Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-03-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – Do you fully understand what your doctor tells you during a checkup? If you don’t, you’re not alone.

A recent UnitedHealthcare study found that two out of three people don’t understand all their doctor’s instructions, diagnoses and recommendations. If that’s the case for you, it may not just affect your health — it could also impact your bank account. The Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University found “inadequate health literacy” — not quite getting health-related information or what your doctor is telling you — can cost up to $238 billion annually in higher health care costs.

“Empowering yourself with knowledge about your health is key to maintaining or improving your well-being — and managing your health care costs,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business. “Better understanding your conditions and treatments can help you make more informed decisions, which can support your physical, mental and financial health.”

Dr. Randall offers these tips to help bridge the knowledge gap and help you save money on health care.

1. Make the most of your yearly checkup. Regular preventive visits are generally covered by your health insurance plan and can play a crucial role in early disease detection. That can be a win-win for your health and your pocketbook. That’s because identifying issues as early as possible may lead to more effective treatments and can also help avoid more costly services in the future. But here’s part of where that “understanding” piece is critical. Come to your doctor visit with a list of questions and let him or her know if you have any health concerns. Take notes to make sure you’re getting all the information you need and review them once you return home.
2. Make sure you understand your plan and health care costs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising, or avoiding nicotine. It’s also important to understand your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses, and other specifics of your health insurance plan, and budgeting for medical expenses. This glossary defines thousands of health care terms to help you make informed decisions. In addition, some health plans offer ways to help you comparison shop for care. For instance, millions of UnitedHealthcare members can comparison shop for care based on quality and cost information for more than 19,000 services, including online, via a mobile app or by calling a customer care advocate.
3. Shop around for pharmacies. First make sure your pharmacy is in your insurance plan’s network; otherwise you might have to pay more for your prescriptions. Then, do some comparison shopping. You may be surprised at how much variance you’ll find from one pharmacy to another in terms of prices of the medications you may need. Also, investigate generic options for those prescriptions, which are usually less expensive than brand-name versions. And look into online pharmacies, which ship nationally and, because they have less overhead than brick-and-mortar stores, may offer better prices.
4. Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs typically offer confidential services that relatively few employees take advantage of. For example, people who get UnitedHealthcare insurance through their employer can call in to speak with a master’s level behavioral health clinician to receive support as many times as needed, in real time, and around the clock — even if it’s 2 a.m. on a Saturday. Depending on your situation, you may not need to seek additional behavioral health support with a care provider if your EAP offers personalized guidance. Many EAPs also offer financial resources and tools, which may include guidance for tax planning, student loans, debt management, home purchases, and savings and insurance coverage.
5. Use telehealth. Virtual visits have emerged as a go-to option to remotely access medical services, including primary, urgent and specialist care. Not only are these visits typically more convenient than in-person options, but they may also be available through your health plan. Virtual visits can help with the treatment of allergies, urinary tract infections, flu, rashes and more, from the comfort of your home without the hassle of sitting in an urgent care waiting room. Of course, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary, especially for chronic or complex conditions, emergencies or issues requiring hands-on exams, lab tests or X-rays. Check your health plan to determine what kinds of virtual care resources may be available to you.

It all boils down to gaining a greater awareness of your options and understanding your own health. Using that knowledge may help improve health outcomes and enable you to save on health care costs, creating a true win-win!

2024-03-22T14:41:00

(BPT) – A new Global World Water Day Report from Culligan International found that 67% of North Americans are somewhat to significantly concerned about the impact of increasing pollution on drinking water.* The report, focused on global water habits, found North Americans’ concern about pollution is significantly higher than those residing in Australia (45%) and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (42%). Given that 72% of water consumption happens at home in North America, the world leader in water treatment is sharing four important steps homeowners can take to ensure the water in their home is cleaner, safer and fresher to drink:

1. Know where water contamination can occur. Water impurities are not limited to water sources; distribution systems can contaminate water after it has been treated by local municipalities and private wells. While many naturally occurring chemicals and impurities can be filtered at the source, additional contamination can occur in service pipes. These are commonly found in homes built prior to 1986 when lead pipes, fixtures and solder were regularly used.

2. Notice issues that may be caused by water impurities. Some signs of problem water include corroded plumbing fixtures, unpleasant odors, limescale residue, disagreeable taste, discolored water and even shortened appliance lifespan. Some water contaminants cannot be detected by taste, odor or color. In these cases, only a water test can identify an issue.

3. Schedule a test to identify impurities in your water. Given the many ways water contamination can occur, having your water tested by an expert is an optimal way to determine which steps to take to eliminate any harmful impurities. It’s important to schedule a water test, especially after moving into a new house, if appliances using water collect residue or burn out, and as soon as a change in your water’s taste, odor or appearance occurs. Well water should be tested whenever any changes such as color, taste, odor or cloudiness are noticed.

4. Install a water treatment system that meets the needs of your home. Work with your treatment professional to determine the best solutions for your needs such as water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and specialty filters to reduce specific impurities.

For filtered drinking water at the source, the Culligan Aquasential^® Smart Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water System is the World’s Most Efficient RO Drinking Water System.** With up to seven stages of filtration and 14 filter options, it is certified to reduce more than 70 contaminants including lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PFOA/PFOS. With the Aquasential Smart RO, homeowners can have peace of mind with an unlimited supply of great-tasting, cleaner, safer water.

Hard water is a common issue experienced in many homes across North America. In fact, the study found 50% of North Americans are bothered by limescale in their homes but only 35% have installed a water softener to combat it. Culligan’s Aquasential^® Smart High Efficiency (HE) Water Softener offers high-efficiency water softening and is the world’s most efficient water softener***. This softener can optimize salt, water and electricity, with smart features to track water usage, set goals and receive service notifications like low salt alerts.

Additional interesting findings from the World Water Day Report include:

• A general lack of knowledge about water-related issues including pollution and benefits globally.
• Internationally, more than 1 out of 2 respondents don’t drink water regularly during the day, but mainly when they feel thirsty (North America: 37%; Australia: 41%; EMEA: 33%).
• The ideal amount of water to drink is 9 cups per day; North Americans get close to the target with 68% indicating they drink 8.1 cups or less per day.
• Despite environmental impacts, consuming water from plastic bottles is increasing, both at home and outside the home. In fact, 62% of North Americans drink from single-use plastic bottles at home and 70% do so while out in the world.

For more information about water treatment products, including water softeners, drinking water systems and whole-house systems, visit www.culligan.com.

*Based on a February 2024 Culligan study on water usage habits inside and outside the home

**Efficiency is based on 3^rd party testing to NSF standards.

***HE Softener when configured with proportional up flow brining with Aqua-Sensor^® technology.

2024-03-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Kimberly, a dedicated teacher, avid skier, poet, and mother of two, had been struggling with thyroid issues for more than 30 years. Little did she know that her passion for teaching would soon be used both inside and outside of the classroom.

When starting college, Kimberly was determined to focus on her track career, yet her health soon started to rapidly decline. Suddenly, she had trouble sleeping and started experiencing weight and hair loss. Her fellow teammates and track coach started to worry about her health, yet when Kimberly did seek medical advice, two doctors went so far as to call her a hypochondriac and brushed her symptoms aside. Not only was Kimberly living with self-doubt and unending health concerns, but she also started experiencing issues with red, dry eyes that were unusual for her. Even when treating her eyes with gel to keep them moist, nothing could alleviate the pressure behind her eyes, which caused her frequent headaches.

In 1993, Kimberly traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to intern with her uncle, who happened to be an ophthalmologist. Almost instantly he knew something was wrong and helped Kimberly see a doctor who diagnosed her with Graves’ disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism.

Yet, even when her thyroid condition was finally under control, Kimberly’s eye symptoms continued to worsen. In addition to the dry eyes and redness she was experiencing, Kimberly’s eyes soon started bulging, making it difficult to look in either direction. Before long, Kimberly was only able to read one or two pages of a book before she needed a break, and fast-paced movie scenes gave her motion sickness – she started feeling hopeless.

Fast forward twenty-five years and after multiple eye lid surgeries, Kimberly learned that the eye symptoms she’d been experiencing all these years had a name: Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), which is a rare, autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue behind the eyes. TED may affect up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease and women are at a higher risk. In 2018, Kimberly sought out a TED Eye Specialist.

Treatment Options Are Available

Following many doctor visits and years of working with her TED Eye Specialist, Kimberly was pleased to learn a new treatment was available. In 2021, she was prescribed TEPEZZA^® (teprotumumab-trbw) – the first and only FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), no matter if you’ve had TED for months or years. And TEPEZZA treats the source of TED, not just the symptoms. TEPEZZA is an intravenous medicine, also known as an IV medicine, meaning it is delivered through a needle in a person’s arm under supervision of a medical professional. TEPEZZA is given once every three weeks for a total of eight infusions, with a full course of treatment taking about five months.

Before starting treatment, Kimberly and her doctor talked about the risks and benefits of TEPEZZA including important safety information about infusion reactions, which can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely. They also talked about the most common side effects of TEPEZZA like muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation. Please read additional ISI about TEPEZZA at the end of this article.

Throughout her TEPEZZA infusion journey, Kimberly began to notice a decrease in the swelling and bulging of her eyes, and since completing treatment, the bulging and pain behind her eyes had reduced significantly. “I wasn’t sure if TEPEZZA would help with my TED symptoms since I’ve been living with the condition for so many years, but I was so relieved that it worked for me,” she said. Reading and watching movies also became comfortable again once Kimberly’s eyes returned to moving easily in all directions.

TED Education

To help others who may have been recently diagnosed, or who suspect they may be living with TED, Kimberly recommends people:

• Advocate for yourself and your symptoms. Even if the symptoms are not visible, be vocal about what you’re experiencing and how your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life.
• Find a TED Eye Specialist such as an oculoplastic surgeon or a neuro-ophthalmologist. Both are trained to manage TED with eye examinations, evaluations, and treatment.
• Find a support system among people you can relate to and surround yourself with people who can help provide comfort on your TED journey.
• Even if you’ve been living with TED for many years, or even decades, talk to a TED Eye Specialist to see if TEPEZZA may be right for you.

Visit TEPEZZA.com to learn more and find a TED Eye Specialist near you.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), no matter if you’ve had TED for months or years.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

• High blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Redness of the face/Feeling hot
• Muscle pain

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

TEPEZZA may cause severe hearing problems including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. Tell your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of hearing problems or changes in hearing.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

2024-03-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is the season of new beginnings — a time when we can finally get back outside and enjoy nature as we watch the world around us transition out of winter.

While there are many activities to enjoy this season, here are a few ideas to get you prepared for the first day of spring:

• Go for a bike ride in your neighborhood
• Plant a garden
• Go bird watching
• Enjoy a picnic with friends and family

It’s also a great opportunity to check off your health and wellness to-dos, like spring cleaning and talking to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening.

This is especially important for certain people at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia including those 65 or older or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• COPD
• Chronic heart disease

If you fall into any of these at-risk groups, vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect yourself from getting pneumococcal pneumonia.

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 ask your doctor or pharmacist if 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.

Don’t wait for spring to be in full bloom — talk to your doctor or pharmacist today about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination. Take advantage of all that this season has to offer.

You can visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more and assess your risk.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2024-03-15T10:01:01

(BPT) – As COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities, it has become apparent that the virus is here to stay, and that getting infected is possible year-round.

Staying up to date with your annual COVID-19 vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. It’s a proactive step that can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.¹ Additionally, if you’re 65 years of age and older, or someone who is immunocompromised, an additional shot may provide continued benefits.

Data has shown vaccine protection against COVID-19 wanes over time. To account for this, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those with a higher risk of developing severe and long-term symptoms of COVID-19, even if they’ve already received an initial dose of the updated 2023-2024 vaccine in the fall.²

Here are the top three reasons to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about receiving an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

1. Make no mistake, COVID-19 remains a year-round public health threat

At the start of 2024, the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System reported 35 states were experiencing “very high” COVID-19 viral activity, including Texas, New York, California, Illinois and Georgia.³ In addition to the case surge, we also saw a new dominant variant, JN.1, which now accounts for approximately 62% of all currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.⁴

Unlike the flu, COVID-19 spikes can occur at any point throughout the year. During the summer of 2023, COVID-19 hospitalization rates rose by 21.6% across the country.⁵ Summer heat waves can lead many to spend extended time indoors, which enables the virus to spread among people gathered together in close quarters.

As the year progresses and the COVID-19 virus evolves, it’s important that we stay up to date with the latest facts about COVID-19.

2. Vaccine protection needs to be refreshed

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and COVID-19 vaccination or protection from infection wanes over time. Receiving an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and provide enhanced protection against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.⁶

For adults aged 65 years and older, and those living with a compromised immune system, it may be helpful to receive a second dose of the vaccine at least two months after their previous dose or three months after recovering from a COVID-19 infection.⁷

“Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19,” said Dr. Jacqueline Miller, Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Infectious Diseases, at Moderna. “An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose for those who are at an increased risk of complications from a COVID-19 infection.”

3. Chronic conditions like hypertension can increase the risk of severe symptoms, and may lead to Long Covid

Long Covid is more common than many people realize. One in five adults have reported experiencing a continuation of COVID symptoms, including the development of fatigue and shortness of breath.⁸ According to research by the CDC,⁹ some other common symptoms include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression.

Those who are older or living with a compromised immune system are at a greater risk of developing Long Covid or severe symptoms from COVID-19 infection.¹⁰ Specifically, high blood pressure is the most common condition associated with hospitalization from COVID-19.

Older people and those who have conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are more than twice as likely to develop Long Covid, according to Dr. Philip Levy, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Wayne State University. “It’s critically important to get vaccinated and to get updated vaccines so you stay protected,” he said.

Vaccines are the first line of defense against COVID-19. Consult with your doctor and get an additional vaccine today. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control. “How to Protect Yourself and Others.” Updated July 6, 2023. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html#vaccines

2. Centers for Disease Control. “Older Adults Now Able to Receive Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine.” Updated February 28, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-0228-covid.html

3. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Current Wastewater Viral Activity Levels Map.” Updated December 7, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html

4. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Activity Increases as Prevalence of JN.1 Variant Continues to Rise.” Updated January 5, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html#

5. American Medical Association. “Questions patients may have about this “hot COVID summer.” Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/questions-patients-may-have-about-hot-covid-summer

6. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness.” Updated February 1, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-vaccine-effectiveness.html

7. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised.” Updated March 8, 2024. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

8. Centers for Disease Control. “Nearly One in Five American Adults Who Have Had COVID-19 Still Have “Long COVID.” Updated June 22, 2022. Accessed March 11, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220622.htm

9. Ford ND, et al. Long COVID and Significant Activity Limitation Among Adults, by Age — United States, June 1–13, 2022, to June 7–19, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:866–870.

10. National Institutes of Health. “Long COVID.” Accessed 11, 2024. https://covid19.nih.gov/covid-19-topics/long-covid

2024-03-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Marsha Semon was only 41 when her world turned upside down. She was a busy mom of two young children, working full time, when she began experiencing severe stomach pains.

“It got to the point where it felt like knives in my stomach,” said Marsha.

In August 2016, she had a colonoscopy, which revealed an obstruction. After a biopsy, her doctor diagnosed her with colon cancer. She was shocked.

“I had no family history of any type of cancer. I exercised and ate well. Cancer wasn’t supposed to happen to me, but it did,” said Marsha. “It’s a bizarre experience, especially as a young person.”

In fact, colorectal cancer is becoming more common in those who are Marsha’s age. It is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the percentage of people younger than age 55 diagnosed with colorectal cancer nearly doubled from 11% (1 in 10) in 1995 to 20% (1 in 5) in 2019. It is now the first-leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women under 50.

Marsha underwent surgery to remove part of her colon and had 12 grueling rounds of chemotherapy. At the end of the treatment, she was given a clean bill of health and thought she could finally put the nightmare behind her.

Unfortunately, blood work and a PET scan shortly thereafter confirmed there was a large tumor in her liver — which ultimately happens to as many as 60% of all people diagnosed with colorectal cancer — and her cancer diagnosis was changed to Stage 4.

Marsha was referred to a liver surgeon, who recommended liver resection, a surgery to immediately remove the tumor that had been seen in her scan. But through a friend, she learned about a treatment approach called Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) therapy, which uses an implantable pump to deliver medicine directly to tumors within the liver. Clinical studies have shown that adding HAI therapy to systemic chemotherapy may help reduce tumor size, improve disease control in the liver, and increase the likelihood that tumors in the liver could be removed. Studies have also demonstrated that HAI therapy may prevent or delay recurrence after tumor removal and increase survival.

Marsha learned that her friend, who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer many years prior, had received HAI therapy, and subsequently her friend had been considered to have no evidence of disease for over eight years.

Marsha asked her liver surgeon about HAI therapy and was told it was “overtreatment” in her case, because her tumor was already operable. Concerned with the statistic that a majority of patients will experience tumor recurrence within two years following surgery, she decided to seek a second opinion. The second surgeon strongly recommended liver resection with HAI therapy together and went on to explain the treatment and its history in detail. Marsha went home and read up on the data behind HAI therapy and decided to move forward.

Marsha had an HAI pump implanted in May 2017 along with a liver resection. She had five pump treatments, along with systemic chemotherapy, over six months, and was done with pump treatments by the end of 2017. During the time she was receiving HAI therapy, Marsha noted that she was able to maintain her activities as HAI doesn’t add systemic side effects like she experienced with traditional chemotherapy.

“I wanted to do everything in my power to stay alive for my kids and put this disease behind me, and I knew unequivocally that HAI therapy gave me my best chance,” said Marsha.

Marsha recently ran into her former doctor who had originally discouraged HAI therapy. She told Marsha that HAI therapy had been the right decision.

Today, eight years later, Marsha is no longer in treatment, her scans continue to be clear, and she is enjoying life to the fullest with her family, including recent “once-in-a-lifetime” trips to Spain, Colombia, and Italy. In addition to travel, she continues to work full-time and give back to the cancer community.

Marsha is passionate about supporting other patients, and she gives advice for others facing colorectal cancer with spread to the liver:

• “Connect with others on a similar journey. It can be really helpful to talk with peer communities to understand how to reconcile how different doctors are saying different things. I co-founded a Facebook group called Liver Mets from CRC to connect people with colorectal cancer whose disease has spread to the liver, helping to provide them with information and perspective like I was fortunate enough to receive years ago.”
• “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek other opinions. I don’t like to think about where I might be had I not sought a second opinion and been able to get HAI therapy.”
• “Talk to an HAI specialist about HAI therapy and if it may be right for you. I am eternally grateful to the doctors and the research that gave me access to this impactful therapy that I believe has given me the best possible chance of survival.”

Since 2019, the number of cancer centers offering HAI therapy nationwide has more than tripled, making HAI available to more patients closer to their homes. It is now available at more than 65 medical centers across the United States, including nine of the top ten U.S. cancer centers.

To learn about the benefits and risks of HAI therapy and to see if it is right for you, get in touch with an HAI Nurse Navigator who can help answer your questions and connect you with an HAI specialist near you.

You can learn more about Marsha’s experience here, which was unique to her. Individual results may vary. See full safety information here.

The Intera 3000 Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump is indicated for the continuous arterial administration of Cerona Therapeutics Floxuridine for Injection, USP, heparinized saline, and glycerin. The approved labeling for Cerona Therapeutics Floxuridine for Injection, USP stipulates the indications, contraindications, and warnings for use of the drug in the pump. The Intera 3000 Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump is contraindicated for use in patients with extensive extrahepatic disease or limited hepatic function. Possible adverse events of the pump are those potential risks associated with any implanted drug delivery device and include: catheter thrombosis, vessel thrombosis, pump dislodgement, seroma, or recurrent hematoma, infection, extravasation, catheter shear, dislodgement or leakage, migration, arterial pseudoaneurysm, arterial dissection, and extrahepatic perfusion.

Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Please review the full safety information at https://www.interaoncology.com/patients-caregivers/hai-therapy/safety-information.

2024-03-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – The bathroom is arguably the most frequented space in most homes. As the place where we begin and end our daily routines, this space is a vital hub for our lives. Recognizing this, an increasing number of homeowners are now focusing on unlocking the full potential of their bathroom spaces, aiming to create an enjoyable and functional environment that will stand the test of time.

In light of high interest rates and rising home costs, more homeowners are staying in their current homes and opting to refresh or remodel their bathroom spaces to better fit their lifestyle and personality and add value to their homes. As we head into spring, the busy season for remodeling, the bathroom pros at TOTO have compiled the top bathroom trends for 2024 based on third-party expertise and consumer demand.

“There is no better investment in your home than updating your bathroom with the latest technology to create not only a spa-like experience but also ensure your independence and dignity as you age in style,” said Lisa Cini, President and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio.

1. Focus on wellness

In a post-pandemic era where self-care has become an increasingly important aspect of people’s lives, bathroom upgrades are fantastic ways to enhance their personal well-being. For instance, bidet-equipped toilets optimize hygiene, cleanliness, and comfort for people of all ages. Bidet seats are an easy DIY project that can truly transform the health and wellness of the whole family. Other self-care features being added to bathrooms include invigorating showers and baths with unique features that promote recovery and relaxation, allowing users to unwind from the stress of their daily lives.

2. Stylish living in place

Whether it’s for a multigenerational home or to refresh to accommodate living in place, homeowners are looking to future-proof their homes with stylish yet functional upgrades. This means adding elements to the bathroom that support aging and accessibility, like adjustable height wall-hung toilets with bidets, widened doorways, accessibility lighting, beautiful non-slip floors, and grab bars with designer finishes. These add age-friendly functions that provide increased independence while looking chic rather than institutional, like a hospital or nursing home.

3. Spa-like experiences

A big trend for 2024 is bringing spa-like experiences into the bathroom. These include renovations like walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, body sprays, and rain showers like TOTO’s GB Shower Series. Other luxurious upgrades include steam showers, sound systems, heated benches, and towel warmers. Many designers are creating wet rooms that feature soaking tubs as ways to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, offering personal getaways for homeowners in their own bathrooms.

4. Bathroom technology integration

High-tech Japanese-style toilets and electronic bidet seats are leading the charge in bathroom tech for 2024. Americans are asking for toilets that offer cleanliness and comfort. In addition to luxury features like warm water cleansing and warm-air drying, heated seats, and automatic open/close lids, top-of-the-line models like the TOTO NEOREST WX1 smart bidet toilet and WASHLET S7A bidet seat have self-cleaning features that use electrolyzed water to clean the bowl, bidet wand and under the seat, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Other popular tech upgrades for the bathroom include the introduction of smart technology into everyday items like mirrors, faucets, and showers.

5. Sustainability features

Saving water, conserving energy, and reducing waste have become a high priority for homeowners. They are achieving this by adding shower timers, LED lighting, and refillable shower dispensers to their bathrooms. Others are swapping water-guzzling toilets for dual flush models that use up to 25 percent less water. Bidets also help to reach eco goals by reducing the need for toilet paper by 75%. Models with cleaning and advanced flushing features cut down the need for using harsh chemicals to clean the bathroom, which aids the planet’s health.

6. Personalization by design

Whether it’s to refresh, relax, cleanse, or energize, the bathroom should be a place where you feel perfectly comfortable being yourself. More people are opting to incorporate design elements that reflect their individual style, moving away from cyclical design trends. Adding a personal touch by choosing bold metallic fixture finishes, adding natural textures like stone and wood, and incorporating color into walls and accessories allows homeowners to create bathroom spaces that truly reflect their personalities.

Whether you are planning a quick bathroom revamp or a full remodel, let these expert trends inspire you to transform your bathroom into a highly personalized space that fits your lifestyle, adding comfort and value to your home. To learn more visit TOTOUSA.com.

2024-03-13T05:01:00

(BPT) – Acne, one of the most common skin conditions, is often uncomfortable and can negatively impact a person’s self-esteem. As with any chronic medical condition, it’s a good idea to see a medical practitioner if you’re concerned about acne. But if you haven’t yet seen a dermatology professional, you are not alone.

A survey of 1,003 people with mild-to-moderate acne, conducted by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (Sun Pharma), found that only 3 out of 10 people with mild-to-moderate acne report having seen a dermatologist. Instead of seeing a professional — a dermatologist, physician’s assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) — many acne sufferers seek skin care advice from search engines (45%) or friends and family (43%), while some use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for this purpose (20%).

“We see teenagers and even older adults putting all sorts of things on their face based on misinformation, which can in some cases cause damage to the skin barrier that can take months to repair,” said Renata Block, a survey adviser and a board-certified PA specializing in dermatology. “Treating acne is highly individualized. Only a licensed medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and a research-backed treatment plan.”

Why should I see a professional?

Did you know that there’s a lot of activity inside your skin that leads to the pimples you eventually see and feel? A key contributor to acne breakouts is sebum, an oily wax made by the sebaceous glands in your pores. Bacteria in your skin feed off excess sebum, multiply and eventually clog your pores, leading to additional inflammation and breakouts.

A dermatology professional will assess your acne severity, type of skin, lifestyle and other factors, and will use that assessment to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Surprisingly, while 9 out of 10 survey respondents said they rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications to prevent acne, fewer than 1 in 5 said they’d been very successful in preventing acne breakouts with non-prescription medication. Just as with any other medical condition, you may need a prescription medication to effectively prevent and treat even mild-to-moderate acne.

“There are good products you can get off a drugstore shelf, but they don’t address the underlying causes of acne and there’s no one-size-fits-all skin care regimen that works for everyone,” said Dr. Hilary Baldwin, a board-certified dermatologist who served as an advisor to the Sun Pharma survey. “We have to look at each patient’s situation, such as their age and life stage, gender, lifestyle, and other parameters, to come up with a simple but effective skin care regimen that they can realistically follow.”

What types of acne treatments are available?

A dermatology professional may prescribe OTC and/or prescription therapies to treat acne, but each person’s case is unique. OTC products typically contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol, all of which are used in different ways. There are also prescription-strength versions of these topical (applied to the skin) treatments, as well as oral therapies.

While these treatments can be effective, your acne may need a different approach. WINLEVI^® (clascoterone cream) 1% is the first and only topical acne treatment that, unlike other topical medications, targets the sebum in your skin. Instead of just treating the signs and symptoms, it treats the underlying cause of acne, thereby helping to control the condition.

What to do once you have a skin care routine?

Once you have a skin care routine prescribed by a dermatology professional, it’s up to you to follow it. For treatments like WINLEVI that need to be applied twice a day, plan to use them when you know you won’t forget.

With any new acne treatment, you may not see results right away; your skin may look worse for a short time, and it may take a month or more to see a difference. Stick with what your healthcare provider recommends and reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns.

Be intentional and work skin care into your schedule. For example, you can keep your skin care products and medications near the bathroom mirror to help you remember to use them. In between brushing your teeth and combing your hair, wash your face, apply or take your prescription acne medications, moisturize and apply sunscreen (in the morning). Easy enough!

After a few weeks of adhering to your skin care routine every morning and evening, it will become second nature. More importantly, your skin will benefit from consistent, careful attention.

Good skin doesn’t happen by accident. Visit Winlevi.com to find a dermatologist near you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

What is WINLEVI^® cream?

WINLEVI (clascoterone) cream 1% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne vulgaris in people 12 years of age and older.

It is not known if WINLEVI cream is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION

Before using WINLEVI cream, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, particularly if you:

• have skin problems, including eczema, cuts or sunburn
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if WINLEVI cream will harm your unborn baby
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if WINLEVI cream passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with WINLEVI cream

WINLEVI cream is for use on the skin only (topical). Do not use WINLEVI cream in or on your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Do not use WINLEVI cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give WINLEVI cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF WINLEVI CREAM?

WINLEVI cream can cause serious side effects, including:

• local skin reactions. WINLEVI cream may cause local skin irritation including itching, burning, skin redness or peeling.
• symptoms of a disorder where the adrenal gland does not make enough of certain hormones (adrenal insufficiency) during treatment with WINLEVI. Your healthcare provider may stop your treatment with WINLEVI if you develop any adrenal problems.

The most common side effects of WINLEVI cream include reddening, scaling or dryness, and itching of the skin being treated.
These are not all of the possible side effects of WINLEVI cream.
Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. by calling 1-800-818-4555.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information.

WINLEVI is a registered trademark of Cassiopea S.p.A. used under exclusive license.

©2024 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

2024-03-06T13:31:00

(BPT) – “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Whether a quote often attributed to Greek physician Hippocrates or a rhyme many of us learned in our youth, the connection between the foods we eat and their effects on our physical health has always been generally understood but not necessarily followed.

In recent years, this disconnect has resulted in dramatically increased rates of diet-related diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Driving both conditions is poor diet, which annually contributed to more than 14.1 million cases of type 2 diabetes alone.

Since the pandemic, researchers have found Americans’ physical and mental health has fallen, with more individuals reporting diabetes diagnoses, less healthy eating, and other health problems. Roughly two-thirds of Americans are currently overweight or obese.

These diseases burden our healthcare system, where 8 out of 10 healthcare dollars are spent on chronic, preventable diseases.

In response to these epidemics of diet-related disease, interventions like produce prescriptions, or Produce Rx, have been introduced to some health care providers and the communities they serve.

People who care about their health have wanted to know — what is a produce prescription?

A patient gets an actual prescription from their doctor for a fruit and vegetable benefit on a card or voucher that can be redeemed at a participating grocery store. This benefit is typically refillable monthly and is covered by health insurance at no or low cost to the patient. Currently there are 250 produce prescription programs operating in 38 states.

More than 150 million Americans are covered by federal insurance programs and if embedded as a covered benefit into the federal health system, produce prescriptions could reach millions of eligible Americans.

While some critics say produce prescriptions are merely a passing trend, data exists that show Produce Rx is both economically feasible and effective, as well as much more natural than a traditional prescription from a doctor.

Tufts University found produce prescriptions for 40- to 79-year-olds facing diabetes could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease over their lifetimes.

Another study found that produce prescription program participants consumed more fruits and vegetables and reduced food insecurity. They also self-reported health status among both adults and children and found the program resulted in a wide array of improvements across several metabolic health markers, boosting long-term health.

From a community perspective, a nonprofit in North Carolina took a $500,000 produce prescription grant and turned it into $8 million in redemption of fruits and vegetables in a little over a year. Lower-income consumers in the impacted market are now doubling their spend on fruits and vegetables.

The International Fresh Produce Association, a global organization leading the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, is working to scale produce prescriptions on several fronts.

As part of IFPA’s work to support the U.S. National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the association developed a video distributed to medical schools and more than 5 million student/medical professionals worldwide to help them understand how they can prescribe fruits and vegetables to their patients (in addition to any medications needed) to manage symptoms of chronic disease.

Produce prescription programs hold great promise to help more consumers eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to optimize their health and enjoy lives filled with vitality and vibrancy.

2024-03-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Struggling with weight loss is a problem everyone is familiar with – either they themselves or someone close to them has faced challenges in maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.¹ A common, serious and costly chronic disease that affects adults and children, obesity is on the rise in the United States.² About one-third of Americans suffer from obesity.² Many have other chronic, expensive medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.²

“Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines and genetics,³” said Dr. Anthony Auriemma JD, FOMA, obesity medicine specialist at Ascension Medical Group Illinois. “There is no one size fits all approach to treating obesity, which is a complex condition. While lifestyle intervention is the basis of treatment, it is important to consider the new therapies FDA approved for chronic weight management.⁴”

Obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term commitment to treatment.⁵ It’s important to consider the range of options as some therapies may be more appropriate than others to help manage weight loss in people with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.⁵ In addition, the benefits of weight loss through medication have been shown to have positive effects on managing other diseases such as high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and heart disease.⁶

“When treating obesity, it’s essential to consider the specific challenges of each person,” said Dr. Anthony Auriemma JD, FOMA. “Many new therapies are now available; It’s essential to look beyond the hype and, together, carefully evaluate the various options before committing to a weight loss strategy.⁵ Specifically, people in partnership with their physician should consider efficacy, safety, ease-of-use, and financial cost when choosing an option that best supports achieving and maintaining healthy weight goals.⁵”

Amid this growing health crisis, there has been much attention focused on recently introduced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, like semaglutide.⁵ Experts caution these GLP-1 medications may not be suitable for the full range of people struggling with weight loss, and a person or patient should consider the option that best aligns with their individual healthy weight goals.⁵

The good news is there are a number of proven medications for patients who suffer from obesity and are overweight.⁵ For example, Qsymia® (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules) CIV in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise has been proven to help adults and children ages 12 to 17 lose weight and maintain weight loss.⁷ The once-daily pill is covered by the majority (81%) of commercial healthcare plans and is indicated for long-term use.⁸

“Obesity continues to threaten the overall well-being of those affected and is a major public health concern – and no one pill will completely reverse the situation,⁵” said Dr. Anthony Auriemma JD, FOMA. “Take the time to learn about each option with your physician. Remember, weight-loss medications may take time to show noticeable results.⁵ Be patient and stay committed to your overall weight-loss plan.”

Sponsored by VIVUS LLC.

Dr. Anthony Auriemma JD, FOMA, obesity medicine specialist at Ascension Medical Group Illinois, is a paid consultant of VIVUS LLC.

About QSYMIA

QSYMIA is a combination of phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine anorectic, and topiramate, indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia. QSYMIA may also be used in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with BMI in the 95th percentile or greater standardized for age and sex.

The effect of QSYMIA on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established. The safety and effectiveness of QSYMIA in combination with other products intended for weight loss, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, have not been established.

For more information on QSYMIA, please visit https://QSYMIA.com/

Important Safety Information

Do not take QSYMIA if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during QSYMIA treatment; have glaucoma; have thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism); are taking certain medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs in the past 14 days; are allergic to topiramate, sympathomimetic amines such as phentermine, or any of the ingredients in QSYMIA.

Common side effects of QSYMIA in adults include numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face (paraesthesia), dizziness, changes in the way foods taste or loss of taste (dysgeusia), trouble sleeping (insomnia), constipation, and dry mouth. Common side effects of Qysmia in children aged 12 years and older include depression, dizziness, joint pain, fever, flu, and ankle sprain.

QSYMIA can cause serious side effects, including birth defects (cleft lip/cleft palate), increases in heart rate, visual field defects (independent of elevated intraocular pressure), suicidal thoughts or actions, serious eye problems, and severe rash with blisters and peeling skin. QSYMIA may slow the increase in height in children 12 years and older.

101225.02-USP

References

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1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 17). Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 22). Adult Obesity is a Serious Health Problem. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0922-adult-obesity.html#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20disease%20caused,one%20size%20fits%20all%20approach.
4. WebMD. (2023, November 9). Prescription Weight Loss Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/obesity/weight-loss-prescription-weight-loss-medicine
5. Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, November 1). Understanding new weight-loss drugs. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-new-weight-loss-drugs
6. Müller, L., & Müller, V. (2018). Obesity and Breast Cancer: Current Insights on the Role of Fatty Acids and Lipid Metabolism in Promoting Breast Cancer Growth and Progression. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9, 647. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00647
7. Qsymia. (2023, June). Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) capsules, for oral use, CIV. Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://qsymia.com/patient/include/media/pdf/prescribing-information.pdf
8. VIVUS LLC (2023, January 23). VIVUS Provides Update on Pipeline and Program Milestones. Retrieved from https://ir.vivus.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vivus-provides-update-pipeline-and-program-milestones