Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-09-30T04:01:00

(BPT) – At a time when even the most optimistic of us can’t help but get stuck on the negative, science tells us that tapping into our sense of gratitude is a shortcut to feeling more grounded. Doing so not only has the power to change your emotional state for the better but can also have a positive impact on your physical health and help strengthen relationships with the people in your life.

Let’s check out some of the ways expressing gratitude can help you live a happier and healthier life.

1. Practicing gratitude has been proven to increase levels of positive emotions, leading to more pleasure, joy, optimism, and happiness.

Practicing gratitude, even for five minutes a day, has been scientifically proven to increase happiness and pleasure and bolster our sense of emotional resilience.

To get started, tap into the present moment and think about five things to be grateful for. Don’t overthink it! Just focus on what immediately comes to mind. Maybe it’s your sister. Maybe it’s the feeling of the warm sun on your face. Maybe it’s your favorite band. Maybe it’s a stranger who held the subway door for you.

By focusing on what you’re grateful for, you’re more likely to have a more centered perspective, regardless of whatever else is going on in your life. That makes the hard things that much easier to tackle.

2. There are physical health benefits to practicing gratitude too.

A grateful heart is also a healthy heart, as it turns out. A 2019 Open University of the Netherlands study found that keeping a regular gratitude journal has the power to regulate your breathing and slow your heart rate, lowering blood pressure overall.

Other benefits of gratitude include better sleep (yes, please!). A study conducted in 2009 for the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that participants who expressed gratitude had an easier time falling — and staying — asleep. Other pluses include a stronger immune system, less stress, and fewer symptoms of chronic pain. Who knew?

3. Expressing gratitude can spark a human connection.

Upworthy believes that taking steps to appreciate your loved ones can directly impact your overall well-being. In fact, they have a whole book about it called GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity.

In a 2005 study conducted by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, delivering a handwritten note to someone they’d never had the chance to thank improved participants’ subjective well-being for three months. Reaching out to people not only feels good but also facilitates an opportunity to strengthen relationships with your friends, family, and neighbors. This, in turn, wards off loneliness, isolation, and disconnection.

Try this exercise on your own by sending a handwritten postcard (or even a text!) based on these sample prompts from the book:

• I never got the chance to thank you.
• I believe in good people because of you.
• I’ll never forget how you were there for me.
• I just want to tell you how much this meant to me.

Remember, the benefits of gratitude are just a few introspective moments away. Let’s all give it a go!

Takeaway tips:

• Try logging five things you’re grateful for each day.
• Try to find a moment — even if it’s five minutes — for yourself every day to contemplate what matters most.
• Read Upworthy’s new book, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, for 101 stories of people expressing gratitude for others in their lives, from loved ones to strangers.

2024-09-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Did you know that in the US, nearly half of all adults have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), also referred to as known heart disease?[1] A common type of heart disease, called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is caused by consistent high levels of “bad cholesterol” (aka, low density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C).[2],[3] Prolonged exposure to high levels of bad cholesterol can result in the formation of plaque, which can lead to blockages that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.[2],[3] The problem? Many people may not know this vital information or how to manage high levels of bad cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol can be measured through a standard lipid panel, which can be done at a healthcare provider’s office.[4] But the reality is that one in five heart attacks that occur in the US are silent, meaning the damage was done without the person knowing.[5] One reason this may happen is because high levels of bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition — that is why it’s critical for everyone to be aware of their bad cholesterol levels, and if they are high, take proactive steps to reduce their bad cholesterol.[3]

Bringing the Connection to Life

Richard is an active person who likes to fish, work on his home landscaping projects, and play with his son. Coming from a family with a long history of heart disease, Richard always knew he had to be proactive and take his health seriously. But despite his best efforts with diet and an active lifestyle, healthcare providers found a 95% blockage in his left anterior descending artery, also known as the “widowmaker.”[6]

“This significant of a blockage, created by plaque build-up as a result of consistently high levels of bad cholesterol, can cause fatal heart events, hence the name ‘widowmaker,’” says Nicole Ciffone, Nurse Practitioner, Lipid Specialist and Founder of Arizona Lipid Center. “Richard’s proactivity around managing his health might have just saved his life, but many patients don’t know that consistently high levels of bad cholesterol can put them at serious risk for a cardiac event.”

To reduce the blockage and increase blood flow, Richard’s care team placed a stent into his heart, followed by three more over the next six years. Stents are placed in arteries to keep the artery from narrowing or closing.[7] During this time, Richard and his cardiologist kept a close eye on his bad cholesterol levels, which remained high.

After recovering from cardiac surgery, Richard was prescribed statins, a common cholesterol medication, and continued to prioritize a healthy diet and exercise routine.[8]

A Turning Point

“I was doing everything right, but my bad cholesterol remained higher than it should be, even after I started statin therapy,” recalls Richard.

“When you’re already doing everything you think you can do to manage or lower bad cholesterol, not seeing those numbers go down can be frustrating,” said Ciffone. “Sometimes a cholesterol-lowering treatment like statins, even when paired with a healthy lifestyle, isn’t enough.”

Determined not to let his challenges with managing his bad cholesterol impact his most important role in life, being a parent to his young son, Richard worked proactively with his healthcare team to find a treatment to lower his bad cholesterol, which included the addition of non-statin therapy. Richard was prescribed an injectable treatment called Leqvio^® (inclisiran), which works with the liver’s natural process to support the lowering of bad cholesterol, along with diet and a statin.[9]

After an initial dose, followed by one at three months, it’s administered by a health care provider twice-yearly.[9] In clinical studies it has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol by about 50% and keep it low through each six-month dosing interval at 17 months.[9]

“I’ve been taking Leqvio for one year now and have been able to reduce my bad cholesterol to levels both me and my healthcare provider are happy with,” Richard said. “It’s been nice to see my numbers go down after years of struggle. And for me and my lifestyle, it’s nice to not have to remember to take another medication or self-inject.”

Finding a Treatment that Works for You

“Leqvio is another great tool in our toolbox to help patients lower their bad cholesterol levels, along with diet and statins,” said Ciffone. “The twice-yearly dosing, after two initial doses, and HCP administration may work for some patients’ lifestyle. But, it’s important that patients speak with their own healthcare providers about what treatment option may be right for them.”

The most common side effects of Leqvio include injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.[9] Please see additional safety information below. It is not known if Leqvio can decrease problems related to high cholesterol, such as heart attacks or stroke.[9]

Bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition, which can make it easy to forget or ignore as patients may be prioritizing other health conditions.[3] However, managing bad cholesterol is extremely important, especially for patients who are considered “high-risk” for heart disease.

“It’s understandable, given the overwhelming amount of change a patient may need to adopt, that some patients and providers may not prioritize getting to LDL-C guideline recommended thresholds,” said Ciffone. “I encourage both patients and the community of healthcare providers to remain vigilant on bad cholesterol management throughout a patient’s healthcare journey.”

Opportunities for Others

“I hope sharing my story and acknowledging some of the challenges I’ve faced managing my bad cholesterol can help others,” shares Richard. It’s critical to know the status of your bad cholesterol and lower it to the recommended goal and keep it low.[10] By talking to his healthcare providers, Richard was able to find a treatment option that worked for him.

To prepare for these conversations you should understand your target LDL-C number. For example, for patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke the American Heart Association recommends LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL or lower.[11]

“If people knew about the importance of managing bad cholesterol, they would take a more proactive approach and have those important conversations with their healthcare providers early,” says Richard.

If you or a loved one has continued to struggle with high LDL-C, despite statin therapy and lifestyle changes, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

To learn more about Leqvio, visit Leqvio.com.

What is LEQVIO?

LEQVIO (inclisiran) is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or “bad” cholesterol.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to LEQVIO or any of its ingredients.

The most common side effects of LEQVIO were: injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.

These are not all the possible side effects of LEQVIO. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for accompanying LEQVIO full Prescribing Information.

References

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2024-09-25T04:01:00

(BPT) – It was a diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear, and few parents have heard it. Mandy and Ryan Aberegg’s world shifted on its axis when their son Cooper, now 13 years old, was diagnosed shortly after birth with severe hemophilia B, a rare disorder that prevents the blood from clotting.

The condition is caused by omission of factor IX, a protein that controls bleeding, from the X chromosome. But at the time, Mandy and Ryan weren’t familiar with the medical lingo surrounding the disorder. They only knew it meant their son could suffer from excessive bleeding, perhaps with fatal consequences.

According to the Hemophilia Federation of America, of the 30,000 Americans who have hemophilia, only about 7,000 have hemophilia B. The condition is hereditary but can also be caused by a spontaneous gene mutation. It’s also more likely to affect males because it is linked to the X chromosome.

The Abereggs didn’t want the diagnosis to hold their son back. “We made it a priority that Cooper could have as normal a life as any other child,” Ryan said.

But that would require considerable support. At first, the Abereggs found help from a local bleeding disorders patient group. Then, a friend from that community introduced them to the Coalition for Hemophilia B, an organization focused exclusively on Cooper’s disease. That introduction opened up a whole new set of options, along with support and hope.

It wasn’t too long ago that therapies for hemophilia B were very limited, but through the Coalition, the Abereggs learned about multiple treatment options, including the factor IX replacement therapy Cooper now undergoes weekly, and likely will continue for the rest of his life.

A double rarity in the family

After Cooper’s diagnosis, Mandy and Ryan underwent genetic testing to get to the bottom of how their son ended up with his disorder. What they found surprised them, as it was Mandy who had the gene mutation for mild hemophilia B, which is characterized by factor IX levels between 6% and 49%. Since nobody else in her family has the altered gene, Mandy’s mutation is considered spontaneous, which occurs in about 30% of people with the disorder, according to the Coalition.

Despite being a carrier of the gene mutation, Mandy had no symptoms and required no treatment. But she could pass the condition along to her children, and did, with Cooper. Even so, buoyed by the confidence they had built in treating Cooper, Mandy and Ryan decided to expand their family. Their daughter Brooke, now 8 years old, was also born with mild hemophilia B and “bruises like a peach,” according to Mandy. But because Brooke was a girl, getting her diagnosed and treated was an uphill battle for the Abereggs. Fortunately, they were well armed.

“Even in this day and age, some doctors don’t believe girls have hemophilia, but are just carriers,” Mandy explained. “I found a female doctor who works with female hemophilia patients. She is the one who listened to me as a concerned mom and confirmed Brooke has mild hemophilia.”

That diagnosis was critical. The Abereggs knew how important it was to have “on-demand” treatment for Brooke, meaning access to timely intervention if Brooke was injured, fell, or had a bleeding episode, which was likely to happen since she is very active and participates in competitive gymnastics. Mandy and Ryan therefore fought hard to obtain that therapy, even when insurance denied their claims. Now, both of their children use the same therapy, but in different ways.

Cooper must be infused prophylactically with his factor IX replacement therapy on a weekly basis, while Brooke receives it on an “on-demand” basis to ensure her body has factor IX for her blood to clot when she has bleeding episodes. The Abereggs now have the treatment on hand, at their house, and have learned how to administer it to both children.

The family now looks forward each year to the Coalition’s annual conference, where Cooper can rekindle friendships he has made over the years. That is an especially big deal since Cooper is also on the autism spectrum and has attention-deficit disorder. Bolstered by new connections and teen role models, Cooper has been able to attend a sleepaway camp for kids with bleeding disorders over the last few summers.

Mandy and Ryan are a solid team. As the adage goes, it takes a village to raise children, and this is especially true when those children have a rare bleeding disorder.

To see the family in action, and to hear them discuss their experiences with hemophilia B, visit PatientIXperiences.com.

2024-09-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have intensely itchy, flaky skin that flares up during certain times of the year or in certain conditions? Does the itching get so bad it interrupts your sleep? Does your incessant scratching cause skin to crack, ooze or become infected?

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have moderate to severe eczema. And you’re not alone. Among the 31.6 million people living with eczema in the United States, 40% of adults and 33% of children have moderate to severe eczema.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. It causes itchy, painful rashes.

While the cause of eczema is unknown, doctors believe it’s related to:

• genetics or family history of the condition;
• an overactive immune system that causes skin inflammation when exposed to allergens and irritants;
• a defective skin barrier that allows moisture to escape the body, and allergens and bacteria to enter.

Eczema can appear on the face, neck, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Common symptoms include:

• Red bumps, blisters or patches on light skin
• Brown, purple or ashen gray bumps, blisters or patches on dark skin
• Itchiness
• Dry skin
• Swelling
• Flaky, scaly or cracking skin
• Open, oozing skin
• Thickened skin
• Raw or sensitive skin due to scratching

When eczema is moderate to severe, symptoms are often widespread across the body. The inflammation causes intense, constant itching. This leads to the natural response of scratching. And unfortunately, too much scratching can then cause an infection if the surface of the skin is broken. Signs of an infection include crusty skin (often on top of the eczema), swollen bumps and pus-filled blisters.

Moderate to severe eczema can significantly impact your quality of life. It may affect your ability to do daily tasks and disrupt sleep at night.

How to manage and treat eczema

While there’s no cure for eczema, treatments are available that can help reduce symptoms and break the itch-scratch cycle.

You can also take steps to avoid what triggers your symptoms. Because each person has specific triggers that may cause or worsen eczema, it’s helpful to track and identify when and where your symptoms are at their worst. Typical eczema triggers include:

• Contact allergies to jewelry, cosmetics, cleaning or skin products
• Dry skin
• Dust mites that live in mattresses, carpets, pillows and furniture
• Environmental allergies like pollen or mold
• Food allergies to foods like tree nuts, shellfish or wheat
• Pet dander
• Hormonal changes around menstruation, pregnancy or menopause
• Outdoor temperatures including excessive heat or severe cold
• Skin irritants like heavy or tight clothing, certain fabrics or detergents
• Stress
• Cigarette smoke

It’s common to have more than one trigger. Some may be easier to avoid than others.

If you’re unable to identify your triggers, see a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for testing. These specialists can accurately pinpoint your triggers and recommend treatments.

The first line of treatment for mild to moderate eczema typically involves moisturizers and topical medications like corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors. These medications help reduce skin inflammation, irritation and itch.

Advanced treatments for moderate to severe eczema

What can you do when eczema is moderate to severe and topical medications do not provide enough relief?

Ask your doctor about more advanced treatments. Biologic medications and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are two options. They target the source of eczema symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves, stopping skin inflammation at the cell level before it can start.

JAK inhibitors are approved to treat mild, moderate and severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 12 and older whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with topical medications. Three JAK inhibitors are available for atopic dermatitis. Two are taken daily as a tablet or liquid. A third is a topical applied to affected skin twice a day — but on no more than 20% of the body.

Biologic medications dupilumab (Dupixent^®) and tralokinumab (Adbry^®) are approved to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in people whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with all other medications. Dupilumab and tralokinumab prevent certain cells in the body from activating and causing skin inflammation.

Dupilumab is prescribed to adults and children ages 6 months and older. Tralokinumab is for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Both are given as injections every 1-4 weeks, either in the doctor’s office or at home with an auto-injector pen. You can learn more about biologics for severe eczema at BiologicMeds.org.

Don’t just put up with constant eczema symptoms when you can take action to start finding relief. See a board-certified allergist or dermatologist and ask about the latest treatments.

2024-09-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in men in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 men getting diagnosed in their lifetime. The risk of prostate cancer increases as men age, with the majority of cases found in men older than 65. Since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, now is a great time to take a few minutes to learn the facts behind some common myths about prostate cancer. Read on to understand the risks, treatment options and when to take action.

Myth 1: Those without symptoms or a family connection to the disease are unlikely to have prostate cancer.

For many men, prostate cancer often has no signs or symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to self-detect. While a family connection does increase one’s risk for prostate cancer, there are several other factors that can make a man more prone to the disease, including age. Prostate cancer can also occur more often in Black men than in people of other races and ethnicities.

Myth 2: Prostate cancer grows slowly, so it’s fine to skip annual screenings.

Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100 percent, so regular screenings are imperative. Men with an average risk of prostate cancer should begin regular screenings at age 50, while men at a higher risk, including Black men, men with a family history of prostate cancer or those with certain genetic mutations, are recommended to start as early as age 40.

Myth 3: Surgery is the only treatment option following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

There are several approaches to treat prostate cancer depending on its stage and patient preferences for treatment. Options for prostate cancer treatment can include active surveillance — or “watch and wait” — for low-grade cancers. In other instances, doctors may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy or radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a common treatment approach, with over 60,000 U.S. men opting for this option to treat their prostate cancer every year as an alternative to surgery.

Myth 4: Radiation therapy will cause side effects like rectal bleeding.

Like any option to treat prostate cancer, radiation therapy can cause unwanted side effects, which vary for each patient. Some common side effects are urinary or bowel leakage, diminished erectile function or damage to the rectum and surrounding organs due to their proximity to the prostate. For some patients, there are options available that may help minimize the side effects of radiation therapy, such as SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel.

SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates a small amount of space between the prostate and the rectum, which helps reduce radiation side effects, including minimizing radiation damage to the rectum. A health care professional can place SpaceOAR Hydrogel during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in an office, hospital, clinic or surgery center.

As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Talk to your doctor about what screening and treatment options are best for you. Learn more about the benefits and risks of SpaceOAR Hydrogel and find a doctor here.

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

2024-09-17T13:01:00

(BPT) – Clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders, with almost 21 million adults in the United States having experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020.¹ Even though it is one of the leading causes of disability in the US, an estimated one-third of US adults living with MDD do not respond adequately to two different antidepressants during the same depressive episode, often defined as treatment-resistant depression (TRD).²

For these patients, there are treatments available that are backed by safety and efficacy data, like SPRAVATO^® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray, which received FDA approval to treat adults with TRD and to treat depressive symptoms in adults with MDD with acute suicidal thoughts or actions, in combination with an oral antidepressant.³

Patient safety is a top priority for Johnson & Johnson. This is why Johnson & Johnson collaborated with the U.S. FDA to establish a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program for SPRAVATO^®, implementing stringent safety and post-administration protocols.³

SPRAVATO^® is derived from ketamine³; however, it’s important to note that it is distinctly different from ketamine. Learn more about the proven safety and efficacy of SPRAVATO^® and how it is different than ketamine in the infographic below.

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Definition of treatment-resistant depression in the Medicare population. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526366/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK526366.pdf
3. SPRAVATO^® [Prescribing Information]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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2024-09-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – According to the Pew Research Center, 84 million adults ages 65 and older will make up 23% of the population by 2054, a 35% increase from the current 18%. This rise in numbers could be a concern for you or a loved one and encourage you to start making the necessary changes needed to ensure everyone’s safety with aging in place.

“The concept of aging in place is being able to live in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of your age, income and physical ability,” said Florence C. Macauley, Certified Aging In Place Specialist and Waterpik™ Showers partner. “Choosing to age at home requires careful planning, thoughtful consideration, and open conversations with your family to ensure your living environment is equipped to handle any cognitive and functional changes you may experience.”

Unfortunately, a study out of the University of Michigan found that not enough people are making those considerations. The study revealed 88% of Americans hope to age in place, but only 15% have thought about the types of changes they’ll need to make at home to do so safely. A fall or other accident at home can significantly disrupt your or your loved ones’ living situation.

It’s important to do all you can to prevent that by making adjustments and modifications in your home for aging safely in place before you (or your aging parents) need them. This way, you’ll be prepared to enjoy your golden years in the comfort of the home you’ve worked hard to create throughout your career.

Macauley, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Executive Home Modification Specialist, shares her top tips for aging safely in place.

1. Install grab bars in the bathroom. They should go next to the toilet, the sink, and on the walls of the tub or shower to add stability. Grab bars make it easier to get up and down and provide firm support to prevent falls. Additionally, built-in support arms on a raised toilet seat can make it easier for seniors to get up and down. You can also look for a seat with bidet functionality, which adds not only a little bit of luxury but is also a big help with hygiene for people with limited mobility.

2. Add an adjustable shower head. Florence Macauley recommends the Waterpik™ ShowerCare Pivoting Hand-Held Shower Head. “The shower head has a 180-degree pivoting head, which makes it easy to bathe yourself or someone else,” said Macauley. “With two docking stations that allow standing or seated showers and a conveniently placed shut-off valve on the handle, it allows for quick action in case of an emergency while showering. The five spray settings offer a wide range of comfort options suitable for everyone, and the extended hose length increases range of motion to reach all necessary areas during bathing.” It also features intensity control on the handle, including PowerPulse Therapeutic Strength Massage, which is clinically shown to help soothe muscle tension, increase flexibility and promote restful sleep. The ShowerCare shower head is universally designed to seamlessly integrate into any modern bathroom, available in chrome and white finishes, functioning as a modern shower head for all members of the household.

3. Rearrange furniture with clear walkways in mind. Make sure you have a clear path from the living room to the kitchen, or the bedroom to the bathroom and all exits of the home. Do you use a walker, cane or wheelchair? The path should be cleared enough for any assistive device to move freely. Anything in the way? Rearrange or move it out. While you’re at it, install motion-activated lights in hallways for late-night trips to the bathroom.

4. Retire the throw rugs. It’s very easy for people to trip or walkers to get hung up on the edges of throw rugs, causing seniors to have to push and maneuver to get where they’re going. This can cause people to stumble. If you are set on keeping your area rugs, make sure to tape down the edges with two-sided tape.

By making these home modifications now, before they’re needed, you can remove the urgency from the situation and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones can age safely and comfortably at home.

2024-09-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company with a 100­-year history of driving change to improve the lives of people living with serious, chronic diseases. As broader conversations about diabetes medicines are ongoing in both mainstream and social media, we believe it is important to continue to raise awareness and to reinforce our commitment to responsible use of Novo Nordisk medicines. These efforts are intended to support the safety of all people for one of our medicines that is well known in the diabetes community, Ozempic^®.

See Medication Guide: bit.ly/OzempicPI & Safety Info: bit.ly/OzempicISI for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg.

2024-09-04T23:01:00

(BPT) – It started with a tiny patch — the size of a walnut, round and smooth. At 21, Deirdre Nero was puzzled by her sudden hair loss — she was studying abroad in Spain when she noticed her first bald spot. As Deirdre puts it, she was known for her thick, curly, black hair, which was very much a part of her identity.

When Deirdre returned to the United States and showed her mother the bald patch in person, her mother was shocked. “I’ll always remember her face,” she said. As more hair began to disappear, Deirdre visited her dermatologist for some answers. But after her appointment, she felt even more distraught.

Her dermatologist diagnosed her with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. As Deirdre recalls, the doctor offered no comfort or encouraging words — he just told her there was no treatment for her medical condition, which could worsen. Like so many patients, Deirdre was left to navigate a new, confusing, and overwhelming diagnosis on her own.

She got to work learning about alopecia areata; Deirdre’s research brought up image after image of people who were completely bald. Her worry grew, as she tried to tell herself her case would be different. But as years passed, Deirdre’s hair loss accelerated, and she found she couldn’t conceal her condition with strategic hairstyling or makeup.

Fear took over; like many people living with alopecia areata, she kept her suffering and diagnosis very private. Deirdre’s efforts to hide her bald patches drained her time and energy. Now working at a law firm, she found herself overwhelmed when she was in public, worrying about the what ifs of having her condition exposed. She recalled an outdoor work event early in her career where she had to leave because it was too windy — terrified that the wind would lift her hair up and her colleagues would see her alopecia areata, which she said made her head “look like Swiss cheese.” Deirdre was ashamed and consumed by the fear that her autoimmune disease would prevent her professional success as a lawyer.

At that point, Deirdre turned to wigs. She had tried steroid injections to alleviate her symptoms, but they were painful and unsustainable. Deirdre felt like her journey was like a game of whack-a-mole — once an area grew back, another bald patch would appear somewhere else. Eventually, Deirdre became completely bald, matching the photos of alopecia patients she researched when she first started her alopecia journey. She was unable to recognize herself in the mirror, and said the painful experience of losing her hair was “like losing a limb” because she would never look or feel the same way again. She was missing a part of herself. With no treatment options available at that time, Deirdre began wearing a wig as her last resort.

Luckily, Deirdre has a solid support system. Over time, and through the support of family, friends, and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), Deirdre was able to overcome the impact of alopecia areata and reclaim her life. She’s taken control of her alopecia areata and decides each day if she wants to wear a wig or go bald. It is an ongoing struggle, but through her advocacy work with NAAF, Deirdre now feels empowered to be her authentic self.

The power to choose how you show up in the world is critical not only for Deirdre and her holistic health, but for the millions of other people living with alopecia areata. The good news is there are innovations recently available for people living with alopecia areata that can make a difference in how the condition is managed. However, access to these innovations and tools to better manage alopecia areata is key. The reality is, people are being left behind for many reasons including lack of awareness of these tools and innovations by dermatologists and patients, as well as insurance coverage challenges. Part of the challenge is that alopecia areata is often relegated to a cosmetic issue versus an autoimmune disease. Work needs to be done to drive broad awareness through advocacy and education to ensure broad access and equity.

September is National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, a time when the community comes together to shine a light on alopecia areata by elevating awareness, dismantling stigma, and empowering all to stand proudly. Together, we can better support people living with alopecia areata like Deirdre. We can learn about this disease and reframe the narrative through education. To learn more about alopecia areata, and to join Deirdre for the second annual Walk for Alopecia, please visit www.NAAF.org.

2024-09-04T10:09:00

(BPT) – Does your dog run crazy-eights? Does your cat get midnight madness? Of course, any of your pets can get the zoomies, or, maybe they simply follow you around the house all day in hopes of a pat or a treat.

Pet owners are often in awe of their pets’ energy, with many longing for a way to put that power and agility to good use. Now, a new activation highlighting the power of renewable electricity is transforming steps of pets and their people into a small amount of renewable energy.

The new Pet Power activation from Purina features a renewable electricity-producing walkway with smart flooring technology from the company Pavegen that allows pets and their owners to produce renewable electricity together.

Steps taken by pets and their owners will produce about three joules of electricity. The Pet Power activation will capture the energy of thousands of pets and people, which will be collected in batteries that Purina will donate to the APA Adoption Center, a St. Louis-based animal shelter.

“At Purina, we’ve always looked to pets for inspiration to drive our actions, and now, inspired by their boundless energy, they’re helping us demonstrate the power of renewable electricity,” said Tiffany Gildehaus, senior manager, environmental sustainability at Purina. “The Pet Power activation is a small symbol of the importance of renewable electricity to Purina’s sustainability strategy.”

The Pet Power walkway system is being showcased at various pet-friendly venues in St. Louis through the end of September, including Bar K, Purina Farms, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and the APA Canine Carnival.

Sustainability is a core value of Purina, which currently gets 95% of its electricity from investments in solar and wind power. Purina is tracking to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2025 across its factory network and corporate offices. To learn more visit Purina.com.