Category: Brandpoint Health

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.

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.