Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-04-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – There’s a funny thing about body odor. It’s not confined to your underarms. It can affect your whole body, from your pits to your bits … and beyond. Ever get a whiff of your feet after a long day in sandals? How about your bra when you whip it off after you get home after work? Let’s be honest, ladies. We might want to smell like a delicate spring rain, but by the end of the day? Sometimes, the struggle is real.

Secret gets it. This industry leader that has been helping women get their good smell on for nearly 70 years recently found women often face unspoken concerns about whole body odor.

“Some people think body odor means you’re ‘dirty’ when body odor is completely normal and natural,” says OBGYN Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald. “We all have bacteria that naturally exists on our bodies. If that bacteria is able to mix with sweat in tight spaces, it will emit an odor. Also many think body odor is only normal under the arms, when it can come from many more parts of the body.”

But, McDonald explains, the tactics they have been using to combat body odor have been less than effective — taking multiple showers a day, layering clothes, applying powder, using sprays or perfumes to mask the odor, even avoiding being close to or intimate with others.

Women have enough stress. Do we really need to worry about this, too? There’s got to be a better solution.

The good news? There is. Here are some tips that really work.

Watch what you eat … Far be it from anyone to suggest you give up garlic bread, hummus or a Caesar salad, but according to WebMD, foods with garlic, onions and other more aromatic spices can actually affect how your body smells. The aroma can be carried in your sweat. Try a fruit salad instead on a hot summer day.

… and drink. Alcohol and caffeine can make you perspire more than usual and overall hydration can really affect your scent. So drink those eight glasses of water each day. Bonus tip: It can help with bad breath, too.

Use a whole body deodorant. Didn’t know that was a thing? It’s new! Secret developed an innovation in deodorants, Secret Whole Body, that you can use from pits to bits. Groin, feet, thighs, the whole nine yards. It goes on clear and smells delicious, featuring Peach + Vanilla Blossom and Fresh Lilac + Waterlily scents that don’t simply mask your scent, they fight odor-causing bacteria at the source. It comes in three forms: a nitrogen-powered spray, a stick with coconut oil and shea butter, and a water-based cream, all of which give 72-hour clinically proven protection against odors. All three forms are free of aluminum, baking soda and dyes. And, four out of five gynecologists and dermatologists would recommend it, including Dr. Goodall McDonald. It’s a serious new breakthrough that gives women an easy way to smell fresh all day. Look for it at retailers nationwide.

Exfoliate. Showering every day is a given to get rid of the bacteria on your skin, but don’t forget to exfoliate, too. It can help remove the dead skin cells that can trap bacteria and cause odors. Another tip for your daily showering routine: towel off well, especially in areas where you tend to sweat later in the day. When you get dry right away, it’s harder for that bacteria to breed.

Wear loose, lightweight clothes. You may want to do the opposite and cover up more heavily if you’re concerned about whole body odor. But dressing in outfits that will keep you cool may help minimize body odor.

Replace your insoles. To help combat foot odor, replace those insoles often. New insoles won’t stop your feet from sweating, but old, stinky insoles certainly aren’t helping.

With these tips, you can ditch the stress about body odor, put on those tank tops and shorts and enjoy summer!

2024-04-03T13:51:00

(BPT) – For people with incurable metastatic breast cancer (MBC), time is precious. Yet current treatment options can bring their own set of difficulties, making managing this disease challenging for patients. This can include having to re-prioritize commitments due to “time toxicity”: the time it takes to undergo cancer-related medical care, including travel and wait times.¹ This takes away from moments with family and friends and other responsibilities.

To take a closer look at this, 100 female ER+, HER2- patients with MBC in the U.S., who had not previously received an intramuscular SERD as part of their treatment, were surveyed to identify opportunities to advance care, improve patient experience and highlight the importance of what treatment options could mean for people living with MBC.

For more information, click here.

1. Rossi, M. (2023, August). The Time Toxicity in Cancer Patient. PubMed | National Institutes of Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37392102/. Accessed January 19, 2024.

2024-04-02T09:31:00

(BPT) – Brittany Mahomes, co-owner of the Kansas City Current soccer team and mom of two young children with food allergies, knows all too well how frightening a severe allergic reaction to food can be. Last summer, Brittany and husband Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, had a food allergy scare when their son Bronze had a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, resulting in a trip to the emergency room.

Since that day, Brittany has prepared herself to quickly respond in case either Bronze or daughter Sterling has a severe reaction.

“Our family is very active, so Patrick and I made a game plan. We wanted to make sure everyone who spends time with our kids knows what to do in the event of an allergic emergency,” she said.

To help other parents and caregivers, Brittany shares her family’s game plan for recognizing and confidently responding to a food allergy emergency.

1. Know the signs and symptoms

“Based on my experience, I can tell you a severe allergic reaction may not look how you think it will, especially in babies and toddlers,” said Brittany.

“Both of my kids got really fussy and irritable,” she added. “With Sterling, the vomiting, sneezing and red eyes were pretty heavy cues that something was wrong. And with Bronze, the hives and the welts quickly began to cover his body.”

Brittany’s experience isn’t uncommon.

“Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S., and I’m seeing more families experience severe allergic reactions with their kids,” said Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “In fact, more than 40% of children with food allergies have experienced a severe reaction.”

Young children often cannot describe what they are feeling and some symptoms like fussiness and spitting up can be confused with behavior seen in healthy babies.^1,2 That’s why it’s important to watch out for skin reactions, such as hives, and stomach-related issues, like persistent vomiting, in infants and toddlers.^3,4

2. Keep your diaper bag stocked

“A key part of my family’s game plan is to keep our bag stocked when we’re on the go,” said Brittany.

“After our kids’ allergic reactions, our family’s doctor prescribed them both AUVI-q^® (epinephrine injection, USP),” she said. “What I love most about AUVI-q is the calm voice and clear instructions that can help parents and caregivers confidently administer epinephrine. It even reminds you to call 911.”

AUVI-q is the only FDA-approved option for infants and toddlers weighing 16.5 to 33 pounds.

“Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering or football game, you can always find four AUVI-q devices — two for Bronze and two for Sterling — in my bag. I also pack snacks that are safe for them to eat and extras for sharing with their friends,” she added.

3. Pass on the knowledge

“If I had to give new moms one piece of advice, it’d be to be confident in protecting your child,” said Brittany. “Don’t be afraid to speak up for your child and help those around you recognize and respond to an allergic emergency.”

“Food allergies have become more common. If you’re going out with other moms, one of them has likely experienced it or knows someone who has. So, while it can be scary, there is a community out there and there are resources to help you,” she added.

“It’s important to educate your friends, family and caregivers — including at school or daycare — about what foods your child is allergic to, how to avoid those foods and what to do in case of an accidental exposure,” Dr. Gupta reiterated. “Discuss your action plan, signs and symptoms of a food allergic reaction and how and when to use epinephrine.”

4. Act quickly

Anaphylaxis, or a life-threatening allergic reaction, is most commonly triggered by food, such as peanuts, milk and eggs, in children. A reaction can happen within minutes of exposure and requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.^2,4,5,6

“As a pediatrician and mother of a child with peanut and tree nut allergies, I know how scary these reactions can be. But, with the right preparation, you can take back control and help ensure a fast response in the event of a food allergy emergency,” said Dr. Gupta. “Have an action plan, keep two epinephrine auto-injectors with your child and talk about this with your school and other caregivers.”

To learn more about Brittany’s story and how to be prepared for a severe food allergy reaction, visit www.FoodAllergyGamePlan.com.

Brittany Mahomes was compensated for her participation in this campaign.

Dr. Gupta is a paid advisor for Kaléo.

Indication

AUVI-Q^® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a prescription medicine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are at risk for or have a history of serious allergic reactions.

Important Safety Information

AUVI-Q is for immediate self (or caregiver) administration and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Seek immediate medical treatment after using AUVI-Q. Each AUVI-Q contains a single dose of epinephrine. AUVI-Q should only be injected into your outer thigh, through clothing if necessary. If you inject a young child or infant with AUVI-Q, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injuries. Do not inject AUVI-Q into any other part of your body, such as into veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands, or feet. If this occurs, seek immediate medical treatment and make sure to inform the healthcare provider of the location of the accidental injection. Only a healthcare provider should give additional doses of epinephrine if more than two doses are necessary for a single allergic emergency.

Rarely, patients who use AUVI-Q may develop infections at the injection site within a few days of an injection. Some of these infections can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms at an injection site: redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.

If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have more or longer lasting side effects when you use AUVI-Q. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. Also tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have asthma, a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart problems or high blood pressure, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Common side effects include fast, irregular or ‘pounding’ heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, headache, paleness, feelings of over excitement, nervousness, or anxiety, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or breathing problems. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information.

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.

CC-US-AQ-0048

1. Dosanjh A. “Infant anaphylaxis: the importance of early recognition.” J Asthma Allergy. 2013;6:103-107.

2024-04-01T13:01:00

(BPT) – Sunsweet prunes are the feel-good addition to spring break. From fueling your adventures to supporting energy levels throughout the day and helping you recover from fun, prunes are there to support your health so you can keep up with your spring break plans!

Registered dietitian, Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD partnered with Sunsweet to compile a list of spring break snacking essentials. As a toddler mom and wife to a professional baseball coach, Angie is an expert in travel snacks. Stock up on some of these favorites ahead of your break.

1. Your last-minute packing companion: Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes

One thing worse than last-minute packing? Being hungry. Cue Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes to satisfy your hunger and with elderberry flavor and BC30 Probiotic and prebiotic fiber they even support your digestive and immune wellness. Asche suggests pairing with almond butter for a boost of protein.

2. Your travel day brekkie: Oatmeal & Prune Muffins with Blueberries

With less added sugar than traditional muffins and protein from Greek yogurt, these muffins can help fuel your travel. Why? “Along with fiber from prunes, protein can help keep you full and satisfied as you travel,” highlights Asche.

3. Your unsung spring break hero: Hydration

Asche cautions while people commonly avoid drinking fluids on long car or plane rides, this can backfire by increasing the risk of dehydration and digestive issues. Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice in convenient 7.5oz cans is perfect for your next road trip to keep you and your family feeling good on the inside. Asche also suggests bringing an empty water bottle and filling it before your flight.

4. Your activity fuel: Sierra Trail Bites

Whether hitting the beach, ballpark or trail, pack Sierra Trail Bites for a portable treat. Made with simple ingredients like dates, prunes and almonds, they provide 3 grams of plant protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. With no refrigeration necessary, they are a favorite for Asche.

5. Your post-break, still on vacay mocktail: Sunsweet Mule Mocktail

Traveling can take its toll; this prune juice mocktail can help you recover. Each delicious serving of Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice provides a natural source of 4 grams of fiber, which can help to maintain your digestive health and help you feel good.

While sipping your mocktail, take 10 minutes to prep this easy recipe. Perfect for combatting the 3 p.m. slump in the week ahead. And did you know adding prunes into your daily snack routine may even support bone health?

For more feel-good recipes and inspiration to fuel your spring break and beyond, visit www.sunsweet.com.

2024-03-28T11:45:00

(BPT) – There are a few hard truths in life — traffic is always worse when you’re late, you’ll never find that missing sock and accidents happen when you least expect them, including in your sex life. Accidents like a birth control failure or unprotected sex can happen to anyone, and it’s important to know there are options available.

“I talk to my kids about a lot of things — from how their day at school was to what they want for dinner, and surprising for some, sex. With a teenaged daughter and a college-aged son, it’s important that we have frank, honest conversations about what can happen in the real world, like unprotected sex or birth control failures,” said Todd Rodeheaver, vice president, business development and strategic relationships at Afaxys, Inc.

Being prepared can give you peace of mind and is easier than you think. It can look like open conversations with a family member, partner or physician. It can also be keeping emergency contraception on hand in your medicine cabinet or travel bag to prevent pregnancy if you find yourself in an unexpected situation. Emergency contraception, like EContra One-Step^® (levonorgestrel) tablet, 1.5 mg, can be affordable and accessible over the counter, without a prescription. In fact, according to research published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about one in four women (23.5%) have used emergency contraception.

How does it work?

Emergency contraception stops the release of an egg from the ovary, preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraception is easy to access, as it can be purchased online or in the store without ID or a prescription.

“Emergency contraception prevents a pregnancy from occurring in the first place by delaying or preventing ovulation, similar to how some other types of contraception work,” said gynecologist Kristen Feldman, M.D., FACOG, BCMAS, vice president, medical affairs at Afaxys, Inc. “It should be used within three days after sex to be most effective, it will not work if you are already pregnant, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.”

Emergency contraception will not protect against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How do I use it?

Common situations in which emergency contraception could be used include forgetting to take several birth control pills in a row, experiencing condom breakage or having unprotected sex. Here are three tips to keep in mind —

1. Have an emergency contraceptive on hand. (Pro tip: you can even find emergency contraceptives on Amazon!)
2. Know how to use emergency contraception properly: Take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you use it, within three days after birth control failure or unprotected sex, the better it works.
3. Expect menstrual changes, but consult your physician after use if you’re experiencing side effects like severe abdominal pain.

It’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to situations like unprotected sex or birth control failure.

“Accidents are a part of life, and they’re certainly a part of college. I want both my kids to know they have options,” said Rodeheaver. “Knowledge like this can help us navigate the unexpected things life throws at us.”

Learn more about EContra One-Step^®, an over-the-counter emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure, by visiting EContraOneStep.com.

2024-03-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – The sun is shining, and the weather is warming up, so you know what that means: it’s spring cleaning season! When it’s time to deep clean your kitchen and bathroom, you probably wish there were ways to make the job quicker and easier.

To help you maintain that sense of accomplishment that comes with a sparkling clean home, Delta Faucet has thoughtful kitchen and bathroom products that can help you maintain your hard work this spring (and beyond!).

Make kitchen cleanup easier

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s important to keep it looking and feeling clean. However, heavy usage throughout the day makes this especially challenging. When spring cleaning, start at the top of the room, wiping down kitchen cabinets first, then cleaning the counters, sink and stovetop, saving the floors for last.

After you’ve done a thorough cleaning, try to establish the habit of wiping spills between food prep tasks and right after cooking; this helps prevent caked-on food that becomes harder to remove. Keep a damp cloth handy to make this easier.

Ensure that everything you need for cleaning is in an easily accessible place. An under-sink bin can hold essential kitchen cleaning products, but make sure they’re meant for kitchen use only. Avoid making this a catch-all for other items, to make it easier for anyone to find kitchen cleanup tools. Stay away from abrasive products or “all-purpose bathroom cleaners,” as they can damage some kitchen or bathroom finishes.

Upgrading your faucet improves the look and cleanliness of your kitchen

One of the most common kitchen pain points is keeping your faucet looking clean and free from streaky fingerprints, debris and water spots. Thankfully, you can prevent buildup and keep grimy hands off with the new Trinsic^® Touch2O^® Kitchen Faucet with Touchless™ Technology from Delta^®. This technology eliminates the need for daily interactions that make your kitchen faucet look dirty and you get to choose a function that is easiest for your family. Like using the back of your hand to gently touch anywhere on the faucet to start and stop the water? No problem, Touch2O^® Technology has your back. Want to avoid using hands altogether? With Delta’s Touch2O^® with Touchless™ Technology, just place your hands anywhere near the faucet to turn it on or off, helping you cut down on cleaning time.

To prevent mineral buildup and hard water stains on your faucets, Delta^® also offers Lumicoat^® finishes on select collections, which repels liquids, resists water spots and keeps your accessories looking cleaner longer. Simply wipe it clean with a soft cloth: no cleaners or chemicals necessary.

Battling bathroom cleanup

Keeping bathrooms clean can seem like an endless challenge. Again, having all your cleaning supplies close at hand in an easy-to-carry caddy or bin is essential to making this task easier. Start with the dirtiest jobs first — including the toilet — and make sure brushes or sponges you use for that job are kept separate from supplies for your tub and sink.

To tackle hard water stains and soap scum, a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water is extremely effective. You can use this combination in a spray bottle to easily clean surfaces like shower glass. Spray the affected area and let it sit 20 minutes before wiping gently and rinsing.

Bathroom upgrades to boost cleaning efforts

To help maintain cleaner shower surfaces and keep bathtub grime at bay, try the Delta^® ProClean™ 6-Setting Hand Shower. This hand shower cleans shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays, powering off soap scum and shower messes. Perfect for an easy DIY upgrade, the ProClean™ Hand Shower makes it easier to keep shower and tile clean and reduce soap scum buildup with regular use. Its focused, wide fan spray lets you easily clean hard-to-reach places, even without stepping foot in the shower. While other products gather unsightly mineral buildup over time, the soft rubber Touch-Clean^® spray holes allow mineral residue to be simply wiped away for an instantly refreshed look.

Between constant handwashing, toothbrushing and other grooming tasks, it can seem impossible to keep your bathroom sink and faucet neat and clean. One way to combat this challenge is with the Delta^® Stryke^® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet, which makes quick work of cleaning toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with its nimble pull-down spray wand.

With these tips and updated kitchen and bathroom fixtures, you’ll be able to keep these essential spaces in your home in great shape this spring, and all year round.

2024-03-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – For patients like Jerome, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be a devastating and life-changing experience.

Jerome, who lives in Florida with his wife of 27 years, Joanne, was diagnosed with AD in 2019 at age 82. “When I received the news that I had Alzheimer’s disease, I pretty much shut down,” Jerome said. “My whole life I’ve been known for being outgoing, but after my diagnosis, I changed. I barely spoke to my family and friends, and I stopped doing the things that I love like reading and listening to jazz music.”

AD is a brain condition that gets worse over time. It may happen when a protein called amyloid continuously builds up in your brain, forming harmful amyloid beta plaques. Though there are different types of amyloid proteins, all of them can damage brain cells.^[1],[2]

Like many patients, Jerome was frightened by his diagnosis. When his doctor suggested he take part in a clinical trial for AD, he was reluctant. “I would purposefully forget to go to my appointments because I felt so hopeless,” he said. “I credit my wife Joanne, my mother-in-law and my children for pushing past my stubbornness and making sure I attended my appointments and got the care I needed.”

Slowing AD’s Progression

Jerome participated in Eisai’s Clarity AD 18-month clinical trial which studied the efficacy and safety of LEQEMBI^® (lecanemab-irmb) to treat early AD. The study included 1,795 men and women, ages 50 to 90, from different ethnic and racial backgrounds.^[3] The study was divided into two groups. One group took LEQEMBI (898 people), and the other group were on a placebo and not taking LEQEMBI (897 people). LEQEMBI (injection for intravenous use) is a prescription medication that received traditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 for the treatment of AD. LEQEMBI was proven to slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to AD, which together are called early AD. Even though you cannot stop AD from getting worse, with LEQEMBI, you can take steps to slow how fast it progresses. MCI is when symptoms, like forgetting names and confusion, are very mild and may not get in the way of daily life. Mild dementia due to AD is when symptoms, like trouble keeping track of your bills and difficulty with familiar tasks, start to get in the way of daily life.^[1]

LEQEMBI can cause serious side effects including amyloid related abnormalities (ARIA), serious allergic reactions and infusion-related reactions. ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in areas of the brain that usually resolves over time. Some people may have small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain, and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Your healthcare provider will do magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before and during your treatment with LEQEMBI to check you for ARIA. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming (antithrombotic medicines, including aspirin). Some medicines can increase the risk for larger areas of bleeding in the brain in patients taking LEQEMBI. Some people may have symptoms such as headache, confusion and dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects of LEQEMBI. Please see full safety information below.

Since starting LEQEMBI, Jerome and Joanne report that they’ve noticed what may be a slowing in the progression of his early AD. “Alzheimer’s is a terrible, crippling disease for patients and their care partners, but the fact that we have an approved treatment that can slow the process is a great step in combating the disease. We went from feeling hopeless to having hope for our future,” said Joanne.

How LEQEMBI Works

LEQEMBI works on fighting AD in two ways. LEQEMBI targets the different types of harmful amyloid proteins and LEQEMBI helps to remove existing amyloid brain plaque.^[3] People taking LEQEMBI were shown to have less amyloid brain plaque starting at three months.^[3] LEQEMBI keeps working through treatment to remove harmful amyloid brain plaque.^[3] It’s important to know if brain plaque is behind your symptoms.

The impact of AD on the brain begins long before a patient starts to have symptoms.^[1] Early treatment with LEQEMBI can help you keep playing the roles you have for longer.^[4] Once AD progresses to middle and late stage, LEQEMBI may no longer be right for you.^[3] That is why discussing treatment with your doctor early on is so important.

“Memory loss, problems with thinking and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may be difficult to talk about, but it’s important to have these conversations with your doctor as soon as you start to notice a pattern,” said Dr. Julie Schwartzbard, a neurologist at Aventura Neurologic Associates in Florida who has been treating people living with neurological conditions, including AD and dementia, for 25 years. “For the first time ever, we’re seeing significant advancements for AD treatment. For patients to maximize benefits, it’s important for them to work with their doctor to diagnose AD and begin treatment as early as possible.”

If you or someone you love may be living with AD, it’s important to speak with your doctor. To learn more about LEQEMBI, visit www.LEQEMBI.com.

Important Safety Information

WHAT IS LEQEMBI?

LEQEMBI is a prescription medicine used to treat people with Alzheimer’s disease.

If you have serious allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in LEQEMBI, you should not be treated with LEQEMBI.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

LEQEMBI can cause serious side effects, including:

• ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities). There are usually no signs of ARIA. In rare cases, it can lead to serious complications
• ARIA can show up as swelling in parts of the brain or small spots of bleeding
• Larger areas of bleeding in the brain may occur, but this is uncommon
• ARIA usually goes away over time
• Most people with ARIA don’t have any symptoms. However, some people may notice:
  • headache
  • confusion that gets worse
  • dizziness
  • vision problems
  • nausea
  • problems walking
  • seizures
• Some people have a gene called ApoE4 that may increase the risk of ARIA. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing to see if you have this gene
• Some medicines can increase the risk of larger areas of bleeding in the brain for people taking LEQEMBI. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if any of the medicines you’re taking increase this risk
• Your healthcare provider will check for ARIA with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans before you start LEQEMBI and during treatment

Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Before receiving LEQEMBI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if LEQEMBI will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with LEQEMBI
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if any of the ingredients in LEQEMBI pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while receiving LEQEMBI

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming (including aspirin). Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

Keep a list of the medicines you take. Show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of LEQEMBI?

LEQEMBI can cause serious side effects, including:

• ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) (see previous page)
• Serious allergic reactions may happen during a LEQEMBI infusion. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms during or after a LEQEMBI infusion:
  • swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue
  • itchy bumps on the skin, also known as hives
  • difficulty breathing
• Infusion-related reactions are common and can sometimes be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms during an infusion:
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms (chills, joint and body aches, feeling shaky)
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • fast or slow heart rate, or feeling like your chest is pounding
  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Your healthcare provider may give you medicines before your next infusion to lower the chance of having a reaction.

The most common side effects of LEQEMBI include:

• infusion-related reactions
• swelling in areas of the brain, with or without small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain (ARIA)
• headache

These are not all the possible side effects of LEQEMBI. Call your doctor for more information and medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the accompanying Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for LEQEMBI.

2024-03-26T05:05:00

(BPT) – For anyone living with epilepsy, the daily challenges can be immense. Seizures can occur at any time, putting people living with epilepsy at risk for accidents and other health complications, including falling, drowning, depression, and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). These risks can make it unsafe for people to perform basic tasks like driving, as well as many other activities common for work and leisure that most people take for granted. Fortunately, there are new resources and treatments available that can help address these challenges and improve overall health outcomes for people living with epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. Approximately 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy in the U.S. today, with 150,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown.

Despite the availability of many antiseizure medications, almost 40% of people with epilepsy are not able to achieve freedom from seizures, meaning they have epilepsy that remains uncontrolled.

Help for people with epilepsy and their caregivers

To raise awareness of epilepsy around the world and support people living with the condition, SK Life Science is highlighting programs developed in partnership with patient organizations such as Epilepsy Alliance America, the Epilepsy Foundation, and CURE Epilepsy, and with innovative new technology platforms such as the one facilitated by Patient Partner.

These four programs, along with others the company supports through other patient organizations, provide much-needed assistance and resources for people living with epilepsy and those who care for them.

Patient Mentorship Program

Family, friends, and physicians provide tremendous support following an epilepsy diagnosis. However, sharing real experiences from another person who is living with epilepsy provides additional benefits. One of the ways SK Life Science is helping patients connect with others who have had similar experiences is through PatientPartner, a platform that creates meaningful connections between patients and mentors (experienced patients). This new platform to help people learn from the firsthand experiences of others is a free resource for all patients seeking extra support at any point in their healthcare journey and can be found here.

Ride Share Program

Epilepsy and the potential for seizures often interfere with patients being able to get to their regularly scheduled doctor appointments. Working in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, SK Life Science provides $50 Uber vouchers to people with epilepsy and their caregivers. You can find specifics about the program here.

S.T.E.P.S. Toolkit

For the past few years, SK Life Science has been working with Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA) to develop tools to create stronger conversations between people living with epilepsy and their health care providers. The materials, available in English and Spanish, help people living with epilepsy prepare for visits with their doctor by providing a checklist on seizure frequency, treatment, emotional impact, personal goals, and safety. Learn more about the toolkit here.

Understanding Epilepsy

SK Life Science is proud to support CURE Epilepsy, a leader in funding epilepsy research and an organization dedicated to arming people with valuable knowledge about the condition. The resources include an Understanding Epilepsy hub where the community can easily access the latest information about epilepsy. Explore CURE Epilepsy’s hub here.

“We’re pleased to partner with organizations supporting people living with epilepsy and their caregivers with practical assistance and accessible educational resources,” said Louis Ferrari, BS, RPh, MBA, vice president of medical affairs at SK Life Science. “Above all, it’s vital to empower those living with epilepsy and their loved ones with helpful tools and information, giving them everything they need to have in-depth, productive conversations with their health care providers.”

To see a full list of organizations SK Life Science partners with to provide educational resources and support for the epilepsy community, visit the SK Life Science website.

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.