Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-02-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – For those living with plaque psoriasis (PsO) and active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) — known collectively as psoriatic disease[1] — every day can feel like a challenge. From PsO symptoms like painful itchy, burning, and scaly plaques on the skin[2] to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling from active PsA,[3] these conditions are chronic illnesses that can impact many aspects of a person’s life.

Joni is one of the more than 7.5 million Americans currently living with psoriasis,[4] an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and an overproduction of skin cells. It can appear anywhere on the body, even on the scalp, hands, feet, nails and other areas.

“Before I was diagnosed with psoriasis, I remember thinking I was just having an allergic reaction because it was the beginning of spring,” Joni reflects. “When I went to the doctor and learned it was psoriasis — I realized that this was something I would have to manage for my whole life. I felt very overwhelmed because all I wanted to focus on was being a student and playing sports — not covering up and hiding my body or feeling self-conscious.”

Joni worked with a dermatologist and tried a number of treatments to get her PsO under control. She responded temporarily to some medications, but not for the long term. This caused great frustration for Joni over the years, which drove her to launch her own blog, Just a Girl with Spots, to advocate for others. She uses this platform and social media to raise awareness about active PsA and PsO by sharing information and resources for people living with these conditions, creating a supportive online community to ensure people know they are not alone in their journey with psoriatic disease.

As time went on, Joni began to also experience aches in her feet and hands. It started out feeling like she couldn’t quite get comfortable and like she needed extra time in the morning to get her body moving. About 30% of people with PsO can develop active PsA, and in 2020, Joni’s dermatologist confirmed her active PsA diagnosis.[5]

Faced with this new reality, Joni was determined to work with her doctor on a management plan that could treat her conditions and hopefully provide some symptom relief. As a wife and mother with a busy social life and a number of hobbies, such as fitness, painting and writing, Joni’s active PsA was getting in the way of the things she loves.

“I realized that active PsA was impacting my ability to perform daily activities that I previously took for granted. I have two young daughters and it became difficult to keep up with them and take them to events and activities. There were days I couldn’t even walk and do simple things, like hold a coffee cup or open a jar,” Joni reflects. “With my active PsA symptoms I felt like I was in less control of my own body and that my entire family was impacted as a result.”

Joni spoke with her doctor about how her joint symptoms (joint pain, stiffness and swelling) were interfering with her daily life and she was prescribed a biologic medication called TREMFYA^® (guselkumab). TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine approved to treat adults with active PsA.

In two medical studies, more than half of patients treated with TREMFYA^® had at least a 20 percent improvement in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling at 24 weeks compared to placebo. Furthermore, at 24 weeks, people taking TREMFYA^® showed an overall improvement in their ability to perform daily activities such as getting dressed, eating, and walking, which was assessed in a questionnaire. Some patients also reported improvement in PsA-related fatigue at 24 weeks as measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue (FACIT-F), a questionnaire to measure self-reported tiredness, weakness, and difficulty conducting usual activities due to fatigue over the last 7 days. Active psoriatic arthritis patients treated with TREMFYA^® saw an improvement in psoriasis skin plaques at 24 weeks. Individual results may vary.

Since being prescribed TREMFYA^® in 2020, Joni experienced less joint pain, stiffness, and swelling and has seen improvements in doing everyday tasks, as well as her active PsA-related fatigue symptoms and an improvement in psoriasis skin plaques. TREMFYA^® is a single-dose 100 mg injection taken under the skin at weeks 0 and 4, and then every 8 weeks. TREMFYA^® is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of physicians. Patients may self-inject after proper training and physician approval.

“I have been able to fit TREMFYA^® into my life,” Joni shares. “After being trained by my doctor during my first injection at the office and after my doctor’s approval, I’ve been able to have it shipped to my house so I can self-administer — something that has now become a family affair as my girls enjoy supporting me.”

TREMFYA^® is not for everyone; only your doctor can decide if it’s right for you. Do not use if you are allergic to TREMFYA^®. TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including serious allergic reactions and infections. TREMFYA^® affects your immune system. It may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. Please read the Important Safety Information below and the Medication Guide for TREMFYA^® available at www.tremfya.com to learn more about these and other risks for TREMFYA^®. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

You should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs and symptoms of clinically important chronic or acute infection occur. You should also be evaluated for tuberculosis before being treated with TREMFYA^®. Ask your doctor if TREMFYA^® is right for you. Click here for more information on how TREMFYA^® may help. If you’ve been prescribed TREMFYA^® and are looking for support, help is just one step away.

What does life look like for Joni now? Today, she focuses on her physical and mental health and being a wife and mother. She is also still an active advocate for others struggling with active PsA and PsO, sharing information on her blog, on social media, and through chronic disease community platforms.

“When my symptoms started to improve, I felt I was able to do more of what I used to and was given back the opportunity to focus on my daily routines,” Joni reflects. “I’m sharing my story to inspire those that may have a medical condition that can be challenging to diagnose and to encourage those dealing with psoriatic disease and specifically active PsA to seek help from their doctors. You are not alone, and the sooner you talk with your doctor about treatment options, the sooner you can find something that could work for you.”

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Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson

In consideration of the time Joni spent participating in this article, she was paid honoraria by Johnson & Johnson.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA^®?

TREMFYA^® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

• Serious Allergic Reactions. Stop using TREMFYA® and get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
• fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
• swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• trouble breathing or throat tightness
• chest tightness
• skin rash, hives
• Itching
• Infections. TREMFYA^® may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with TREMFYA^® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with TREMFYA^® if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with TREMFYA^®.

  Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweats, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • weight loss
  • cough
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • shortness of breath
  • blood in your phlegm (mucus)
  • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal

Do not take TREMFYA^® if you have had a serious allergic reaction to guselkumab or any of the ingredients in TREMFYA^®.

Before using TREMFYA^®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA^®?”
• have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back.
• have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with TREMFYA^®.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TREMFYA^® can harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TREMFYA^® passes into your breast milk.

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

What are the possible side effects of TREMFYA^®?

TREMFYA^® may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA^®?”

The most common side effects of TREMFYA^® include: upper respiratory infections, headache, injection site reactions, joint pain (arthralgia), diarrhea, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), fungal skin infections, herpes simplex infections, and bronchitis.

These are not all the possible side effects of TREMFYA^®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Use TREMFYA^® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for TREMFYA^®, and discuss any questions that you have with your doctor.

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.

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[1]. Understanding Psoriatic Disease. National Psoriasis Foundation. December 6, 2023. https://www.psoriasis.org/understanding-psoriatic-disease/

[2]. Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic. December 11, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840#:~:text=Psoriasis%20is%20a%20skin%20disease,make%20it%20hard%20to%20concentrate.

[3]. About Psoriatic Arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation. December 11, 2023. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/#:~:text=Psoriatic%20arthritis%20(PsA)%20is%20a,age%20and%20may%20affect%20children.

[4]. Armstrong AW, Mehta MD, Schupp CW, Gondo GC, Bell SJ, Griffiths CEM. Psoriasis prevalence in adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(8):940-946. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2007. PMID: 34190957; PMCID: PMC8246333.

[5]. Psoriatic Arthritis. Cleveland Clinic. October 19, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13286-psoriatic-arthritis

2024-02-05T16:01:00

(BPT) – A recent study found that in those who had aging-related cognitive issues, levels of several key micronutrients were nearly half compared with those who did not. Micronutrients are important minerals and vitamins that nourish the brain for critical cognitive and body functions.

Dr. C. Kathleen Dorey, lead researcher and author of the study, has been researching micronutrients and their impact on brain health for two decades. In 2004, she and Neal E. Craft, of Craft Technologies, reported that zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and lutein (two important micronutrients highlighted in the study) selectively accumulate naturally in the brain. Since that time, global research has revealed that those with higher levels of zeaxanthin and lutein in their macular pigment demonstrated better cognition over time.

On a parallel path in the early 2000s, EyePromise began pioneering eye health supplementation to replenish those same protective carotenoids but in the retina in the back of the eye. Zeaxanthin and lutein are particularly important because they are antioxidants — molecules that fight other harmful molecules called free radicals that contribute to oxidative stress, which contributes to the aging process.

In 22 years of researching eye nutrition, EyePromise also learned a lot about brain nutrition. “The eyes are a window into the brain because the eyes are an extension of the brain, which is why we developed BrainPromise™ by EyePromise®,” said Chairman and Co-Founder, Dennis Gierhart, PhD. “We also learned that a biomarker we have been measuring for years in eye health, Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), is also a biomarker for brain health.”

As an extension of the brain, Healthy MPOD protects the back of the eye against harmful blue rays, can improve visual performance, and safeguard against age-related vision issues. Similarly, healthy MPOD supports general brain health, acts as a safeguard against oxidative stress, and potentially improves cognitive performance.

As a result of their research, the industry-leading brand recently introduced BrainPromise by EyePromise, a supplement featuring a robust formula of natural ingredients specifically for age-related brain health. Highlighting the formula are significant amounts of the antioxidants, zeaxanthin and lutein, which are not found in meaningful quantities in the average daily diet along with other essential vitamins and minerals.

Dr. Gierhart adds, “The brain accounts for 20% of the body’s energy consumption and 20% of its oxygen. As a result, the brain has a high metabolic rate and is susceptible to oxidative stress, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Nourishing the brain just makes sense as it controls all of our cognitive and physical functions.”

The MPOD biomarker can be measured through devices like EyePromise’s Zx Pro and QuantifEye, which enable doctors to measure patients’ levels of zeaxanthin and lutein (MPOD) demonstrating the effectiveness of supplementation and a healthy diet.

In a press release about the recent study on aging-related cognitive issues, Dr. Dorey concluded, “This study, for the first time, demonstrates deficits in important dietary antioxidants in [aging] brains. We believe eating carotenoid-rich diets will help keep brains in top condition at all ages,” she added.

For more information on brain nutrition, MPOD and BrainPromise by EyePromise, visit www.brainpromise.com.

2024-02-05T15:49:00

(BPT) – The holiday season has passed, but the threat of COVID-19 has not.¹ As of January 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System showed that 35 states are experiencing “very high” viral activity, including Texas, New York, California, Illinois and Georgia.²

In addition to the case surge, 2024 also has a new dominant variant, JN.1, which now accounts for approximately 62% of all currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.¹

While many people think COVID and other respiratory viruses die down in December, you can still be infected into the spring.³

It’s not too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19.⁴ Here are three reasons why experts are urging Americans to get their COVID-19 shot if they haven’t already.

1. Vaccination is one of the best defenses against Long COVID and other long-term symptoms⁵

The WHO defines Long COVID as the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after an initial COVID-19 infection, with symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath persisting for two months or longer.^6,7 A 2023 study found that those with the condition were 23% more likely to be unemployed and 16% less likely to work full-time.⁸

While Long COVID might seem rare, the statistics tell a different story. The National Center for Health Statistics’ Household Pulse Survey began collecting data on Long COVID in December 2022. The most recent data, from the week of October 18-30, 2023, showed that 14.3% of U.S. adults had experienced “symptoms of COVID that lasted three months or longer.” Interestingly, people aged 40-49 (16.9%) were most likely to report having Long COVID, followed by those aged 30-39 (16.6%), and 18-29 (15.6%). Only around 8% of study participants over age 80 reported Long COVID symptoms.⁹

In another study, approximately 1 in 4 children/adolescents with documented COVID-19 experienced persistent symptoms for 4-12 weeks post-infection.¹⁰

“Long COVID symptoms overlap with many different conditions making it difficult to diagnose, but we continue to hear stories from patients who went from healthy to severely impaired following a COVID infection,” explains Francesca Ceddia, Chief Medical Affairs Officer at Moderna. “As members of the medical community, we have an obligation to educate adults — even healthy, younger individuals — on the potential risks of Long COVID, so they can take appropriate measures to protect their health.”

There is currently no approved treatment for Long COVID, but research has proven that staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you and others against the long-term effects from Long COVID.¹¹ Research additionally suggests there is a strong association between receiving the COVID-19 primary vaccination series and a reduced risk of receiving a diagnosis of Long COVID, even if one subsequently develops SARS-CoV-2 infection.¹²

Learn more about the burden of Long COVID and how to best protect yourself and others.

2. COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent severe outcomes of COVID-19¹³

While severe COVID-19 outcomes are less frequent in children, they are still a possibility, particularly if they have another health condition that puts them at risk.¹⁴

“Parents often ask me about mRNA vaccine safety and if it’s worth getting their child vaccinated since they have a lower risk,” says Jessica Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN, Past President, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Professor of Nursing, Baylor University. “The answer is always ‘yes.’ There is a considerable amount of data reinforcing that mRNA vaccines are important tools for protecting children’s health.”

In addition to protecting health, vaccination is also important for keeping children in the classroom and preventing them from falling behind in school.¹⁵ This can also help prevent parents from missing work and taking valuable sick days while their children recuperate.

Ultimately Nurse Jessica encourages parents to talk to their pediatrician if they have questions about the vaccine. “With so much information online, it can be challenging to sift through the noise. Your pediatrician can best address any questions you have on mRNA and COVID-19 vaccines.”

3. If you have a chronic health condition, COVID-19 can make it worse

Many people think “at-risk” only applies to older or immunocompromised adults, but people living with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, lung disease, and diabetes, are also susceptible to serious outcomes.¹⁶ In fact, contracting COVID-19 can make chronic illness worse.¹⁷

While it is still possible to contract COVID-19 after your vaccination, getting vaccinated can help prevent the most serious outcomes from the virus, regardless of your prior health or risk status.⁴

COVID-19 doesn’t care what time of year it is. Protect yourself by getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine. The latest COVID-19 vaccine is widely available at retail pharmacies across the country and can be given at the same time as your annual flu shot.¹⁸

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Activity Increases as Prevalence of JN.1 Variant Continues to Rise.” Updated January 5, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html

2. 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

3. According to the CDC, while flu activity often peaks between December and February, it can continue as late as May. While the CDC provides general information about flu season, the behavior of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can vary and is subject to change based on emerging data.

Centers for Disease Control. “Flu Season.” Updated September 20, 2022. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html

4. Centers for Disease Control. “COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and CDC’s Commitment to Vaccine Equity.” Updated November 22, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/vaccine-equity.html

5. National Institutes of Health, “Long COVID.” Accessed January 20, 2024. https://covid19.nih.gov/covid-19-topics/long-covid

6. The World Health Organization. “Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID).” Updated December 7, 2022. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition

7. Centers for Disease Control, “Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions.” Updated July 20, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

8. Percentages were calculated from the adjusted odds ratios from a study conducted with 15,308 U.S. adults from February 2021 to March 2022. The study findings are based on self-reported data.

Perlis, R. et al., (2023) “Association of Post–COVID-19 Condition Symptoms and Employment Status.” JAMA Network Open. 6(2). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2801458

9. National Center for Health Statistics. “Household Pulse Survey.” Updated November 8, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm

10. Lai, C. C., et al. (2023). “Long COVID: An inevitable sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. 56(1), 1-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9576029/

11. National Institutes of Health. “Long COVID.” Accessed January 24, 2024. https://covid19.nih.gov/covid-19-topics/long-covid

12. Based on a large-scale Swedish observational cohort study conducted between December 2020 and February 2022 involving 589,722 adults, COVID-19 vaccination prior to infection demonstrated a 58% effectiveness in reducing the risk of Long COVID (referred to as Post-COVID-19 Condition, or PCC), with increased protection observed with each additional vaccine dose.

Lundberg-Morris, L., et al. (2023). “COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Post-COVID-19 Condition Among 589 722 Individuals in Sweden: Population-Based Cohort Study.” British Medical Journal. 383. https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-076990.long

13. Centers for Disease Control, “5 Things You Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccines.” Updated October 13, 2023. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/5-things-you-should-know.html

14. Ho, M., et al. (2023). “Incidence and Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With COVID-19.” Hospital Pediatrics. 13 (5): 450–462. https://publications.aap.org/hospitalpediatrics/article/13/5/450/191042/Incidence-and-Risk-Factors-for-Severe-Outcomes-in

15. Centers for Disease Control. “6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children.” Updated August 6, 2023. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children/6-things-to-know.html

16. Centers for Disease Control. “People with Certain Medical Conditions.” Updated May 22, 2023. Accessed January 24. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

17. Fekadu, G. et al. (2021) “Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Chronic Diseases Care Follow-Up and Current Perspectives in Low Resource Settings: A Narrative Review.” International journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. 13(3). 86-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8310882/

18. Centers for Disease Control, “Getting a Flu Vaccine and other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time,” Updated December 8, 2023. Accessed January 30, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/coadministration.htm

2024-01-31T14:01:00

(BPT) – Living a long life is worthy of celebration, but living a long healthy life is the ultimate goal. When given the gift of more years, most of us hope to be able to live them well — happy, active and free from chronic illness or pain. While there is some element of luck and genetics at play, there are steps we can take to help make it more likely those years are good ones — and there’s no time like the present to start. Fortunately, AARP members have access to benefits that can help save money on many of those pursuits.

Nourish and nurture the body

A balanced, nutritious diet can help keep you at a healthy weight while providing vital nutrients to fuel your body. It can also help protect against illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. For those who aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, meal delivery alternatives that focus on a balanced diet are an easy solution. AARP members can access them affordably.

One way is through Daily Harvest, which offers easy-to-prep complete meal solutions that can be customized for your dietary needs. You can choose from over 100 delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all built on fruits and vegetables delivered right to your door. AARP members receive $50 off their first order of nine items or more, and 10% off future orders by entering their AARP membership number on Daily Harvest’s website and creating an account.

Silver Cuisine by bistroMD is another option that provides chef-prepared meals from the comfort of home. These dishes are created with the nutritional needs of people 50+ in mind. AARP members save 25% and get free shipping on their first order of $99 or more of Silver Cuisine™ chef-prepared meals, including specialty diet meals such as heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and more. Plus, save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more.

Take care of your body

Staying active is important for physical and mental health, but so is preventive care. It’s a good idea to maintain regular checkups to establish a baseline and address any ailments before they become more serious.

For people on Medicare who may not have a primary care provider, AARP members and non-members can visit the Oak Street Health website to locate a doctor and schedule an appointment. Oak Street Health focuses on prevention with personalized care to help stay healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a care team dedicated to each patient, and a 24/7 patient support line.

Taking care of your body also means prioritizing often overlooked areas like dental care. Regular visits to the dentist not only brighten your smile, but they can also monitor and prevent disease. Studies have increasingly found a link between dental issues like plaque, gum disease and gingivitis, and other more serious bodily conditions. AARP members have access to information on dental insurance plan options for a variety of budgets and needs.

Eye health is another area to consider. By visiting an ophthalmologist or optometrist once a year, you can help keep your vision sharp so you can enjoy beautiful sights while avoiding injuries and falls. AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer plans and a large doctor network, affordable glasses, lens enhancements and more.

You can also save on prescription eyeglasses with AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed. Save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com and save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Medication is important in managing pain and conditions such as high blood pressure or debilitating arthritis. AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by OptumRx can help keep the costs of those prescriptions down. AARP members and non-members can receive a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on all FDA-approved medications. AARP members also receive additional benefits, like deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Plan fulfilling experiences

When you feel good, you’re more likely to want to travel and pursue new experiences, but the reverse is also true — travel and new experiences can help energize you and foster mental wellness. Whether it’s a solo trip for rest and relaxation, or a group outing with friends and family, there are so many benefits that come from exploring new places, activities and cultures.

Booking your travel is made simple with AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where AARP members can receive exclusive deals on hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Members get exclusive deals, seasonal offers and special savings when they book through the platform.

The first few months of the year are an especially good time to explore the world from the water. It’s “Wave Season,” or the period when cruise vacations are at their cheapest. AARP members can save up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises with Holland America Line, whose fleet of 11 ships offers more than five hundred sailings a year visiting all 7 continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Let 2024 be the year you prioritize adding more well-lived years to your life. With AARP member benefits, you can embark on this journey with practical and cost-effective solutions, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life chapter.

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.

2024-02-01T08:01:01

(BPT) – Every day on the news, it seems, there’s a report about another extreme weather event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for extreme weather. The U.S. experienced 28 separate, billion-dollar weather disasters last year, the highest number ever. That averages out to more than one every two weeks.

Widespread power outages are one of the byproducts of these mega-storms, but it doesn’t take a once-in-a-century flood to cause them. Blackouts happen regularly due to more “mundane” causes, like power grid glitches, ice storms or high winds, even lightning in a garden-variety thunderstorm taking out a power pole. And you’re left in the dark. Depending on the severity of the outage, that darkness could last awhile.

When the power goes out in your home, so does the heat. And the internet. And the electricity needed to keep food at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. All of your “smart” electronics and appliances that talk to each other (and to you) go silent.

Owning a standby generator is the best way to keep your household humming during a power outage. Because of all of the extreme weather we’ve been experiencing, it’s moving from the nice-to-have category into a necessity. Here’s what you need to know before buying one.

A standby generator is different than a portable generator. Most people are familiar with the type of bulky generators their fathers kept in the garage, noisy contraptions that needed to be hooked up to cough to life when the power went out. You could run the refrigerator or a space heater, but not both. We’ve come a long way since then. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. These sleek, permanently installed units are a bit like having a power plant on reserve. Some models are able to power the electricity to your entire home. The switchover from the power grid to your generator is completely automatic and usually so seamless, homeowners don’t even notice a disruption.

You must own your home to install a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home — just like an AC unit or solar panel system — and routed to your home’s electrical and gas systems. For this reason, you must own the property your generator will power.

The type of home matters. A condo or apartment, even if you own it, isn’t conducive to having a generator. If you live in a townhome complex, consult your community’s by-laws before purchasing a generator. Typically, single-family and fixed mobile homes are qualified for generator installation.

Research any necessary permits before you install. Typically, your generator will be installed alongside your home’s exterior in a discrete area, but it is still considered a modification to your home’s appearance. This means you’ll likely require approval, and perhaps permits, prior to installation if you live in a community regulated by an HOA or other governing board.

Consider your home’s power needs … and your own. Do you want to power your entire home during an outage, or can you get by with only select appliances or systems running? Analyze your home’s electrical load and your power priorities. This will help you determine potential generator models to choose from. Some are equipped to power your entire home, while others are better for powering the necessities.

Not all generators are created equal. You can find any number of generators on the market today with just a few mouse clicks online. But this is your family’s safety and well-being in a potential disaster we’re talking about. It’s not the time to take chances on an untested product or company. Go with a trusted name in the industry you can count on to keep your household running. KOHLER generators have been on the market for over 100 years and each model has endured hundreds of performance tests to ensure total reliability. They’re built with commercial-grade engines designed to outlast the outage. And they use state-of-the-art technology so you can monitor it on your mobile device or computer.

When a power outage strikes, a standby generator ensures that your family won’t miss a beat. Want to learn more? Visit KOHLERhomeenergy.com for more information.

2024-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – How is your child’s hearing? If you’re not quite sure, you’re not alone. While parents routinely take their children to the pediatrician for annual checkups and vaccines, those appointments don’t typically include hearing tests. And although elementary schools do hearing screenings, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) tells us the requirements vary from state to state, as does the frequency of the tests. Some are conducted every year, some every two or three years.

All of that ambiguity, along with other factors, leads the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conclude we simply don’t know how many children are living with hearing loss in the U.S. The CDC estimates the number of children who have some degree of hearing loss to be between one and five children per 1,000.

If your child is one of them, it is likely affecting their performance in the classroom academically and socially. After all, good hearing is about much more than just paying attention.

The importance of hearing in the classroom

Your child’s hearing is a vital part of learning and their overall success in school. Here are some ways hearing affects their learning.

Language acquisition. Good hearing is vital for children to develop proper speech and language skills. Vocabulary building, grammar skills and the ability to distinguish one word from another all depend on keen hearing.

Comprehension. Kids needs to hear instructions, lectures, classroom discussions and more to understand what, exactly, they’re expected to do. If they miss a key element such as if their teacher turns to the whiteboard instead of facing the class while explaining an assignment, their grade can reflect that.

Social development. Children with hearing loss can experience social isolation due to fear of interacting with peers or participating in class. If a child is acting out, frustration around undiagnosed hearing loss may be a cause.

Fortunately, there are more resources and interventions than ever before to help your child’s hearing.

Ways your child can hear better in the classroom

If you suspect your child may have a hearing loss, the first step is to talk to your pediatrician about a referral to a pediatric audiologist. A pediatric audiologist will test your child’s hearing, discuss results, and determine whether hearing aids are recommended.

Pediatric hearing aids. Children’s hearing aids have evolved into an art form in recent years. For example, Phonak’s new Sky Lumity hearing aids have a sleek, tamperproof design and are powered by AutoSense Sky OS, an AI-based operating system developed specifically for children. According to Phonak, the hearing aids prioritize speech understanding at a rate of 700 scans per second. They instantly adjust to optimize a child’s listening experience in every environment — from bedtime stories to the classroom party.

Sky hearing aids have universal Bluetooth connectivity to a multitude of smart devices, increasing a child’s access to sound. The newest lineup encourages kids to express their creative side with 14 colors to choose from including Electric Green, Caribbean Pirate and Precious Pink.

Roger for Education microphones. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public entities, like schools, to make educational opportunities, including extracurriculars, accessible to all students. One way to do that is with a high-tech remote microphone technology, like Roger. Designed to interface with or without hearing aids, Roger microphones can be worn around the neck of a teacher, whose voice is then transmitted directly to a child’s hearing device or through portable classroom speakers.

Why is this extra step needed? Hearing aids can only do so much in noisy classrooms, especially over distance. Roger gives their hearing a boost, automatically adjusting the volume based on the noise level. Because of the ADA, remote microphone technology like Roger can be among the accommodations defined in the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). As such, there is no cost to parents for a device like this to be purchased by the school.

Simple classroom changes. Small changes that can have a profound impact on a child’s comprehension are seating the child in the front row, teachers not turning their backs to the class while speaking, allowing extra time for kids to process assignments, providing written instructions on all assignments and other low-tech tactics to make sure kids get the full picture.

2024-01-22T12:00:00

(BPT) – You want to stay healthy so you can keep doing what you love. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, like the updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot.

“Vaccination is a highly effective tool to help older Americans avoid the worst effects of infectious diseases,” said Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, senior director at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). “If you have questions about getting vaccinated, now is the ideal time to contact your health care provider.”

This year, the CDC is predicting the season will last through early spring. It’s never too late to protect yourself. Learn more about the importance of vaccines, their safety, and effectiveness at ncoa.org/vaccines.

This publication was created as part of a project that is 100% funded by a grant totaling $50 million awarded to NCOA by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It does not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, ACL, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

2024-01-19T13:41:00

(BPT) – The winter season can be a challenging time of year for many – one that can bring post-holiday financial stress and exhaustion. Amid darker, colder days, how do you know if you are experiencing the “winter blues” or if it is something more serious?

Hear from three mental health experts on the differences between the “winter blues” and clinical depression: Board-Certified Psychiatrist Chet Robachinski, MD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP(c), FMP-C, PHMNP-BC, and Board-Certified Physician Assistant Kami Harris, PA-C.

How do people know if the winter months have them feeling down or if it’s something more serious?

Tina Matthews Hayes, DNP: Someone experiencing the “winter blues” has many of the same symptoms of clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD). They may lose interest in their hobbies and things that once brought them joy, experience changes in their sleep, appetite or weight, feel an inability to get things done like they normally could, have a constant feeling of fatigue or a lack of energy.¹

While this can be mistaken for clinical depression, “winter blues” symptoms are usually triggered at the onset of the winter season and potentially resolved once spring arrives. Another key difference between “winter blues” and clinical depression is the severity of the symptoms.

What I tell my patients is that if they are noticing any of these signs and symptoms, it is crucial to seek help from their healthcare provider to determine if what they are experiencing is more serious, like clinical depression.

Can someone living with clinical depression also experience the “winter blues”?

Kami Harris, PA-C: The quick and simple answer is yes. “Winter blues” and MDD can be worsened by one another. That is why it is imperative for people to take note of when their symptoms began and to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if what they are experiencing is more than just “feeling down” or the “winter blues.” The good news is, if it is something more serious like MDD or some form of depression that is more challenging to treat, there are a variety of available treatment options to help those who are struggling.

What is treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and what treatment options are available?

Chet Robachinski, MD: Like Kami shared, there are different forms of clinical depression, some of which can be more challenging to treat compared to others. We call a form of clinical depression that occurs when someone has not responded adequately to two or more antidepressant medications during the same depressive episode treatment-resistant depression (TRD).² With each medication taking weeks and sometimes months to provide potential relief, this pattern of starting over with a new medication only to find that the treatment does not work for them can be extremely frustrating.

For people living with TRD, one treatment option I’ve seen success with in my clinical practice is SPRAVATO^® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray taken in combination with an oral antidepressant.

Of course, as with any medication, SPRAVATO^® has risks and benefits with some of the most serious side effects of this treatment including sleepiness (sedation), fainting, dizziness, spinning sensation, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings, space and time (dissociation), breathing problems (respiratory depression and respiratory arrest), the risk of abuse and misuse, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Additionally, each patient must be enrolled in the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program to track any serious side effects they may experience, and follow the necessary administration and dosing requirements under the observation of their healthcare provider, which include going into a certified treatment center for each treatment session.

Please see the Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, and a list of side effects below. Click here to access the full prescribing information and medication guide.

What advice do you have for people looking to help manage their mental health during the winter?

Tina Matthews Hayes, NP: During the winter months, have a safe space where you can feel vulnerable and honest about what you are going through – not everyone continues to feel “holly jolly” once the holiday season has come to a close. You should seek help if you need it. I would recommend you keep a journal with you and make note of how you’re feeling before your appointment, and be open and transparent with your healthcare team, whether that’s your psychiatrist, therapist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Chet Robachinski, MD: There are many resources available for those who may be struggling. In particular, advocacy organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) have information on their websites, including tools for mental health screening and finding a treatment center or therapist. But it’s important to note that if you’re in crisis, please call, text or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a mental health counselor.

Kami Harris, PA-C: With shorter and colder days, winter can be a difficult time to say the least. So, keep a pulse on how you’re feeling and be honest with yourself. Give yourself the freedom and grace to take needed breaks and reach out to loved ones for help.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is SPRAVATO^® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray?

SPRAVATO^® is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth to treat:

• Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
• Depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions

SPRAVATO^® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine.

It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO^® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO^®.

It is not known if SPRAVATO^® is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take SPRAVATO^® if you:

• have blood vessel (aneurysmal vascular) disease (including in the brain, chest, abdominal aorta, arms and legs)
• have an abnormal connection between your veins and arteries (arteriovenous malformation)
• have a history of bleeding in the brain
• are allergic to esketamine, ketamine, or any of the other ingredients in SPRAVATO^®.

If you are not sure if you have any of the above conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking SPRAVATO^®.

Before you take SPRAVATO^®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have heart or brain problems, including:
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • slow or fast heartbeats that cause shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • history of heart attack
  • history of stroke
  • heart valve disease or heart failure
  • history of brain injury or any condition where there is increased pressure in the brain
• have liver problems
• have ever had a condition called “psychosis” (see, feel, or hear things that are not there, or believe in things that are not true).
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. SPRAVATO^® may harm your baby. You should not take SPRAVATO^® if you are pregnant.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.
  • If you are able to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about methods to prevent pregnancy during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.
  • There is a pregnancy registry for women who are exposed to SPRAVATO^® during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of women exposed to SPRAVATO^® and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with SPRAVATO^®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed during treatment with SPRAVATO^®.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Taking SPRAVATO^® with certain medicine may cause side effects.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take central nervous system (CNS) depressants, psychostimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) medicines. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How will I take SPRAVATO^®?

• You will take SPRAVATO^® nasal spray yourself, under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a healthcare setting. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the SPRAVATO^® nasal spray device.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much SPRAVATO^® you will take and when you will take it.
• Follow your SPRAVATO^® treatment schedule exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
• During and after each use of the SPRAVATO^® nasal spray device, you will be checked by a healthcare provider who will decide when you are ready to leave the healthcare setting.
• You will need to plan for a caregiver or family member to drive you home after taking SPRAVATO^®.
• If you miss a SPRAVATO^® treatment, your healthcare provider may change your dose and treatment schedule.
• Some people taking SPRAVATO^® get nausea and vomiting. You should not eat for at least 2 hours before taking SPRAVATO^® and not drink liquids at least 30 minutes before taking SPRAVATO^®.
• If you take a nasal corticosteroid or nasal decongestant medicine take these medicines at least 1 hour before taking SPRAVATO^®.

What should I avoid while taking SPRAVATO^®?

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO^®. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep. See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO^®?”

What are the possible side effects of SPRAVATO^®?

SPRAVATO^® may cause serious side effects including:

• See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO^®?”
• Increased blood pressure. SPRAVATO^® can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure that may last for about 4 hours after taking a dose. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure before taking SPRAVATO^® and for at least 2 hours after you take SPRAVATO^®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, change in vision, or seizures after taking SPRAVATO^®.
• Problems with thinking clearly. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems thinking or remembering.
• Bladder problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop trouble urinating, such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, or urinating frequently at night.

The most common side effects of SPRAVATO^® when used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth include:

feeling disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, feelings and things around you dizziness nausea feeling sleepy spinning sensation

decreased feeling of sensitivity (numbness) feeling anxious lack of energy increased blood pressure vomiting feeling drunk feeling very happy or excited

If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO^® and go away the same day.

These are not all the possible side effects of SPRAVATO^®.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO^® and discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider.

cp-170363v3

This information is intended for the use of patients and caregivers in the United States and its territories only. Laws, regulatory requirements and medical practices in pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The Prescribing Information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States and its territories.

References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Accessed November 21, 2023. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Definition of treatment-resistant depression in the Medicare population. Accessed November 21, 2023. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/DeterminationProcess/downlo ads/id105TA.pdf. Published February 9, 2018

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2024-01-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – It can happen to anyone.

Benjamin, a construction contractor from Indiana, was rushing out the door to get to work, but the door didn’t close properly. He gave it a hard shove and his arm smashed through the glass, slicing his arm open. He was rushed to the hospital to stop the profuse bleeding and underwent immediate surgery.

Grateful that the surgery saved his arm, Benjamin found himself struggling with an unexpected and agonizing pain following his surgery. Unable to sleep and eventually unable to work, Benjamin became one of the 20 million Americans suffering from peripheral nerve damage — but he didn’t know it.

When Benjamin first found Dr. Brandon Smetana, an orthopedic surgeon who also specializes in nerve repair, he told him, “I tried to get help. Nobody really believed me. They kept saying that I needed to get back to work and move my arm. I kept saying something wasn’t right. I have a high pain tolerance, but people didn’t understand the pain I was in — every day, all day long.”

This is an unfortunate reality for so many people. Many spend countless months — sometimes years — in chronic pain looking for answers. They are often prescribed opioids to try to make the pain more bearable, even though, unfortunately, medication won’t solve the root issue. Finding a healthcare provider who can identify their pain as nerve pain is often a huge relief to patients — even just hearing about a potential solution can bring them to tears.

Many types of accidents, from cooking mishaps to car wrecks, can result in nerve damage. Unrecognized nerve injuries are a common problem as they can often be missed in the ER when the first goal is to stop bleeding. But nerve injuries can lead to ongoing pain, even after the original wound has healed.

Nerve pain can affect any area of the body but most commonly occurs in the arms, hands, legs and feet. It feels different from other pain. Some people feel numbness or tingling, while others describe it as electrical shocks, sharp spasms, or a burning sensation. The pain can be intermittent or unrelenting.

Thanks to recent advances in microsurgery, injured nerves can be surgically repaired to potentially resolve the cause of the pain and even restore lost nerve function, offering the chance to live pain-free again. Fortunately, Benjamin was able to have nerve repair surgery on his arm. The source of his pain stemmed from neuromas — tangled masses of scar tissue that can form when nerves are injured, leading to incorrect signals being sent to the brain that cause pain. Think of nerves like live electrical wires; when they’re properly connected, they’re able to channel their energy appropriately. When they are damaged, they still spark, but incorrectly. Multiple neuromas were removed from Benjamin’s arm to resolve the pain and then the cut nerves were reconnected with a nerve graft, which allowed the nerves to regrow and restore more normal signals, ultimately getting Benjamin back to his life.

“When I was able to get back to work, I felt really good,” Benjamin said. “I could provide for my family again, and that means a lot to me. I’m a survivor one way or another — it felt good to start surviving again.”

Not enough people, healthcare providers and patients alike, know about the devastating effects of nerve damage — or that there are ways to fix the root cause. There are millions of people unnecessarily suffering who could be helped. Their lives shouldn’t be defined by pain.

If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, and had a previous surgery, sports injury, amputation, or traumatic injury, encourage them to talk to their doctor about whether it could be nerve damage and to get a referral to a peripheral nerve surgeon for consultation. If you are a medical professional, take time to consider how your practice is helping patients whose pain may be due to nerve damage.

Collectively, we can bring more awareness to the root cause of pain and help more people find the relief they deserve.

Could surgical nerve repair be right for you? Take a short online nerve pain assessment and find out if you’re a candidate at rethink-pain.com/#survey.

2024-01-10T14:05:01

(BPT) – It’s no question that common colds and the flu can stop families in their tracks, leading to sick days and missed school or work. Cold and flu germs can lurk on hundreds of common surfaces that we encounter daily, but by establishing simple healthy habits, you can help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs this cold and flu season.