How this baseball All-Star steps up to the plate when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia

2024-05-06T05:01:00

(BPT) – Professional baseball player JD Martinez is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia because he has asthma, and he doesn’t want to let it stop him from taking his shot on — or off — the field. If you’re not familiar with it, pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital and even be life threatening. That’s why JD’s partnering with Pfizer to share his story as a professional athlete with asthma — and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Q: How did you get your start in baseball?

JD: The love of baseball actually runs in my family. My grandfather was the mayor of a town in Cuba, and he was the first government official to put lights up in a baseball stadium. My grandmother also played softball, and she always joked that I got my baseball obsession from her. My parents weren’t personally involved in the sport, but they got me into it from a young age and always motivated me to do the best I can in everything I do.

Q: Did you experience any challenges throughout your career?

JD: Having asthma has been challenging at times, but I never let it hold me back. That’s why I have conversations with my doctor to make sure I’m doing everything I can to help stay ahead of my health. I learned that because I have asthma, I’m at over 5x greater risk for getting pneumococcal pneumonia compared to healthy adults in the same range. So, they recommended getting vaccinated against it.

Q: Is anyone else at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia?

JD: My doctor told me that adults 19-64 with asthma, or certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, chronic heart disease and COPD, are also at increased risk.

I also learned that adults 65 or older are at increased risk, too. In fact, they are at over 10x greater risk for being hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia compared to adults younger than 50. If you fall into any of these groups, it’s important to know that getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself.

Q: When are you more likely to get pneumococcal pneumonia?

JD: Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time, in any season. There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia in the winter or during flu season, but you can get it any time of year. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination is right for you.

Q: What about for people who have already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia in the past?

JD: Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

Q: Thanks for sharing this information, JD. Where can people find out more?

JD: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination. You can visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more and assess your risk.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

Honor Mothers by Improving Maternal Health Care

2024-05-01T15:31:00

(BPT) – On Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms across the U.S., and their journey to and through motherhood that can be beautiful, messy, and sometimes overwhelming. From gathering information about their care to scheduling appointments, and making decisions about their health and nutrition, moms have a complex journey to navigate — and this journey isn’t the same for everyone. The good news is that there are opportunities to help improve the experience and health outcomes for all.

Recognizing the need for innovative ways to improve maternal health, the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions researched how digital tools, like apps, patient portals, and health care websites, could improve the maternity journey by addressing health care disparities and improving access to care for all birthing persons.

Deloitte found that digital tools could boost maternal health empowerment, with nearly three out of four respondents using digital tools to manage specific health needs. Through digital tools, moms and families can be empowered with data, gain access to culturally informed care, and amplify community voices for greater transparency and accountability.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. Deloitte’s research found that Black, mixed-race, and Hispanic respondents were twice as likely as White respondents to say that digital tools for maternal health did not meet their personal needs or align with their cultural backgrounds. Deloitte’s report included interviews with experts that suggest digital tools and resources appear to lack diversity in their design and may not have been designed with inclusivity and user experience in mind, which is critical to tool adoption and impact. Yet, across all races, Deloitte found that more than four out of five respondents are willing to be involved all throughout the development process for tools.

“Our research suggests that the use of digital tools has the potential to address gaps in access to care and empower moms to manage their health, which is critically important for improving maternal health outcomes in the U.S.,” said Kulleni Gebreyes, M.D., Deloitte U.S. Consulting Life Sciences and health care leader and U.S. chief health equity officer. “When we surveyed expectant mothers about their experiences with digital tools, we learned that these tools aren’t necessarily designed with all moms in mind.”

According to the Deloitte report, this could mean providing the information in different languages for comprehension, showing what conditions or risk factors might look like on different skin tones, or accounting for cultural stigmas related to certain topics like mental health. Designing health apps that are free from bias is essential to ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to improve their health.

Moms Know Best: 5 Ways to Improve Maternal Health

When it comes to making changes to improve maternal and children’s health, moms say it’s important for clinicians to listen and to understand their lived experience and develop tools with their unique needs in mind:

  • Making Tools Affordable: Nearly half of moms surveyed said reducing the cost of these tools is crucial. Technology companies are working on making apps more affordable and accessible for all moms.
  • Simplifying Your Choices: With so many apps and websites available, moms reported feeling overwhelmed. Resources are being developed to help moms choose the tools that best fit their needs. Imagine a central hub with clear reviews and recommendations of resources from other moms.
  • Information Made Easy: Nearly one in three moms surveyed felt stressed by the sheer amount of information available. Digital tools are being designed to be user-friendly and present information in a way that’s easy to understand and navigate. Think bite-sized chunks, clear visuals, and multiple language options.
  • Seamless Connections: A quarter of moms reported difficulty using different tools because they don’t “talk” to each other. The future is looking bright: Tech companies are developing ways for these tools to work together seamlessly, sharing data with your doctor for a more comprehensive picture of your health.
  • Listen to Moms: One in three moms surveyed said that they felt their health care teams did not frequently listen to their needs, believe what they were saying, integrate their preferences into their care plan, or treat them fairly and justly. Health care providers should understand people’s unique experiences and create care teams with shared cultural similarities or lived experiences, particularly for patients from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Health care executives and clinicians need to have bold action on addressing maternal health inequities. One preventable death is one too many. Executives can look at their data, identify gaps and prioritize improvement strategies.

This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate not just a single journey but the journeys of all moms with dignity, the best care possible, and with empathy. Together, we can help build a future where every mother feels empowered, supported, and heard on the path to parenthood. Healthy mothers can contribute to healthy communities, and that’s a reason to celebrate!

To learn more about Deloitte’s findings, read the full report: “Maternal health inequities persist. Can digital tools be part of the solutions?

Do you have asthma? Help protect yourself against a potentially serious bacterial lung disease

2024-05-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – May is Asthma Awareness Month, an annual effort aimed at improving the lives of people with asthma and educating the broader community about it. It is also a time when people with asthma can experience more symptoms or flare-ups because of increased triggers in their environment. These triggers may include excess pollen in the air, grass, pollution, other airborne irritants and even temperature changes.

However, there are steps you can take this spring. Here are a few to consider this season, so you can stop and smell the flowers:

  • Minimize allergy triggers in the home by regularly washing your bedsheets, using an air purifier, cleaning vents and vacuuming your floor
  • Exercise regularly by swimming, hiking, doing yoga and walking
  • Develop an asthma action plan with your doctor that includes treatment and symptom management approaches
  • Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia since adults 19-64 with asthma are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening.

Adults 19-64 with asthma, or certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, chronic heart disease and COPD, are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. In fact, if you’re 18-49 with asthma, you’re at 5x greater risk for pneumococcal pneumonia compared to healthy adults in the same range.

Adults 65 or older are also at increased risk as they are at over 10x greater risk of being hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia compared to adults younger than 50.

If you fall into any of these groups, it’s important to know that getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time, in any season. There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia in the winter or during flu season, but you can get it any time of year. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination is right for you.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

So, take this month as an opportunity to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit PfizerVax.com to schedule a vaccination today.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

Sculpt and Tone with truBody by Cutera

2024-04-30T13:31:00

(BPT) – Wouldn’t it be great to hit the beach with a more toned and refined body without taking medications, yo-yo dieting, or constantly hitting the treadmill?

Enter truBody® by Cutera, two multi-award winning technologies that are safe, effective, and non-invasive to help you achieve a slimmer and more toned shape without the surgical downtime. truBody can help deliver a customized body sculpting solution with the guidance of a treatment provider to help you reach your personal body goals.

truBody offers cutting-edge body sculpting treatments developed to help reduce fat and tone muscle without invasive procedures or downtime. truBody combines two powerful technologies to target stubborn fat1 and tone and firm muscle.2 Designed to help reduce fat on your trouble spots with truSculpt, and to tone and strengthen your muscles with truFlex, each treatment boasts quick 15-minute sessions making it a convenient option.

“truSculpt damages fat cells using heat, the damaged fat cells are then eliminated from the body naturally1,3,4 while truFlex delivers the equivalent of 54,000 crunches to strengthen and tone multiple muscle groups2,” says Dr. Nina Patel, Founder of Renew Wellness Center in Sugarland, TX. “The unique muscle stimulation technology of truFlex features adjustable intensities to strengthen, tone, and to help achieve the personalized treatment my patients desire2.”

“One of the most appealing aspects of truBody is its convenience and efficiency. Each treatment session typically lasts around 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. And because truBody is non-invasive, there’s little to no downtime — you can return to your daily activities immediately after your session,” adds Dr. Patel.

During a truBody session, the truSculpt treatment delivers controlled radiofrequency energy deep into the tissue. This energy gently heats the fat cells, causing them to break down and be naturally eliminated by the body over time.

Dr. Jennifer Lee, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Pacific OBGYN & Aesthetics in Newport Beach, CA, is impressed with the truBody technology. “Many patients begin to see results after just one session, with optimal results typically achieved within a few months. As the treated fat cells are gradually flushed out of the body, my patients notice a slimmer, more sculpted silhouette emerging.”

“Whether my patients want to reduce love handles and belly fat or strengthen and tone their abs, thighs and glutes, truBody can help them achieve the body they want,” says Dr. Lee. “truBody is a favorite of my patients of various ages and fitness levels. Its visible results and high satisfaction rates in my practice perfectly align with our dedication to offering comprehensive care for men and women at all fitness stages.”

Unlike other treatments that only target specific areas, each truFlex and truSculpt treatment is customizable to an individual’s body. truFlex also has the ability to treat multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the abdomen, thighs, glutes, and obliques.3

Don’t let stubborn fat or the plateau effect hold you back from feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. With truBody by Cutera, you can finally say goodbye to stubborn fat cells, build muscle and say hello to a slimmer, more sculpted you.

To find a truBody provider near you, visit https://yourtrubody.com/en-us/find-a-provider/

Important safety and risk information about truSculpt and truFlex is available by contacting Cutera at www.cutera.com/us-en/global-offices. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider.

1. truSculpt Clinical Guidelines, Cutera, Inc.

2. truFlex Clinical Guidelines, Cutera, Inc.

3. Data on File. Cutera, Inc.

4. Napekoski KM, Ronan SJ, Pocock GM. Inflammatory and adipocyte cell death response following a single 15-minute monopolar radiofrequency treatment [white paper, Cutera Inc.]. 2018.

Building up Africa’s Health Care Network in the Fight Against Malaria to Bring Families Closer to Care

2024-04-30T11:15:00

(BPT) – Malaria continues to be a significant public health issue in certain regions across the globe, especially in Africa. In the most recent estimate, the World Health Organization approximated 608,000 malaria-related deaths with 95% of those being traced back to Africa. This life-threatening disease spread to humans through bites from certain types of infected female mosquitoes is preventable and curable. However, if left untreated, it can turn deadly in just 24 hours after symptoms like fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea and body aches appear.

The challenge many people in countries most affected by malaria face is access to proper healthcare services as it often tends to be concentrated in rural areas. For example, approximately four out of five Rwandans live in these rural areas and on average need to walk three hours to receive the proper care they need. SC Johnson, makers of Raid®, has been working to find ways to help in the fight against malaria through the creation of sustainable programs.

For more than 60 years, SC Johnson has been demonstrating its leadership in insect science research, and for the last decade has specifically focused on preventing mosquito-borne disease with prevention tools that maximize social impact and help strengthen communities. From this, the Closer to Care initiative emerged.

Impact of Closer to Care

Working closely with the Society of Family Health Rwanda and the Rwanda Ministry of Health, SC Johnson, makers of Raid®, has been bringing health posts to some of the most remote areas of Rwanda. Over the past five years, they have built 76 of these health posts, which diagnose, treat and prevent malaria for more than 1 million people in the region. Real time population data has been used to pinpoint where people need care most to bring down the average walk-time to receive care down from three hours to just 30 minutes. Since the introduction of these health posts, Rwanda has also seen its mortality rates decrease by 89%.

Bringing economic development to Rwanda

Oftentimes, in areas where the health posts do not exist, family and other community members, especially women, have been on the frontlines fighting against malaria. The time they spent caring for their communities made it nearly impossible to secure consistent work, severely impacting their economic growth.

Beyond providing access to healthcare resources, these health posts boost the local economy by creating jobs. With each health post built, there is a need for added infrastructure, such as convenience stores and additional housing. This stimulates job creation in two ways — people who can help build, as well as those who can staff the new businesses in the community. SC Johnson, makers of Raid®, has also implemented an educational program known as Certified Care. Through this program, women in the area are formally trained to receive certification as Community Health Workers, providing them with a living wage.

If you would like to support the fight against malaria, share the Closer to Care mission to help bring awareness to this issue and ensure healthcare access continues to be provided to those communities who need it.

1 in 7 mothers experience inadequate pain relief during C-section, new recommendations from anesthesiologists help address the problem

2024-04-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly a third of all births in the U.S. — more than 1.3 million — are delivered by cesarean section (C-section) each year. While their baby’s safety is top of mind, mothers are likely also concerned about the pain they may experience during the procedure. Although epidurals are the most common pain relief used and are highly effective, recent research found that nearly one in seven mothers — almost 200,000 a year — may still experience some level of pain or discomfort, which can significantly affect their mental health.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is helping to address this issue by releasing new recommendations and best practices to help ensure all moms-to-be receive adequate pain management during planned or unexpected C-sections.

Data shows that when a mother’s pain is not adequately controlled during a cesarean delivery they can experience psychological distress and an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, M.D., FASA. “ASA’s new recommendations will help ensure all expectant mothers receive optimal pain care tailored to their individual needs.”

ASA explains pain management options during C-sections, the new recommendations and what women in labor can expect and should ask their anesthesiologist.

Pain Management During C-sections

The majority of mothers undergoing C-sections receive regional anesthesia, which is proven very safe and quite effective and used in 95% of elective and 80% of emergency cesarean deliveries in the U.S. The two most common are epidurals and spinal blocks, where pain medication is delivered through an injection or a catheter inserted into the lower back.

An epidural or spinal block is often the preferred pain-relief method because the baby is exposed to the lowest amount of medication, and the mother can still actively participate in the baby’s birth. However, general anesthesia may be necessary in some cases.

Many hospitals have historically tracked general anesthesia rates in cesarean delivery, but the frequency of pain associated with epidurals and spinal blocks has largely been unknown until more recently when research found that mothers’ pain was sometimes not adequately controlled through this type of anesthesia, requiring additional anesthesia or pain medications.

New Recommendations and Best Practices for Health Care Teams

ASA’s new recommendations and best practices focus on helping health care professionals identify patients at increased risk for pain before a C-section, maintaining adequate anesthesia throughout the delivery, ensuring effective communication between the mother and her health care team and following up with new moms to ensure quality improvements and disparities are reduced. The importance of shared decision-making with the patient is also discussed.

What Moms-To-Be Should Expect

A cesarean delivery is needed if a baby can’t be born vaginally for reasons such as the positioning of the baby or placenta, or other health risks to the mother or baby. Some C-sections are planned, but many are done when unexpected issues occur during labor for a planned vaginal delivery.

For patients preparing for a C-section, ASA encourages them to talk with their anesthesiologist about their anesthesia plan. Questions moms-to-be should consider asking include:

  • What type of anesthesia will I receive?
  • How will the anesthesia affect my baby?
  • What can I expect to feel during the procedure?
  • How will my pain be managed after the procedure?
  • What are the possible side effects of the anesthesia?
  • How will you monitor me during the procedure?
  • What happens if I require general anesthesia during the procedure?
  • Will an anesthesiologist be involved in my care?

Expecting mothers also are urged to speak up if they experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, as additional anesthesia options may be available to help control pain while protecting both their health and the baby’s.

Learn more about how anesthesiologists help manage pain during labor and the anesthesia options that are available by visiting: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/labor/.

5 expert tips to support athlete success this spring

2024-04-30T07:25:00

(BPT) – If you have a family of athletes, you know how hectic the spring sports schedule can be. As you prepare for another busy season, focus on feeding your young athletes right to optimize their sports performance and fuel their fun!

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner wants to help active families find their stride this year by offering five expert tips that can make a big difference in your child’s athletic performance.

1. Don’t skip breakfast

You’ve probably heard it before, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you play sports. “Eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, replenishes your energy stores, and sets the tone for the day ahead,” said Blatner. She recommends eating nourishing morning meals that include protein, carbs and healthy fats, like a quick breakfast wrap with a whole grain tortilla, avocado, spinach and eggs to fuel your muscles for whatever challenges lie ahead.

2. Eat your colors

Did you know that the color of fruits and vegetables is important to maintaining a healthy diet? Each color offers different nutrients. For example, leafy greens contain nitrates for energy, yellow/orange produce has carotenoids for healthy vision, and red produce has lycopene and anthocyanin for heart health. When putting a meal together, do a “color check.” Blatner recommends that your plate should have at least two colors at every meal.

3. Prioritize protein

Protein is power! Athletes who want to improve their strength and endurance should prioritize protein at every meal, and having protein after practice or a game is especially important. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, eating protein after a workout promotes muscle gain and aids in recovery so your young athlete can wake up energized for the next day of activities.

4. Ensure ample time for rest and recovery

It’s crucial for young athletes to focus on recovery and rest to maintain their energy and performance levels throughout the entire sports season. Engaging in sports can lead to muscle wear and fatigue, so prioritize adequate sleep and relaxation for muscle repair, growth and a reduced risk of injury. Recovery time isn’t just physical; it also provides mental rest, which is essential for maintaining focus and motivation.

5. Stock your snacks

Athletes are constantly on the go. When time is short between practice and games, the kids may be tempted to reach for convenient but unhealthy snacks. To help your family make wholesome choices, Blatner encourages keeping grab & go snacks of nutrient-dense foods in your fridge.

A tasty, nutritious and easy snack or meal to prep and store are Veggie Chaffles (Cheese Waffles) made with Eggland’s Best eggs. Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B-12 compared to ordinary eggs, which provides a natural energy boost. They also contain more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, which may help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise.

You can make these chaffles in batches to keep as a grab-and-go snack that the kids can take straight from the fridge on the way out the door. This recipe has just three ingredients, and you can use whatever veggies your kids like, such as cauliflower, carrots or even zucchini!

Eggland’s Best Veggie Chaffles (Cheese Waffles)

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 25 minutes; Makes: 8 mini waffles

Ingredients

  • 4 Eggland’s Best Eggs, large
  • 1 cup finely chopped veggies like cauliflower or shredded zucchini
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Olive oil (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Preheat mini waffle maker.

2. In a bowl, mix together Eggland’s Best Eggs with veggies and cheese.

3. Brush waffle maker with olive oil and pour 1/4 cup egg mixture into the mini waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for 3 minutes, until golden.

4. Repeat to use the rest of the egg mixture.

Additional Notes

Eat right away or store in fridge for up to 4 days.

Eat leftovers cold, at room temperature or heat in microwave for about 20 seconds.

Time Saver: Use frozen “riced” cauliflower or other veggies so there’s no chopping required!

Using these five expert tips, you can set your athletes up for success and give their bodies the support they need to excel in their sports. To find more recipes to fuel your day, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Smash your sports goals with a sweepstakes!

As the Official Egg of Little League® Baseball and Softball, Eggland’s Best is encouraging families to enter the Eggland’s Best “Egg-ceptional Wellness” Sweepstakes. From now through May 14, fans can visit EBFamilySweeps.com and enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 to plus up your active family’s wellness activities this spring!

Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week Advances Education, Screening & Care

2024-04-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes. TD is associated with prolonged use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses.

May 5-11, 2024, marks the 7th annual TD Awareness Week which encourages mental health advocates, healthcare professionals and the broader community to learn about TD. Talk to your doctor about periodic screenings for TD, how to recognize symptoms and ways to manage including treatment options at TalkAboutTD.com. Sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

30+ Summer Stock-Up Styles under $13

2024-04-26T09:35:00

(BPT) – It’s a goooood week: Carter’s, the #1 baby and children’s apparel* brand, just announced the start of its Spring Doorbuster Week sale. Five days, hundreds of insane deals and markdowns on essentials like bodysuits, Sleep & Play, tees, shorts, sets and more. We’re breaking down the deals and sharing 35 Doorbuster Week must-haves, all under $13.

$5 Bodysuits

This customer-favorite is a must for babies and new parents. After all, there’s a reason over 22 million bodysuits were worn and loved in the past year. Let’s talk features: Strong, long-lasting snaps that hold up after endless wear, wash, repeat cycles; overlap shoulders that expand over baby’s body for easy changes; 100% cotton that’s gentle on baby’s skin (plus no itchy tags!); and of course, all the fun graphics and loveable prints.

It’s no secret that babies go through multiple outfits a day. Bodysuits are the perfect go-to for their first (or fifth) outfit change and work great as a base for any outfit. We love these graphic styles for summer, on sale for $5.

The Cutest Ever Bodysuit

Best Buds With Dad Bodysuit

Bananas For My Family Bodysuit

Mommy’s Sunshine Bodysuit

$8 Sleep & Play

With hundreds of five-star reviews, the Five Star Sleep & Play™ is the most practical outfit for new babies. It’s known as the day-to-night, tummy time, nap time, anytime staple and comes two ways: The super quick 2way zip, which zips up from the feet so you don’t have to undress baby. And the snap-up, available in preemie up to 9 months.

The best part? The do-it-all style is now on sale for just $8 — the lowest price of the season — so be sure to add to cart.

Vehicles 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Hot Air Balloon 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Polka Dot 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Animal Print 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Floral Snap-Up Sleep & Play

$8 Skorts

Skorts for summer? Yes, please. The practical style lets kids be kids and can be dressed up or down. Pair the handstand skort back to any active tee or tank for gymnastics class; or throw on a graphic tee (kids’ styles on sale for $6!) over a cotton jersey skort — we love the functional drawstring feature! — for an outfit that can take her from school to birthday parties to weekend playdates.

It’s all about comfort-cute this summer, and skorts are guaranteed to be a season MVP.

Floral Print Handstand Skort

Striped Cotton Jersey Skort

Tie-Dye Cotton Jersey Skort

Heart Print Cotton Jersey Skort

$5 Toddler Tees

Let their personality shine with graphic tees. From playful toddler boy options to sweet styles perfect for your toddler girl. Pair with jeans, leggings or a skort, and you’ve got the perfect summer ‘fit in an instant.

Fun fact: Carter’s sells around 25,000 graphic tees every single day, making it one of their top-sellers year after year. Here’s what we’re eyeing during Doorbuster Week:

Chill Vibes Graphic Tee

Butterfly Graphic Tee

Toddler Pocket Jersey

Spring Days Graphic Tee

Rhino Graphic Tee

$10+ Licensed Tees

Plus, don’t miss Carter’s licensed tees marked down from $12 to $10 (toddler) and $14 to $12 (kids). Shop favorite characters, from Barbie to Bluey to Marvel and more, and snag a style you know they’ll love.

Toddler Spider-Man Graphic Tee

Toddler Bluey Graphic Tee

Kid The Little Mermaid Disney Princess Tee

Kid Barbie Tee

$5+ Shorts

So many shorts on sale! We’re talking price drops on Carter’s most-loved styles, including pull-on knit, athletic mesh and bike shorts. Grab a pair (or 2 or 3) of $5 toddler bike shorts in a fun summer print, and stock up on classic solid colors for an easy bottom that can pair back to anything in their closet. Don’t forget to snag big kid bike shorts in matching prints and styles, too; plus, their favorite athletic shorts (functional drawstring: check!) are on sale for $6, just in time for summer league tryouts.

$5 Toddler Bike Shorts

Geo Print Bike Shorts

Floral Bike Short

Striped Bike Shorts

Toddler Bike Shorts

$6 Knit Shorts

Pull-On Cotton Shorts

$6 Kids Shorts

Athletic Mesh Shorts

Bike Shorts

Pull-On Cotton Shorts

$10 Sets

This all-time parent favorite takes the thinking out of getting a little one dressed. Style the sets as they come or mix and match for endless outfit combinations. Either way, you’ve got an outfit in an instant.

Shop the 2-piece sets we’re loving for summer:

2-Piece Fruit Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Striped Henley Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Tropical Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Flutter Bodysuit & Floral Pant Set

2-Piece Apple Peplum Bodysuit Pant Set

Shop Carter’s Spring Doorbuster Week in stores and online now through April 29!

*Source: Circana / Consumer Tracking Services, U.S. dollar share, 12 months ending December 2023

An All-Star Strategy: How A-Rod Keeps His Gum Disease in Check

2024-04-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – World Series Champion and 3-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Rod) knows how important it is to prioritize your oral health. That’s why, upon receiving a gum disease diagnosis over a year ago, he knew he needed to act fast.

“I realized I needed to prioritize my oral health once I was diagnosed with gum disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection,” Rodriguez says. “You can’t simply brush or floss away an infection, which can impact the gums and bone that support your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.”

Rodriguez is one of many impacted by gum disease, which affects nearly 50% of people over 30 years old. Gum disease typically presents with oral health symptoms, such as red, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums.

“Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned gum disease can be serious,” explains Rodriguez, “which is why I have remained proactive in the management of my condition.”

Rodriguez’s Game Plan

Rodriguez’s dentist began treating him with ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, an antibiotic applied directly to the gums that is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

Rodriguez’s dentist discussed ARESTIN’s safety profile with him and explained that he should not take ARESTIN if he’s allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines and offered to share a list of these drugs if he was not sure. His dentist shared that swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN and some of those reactions were serious. His dentist requested that Rodriguez share if he experiences any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if he has an exaggerated sunburn reaction. He also directed him to the full Prescribing Information for more.

“Since starting treatment, I have felt more at ease,” Rodriguez says. “Knowing my dentist is doing everything he can to manage my gum disease and reduce the risks associated with it gives me peace of mind.”

While gum disease can’t be cured, it can be managed with regular in-office monitoring, treatment, and at-home care. Rodriguez, for example, drawing from the discipline of his baseball career, maintains a rigorous oral care routine, maintaining a consistent flossing and brushing schedule. What’s more, he never misses a dentist visit, stopping by every three months.

And while some may worry about going to the dentist, Rodriguez says not to stress.

“The treatment application at the site of infection is easy with ARESTIN and doesn’t require any needles or anesthesia. My dentist has walked me through every step of my treatment plan, so I know exactly what to expect every time I visit.”

Spreading awareness about gum disease and encouraging others to prioritize their oral health is important to Rodriguez. Here’s his advice:

  1. Gum disease can be serious. Treat your gum disease as a serious infection and not something that can be ignored or solved by brushing or flossing alone.
  2. Know the signs. Be proactive and talk to your dentist if you think you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, like bleeding, red, swollen, or receding gums, or bad breath. Check out ARESTIN.com for a discussion guide that provides questions to ask during your next trip to the dentist.
  3. Routine and discipline. It is important to stick to a long-term plan, which includes visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

Visit ARESTIN.com to learn more about gum disease and talk to your dentist about what treatment options may be right for you.

Review the Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information for ARESTIN.

What is ARESTIN?

ARESTIN (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1mg is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN® may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Do not take ARESTIN if you are allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a list of these drugs if you are not sure. Swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN. Some of these reactions were serious. Tell your dentist right away if you have any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if you have an exaggerated sunburn reaction.
  • THE USE OF TETRACYCLINE CLASS DRUGS, INCLUDING ARESTIN, DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CHILDREN OR IN PREGNANT OR NURSING WOMEN.
  • ARESTIN has not been studied in patients with weakened immune systems (such as patients with HIV infections or diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy or radiation). Tetracyclines, including oral minocycline, have been associated with the development of autoimmune syndrome with symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, rash, swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Tell your doctor about any health problems you have, including whether you have had oral candidiasis (“thrush”) in the past, and about all medications you are taking.
  • In clinical studies, the most frequently reported non-dental side effects were headache, infection, flu symptoms, and pain.

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.

Visit ARESTIN.com/PI for full Prescribing Information.

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Source: Bausch Health US, LLC