the IV infusion usually over 35 minutes and was monitored after each infusion for at least one hour for allergic and infusion-related reactions. Mike continued to work with his doctor to manage his symptoms and discuss any concerns surrounding his treatment plan. Then in 2021, he learned that ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab­-cwvz), a long-acting C5 inhibitor, was being investigated for adults with anti­-AChR antibody positive gMG, which would allow patients to receive treatments every eight weeks, starting two weeks after an initial dose.

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this use for ULTOMIRIS in 2022, Mike and his doctor discussed the benefits and important safety information for ULTOMIRIS, including the same risk as SOLIRIS regarding serious meningococcal infections, and the most common side effects for ULTOMIRIS which include diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections. They then started the process of changing his treatment, ensuring Mike was up to date on his meningococcal vaccinations and that the ULTOMIRIS initiation was timed to two weeks after his last dose of SOLIRIS. Mike is monitored after each ULTOMIRIS infusion for at least 1 hour for allergic and infusion-related reactions.

“There were several reasons I was excited about transitioning to ULTOMIRIS. The first reason was that with ULTOMIRIS, the every eight-week infusion schedule after the loading dose worked for my vacation schedules. The other big reason I wanted to take ULTOMIRIS is that my doctor and infusion center are a two-hour drive from my house. Making that trip every eight weeks instead of every other week was very appealing,” he said.

Living life with gMG

Mike’s advice to others with a gMG diagnosis: First, find a healthcare provider who is familiar with gMG. Second, let people know about your condition so they can help. Finally, know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard.

This is Mike’s personal gMG journey. Not all patients respond to therapy the same way. Individual results and experiences may vary. It is always important to consult with your doctor to determine what treatment is right for you.

This article is sponsored by Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

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INDICATION & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab­-cwvz) [injection for intravenous use, 300mg/3mL vial]

INDICATION

What is ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a disease called generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) who are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective for the treatment of gMG in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • ULTOMIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.
  1. You must complete or update meningococcal vaccine(s) at least 2 weeks before your first dose of ULTOMIRIS.
  2. If you have not completed your meningococcal vaccines and ULTOMIRIS must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccine(s) as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and ULTOMIRIS must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting ULTOMIRIS. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional meningococcal vaccines.
  5. Meningococcal vaccines do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection: fever, fever with high heart rate, headache and fever, confusion, muscle aches with flu-­like symptoms, fever and a rash, headache with nausea or vomiting, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, or eyes sensitive to light.

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 8 months after your last ULTOMIRIS dose. Your risk of meningococcal infection may continue for several months after your last dose of ULTOMIRIS. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

ULTOMIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS and SOLIRIS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can receive ULTOMIRIS, your healthcare provider must: enroll in the REMS program; counsel you about the risk of serious meningococcal infections; give you information about the signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infection; make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start ULTOMIRIS right away and are not up to date on your vaccines; give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of meningococcal infection.

ULTOMIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Certain people may be at risk of serious infections with gonorrhea.

Who should not receive ULTOMIRIS?

Do not receive ULTOMIRIS if you have a serious meningococcal infection when you are starting ULTOMIRIS.

Before you receive ULTOMIRIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 8 months after your final dose of ULTOMIRIS.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over­-the­-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS can cause serious side effects including infusion­-related reactions. Symptoms of an infusion­-related reaction with ULTOMIRIS may include lower back pain, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, changes in blood pressure, tiredness, feeling faint, shaking chills (rigors), discomfort in your arms or legs, bad taste, or drowsiness. Stop treatment of ULTOMIRIS and tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop these symptoms, or any other symptoms during your ULTOMIRIS infusion that may mean you are having a serious infusion­-related reaction, including: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out.

The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people with gMG are diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider right away if you miss an ULTOMIRIS infusion or for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-­800­-FDA­-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infections.

INDICATION & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) [injection for intravenous use, 300mg/3mL vial]

INDICATION

What is SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. It is not known if SOLIRIS is safe and effective in children with gMG.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • SOLIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life­-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.
  1. You must complete or update your meningococcal vaccine(s) at least 2 weeks before your first dose of SOLIRIS.
  2. If you have not been vaccinated and SOLIRIS must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccine(s) as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and SOLIRIS must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting SOLIRIS. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional meningococcal vaccines.
  5. Meningococcal vaccines do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a serious meningococcal infection: fever, fever with high heart rate, headache and fever, confusion, muscle aches with flu­-like symptoms, fever and rash, headache with nausea or vomiting, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, or eyes sensitive to light.

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of SOLIRIS. Your risk of meningococcal infection may continue for several weeks after your last dose of SOLIRIS. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

SOLIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS and SOLIRIS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can receive SOLIRIS, your healthcare provider must: enroll in the REMS program; counsel you about the risk of serious meningococcal infections; give you information about the signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infection; make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start SOLIRIS right away and you are not up to date on your vaccines; give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of meningococcal infection.

SOLIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Certain people may be at risk of serious infections with gonorrhea. Certain fungal infections (Aspergillus) may occur if you take SOLIRIS and have a weak immune system or a low white blood cell count.

Who should not receive SOLIRIS?

Do not receive SOLIRIS if you have a serious meningococcal infection when you are starting SOLIRIS.

Before you receive SOLIRIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SOLIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-­the­-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS can cause serious side effects including serious infusion­-related reactions. Tell your healthcare provider or nurse right away if you get any of these symptoms during your SOLIRIS infusion: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out. If you have an infusion­-related reaction to SOLIRIS, your healthcare provider may need to infuse SOLIRIS more slowly, or stop SOLIRIS.

The most common side effects in people with gMG treated with SOLIRIS include: muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of SOLIRIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1­-800­-FDA­-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SOLIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infections.

AstraZeneca and its Rare Disease Unit, Alexion, are committed to raising awareness of the disease and the need for treatment options. Learn more at Alexion.com and Astrazeneca­us.com. You can also visit ultomirisgmg.com.

ALEXION, the Alexion logo, SOLIRIS and ULTOMIRIS are registered trademarks of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2024, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

US/SOL-g/0615 V1 06/2024

A patient’s story: Managing ulcerative colitis symptoms from diagnosis to treatment

2024-06-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer. Tiffany partnered with Pfizer to share her experience living with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Tiffany, a mother of two from Westfield, Indiana, enjoyed coaching cheerleading and traveling with her daughters and team to cheer competitions when she began experiencing more frequent bowel movements and bleeding when she went to the bathroom. Eventually, these symptoms progressed, which made doing the activities she enjoyed more difficult. She wanted to be more present and visible to her cheer team during their routines, but this became challenging as she frequently needed to find the nearest bathroom.

Tiffany went to a gastroenterologist (GI) to discuss her symptoms and after a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine (also called the colon) that affects the lining and causes sores or ulcers to form. Current medicines can help manage UC symptoms but do not cure UC.[i]

Tiffany was not too familiar with UC before her diagnosis, although she knew there was some family history as her grandfather and uncle lived with the disease. She was surprised by her diagnosis and that she would need to manage her UC symptoms for the rest of her life. To learn more about the disease, she spoke to her doctor who provided her with informational packets, and she did some additional research online.

Tiffany and her GI immediately began working on a treatment plan to help manage her UC symptoms. This cycle of new medications went on for a few years. Since she had tried a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker without success, Tiffany’s GI discussed trying XELJANZ (tofacitinib), an oral medication for adults with moderate to severe UC.

Tiffany’s doctor reviewed the potential benefits and serious side effects of XELJANZ with her and explained that it has a BOXED WARNING. They also discussed the type of monitoring and lab work that would be needed before and during treatment.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can cause serious side effects and can lower your ability to fight infections like tuberculosis (TB); don’t start XELJANZ if you have an infection. Before and while being treated, your doctor should check for infections like TB and do blood tests. Increased risk of death and major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in patients 50 or older who have at least one heart disease risk factor. Serious, sometimes fatal infections, cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer, cardiovascular events, immune system problems and blood clots have happened. Tell your doctor if you are a current or past smoker, have had any type of cancer, have had a heart attack, stroke or a history of blood clots.

Read more about Important Safety Information and Indication below.

After starting XELJANZ, Tiffany noticed an improvement in her UC symptoms, including less frequent bowel movements and reduced blood in her stool. Tiffany looked forward to coaching cheer and spending time with her daughters.

“I remember how happy I was at my follow-up appointment when my doctor said that with the colonoscopy results, and my symptom improvements, he thought I was in remission,” Tiffany said.

Through open communication and partnering with her doctor to find a treatment plan that works for her, Tiffany has been able to better manage her UC symptoms and focus on the activities that are important to her.

Her message to others who are living with UC is to “keep hanging in there and working with your doctor. Try different medications until you find something that works for you. Be patient.”

To learn more about XELJANZ, visit XELJANZ.com/UC.

To share your story with UC, visit XELJANZ.com/share-your-story.

This represents Tiffany’s experience and another person’s experience may vary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing are noted.

Serious infections. XELJANZ can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Do not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections have happened in people taking XELJANZ. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with XELJANZ. You should not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare professional tells you it is okay.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you are being treated for an infection, have infections that keep coming back, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweating, or chills
  • cough
  • blood in phlegm
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • burning when you urinate
  • urinating more often than normal
  • muscle aches
  • shortness of breath
  • weight loss
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • feeling very tired

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily.

Cancer. XELJANZ may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Higher dose. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Immune system problem. Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking XELJANZ, including:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded
  • weakness in one part of or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in people with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.

  • Stop taking XELJANZ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots such as sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or red or discolored skin in the leg or arm.

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your white and red blood cells before and while you are taking XELJANZ. Your doctor should also check certain liver tests. You should not receive XELJANZ if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low, or your liver function test levels are too high. Changes in lab test results may cause your healthcare provider to stop your XELJANZ treatment for a time. Your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving XELJANZ.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
  • Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
  • Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
  • Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
  • Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
  • Are a current or past smoker
  • Have had any type of cancer
  • Have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
  • Have had blood clots
  • Have liver or kidney problems
  • Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
  • Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
  • Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
  • Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
    • tocilizumab (Actemra®)
    • etanercept (Enbrel®)
    • adalimumab (Humira®)
    • infliximab (Remicade®)
    • rituximab (Rituxan®)
    • abatacept (Orencia®)
    • anakinra (Kineret®)
    • certolizumab (Cimzia®)
    • golimumab (Simponi®)
    • ustekinumab (Stelara®)
    • secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
    • vedolizumab (Entyvio®)
    • sarilumab (Kevzara®)
    • azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

If you are a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting and while using treatment with XELJANZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of these symptoms: feeling very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects in adults with ulcerative colitis include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster).

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

  • Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take XELJANZ or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with XELJANZ do not start breastfeeding again until 18 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ or 36 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ XR.

What is XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

  • Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular course juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

© 2024 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-XEL-USA-9489 June 2024.



[i] Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. What is Ulcerative Colitis? https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview

A dermatologist’s ultimate summer guide for whole body care

2024-06-20T17:01:00

(BPT) – You probably worry a lot about caring for your body — especially your skin — over the winter, when harsh temps and cold winds can take their toll. But did you know your self-care routine could also use an overhaul to face the challenges of the hot summer months?

“Just like you change your clothes depending on the season, your skincare routine needs to change in the summer, too,” said board certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu. “While many of us are well versed in how to care for our skin in the winter, summertime brings its own concerns.” To help you enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps without stressing your skin, here are some of her tips for your best summer body care.

Layer on the sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin before going out and about, even on cloudy days. Be sure to bring some along with you if you plan to spend your whole day outdoors and be ready to reapply after spending time in the water.

What to do about body odor

One of the biggest challenges during the heat of summer is coping with increased odor, which can impact not just your armpits, but everywhere on your body. To address this concern, some women take multiple showers a day or use powder or perfumes that only mask the odor, rather than addressing it at its source.

“First and foremost, I want to say that body odor is 100% normal and definitely expected with the hotter weather,” said Dr. Liu. “If you’re looking for a solution to help you stay fresher longer, I highly recommend Secret Whole Body Deodorant, which is made with ingredients you can use for the whole body, including intimate areas, for external use only.”

Made with skin care ingredients, Secret Whole Body Deodorant is tested by gynecologists and dermatologists, and is free of aluminum, baking soda, dyes, phthalates and parabens. It comes in three unique formulations:

  1. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Stick is ideal for use under breasts or where thighs rub together. Made with shea butter and coconut oil, the stick glides on smooth and clear. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom, Lilac & Waterlily scents and Unscented.
  2. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream is perfect for use in intimate areas, and it can easily and precisely be applied by hand. Made with skin care ingredients, the water-based cream absorbs quickly, with no pilling. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom scent and Unscented.
  3. Aluminum Free Whole Body Deodorant Spray allows for touchless application across your body and is made with 100% natural propellant so you can experience the full array of light, fresh fragrance notes. Available in Peach & Vanilla Blossom and Lilac & Waterlily scents.

Secret Whole Body Deodorant provides 72 hours of clinically proven odor protection for your whole body, to help you feel fresher no matter what summer throws your way.

Ways to avoid dry skin

While dry skin is common during winter, the summer weather can also be a culprit! Whether you’re going in and out of air-conditioned buildings and hot outdoor air, spending time in the blazing sun or going for a swim in chlorinated pools and salty sea water, these activities can all strip the skin of its natural oils.

“It’s really important to rinse your skin well after swimming,” said Dr. Liu. “I always recommend that my patients use a gentle cleanser to remove debris — and then immediately apply a moisturizer on damp skin to reduce dryness and irritation.”

Revamp your bathroom cabinet

With the changing seasons, it’s also a great time to refresh your bathroom cabinets and drawers to declutter and remove items that are past their expiration date. “Go through your products so you can toss out anything you no longer use, or that’s old or expired,” said Dr. Liu. Check your products for texture or color changes, for example. Those are signs that it’s time to get a new one.

With these tips, you can enjoy all of the fun summer activities you love while looking, feeling — and smelling your best, all day long.

Planning knee replacement surgery? How innovative new tech can help your recovery

2024-06-20T12:21:13

(BPT) – Nearly one million Americans will have a total knee replacement this year. In the past five years, knee replacements have received a high-tech enhancement, thanks to the world’s first smart knee implant and digital mobile applications designed to support patients during recovery.

Is a knee replacement in your near future?

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended by surgeons for people with end stage, bone-on-bone arthritis who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments. A common misconception is that the entire knee is removed and “replaced.” In reality, the ends of the knee joint are resurfaced with metal components, and a medical grade plastic implant is used to create the new cushion in your knee. Your own muscles and ligaments provide the strength and stability to your new knee.

Knee replacements: Then and now

Since 1968, when the first total knee replacement was performed, there have been numerous advances making knee replacement a highly successful procedure with great long-term outcomes for many patients. For example, surgeons have replaced using large incisions in favor of minimally invasive approaches with smaller incisions and tissue sparing techniques that can reduce tissue trauma, and in turn post-operative pain and swelling. Many operating rooms come equipped with robotic surgical assistants that allow surgeons to prep the bone, and place and align the implant with accuracy, precision and predictability. And implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes so surgeons can customize the alignment and fit based on the patient’s unique anatomy.

While the knee replacement surgery itself has undergone a significant transformation in the last five decades, the post-operative recovery experience hasn’t transformed at the same pace.

How groundbreaking technology can aid your recovery

That is now changing with the availability of smart and digital technologies specifically designed to allow doctors and patients to remotely track how your knee is functioning.

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the world’s only smart knee implant, known as Persona IQ®. Unlike traditional implants, the Persona IQ smart knee implant contains a smart stem extension with sensors to collect motion data such as the knee range of motion while walking, stride length, walking speed, cadence, the distance walked and step count.

The motion data collected by the Persona IQ smart knee implant is securely and wirelessly transferred to a digital care management platform and app known as mymobility®. The app allows patients to communicate with their care providers through messaging and video visits and provides exercises for self-directed rehabilitation. Throughout the recovery, doctors can access their patient’s movement data through the mymobility clinician dashboard.

In combination with in-person visits, the ability to collect information from the knee implant 24/7 anytime, anywhere, provides critical data to help doctors make better-informed care decisions for each patient. If you’re a candidate for a knee replacement, talk to your doctor about whether Persona IQ is right for you. Click here to find a surgeon near you who offers Persona IQ.

Note: The Persona IQ Smart Knee is not a GPS or tracking device, so it does not have the capability to collect data on your location or track where you’ve been or where you’re going.

mymobility is a trademark of Zimmer Biomet or one of its affiliates.

Important Safety Information

Not all patients are candidates for this product and/or procedure, and mymobility can only be used if prescribed by a surgeon for patients identified as appropriate for remote care who have internet access and a text-capable mobile device or a compatible smartphone to use mymobility; not all smartphone app features are available with web-based version.

Indications

The Canary Tibial Extension (CTE) with Canary Health Implanted Reporting Processor (CHIRP) System is intended to provide objective kinematic data from the implanted medical device during a patient’s total knee arthroplasty (TKA) post-surgical care. The kinematic data are an adjunct to other physiological parameter measurement tools applied or utilized by the physician during the course of patient monitoring and treatment post-surgery. The device is indicated for use in patients undergoing a cemented TKA procedure that are normally indicated for at least a 58 mm sized tibial stem extension. The objective kinematic data generated by the CTE with CHIRP System are not intended to support clinical decision-making and have not been shown to provide any clinical benefit. The CTE with CHIRP System is compatible with Zimmer Persona® Personalized Knee System.

Contraindications

The canturio™ te (CTE) is contraindicated for use in patients who are undergoing procedures or treatments at or in the proximity of the CTE using therapeutic ionizing radiation can result in shortened battery life or premature failure of electronic components. Damage to the CTE by therapeutic ionizing radiation may not be immediately detectable.

Before performing TKA on any patient, consider the following contraindications.

The Zimmer Biomet Persona® Knee System is contraindicated for use in patients who have:

  • Previous history of infection in the affected joint and/or other local/systemic infection that may affect the prosthetic joint
  • Insufficient bone stock on femoral or tibial surfaces
  • Skeletal immaturity
  • Neuropathic arthropathy
  • Osteoporosis or any loss of musculature or neuromuscular disease that compromises the affected limb
  • A stable, painless arthrodesis in a satisfactory functional position
  • Severe instability secondary to the absence of collateral ligament integrity

Total Knee Arthroplasty is contraindicated in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) accompanied by an ulcer of the skin or a history of recurrent breakdown of the skin because their risk of postoperative infection is greater. RA patients using steroids may also have increased risk of infection. Late infections in RA patients have been reported 24+ months postoperative.

Millions of U.S. Adults Have Gum Disease, But New Survey Shows Many Don’t Know It

2024-06-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Gum disease. Nearly half of all U.S. adults over 30 years old (or nearly 65 million people) have it1. However, only 16% of adults 30+ (referred to as “consumers” throughout) report having been diagnosed, according to a new national study from OraPharma conducted by The Harris Poll – which means that millions of Americans may have the lifelong condition without realizing it.

What’s more, the same survey revealed that 91% of consumers incorrectly believed or are not sure whether gum disease is curable, when in fact, gum disease cannot be cured, only managed through ongoing monitoring and treatment as needed. With gum disease, more frequent dental visits may be required because it is a chronic, lifelong bacterial infection.

Considering the misunderstandings surrounding gum disease, recognizing its symptoms and learning how it can be managed is key to having informed conversations with a dentist or hygienist.

Below is an overview of key findings from the survey and how consumers can (and should) leverage these insights to close the awareness gap in oral hygiene.

Know the Signs

Understanding the signs of gum disease is a crucial first step to preventing the potentially severe consequences that can arise from it, such as damage to the soft tissue and bone that support teeth, and even tooth loss. Gum disease may be associated with an increased risk for other chronic conditions throughout the body, such as cardiovascular disease.

The recent survey revealed that around a third of consumers (33%) don’t know all the symptoms of gum disease. In fact, 92% of dentists agreed that they wished their patients would come to them sooner when experiencing gum disease symptoms. If any of the below symptoms are noticed, it’s important to talk to a dentist or hygienist.

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Tooth looseness or loss

Have the Right Conversations

The survey also revealed a disconnect between gum health conversations reported by dentists and hygienists and those reported by consumers during appointments. Case in point: While a staggering 90% of dentists and hygienists report discussing gum health during at least half of their dental appointments, only 62% of consumers who visit the dentist say the same.

These survey findings reveal that both consumers and dentists/hygienists can benefit from improved conversations during dental appointments. However, having the right conversation can be hard, especially when unaware of what questions to ask. To help with this, OraPharma has developed a dentist discussion guide to help consumers navigate the conversation at their next dentist appointment.

Go to aboutgumdisease.com and download a gum health discussion guide, designed to help consumers understand exactly what they should be discussing with their dental care providers to protect their gum health.

References

1.Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, Thornton-Evans GO, Genco RJ. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research. 2012;91(10):914-920. doi:10.1177/0022034512457373

ORA.0076.USA.24

Source: Bausch Health


Method Statement for Consumer Research

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OraPharma among 1,004 U.S. adults age 30+ (“consumers”). The survey was conducted February 13-26, 2024.

Data are weighted where necessary by age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, employment, household income, and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 3.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

Method Statement for Dental Healthcare Provider Research

The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of OraPharma among 404 Dental Healthcare Professionals (“DHCPs”), including 201 Dentists (with no specialty or a periodontist specialty) and 203 Dental Hygienists, age 18+ who practice in the U.S., are licensed in the state where they practice, have been in practice for at least 1 year, do not primarily see pediatric patients, and see at least 5 patients with periodontal disease weekly. The survey was conducted February 13-27, 2024.

Data for both Dentists and Dental Hygienists are each weighted where necessary by age by gender to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Data for Dentists and Dental Hygienists were then combined using a post weight proportional to the population size to create a total for DHCPs.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 5.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

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