Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-07-16T06:01:00

(BPT) – Heart failure affects more than six million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with numbers expected to significantly rise over the next decade. It is a condition that develops when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs — which can happen when the heart is unable to fill up with enough blood or if it is too weak to pump the blood properly.

As a chronic, progressive condition requiring lifelong management, people with heart failure often seek effective treatment options — including medicines, procedures and devices — to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

For patients like Jim Bennett, a 75-year-old from Brainerd, Minnesota, who was used to living an active lifestyle, congestive heart failure prevented him from living a normal life.

“I felt weak and tired all the time and knew I didn’t want to spend my life sitting in the living room chair,” said Jim. “When my doctor recommended Barostim and gave me the option to feel better, I was ready for a change.”

Jim, a father of three and grandfather of eight, has always loved spending time on the water at his 3.5-acre home. But over the last three years, he suffered three heart attacks, leading to congestive heart failure. And after limited success with contemporary medications to improve his symptoms, Jim’s doctor considered him a good candidate.

Barostim is the only FDA-approved heart failure device to use neuromodulation — stimulation of the nervous system — to improve the symptoms of heart failure.

Barostim is an implantable device that works by stimulating baroreceptors — natural sensors located in the wall of the carotid artery — that tell the nervous system how to regulate heart, kidney and vascular function. These effects may reduce the heart’s workload and help it pump more efficiently, helping to restore balance of the autonomic nervous system and improve the symptoms of heart failure, like breathlessness, fatigue and swelling.

Following his implant, Jim noticed significant improvements in his symptoms and a newfound energy. “Since receiving Barostim, I’m back mowing. I’m able to do yardwork, get outside and spend time being active,” said Jim.

Barostim is designed for heart failure patients who may not get adequate symptom relief from medications alone, with data showing that patients who received Barostim — in addition to their standard medications — felt much better and could walk farther than patients receiving only their medications.¹ If you suffer from the symptoms of heart failure, and the medications you have been prescribed are not enough to help you return to the activities you enjoy, Barostim may be the right therapeutic option for you.

To learn more, visit https://www.cvrx.com/.

¹ Zile MR, et al. Eur J Heart Fail. 2024 Apr 12

2024-07-11T16:01:00

(BPT) – This month, all eyes are on Paris as the world tunes in to watch the top athletes fight for gold.

Among those competing on behalf of the United States is an elite group who have chosen to serve their country in more ways than one — U.S. Army Soldier-athletes. What does it take for these Soldiers to train and perform at the highest levels of both sport and service?

The Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system is a force-wide program used to optimize the five domains of health: physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual, and sleep. This holistic approach is central to how all Soldiers prepare their minds and bodies for every aspect of competition, including on the world stage.

Here are five best practices from elite Soldier-athletes that everyone can incorporate into their own health and wellness journey:

Save Space for Physical Recovery

Soldier-athletes push their bodies to the limit in preparation for their events, but they also know the importance of rest and recovery. Staff Sgt. Leonard Korir (pictured above), a track and field athlete born and raised in Kenya, is making his second appearance at the Games this year. To train for the steeplechase and marathon events, he practices strength and endurance exercises designed by his coaches and always makes sure to factor recovery time into his regimen. Similarly, in Shotgun Trap, Staff Sgt. William Hinton uses a method called peak periodization, training with variations in intensity and recovery to maximize his performance when it comes time to compete.

Make Nutrition Work for You

To date, Soldier-athletes have competed in over 30 events, all requiring a unique nutritional regimen to achieve peak performance. Maj. Kelly Kaim is the Lead Performance Dietitian for the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program where she consults with Soldier-athletes on their dietary needs. Kaim tailors her approach to nutrition based on the Soldiers’ specific sports and bodies. This might look like higher proteins and lower carbohydrates for weight-cutting athletes, and higher calories and carbohydrates for endurance athletes. She recommends this approach for anyone trying to build more intentional eating habits. Don’t make drastic changes to your diet, but rather small additions of things you like and subtractions of what you can do without. By making eating a positive experience to look forward to, it will make implementing healthy habits easier.

Quiet the Mind for Peak Performance

Competing and representing your country on the global stage creates a level of stress that few can imagine. And as a woman competing in the seemingly male-dominated world of shooting, Sgt. Sagen Maddalena is no stranger to the pressure that comes with competing against the best shooters in the world, all while blazing the trail for the next generation of women in the sport. To keep her nerves and shots steady, Maddalena uses specific breathing techniques and practices mental math games that help sharpen mental acuity and minimize distractions from her environment and thoughts. By following your own rituals and routines, you can focus your attention on what matters: doing your best.

Whether feeling jet-lagged from traveling to international competitions or staying up late to meet a work deadline, sleep can be easily compromised by elite Soldier-athletes and civilians alike. But according to Maj. Allison Brager, a U.S. Army neuroscientist, H2F sleep expert, and long-time sleep consultant to the U.S. teams competing in the Games, just three days of getting less than the recommended amount of sleep can have significant impacts on the mind and body. To combat this, Korir makes sure to build a rest day into his schedule the day before a competition and avoids distractions such as social media to calm his mind and ensure he gets enough sleep. By avoiding electronics up to 90 minutes before bed and dimming the lights to help release melatonin, you can set both your mind and body up for a more restful night’s sleep.

Use Your Support System

Most Soldier-athletes fall into one of two units: the Army’s World Class Athlete Program or the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Through these groups, Soldier-athletes have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, world-class coaches and specialists, and most importantly, the support of their fellow Soldiers and teammates. As an elite Rugby Sevens player, Capt. Samantha Sullivan leans on her teammates, who are also Army Soldiers and friends, as they work toward their common goals of elite competition and service. Remember that you’re not alone in your own holistic health journey — lean on friends and family for encouragement and accountability and follow the advice of experts to determine your goals and plan for success.

These tips all contribute to the pillars of H2F readiness: physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual, and sleep. Across the force, Soldiers implement these pillars into their daily life, and by working them into your own health and wellness goals, you can take small steps toward feeling like both a Soldier and athlete.

Find out more about H2F and what a Soldier’s health and wellness regimen can do for you at GoArmy.com and be sure to cheer on the Army Soldier-athletes in Paris as they put these tips to the test to bring home gold.

2024-07-11T13:01:00

(BPT) – Are you one of the many Americans who has benefited from losing weight quickly due to GLP-1 medications? If so, you’re probably feeling grateful for the improved health and appearance these groundbreaking medications have provided — but less so for the loose, sagging skin that may be left behind.

You’re not alone — the term “Ozempic face” has been trending for a reason, as many people who are taking these medications are also seeing this less-than-ideal side effect along with their desired weight loss.

Why does your skin have so much trouble bouncing back?

Starting as early as your 20s, the collagen within the middle layer of your skin begins to diminish, resulting in your skin becoming less and less elastic as you get older.

“When you experience rapid weight loss, it can be hard for your skin to bounce back, resulting in the loose or sagging skin look that is so disappointing for many of my patients,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Capital Laser & Skin Care. “This kind of problem can also be seen in the upper arms, especially for women who have a genetic predisposition to gain weight there.”

A new, non-invasive solution

If all of this sounds familiar to you, you’ll be glad to know there is a new, award-winning, in-office and non-invasive ultrasound treatment designed specifically to address this problem. The treatment is called Sofwave™, and it stimulates the skin’s collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid using SUPERB™ Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology to improve fine lines and wrinkles, lift the eyebrows, under the chin and neck area.

Sofwave™ has been FDA-cleared to:

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Lift the eyebrow
• Lift lax skin under the chin and along the jawline
• Lift neck tissue
• Improve skin laxity on the upper arms
• Reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Improve acne scars

How does it work?

The SUPERB™ Technology heats the dermis at the right temperature, triggering the healing response that increases both collagen and elastin in the skin, which is necessary to maintain volume. Best yet, this cutting-edge technology works on any skin type or skin tone, for all ages.

After just one 45-minute in-office treatment, patients show significant improvement in 12 weeks. The procedure is safe and comfortable, requiring only topical anesthetic to numb the skin.

“Some people may want to schedule an additional treatment to see even better results,” said Tanzi. “Your dermatologist may recommend one treatment every 18-24 months to help you maintain your youthful appearance.”

“Sofwave is a terrific option for anyone, at any age, who wants to build-up collagen and elastin in the skin and improve their skin health and firmness,” said Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriele Miotto. “It can help patients with issues that have become so common with rapid weight loss due to GLP-1 medications, or patients who want to be proactive in boosting or improving their skin health.”

Additional treatments to tone your abs, thighs and buttocks

If you’re looking to improve other areas of your body as well, you may want to ask your dermatologist about Pure Impact™, an Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device that uses electric pulses transmitted by electrodes to elicit muscle contraction and stimulate nerve fibers by means of electrical pulses transmitted by electrodes. Pure Impact™ is FDA-cleared to improve abdominal tone, strengthen abdominal muscles, develop a firmer abdomen, strengthen, tone and firm buttocks and thighs.

Learn more about how you can continue to maximize the strides you’ve made so far, and keep boosting your confidence along the way, at Sofwave.com.

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

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.

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that cholesterol and inflammation are partners in causing heart attack and stroke? Inflammation is your body’s internal fight against harmful conditions, but if it’s on overtime, it can cause its own harm. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease, you may want to talk to your doctor about the role of cardiovascular inflammation — and what you can do about it.

Because heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S.,^[1] it’s vital for those with risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease to learn how they may be able to help prevent a significant cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke from happening to them. A recent study demonstrated that among people already taking cholesterol-lowering statins, residual vascular inflammation strongly predicts future CV events — perhaps even more than high cholesterol.^[2]

Data from many peer-reviewed publications confirm that patients at high risk who are already using statins may benefit from additional anti-inflammatory therapy to further reduce their risk of cardiac and stroke events. Until now, there have only been approved therapies to treat high cholesterol risk — which do not address remaining vascular inflammation. Reducing inflammation may be key to further lowering the risk of heart attack, which over 800,000 Americans with CV disease may face this year.^[1]

Why inflammation is so crucial

Heart attacks are caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, while strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain. Inflammation plays a critical role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to buildup of a substance called plaque which can lead to reduced blood flow and blood clots, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.^[3] Because of this, people with ASCVD are at high risk for acute cardiovascular events.^[4] Inflammation is a partner with high cholesterol in forming plaque, which contributes to the development and progression of ASCVD.^[5]

How to reduce CV inflammation

To find out whether inflammation is a risk for you, the first step is getting tested. A simple blood test to determine the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is a biomarker for inflammation, can be measured in your blood and gives you an idea of your risk of heart disease.

If this test finds that your hs-CRP level is higher than normal, the next step is to reduce it. One treatment option includes low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, a once-daily, single oral anti-inflammatory tablet shown to reduce the risk of a major event, including heart attack or stroke.

“Inflammation has been known to cause heart attacks and strokes for years, and low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg is a major advance in treating people with cardiovascular inflammation,” said Philip Nimoityn, M.D., FACC, clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia at Jefferson and attending physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. “With the potential to save millions of lives, low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, is proven to reduce the risk of cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke, in patients with established cardiovascular disease by 31%.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with ASCVD, or you have multiple risk factors for ASCVD, you may be suffering from untreated CV inflammation. To help reduce this damaging inflammation and lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor about getting tested for hs-CRP, and about new anti-inflammatory treatment options such as low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg.

Learn more about your risk and steps you can take to support your cardiac health at CVDInflammation.com.

^[1] Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html.

^[2] Ridker PM, Bhatt DL, Pradhan AD, et al. Inflammation and cholesterol as predictors of cardiovascular events among patients receiving statin therapy: a collaborative analysis of three randomised trials. Lancet (London, England). 2023;401(10384):1293-1301. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00215-5

^[3] What is atherosclerosis? American Heart Association. Published April 3, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis.

^[4] Trier van, Marjolein Snaterse, Hageman SHJ, et al. Unexploited potential of risk factor treatment in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Published online February 9, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad038

^[5] Libby P, Ridker PM, Hansson GK. Progress and challenges in translating the biology of atherosclerosis. Nature. 2011;473(7347):317-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/nature10146

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).

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.

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.

“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

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.

###

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.

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