Category: Brandpoint Health

2025-06-30T06:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know that up to 40% of people with Graves’ disease may also develop Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)? Although related, TED and Graves’ disease are different conditions that require different treatments. Failing to recognize and treat TED can lead to serious eye complications — including double vision, eye bulging (proptosis), chronic pain and even vision impairment.

TED can progress rapidly, and without timely intervention, inflammation (redness and swelling) and scar tissue can form around the eyes causing damage. The longer TED goes untreated, the more likely serious damage can occur.

Because TED can progress independently of thyroid hormone levels, managing Graves’ disease alone may not be enough to prevent or treat eye symptoms. That’s why it’s essential for people living with Graves’ disease to stay alert to any eye changes, seek care from a TED Specialist at the first sign of symptoms, and advocate for a proper diagnosis and care. TED Specialists are often select ophthalmologists and endocrinologists, as well as oculoplastic surgeons and neuro-ophthalmologists, with experience treating TED.

Signs and Symptoms of TED

Some common signs and symptoms of TED are:

• Bulging eyes
• Double vision
• Dry, gritty eyes
• Red, swollen eyes and eyelids
• Watery, teary eyes
• Eye pain and eye pressure
• Sensitivity to light
• Retracted eyelids (your eyelids can’t close properly)

The Impact of TED

TED can impact people beyond physical symptoms. Changes in appearance — such as eye bulging — can affect a person’s emotional well-being. Christine Gustafson, who lives with TED and is the CEO of the TED Community Organization, shared, “Even if it was only just the physical appearance, it was enough to really disrupt my life.” She described how strangers would stare and people would whisper in public, leaving her feeling alienated. “You make a choice — either you go on with your life or you withdraw. And many people withdraw,” she said, but finding support from others in the autoimmune community and understanding how to self-advocate can make a difference.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

The road to a TED diagnosis is not always straightforward. Many people spend months — or even years — seeking answers as they navigate a range of eye symptoms often confused with allergies, dry eye or even aging, leading to delays in receiving the appropriate diagnosis and care.

LaQuilla Harris, who lives with Graves’ disease and TED, met with four doctors before finding a team that understood her needs. Now, LaQuilla advocates for others to understand their risk. “I have struggled to manage my TED symptoms because they were undetected for so long. That’s why I want to ensure that others living with a thyroid condition such as Graves’ disease understand their risk and get the proper care they need.”

Tips to Be “TEDucated”

If you or a loved one lives with Graves’ disease, knowledge about TED is power.

1. Know the signs and symptoms – Symptoms like eye bulging, double vision, grittiness or redness may be early indicators of TED. Be sure to observe and track your symptoms often and if you notice any changes, let your doctor know right away.
2. Understand the connection – Graves’ disease and TED are related but separate autoimmune conditions. Even if your thyroid levels are stable, TED can progress independently, so it’s important to monitor your eye health continuously.
3. Find the right care team – Unlike other eye doctors, TED Specialists have the right experience to provide the right care. TED Specialists are often select ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neuro-ophthalmologists with experience treating TED. It is important to work with a TED Specialist early on so you can build the best treatment plan for your eyes and avoid further damage to them.
4. Advocate for yourself – If you’ve been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and notice any eye symptoms, ask your provider directly about TED and request a referral to a TED Specialist.
5. Build your community – Getting TEDucated also means connecting with the wider autoimmune community for support and resources. If you have TED and/or a thyroid condition, like Graves’ disease, you aren’t alone. Educate your friends and family about your conditions and seek support groups online or in your community.

Visit ThyroidEyes.com to learn more about TED.

2025-06-24T08:01:01

(BPT) – How much protein do you eat? Protein is key to keeping your muscles in tip-top shape and your body functioning at its best.

If you’re on a GLP-1 medication, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is especially critical. A study found that up to 40% of the weight loss with GLP-1 medications is from lean mass, which includes muscle*. In just 12-18 months, the lost muscle can be equivalent to a decade of age-related natural muscle loss**.

To help maintain your lean muscle mass while on a health journey or while taking a GLP-1 medication, celebrity chef, Royal Navy veteran, entrepreneur and host of Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” Robert Irvine has teamed up with OPTAVIA^® to create a special protein-rich recipe and offer professional insights on the impact of eating more protein. OPTAVIA is a holistic, coach-guided approach to weight loss that is designed for real life with clinically proven plans, guidance from a personalized coach and a blueprint for creating lifelong healthy habits.

“High-protein meals are essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as keeping hunger at bay,” said Irvine. “The ingredients you choose have an impact beyond the individual meal and can help manage cravings and stay on track in your day-to-day lifestyle. OPTAVIA’s recipes are simple, designed to fuel your body, keep you satisfied, and make sticking to a plan easy and delicious.”

Check out Chef Irvine’s five simple ways to incorporate more protein into your diet so you can keep your muscles fit and fuel your health journey.

1. Choose lean proteins

Not all protein is created equal. The next time you head to the store, opt for lean proteins such as chicken, fish and plant-based options like beans and lentils. These foods provide high-quality protein without excessive fat to keep you powered throughout your busiest days.

2. Include protein in every meal

Protein shouldn’t be reserved for a larger meal like dinner. Make sure to include a source of protein in every meal.

Whether it’s eggs for breakfast, a protein shake as a snack or lunch or grilled chicken for dinner, adding protein in every meal will help you feel satiated and support your health.

3. Eat small, protein-rich meals throughout the day

By having protein-rich snacks and meals on hand and eating small meals every two to three hours, you can help maintain your energy levels throughout the day, whether at home or on the go. Stock your cabinet and fridge with convenient, protein-rich snack choices like nuts, Greek yogurt or protein bars and shakes.

4. Get the right support

Every OPTAVIA client also receives a personalized coach to lead them through making healthy choices and encourage them throughout their health journey.

“I love that OPTAVIA offers every client a supportive coach to motivate and encourage people throughout their health journey,” said Irvine. “As someone who has worked with celebrities and military personnel, I understand the importance of support and quality ingredients in achieving health goals.”

5. Balance your diet & experiment with recipes

Protein is important, but be sure to pair it with healthy fats, the right carbohydrates and a variety of vegetables to create a healthy, balanced diet which can help you maintain your muscle mass and overall health.

Changing how or what you eat is a great opportunity to try new things in the kitchen. Look for new recipes that incorporate protein in creative ways.

For example, Chef Irvine’s Lean & Green+ Seared Sea Scallops with White Bean Sofrito recipe — created in collaboration with OPTAVIA — is a great example of how to craft delicious, nutritionally balanced, protein-rich meals. Scallops are rich in flavor, tender and high in protein. See below for the full recipe!

OPTAVIA’s Lean & Green and Lean & Green+ recipes are healthy, balanced meals made with nourishing whole foods — designed to fuel your body, keep you satisfied, and fit easily into your on-the-go lifestyle.

Using Irvine’s five expert tips along with OPTAVIA’s comprehensive approach to nutrition, you can more easily incorporate protein into your daily meals to help you preserve muscle and start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. To learn more, visit OPTAVIA.com.

OPTAVIA Lean & Green+ Seared Sea Scallops with White Bean Sofrito

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Pea Puree (1/2 cup per serving)

• 2 cups English sweet peas, blanched
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, cold
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Scallops (4 ounces per serving)

• 5 tsp olive or grapeseed oil
• 16 ounces scallops
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sofrito (1 cup per serving)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced small
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1, (151/2-oz.) can white beans
• 2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

1.To make the pea puree, place the peas in a high-performance blender and blend slowly adding the chicken broth and honey.

2. Add salt and pepper, then blend faster until smooth. Set aside.

3. To make the Sofrito, place a large sauté pan over medium heat and sweat the shallots in olive oil, then add the red and yellow bell peppers and celery.

4. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then deglaze with white wine.

5. Add the white beans, lemon juice, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

6. To make the scallops, place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil (substitute grapeseed oil if desired).

7. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.

8. Once oil is hot in the pan, add scallops and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

9. Plating: Place 1/2 cup of pea puree on a plate, then add 1 cup sofrito in the center of pea puree. Top sofrito with 4 ounces scallops.

Share a photo of your plate by tagging and following @OPTAVIA on Instagram.

*Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.

**Grosicki GJ, Dhurandhar NV, Unick JL, Arent SM, Thomas JG, Lofton H, Shepherd MC, Kiel J, Coleman C, Jonnalagadda SS. Sculpting Success: The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity to Support Skeletal Muscle Health during Weight Loss with New Generation Anti-Obesity Medications. Curr Dev Nutr. 2024 Oct 18;8(11):104486. doi: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104486.

2025-06-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – “New blood” can revitalize a struggling business, whether it’s a sports team on the wrong side of the wins and losses column or a retailer wondering where the customers went.

For some cancer patients, new blood is a literal lifesaver. Blood and bone marrow transplants, sometimes called stem cell transplants, offer a precious second chance to people with different types of blood cancers as well as sickle cell anemia and aplastic anemia, known as bone marrow failure.

Michelle Hudspeth, M.D., director of both the adult and pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Cellular Therapy program at the Medical University of South Carolina, said these transplants are occurring at a quickening pace at MUSC Health, demonstrating the expansion of treatment options that may benefit many.

“Our accelerated growth occurred despite the COVID pandemic, which created not only an extraordinary challenge to care for the most immune-compromised patients but also the most difficult time to access the international network for stem cell donors,” Hudspeth said. “Our growth and outcomes are a true testament to the committed expertise and collaboration of our team.”

A new start for patients

For patient Kennedy Golden, 23, the transplant is a new start.

Golden was working as a nurse at a hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, when she started having what she called “a year of tummy trouble.” Doctors couldn’t figure out the cause of her symptoms, until one day in October of 2023, she could barely walk.

She was admitted to the hospital, where she learned her bowel had ruptured. Doctors performed a biopsy, and she learned that she had intestinal T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which prompted her oncologist in Columbia to refer her to Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

Hope at Hollings Cancer Center

At Hollings, Golden met with an experienced health care team who put her worries at ease. She had six rounds of chemotherapy in Columbia, from that November through March of 2024, as her treatment plan progressed toward the stem cell transplant. Through most of it, she continued to work.

Golden’s transplant was autologous, meaning that it used her own stem cells instead of a donor’s. To prepare for the transplant, healthy stem cells are removed from the patient. This can be done in the operating room by removing the cells directly from the bone marrow. However, today, the majority of transplants use peripheral blood stem cell retrieval instead.

In this procedure, the patient gets injections of a protein that prompts the stem cells to start moving out of the bone marrow into the bloodstream. From there, they can be retrieved in a process called apheresis. Blood is removed from a vein and run through a machine that separates the stem cells from everything else. The remaining blood is returned to the body.

The patient then undergoes high-dose chemotherapy that kills off any remaining cancer cells as well as the bone marrow. The peripheral blood stem cells are then infused into the patient, where they will take root, or engraft, and start producing new blood cells.

Outcomes to be proud of

Golden’s treatment was successful, and she’s grateful to the many teams that provided her expert care. She is just one of many who receive life-preserving cancer care at Hollings every year. In fact, the 2023 annual quality report published by the MUSC BMT and Cellular Therapy team shows that the program has grown in the past few years while maintaining survival rates above the national average. In 2023, 144 adults received stem cell transplants, compared with 95 in 2018.

And in keeping with MUSC’s mission to bring high-quality care to all South Carolinians, the BMT team transplanted almost twice the percentage of underserved patients as the national composite, which Hudspeth said speaks to their mission of providing access and breaking down barriers.

Forging ahead with new cellular therapies

Every cancer patient is unique, so it follows that every treatment plan must be unique. Hollings has been a leader in BMT for decades – even making history in 1996 by performing the first outpatient matched unrelated transplant. Now at Hollings, half of autologous transplants are performed on an outpatient basis. Today, a large outpatient bone marrow transplant clinic is dedicated to these life-changing treatments.

Of course, not all patients can use their own stem cells, and Hollings is future-focused by offering options for those patients as well. MUSC was part of the original multi-center trial that changed the trajectory of transplants, making it possible for almost every patient to have a donor for transplant because an exact match was no longer necessary.

Hollings now routinely performs successful haploidentical stem cell transplants, also known as half-matched transplants. This transplant uses a donor’s tissue, but rather than a full match to the patient’s tissue type, it only requires a match at half of the HLA, or human leukocyte antigen, protein markers. This means more opportunities for matches, transplants and lives saved.

This is particularly meaningful for pediatric patients.

“In pediatrics, patients typically need more intensive chemotherapy and radiation for the best chance of cure. I helped to write the Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium multi-center pediatric trial using full-dose chemotherapy and radiation for pediatric patients with leukemia with half-matched family donors. This was nicknamed the ‘maxi-haplo’ trial,” Hudspeth said. “This has also revolutionized the field and made it possible for almost all patients to have a donor for transplant and still be able to receive the highest levels of chemotherapy and radiation safely.”

Positive performance and results

Results continue to be positive. A new report from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research examining transplant centers that perform allogeneic transplants lists MUSC as one of 12 out of 172 that had outcomes better than expected during the evaluation years of 2020 through 2022. Even more impressive: The results were during the height of COVID, a time of logistical challenges as well as health challenges for this immunocompromised patient group.

Hollings is one of 73 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the nation and the only one in South Carolina. To learn more, visit HollingsCancerCenter.MUSC.edu.

2025-06-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – For many patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the first step in treatment is a standard regimen of chemotherapy. This approach cures most patients, but research shows that one in three will see their cancer return — typically within a year following completion of their initial treatment.[1] Today, the current standard of care following initial chemotherapy is to “watch and wait,” an approach that monitors the patient for signs of relapse.

But what if there were a way to identify patients at risk of relapse earlier and treat them before the cancer has a chance to come back? That’s the goal of the ALPHA3 clinical trial, a groundbreaking study investigating whether early intervention with an investigational CAR T cell product (cemacabtagene ansegedleucel or cema-cel, pronounced “SEM-a-sell”) can help prevent relapse in DLBCL patients. CAR T therapy is a revolutionary approach to treating cancer that has shown promising results and high remission rates, particularly when used in blood cancers[2].

A New Approach May Predict and Prevent Relapse

The ALPHA3 trial uses an investigational blood test designed to find signs of cancer earlier, often well before it shows up on scans. The test looks for minimal residual disease, known as MRD, or traces of cancer left in the blood after chemotherapy that are too small to be seen on scans. Being MRD positive can indicate whether or not a patient is at high risk of their cancer coming back, also known as relapse.[3]

If MRD is detected, patients may be eligible to join the ALPHA3 trial, where they will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group would undergo more thorough observation, and the other group would undergo treatment with cema-cel. Unlike traditional treatments given after relapse occurs, cema-cel is administered as a one-time infusion shortly after MRD is detected and is designed to target and eliminate the remaining cancer cells in the body, potentially preventing relapse before it happens.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Research suggests that treating cancer when it is still microscopic — before it grows large enough to appear on scans — may improve outcomes.[4] Think of it like putting out a fire as soon as you see the first puff of smoke rather than waiting until the flames spread. By intervening early, the ALPHA3 trial aims to improve cure rates for DLBCL patients who are at high risk of relapse.

What Makes the ALPHA3 Trial Different?

Most clinical trials test new treatments only after cancer has relapsed and grown large enough to be detected on scans. The ALPHA3 trial takes a different approach by focusing on prevention. It combines cutting-edge MRD testing technology with a novel CAR T cell therapy to address cancer at its earliest stages.

This innovative approach could transform the treatment landscape for DLBCL patients, offering hope to those who might otherwise face relapse and more intensive treatments down the road.

For more information to share with your patients about the ALPHA3 trial, visit DLBCL.ClinicalEnrollment.com.

2025-06-19T13:05:01

(BPT) – Nurses are experts at their craft, delivering patient care with a unique blend of expertise, empathy and dedication — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recognizing the profound role nurses play in caring for people enables healthcare organizations, patients and family members to express gratitude for the difference they make.

DaVita, a comprehensive kidney care provider, employs thousands of nephrology nurses who specialize in caring for people living with chronic kidney disease across the nation.

Nephrology nurses skillfully care for patients throughout every stage of their kidney care journey — from early interventions to slow the disease’s progression to supporting transplantation, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. Because dialysis patients typically need multiple treatments each week, they often develop deep relationships with their care teams.

DaVita recently honored 56 of its nephrology nurses with the DAISY Award^® for Extraordinary Nurses. The DAISY Award is a special honor given through the DAISY Foundation to recognize extraordinary nurses for the compassionate contributions they make every day.

“The empathy and compassion that nurses bring to their interactions with patients and their loved ones is a foundational part of healthcare,” said Tina Livaudais, chief nursing officer for DaVita. “Nurses are at the heart of the care we provide at DaVita, and our DAISY recipients lead with these qualities, helping to deliver on DaVita’s mission as a provider of choice through their unwavering dedication to clinical excellence.”

DaVita’s 2025 DAISY Award recipients were nominated by fellow employees (teammates) and patients for helping to deliver outstanding clinical outcomes and consistently demonstrating caring behaviors. Their stories are a powerful reminder that nursing is more than a profession; it’s a calling. Here are just a few.

Nicole Morales

Nicole Morales embodies what it means to be a nurse. For DaVita patients across greater Milwaukee, Nicole provides steadfast dedication, compassion and selflessness. As a home dialysis nurse, she is committed to teaching patients how to safely and effectively perform the treatment. She also goes the extra mile to support her patients’ needs inside and out of the dialysis center. Earlier this year, a patient in her care was experiencing deteriorating vision but could not afford glasses. Upon learning this, Nicole scoured the community to find low-cost eye care options. She shared her findings with the patient, who was then fitted with a new pair of glasses and given back the gift of sight.

Cindy Johnson

In Eastern Kentucky, Cindy Johnson is known for managing difficult situations tactfully and gracefully. She devotes her days to caring for DaVita patients who, without her support, may otherwise not have the opportunity to receive dialysis at home. By leading with compassion, Cindy meets patients where they are. No barrier is too great. In caring for a patient who struggled to read, she took time to teach him to perform dialysis at home on his own. Cindy never makes her patients feel inadequate. Instead, her solutions-oriented mindset uplifts and empowers them.

Irene Banks

Irene Banks is a nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, at a high acuity center, where the patients she cares for receive specialized attention due to the medical complexity of their care needs. Irene is creative and compassionate in the way she cares for her patients. For one patient who experiences cognitive delays, she has offered activities, such as math worksheets and crossword puzzles, during treatment to help support an improved care experience. Irene continually goes above and beyond to help patients in her care feel comfortable and welcome.

No matter the treatment environment, DaVita nurses create special connections with their patients. DaVita is honored to present the DAISY Award to nurses across the nation. Visit davitaforward.com/difference for more inspiring DaVita care stories, and see below for more of this year’s honorees:

• Cindy J. – Jenkins, KY
• Crystal R. – Victoria, TX
• Nicole M. – Wauwatosa, WI
• Kelly H. – Elmira, NY
• Debra L. – Champaign, IL
• Raquel Murua-S – Fort Wayne, IN
• Jeremy B. – Atwater, CA
• Irene B. – Little Rock, AR
• Caressa H. – Weaverville, NC
• Irene V. – Renton, WA
• Kaye A. – Eatontown, NJ
• Shoua L. – Marysville, CA
• Victoria C. – Jacksonville, NC
• Paul F. – Hainesport, NJ
• Angely O. – Ruskin, FL
• Gurloveleen S. – Fresno, CA
• Briana B. – Lewiston, PA
• Raheem J. – Clinton, SC
• Clyde W. – Metairie, LA
• Ryan D. – Nashua, NH
• Kristi B. – Chicago Ridge, IL
• Conswelo S. – Boaz, AL
• Connie C. – Tempe, AZ
• Lindsay G. – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
• Keri W. – Omaha, NE
• Angie U. – Riverside, CA
• Katie B. – Manassas, VA
• Diane B. – Brighton, MI
• Jeffrey S. – Troy, OH
• Linda S. – Farmington, NM
• Abigail H. – Salem, OR
• Stephanie A. – Milford, CT
• Kyung Mo K. – Los Angeles, CA
• Michael S. – Coppell, TX
• Vanessa C. – Harrisonburg, VA
• Rachiratou T. – O’Fallon, IL
• Edgardo Y. – Orlando, FL
• Elizabeth H. – Athens, OH
• Marianne M. – Alpena, MI
• Sarah H. – St. Louis, MO
• Tina C. – Milton, FL
• Susan H. – Fairfield, OH
• Laressa B. – Dilworth, MN
• Bryan J. – Orlando, FL
• Maria R. – Midland, TX
• Tami V. – Hastings, NE
• Demijohn B. – Houston, TX
• Samantha R. – Dumas, TX
• Lucy L. – Jamaica, NY
• Fancynelle J. – Shreveport, LA
• Shelby B. – Greensboro, GA
• Angel N. – Santa Maria, CA
• Amy M. – Ripley, TN
• Nicole W. – San Diego, CA
• Khristine D. – Las Vegas, NV
• Hiyasmin H. – Easton, MD

2025-06-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – Struggling with a substance use disorder is never easy, and is even more difficult to overcome without substantial help from others. One reason substance use can be so challenging is that many people are coping with a variety of mental health conditions along with their substance use. According to the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 79% of Hazelden Betty Ford treatment center patients have had more than one treatable mental health condition, and on average 3.67 different diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and ADHD, to name a few.

Historically, treatment for mental health and substance use were considered as separate issues, requiring people who needed help for both to seek care from multiple providers or clinics at different times — and without adequate or any health insurance coverage. But attitudes toward substance use and mental health have changed over the years, leading to a better understanding of the connection between the two, and resulting in insurance coverage options for treatment.

Providing the best possible care for the many people needing substance use treatment and help with a mental health condition involves much more than just treating them both at the same time, however. It requires a well-integrated program, also called a co-occurring program, that considers the whole person and all of their needs. While the concept of co-occurring care isn’t new at Hazelden Betty Ford or in the industry, the program at Hazelden Betty Ford expands and redefines the depth and scope of what co-occurring care means.

“Substance use rarely happens as a singular diagnosis, and mental health care is a powerful tool in lasting recovery,” said Kelly Lindberg, Psy.D., LP, LADC, vice president of Mental Health, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “Our expanded co-occurring program is designed as a recovery path that integrates mental health and substance use treatment to help patients brave the layers of co-occurring conditions, with wrap-around support for their families as well.”

A new model of care

To better address the many complex issues around mental health and substance use, Hazelden Betty Ford has drawn on 75 years of experience helping people in recovery to develop a next-generation model of care, using their unique set of resources to improve the quality in mental health and substance use treatment.

Integrating everything a patient might need in one program, including psychiatry and medication management, therapists licensed in both mental health and substance use counseling, holistic care and a community of peers for group learning and support, helps people move from coping with life to living their lives.

Advantages of an integrated approach

The nonprofit treatment center also acknowledges that every recovery journey is unique, which is why Hazelden Betty Ford developed outpatient and inpatient programs that are flexible enough to fit each individual’s needs, motivations and goals in all of its 15 locations across nine states, as well as virtual care.

People seeking help with substance use and mental health concerns, and their families, will benefit from:

• Receiving all their care in one place.
• Combining therapies, community and skill-building, based on the needs of each patient and their family.
• Multi-disciplinary teams including psychiatrists, nurses, mental health and substance use counselors, family specialists, recovery support experts and more — many of whom received training and education at Hazelden Betty Ford.
• Philanthropy-funded services free of charge for families affected by a loved one’s substance use disorder, contributing to the quality of care and outcomes for each patient.
• Emphasis on belonging and community to support lifelong recovery.
• Improved access to care through innovative tools such as Wayfinder, an evidence-based screening and brief intervention tool, and Connection Point, a virtual coaching service to help people find the right type of care and determine their next steps.

“Our nationally standardized co-occurring curriculum is built on decades of expertise and backed by research and proven outcomes,” said Joseph Lee, M.D., president and CEO, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “To truly overcome the stigma in substance use and mental health, we must consistently raise the bar on quality, which is what we’re striving for with this next-generation model.”

Visit HereWithYou.org to learn more about the integrated model for mental health and substance use treatment.

Resources for teens and families

With mental health becoming an increasing concern for children and teens, it’s more crucial than ever for treatment centers to develop programs designed specifically to meet the needs of younger patients. For teens or young adults struggling with depression or anxiety, who may be withdrawing from friends, family and activities they would normally enjoy, families can encourage them to seek help from experts trained and experienced in providing care and support for young people, such as at Hazelden Betty Ford’s center in Plymouth, Minnesota.

This program is designed to provide integrated support for mental health and substance use in teens aged 12-18 and young adults, 18-25. Patients at the center receive individual therapy, peer connection and medication management all in one program, along with family support.

Each person’s treatment plan is specifically tailored to what that individual needs, and is guided by certified adolescent specialists including addiction board certified pediatricians and psychiatrists, therapists and counselors. Family coaching, counseling and educational services are also provided, along with positive peer groups and extracurricular activities.

Visit WeGotYou.org to learn more about how a teen or young adult can receive the care they need.

This integrated approach, for teens and for adults, is an expanded model of care that’s setting a new standard of quality for treatment, with a focus on the whole person.

2025-06-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – A nurse’s compassionate care leaves an ever-lasting impact on a dialysis patient.

Eight years ago, George Godoy arrived at a DaVita center in Texas to learn about home hemodialysis (HHD). His goal was to shift from in-center treatments to a home modality that would empower him to reclaim time for the activities he loved. As George walked through the front door, he was greeted by a kind nurse. Little did he know she would profoundly impact his kidney care journey and his life.

Her name was Sylvia.

The connection was immediate, and George compares their early interactions to the dynamic between a teacher and a student, saying, “She had so much knowledge; it was like attending a masterclass in dialysis. I appreciated the way she was so direct and authentic. Sylvia built trust with me from the very beginning.”

Not only did Sylvia make a great first impression, but she also made space for George’s questions as they began to meet more frequently. She listened to his ideas and concerns and, above all, remembered the little things. “I quickly learned that George loved riding his motorcycle and was a talented woodworker,” said Sylvia. “He has a zest for life, and it was always fun hearing about his bike travels or what he was creating in his workshop. As a nurse, my goal is to make patients feel comfortable, and part of that involves treating individuals compassionately as a whole person. No patient, no matter what they’re battling, wants to feel like a number.”

Over time, George maintained a successful at-home dialysis program, and the teacher and student soon blossomed into close friends. Then, one day, George looked to Sylvia for career advice. He decided to become a patient care technician (PCT) at DaVita.

George reflected, “I remember thinking how she made me feel supported at my lowest moments and always helped me maintain a positive outlook. Being a patient myself, I know that sometimes, it can feel like ‘us against the world.’ Sylvia taught me the importance of a strong and compassionate care team, and that stayed with me. Ultimately, it’s about human connection. We need to remember that we’re all in this together.”

Today, George and Sylvia work in different centers, but that doesn’t prevent George from checking in on her. “I’ll stop by Sylvia’s clinic to grab supplies, and yes, we’ll talk about my treatment progress. But most of the time, it’s two friends catching up about our families and what television shows we’re watching. You could say that we’re pretty inseparable at this point.”

Seeing George in scrubs and talking about his patients with the same empathy she offered him fills Sylvia with joy. “George is a very special person who will change the way others receive kidney care treatment. He’s taught me so much about myself and life. I feel blessed that our paths crossed so many years ago, and I’m even more grateful to call him a lifelong friend.”

George and Sylvia’s story serves as a reminder that healthcare can and should be more than treatment plans and test results. Sometimes, a simple connection can change a patient’s life and even shape their future.

Learn more at davitaforward.com/difference.

2025-06-13T08:01:01

(BPT) – Just like our muscles, our brain functions at its best when it’s given a “workout.” Challenging your mental acuity — whether through reading, playing word games, completing puzzles or taking on math challenges — is a great way to keep your brain in top shape. Staying sharp as we age, though, is a whole-body activity. While changes in brain structure and function can potentially slow us down, declining coordination and “reduced ability to modify movements to respond to changes in the environment” can also impact our ability to react.

AARP members can use their member benefits to save money while focusing on healthy lifestyle habits from head to toe and inside and out:

“So many wonderful tools are now available to help us keep our minds and bodies sharp at any age,” said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. “AARP Services strives to connect members with as many of these as possible, from apps and online services to insurance options and more, making it easier than ever to prioritize health and wellbeing.”

1. Home in on hearing

Difficulty with hearing can make us feel disconnected from the world around us. Ensuring we’re hearing at our best not only enables us to stay in the conversation but also helps keep us safe. Particularly when there is a person, vehicle or danger nearby.

AARP provides hearing care solutions that help make it easy to get your hearing checked and address any issues. With AARP^® Hearing Solutions provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing, members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories plus up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members also receive a free hearing exam and consultation, with personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. No insurance is needed to use the program.

2. Check out your eyes

Look out! Healthy vision is a critical component to maintaining strong spatial awareness and depth perception. Good vision enables you to accurately perceive the spatial relationships between objects and their surroundings like navigating steps, driving or playing sports. Healthy vision also means you can continue to get around on your own, whether by car or on foot, enabling you to maintain your independence.

Maintain good vision health through regular checkups with an eye care professional, and be sure to take any necessary steps to address problems before they get worse.

AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that include individual and family plans featuring annual eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, such as progressives and anti-glare coating, and more.

3. Stay agile

An object in motion stays in motion. To stay agile and quick on your feet, it’s important to get regular exercise and, if possible, build your strength and flexibility. If you’ve been sidelined by an injury, procedure or recurring pain, physical therapy can help with recovery and resilience. It can even teach you a few moves that will help you stay sharp for years to come.

Members and non-members can receive at-home physical therapy from AARP^® Physical Therapy At Home™ by Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna. A prescription may not be needed to start.

4. Maintain a healthy mouth

Simply focusing on your health and wellbeing is a major step toward staying sharp. All the systems of our body are connected in some way. Take your mouth, for example. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease, gingivitis and other more serious conditions in the body, including memory loss.

To help keep these ailments at bay, brush and floss daily, and schedule regular dental visits to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. AARP members can find information on dental insurance options that include individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures.

5. Get regimen reminders

Sometimes, medication might be needed to help us stay sharp, and even those with the quickest minds might need a little help remembering to take it. If your regimen requires multiple medications taken at specific times, it’s a good idea to get assistance with tracking them.

Hero Smart Pill Dispenser stores, sorts and dispenses up to a 90-day supply of 10 different medications. The connected medication management app helps you manage medication routines, track your supply and understand your adherence. AARP members get exclusive savings on a Hero subscription.

6. Monitor your mental wellness, too

Being in a positive mental state, relaxed and stress-free, can help you stay focused and ready to seize the day. With Dario, members have free access to self-guided programs that include meditations, activities and self-care tips — all designed to support your mental wellness. You can also find content and tools that may help you relieve stress, sleep better, lift your mood and more.

Advancing in age doesn’t have to slow you down, mentally or physically. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, staying on top of your regular check-ups, and staying active and engaged with the world around you, staying sharp can be simple. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2025-06-04T10:25:00

(BPT) – For the fourth year in a row, men’s grooming company Wahl^® is looking for men who do good while looking good. What does that mean? If you have a beard and you’re involved in a charity, you could win $20,000 for that charity and $5,000 for yourself. It’s all part of the Wahl^® Benevolent Beards Contest, which recognizes and rewards those who embody the company’s philosophy of making the world a ‘bearder‘ — or better — place to live.

“Wahl^® has a long history of serving communities and supporting causes, and we are excited to reward men who share in our dedication to spread positivity and goodwill,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl^®. “This contest is a great way to find men who are generous with their time, talent and treasures, while also shining a light on the charities they’re passionate about.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has — just ask last year’s winner Rodney Smith Jr. from Huntsville, AL. Smith’s talent to trim his beard also extends to lawns; through his charity Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Inc., kids from across the country have joined his mission to provide free lawn care services to the elderly, disabled and veterans. “To date, more than 400 kids have completed the ’50 Yard Challenge,’ and I’m so proud to present each one of those kids with lawn equipment to help them continue their goodwill. Winning this contest has allowed me to reward even more kids for their hard work,” explained Smith.

How to Enter

From now until July 6, 2025, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards2025. They can also get to the page by visiting @WahlGrooming on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $5,000 for himself, $20,000 for his charity and a visit from the Wahl^® Mobile Barbershop to do a grooming event where barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.