Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-11-20T05:01:00

(BPT) – You don’t always know what’s in your gene pool. Even with a detailed family health history, you may not have a complete picture for what you’re at risk for developing. In fact, according to a 2018 research study, more than 80% of people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant did not know they have one.

That said, genetic testing can be expensive, even if you have insurance. Many people do not have a family history of cancer that would qualify them for traditional genetic testing through a healthcare professional. However, 23andMe has expanded its BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk Report*, providing an affordable option that gives folks, especially those in underserved communities, access to their genetics. This report can help individuals identify their risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases.

Affordable genetic testing with powerful results

In 2018, 23andMe received the first Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic test for cancer risk to report three variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes are known to be associated with a higher risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Now, the company has received FDA clearance to expand its report, allowing 23andMe customers to learn whether they have one or more of 44 genetic variants found on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Women with even just one of these genetic variants can have up to an 85% greater risk of developing breast or other associated cancers than the general population.

This new report hands consumers powerful information that they can use to work with a healthcare professional to mitigate their health risks. However, what makes it stand out is its potential to close the health care gap for traditionally underserved populations.

How underserved communities can benefit from genetic testing

The 44 BRCA1/BRCA2 variants the company now tests for account for roughly 30-40% of cancer-related BRCA1/BRCA2 variants among people of African American, non-Ashkenazi European and Hispanic/Latino descent and several variants found in people of East Asian and South Asian descent.

The expanded report is just one way 23andMe is making progress on its mission to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome, especially for traditionally underserved communities. There are significant disparities in access to BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing in some communities in the U.S., including the Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian communities. Black Americans also experience dramatic disparities in breast cancer outcomes, according to published research by the American Cancer Society.

How you can learn more about your genetic health risks

New and existing 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers who were genotyped on the company’s most recent platform can access the expanded BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk Report. The report also includes an education module so individuals are fully informed of what they can learn from this report and how to use the results before viewing the report.

The 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report is not a comprehensive genetic test, is intended for adults, does not diagnose cancer and should not be used on its own to make medical decisions. Genetic variants found in the 23andMe report require confirmatory testing. However, knowing you have a variant provides a critical opportunity to discuss options with your healthcare provider, get confirmatory genetic testing and take preventive action. To learn more, visit 23andMe.com/DNA-Health-Ancestry.

*To learn more about the genetic health risk report mentioned here as well as other important information about 23andMe, please see site for details.

2023-11-17T14:45:00

(BPT) – With open enrollment in full swing, millions of Americans face the annual challenge of choosing the right health plan for themselves and their families. Questions such as “Is this enough insurance?” or “Am I paying for too much insurance?” or “Is there a better option for my budget and health conditions?” are frequently pondered as people attempt to make sense of the maze of terminology and coverage on the screens in front of them.

This Open Enrollment season, however, navigating the world of health insurance just got a whole lot easier — thanks to an insurance industry veteran who had a big idea and created the innovative new online “health plan matchmaker,” The Big Plan.

“In my 30-plus years of helping families find the right health insurance, I knew there had to be a better, simpler way to remove the confusion and chaos of the yearly open enrollment dread that so many people hated,” said Carey Gruenbaum, chief executive officer of The Big Plan. “We wanted to — and I think we have — rewritten the rules on how Americans can find the right health insurance plan at the right price to meet their medical needs and within their budget.”

The Big Plan platform provides an easy-to-use, end-to-end health plan selection experience, utilizing proprietary actuarial guidance blended with A.I. technology to deliver personalized recommendations based on user-provided data — while also identifying any available government subsidies.

There is no fee for consumers to use The Big Plan — rather, the expert guidance is completely free of charge. Additionally, any data collected is encrypted and not sold to third parties for targeting or advertising purposes.

“Our health plan matchmaker platform makes the whole process simpler and better, because it is completely about the user,” said Gruenbaum. “We offer unbiased expertise that helps individuals select a health plan that’s right for them. It’s all based on real data, without the potentially biased input from health plan representatives or insurance brokers who may be driven to recommend plans that pay them a higher commission.”

Visitors to TheBigPlan.com simply answer questions about themselves and their family members. Then in about a minute, The Big Plan’s A.I.-powered engine searches all plans and finds the best match based on a user’s medical score, projects spending on each plan, and clearly describes the benefits of each recommended plan. Users can compare plans side-by-side, considering monthly premiums, yearly deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and co-pays for both primary care and specialist visits.

Users who wish to purchase can then seamlessly click on their preferred plan to sign up — with the confidence that they got the best plan for their needs, including their budget.

The timing of this innovative approach to health insurance selection couldn’t be more crucial. Recent data reveals that a significant portion of Americans, 8.4% or 27.6 million, still lack health insurance. Furthermore, 11% experience coverage gaps and a staggering 23% are classified as underinsured, facing challenges in accessing affordable healthcare.

Health insurance literacy also remains a concern, with over 50% of adults struggling to comprehend key terms such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance.

This health plan matchmaker is a tool to bridge the gap in health insurance literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions. Through its intuitive interface and user-friendly guidance, The Big Plan aims to provide a deeper understanding of health insurance, enabling users to align their choices with their medical needs and financial capabilities.

The Big Plan is currently available to millions of Americans in most states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The Big Plan encourages individuals to explore a more informed and educated approach to health coverage selection.

To learn more about navigating health insurance with confidence at The Big Plan, visit TheBigPlan.com.

2023-11-17T09:01:01

(BPT) – From appetizers to desserts, the flavor and versatility of California walnuts can elevate any dish. Planning a menu for small or large groups can be a lot of work. Depending on the gathering or occasion, you may need to plan snacks, appetizers and a meal that many people will enjoy. Fortunately, you can set the stage for success and satisfy a variety of palates with California walnuts.

Tips for entertaining with California walnuts

Walnuts are appealing and adaptable, with surprising versatility that makes them the unsung hero of the kitchen. They’re well known for the buttery richness and pleasing texture they add to many traditional dishes, baked goods, garnish or topping and as a simple, beloved entertaining snack. This is particularly handy when you’re entertaining. This versatile plant food, packed with a powerhouse of important nutrients, is a smart option for you, your friends and family.

Want to up the ante at your next event? Here are some additional ways to use walnuts when entertaining that you may not have thought of before:

Veggie trays: Elevate your veggie tray or charcuterie board by making walnut hummus, pesto and Muhammara, a roasted red pepper dip.

Meat alternatives: Walnuts can easily be combined in a food processor with your favorite combination of spices to create plant-based walnut meat that tastes great and is satisfying. Walnut meat is a tasty and a filling meat alternative that can be used in tacos, pasta sauces, on pizza, in stuffed peppers and more.

Delicious snacks: Sweet and spiced walnuts are a delicious snack or entertaining staple, and can be easily packaged into a lovely host gift if you’re attending a party.

Dairy-free treats: Walnuts can be used in new and innovative ways — like Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream, a dairy-free treat topping for anything from hot chocolate to pies and cakes.

Recipe: Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream

This light and airy walnut-based whipped cream flavored with honey and vanilla can be served with dessert, over berries and more. Visit walnuts.org for flavor variations. Makes 14 servings.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups California walnuts, divided
1 cup water
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 to 2 teaspoons honey, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions:
Puree 2 cups walnuts and water in a blender for 2 minutes or until very light and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, vanilla and salt and blend for 30 seconds. Add the remaining teaspoon honey if you prefer a sweeter taste.
To achieve a thicker whipped cream, add the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts and puree until light and fluffy.
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. May be prepared two days ahead.

Why walnuts? Bountiful benefits

Being high in omega-3 ALA (2.5 g/oz.), walnuts are a great addition to any snack or meal. You can feel good that more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the U.S. are from the fertile soils of California’s Central Valley.

Entertaining tips and more recipes

California Walnuts is spotlighting a custom recipe collection that showcases even more ways you can use walnuts. Whether you purchased a one- or three-pound bag, or any size in between, California Walnuts has tasty, easy recipes that will ensure your walnuts go to delicious use — regardless of the occasion. For more entertaining ideas and recipe inspiration, visit Walnuts.org.

Bonus tip: Have leftover walnuts? For optimal freshness, keep them cold in the refrigerator or freezer.

2023-11-16T13:45:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year when many Americans review their health care benefits to see if they have the coverage they need during open enrollment. If you don’t enjoy this annual exercise, a new report by Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions suggests there’s good reason to take a closer look at your benefits this year — your employer has the potential to help you live a longer and healthier life.

Even though the average life span is 77.9 years, Deloitte calculated that Americans are living just 65.9 years (or 85% of their years) in good health. According to the analysis, all Americans could potentially live up to 95% of their years in good health and live to be nearly 90 years old if employers think beyond their traditional health insurance offerings. This means that employers should reconsider a one-size-fits-all approach and think about more digital, virtual and gaming techniques to encourage healthy behaviors.

Not-so-fringe benefits

Deloitte found that businesses across industries are providing employees with a variety of well-being benefits. Beyond the health implications, employers tend to recognize there is a competitive advantage to these benefits to attract talent, and potentially improve productivity which can impact their organization’s success. Deloitte suggests that employers are uniquely positioned to take the lead on influencing health improvements more broadly, beyond traditional health care benefits impacting health today and into retirement. How?

Three ways employers can support your health and well-being

• Wearables and digital tools: According to the CDC, there is evidence that lifestyle modifications like following a healthy diet, creating social connections, engaging in appropriate exercise, managing stress and reducing smoking can dramatically change, or even reverse, the progression to diabetes, heart disease and certain other conditions. Some organizations provide employees with wearables and digital tools to help enable changes, especially when they’re paired with coaching and nudging, according to a report by Brookings.
• Telehealth: Virtual visits or telehealth is another approach for improving well-being. As reported by the National Institutes of Health, the pandemic expanded this option, enabling doctor visits and mental health services in virtual settings that can help improve access to care. Some studies found that access for underserved populations has improved as a result of virtual health.
• Early screenings and services: Offering early screenings and services that address mental health and social isolation can contribute to healthier aging. Deloitte suggests providing employees with health-literacy tools, educational materials and support to help address challenges that can influence people’s health, such as access to affordable housing, financial literacy, isolation, safety, clean air and water, and healthy food.

Take advantage of benefits and resources you’re offered

Unfortunately, 68% of workers surveyed by Deloitte say they do not use the full value of the well-being resources their organizations offer because accessing programs is either too time-consuming, confusing or cumbersome.

“Exploring, understanding and asking questions about your benefits can help you live a longer and healthier life,” said Jay Bhatt, D.O., MPH, MPA, managing director of the Center for Health Solutions and Health Equity Institute, Deloitte Services LP. “Employers that lean in with their workforce to help them make the most of their benefits, help ensure that it isn’t one size fits all, and support behavior change may result in their employees living longer and healthier while also having an impact on reducing rising health care costs.”

To learn more about Deloitte’s findings, read the full report titled, How employers can spark a movement to help us live longer and healthier lives.

2023-11-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – WWE is famously known for its high-energy matches and larger-than-life Superstars. The organization has an incredible talent for entertaining and captivating audiences of all ages around the world. The company also has a long history of giving back and providing special experiences for deserving community members.

One partnership that WWE is incredibly proud of is its longstanding connection to Make-A-Wish. Over the past 40 years, WWE has granted more than 6,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses and, more importantly, created hope and renewed energy for wish kids and their families.

Wrestling with a purpose

This past April, to celebrate WWE and Make-A-Wish’s 40 years of partnership, the sports entertainment organization invited 20 wish kids and their families to Hollywood to fulfill their wishes to attend WrestleMania 39, WWE’s annual pop culture extravaganza.

WWE Superstar John Cena, the all-time most requested celebrity wish granter, invited wish kids to join him onstage for his entrance before his match at the event. They were greeted by the cheering and applause of more than 86,000 fans at SoFi Stadium. This is the first time that wish kids were incorporated into WrestleMania and hopefully, it won’t be the last.

During their time at WrestleMania, the kids and their families had a special opportunity for private meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Finn Bálor, Bayley, Carmella and Omos. Best of all, the kids were inducted into the Circle of Champions, WWE’s exclusive group that celebrates and honors the perseverance and toughness of wish kids.

“WWE understands that the wishes they help to grant can provide children with critical illnesses with the strength and resilience they need to fight whatever challenges come their way,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “This year’s WrestleMania is the latest example of the types of life-changing experiences that WWE provides to wish kids and their families on a regular basis.”

More than just one day

While WrestleMania 39 was a landmark wish for several kids this year, WWE and its Superstars continue to grant wishes year-round. For example, WWE and John Cena granted wishes each week during the Legend’s return to SmackDown. Also, in the lead-up to World Wish Day, WWE invited former wish recipients and their families to attend Monday Night RAW in Chicago.

WWE’s philanthropy isn’t limited to the U.S. An organization that touches every corner of the world with its philanthropic actions, working with partners like Make-A-Wish, WWE is making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities at home and abroad.

Through its partnership with Make-A-Wish, the organization has granted numerous international wishes in the UK, India and Saudi Arabia, among others. WWE has also hosted memorable wish-granting events at iconic venues like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Natural History Museum in London.

To learn more about WWE’s ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish, visit Corporate.WWE.com/Impact.

2023-11-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – Some people just know how to live. One great example is Mike Hugo, who learns from stumbles and turns them into victory — tackling anything he wants to do with vigor and perseverance. This was clear as early as age 7, when the first pig he entered into a county fair was disqualified as overweight. Unfazed, Mike learned everything he could about pigs, even taking one on daily two-mile walks. The result? He won grand champion the next year — and the next nine.

This can-do attitude helped Mike become an all-state football player (even playing a season for a semi-pro Australian gridiron team) and earn his engineering degree by age 20. From obtaining patents for product design improvements at his very first job to doing marathons and Ironman competitions, Mike greets life with energy and enthusiasm, an attitude he hopes to impart to his two daughters, Bridget and Brooke.

A daunting setback

Mike was training for his 12th Ironman when everything changed. A day after swimming over two miles in the ocean, he had a seizure while driving and crashed his car. Waking in the hospital with a serious back injury was bad enough, but that was the least of his concerns.

In his work as a sales district manager for a medical device company, Mike had seen his fair share of MRIs. One glance at his scans was enough to scare him: He had a brain tumor the size of a tangerine.

Mike was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), and surgeons removed as much of Mike’s tumor as they could without impairing his cognition. But GBM can be very aggressive — within three weeks his tumor had grown back to about one-third its previous size.

What is glioblastoma (GBM)?

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of malignant primary brain tumor. Early detection is nearly impossible, and the condition can be challenging to control, typically causing progressive neurological symptoms over time. The survival rate for newly diagnosed patients is just 5-10%.

Facing his diagnosis with action

Not surprisingly, Mike and his wife Vanessa immediately started exploring treatments, while making the most of their time together. Vanessa is a clinical researcher in cranial and spinal technologies, so her research and their network of connections in the neurology field helped uncover new treatment options.

This is how they learned about Optune Gio, a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat GBM in adult patients 22 years of age or older. The device works by creating Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), which are alternating electric fields delivered at a unique frequency that allows it to selectively disrupt GBM cell division. TTFields therapy attacks GBM cells where they’re vulnerable, interfering with mitosis to disrupt cancer cell division, and ultimately can destroy cancer cells. When used together with standard of care chemotherapy in a large clinical study, this innovative treatment has been shown to improve survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed GBM, without adding systemic toxicities.

Living well and staying present, no matter what

Just as Mike faces all setbacks throughout his life with determination, this situation is no different. Looking toward an uncertain future, Mike remains steadfast in his goal to be present for his girls and keep planning for the future. He’s created videos and letters for his daughters to offer guidance during life’s milestones and rites of passage.

“As a father, I’m thinking constantly about, with the time I have left, how do I take care of them?” Mike said. “It’s very hard to imagine every scenario where my kids might turn to me for advice in the next 30 years, but that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Mike took voice lessons to help him sing country star Tim McGraw’s song “My Little Girl” for a video for his girls. But as usual, his dream was bigger. He wanted McGraw to join him for a duet and reached out via social media — and the message went viral. McGraw saw it and arranged for Mike’s family to fly to Nashville. As the father of three daughters, McGraw also knows what it’s like to lose a parent to glioblastoma. His dad, legendary baseball player Tug McGraw, died of GBM in 2004.

With cameras rolling and McGraw beside him, Mike delivered messages to his young daughters for their future wedding days before segueing into the duet, then danced with each of his girls to “My Little Girl” on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

For anyone facing obstacles, Mike offers the following advice from John D. Rockefeller: “I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.”

Where to find more information about Optune Gio and GBM

If you or a loved one is affected by GBM, speak with your doctor to learn more about Optune Gio and how to incorporate this therapy into a treatment plan. Learn more at OptuneGio.com.

The most common side effects of Optune Gio when used together with chemotherapy to treat newly diagnosed GBM are low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune Gio alone to treat recurrent GBM are scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects are malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. For more information, please see Optune Gio Instructions for Use.

Optune Gio is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have an implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), bullet fragment or a known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels. Do not use Optune Gio if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

2023-11-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – Cats are masters at hiding almost everything, especially pain. It can be difficult for cat parents to spot the signs of pain, especially osteoarthritis (OA) pain, but it’s important to become familiar with these signs and symptoms and recognize changes in feline behavior to get your cat the care they need.

OA is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints that affects more than 40% of all cats, and not just senior cats.¹ In fact, 60% of cats over 6 years of age² and 90% of cats over 12 years of age are affected by OA pain.³ Without treatment, your cat’s pain can continue to get worse and seriously affect its long-term health and well-being, as the pain may also lead to fear and anxiety, negatively impacting your cat’s unique bond with you,⁴ leading to a diminished quality of life.⁵

While prevalence is high, diagnosis of OA pain is low. Keep an eye on your feline family member and watch for these seven signs of OA pain.

1. Personality and sociability

Is your cat usually a social butterfly and has suddenly become withdrawn, grumpy or aggressive around your family, visitors and other pets? Changes in a cat’s personality and sociability may be signs they’re in pain. Even if your cat is usually more reserved and prefers alone time, you may notice that they seek isolation more than usual.

2. Litter box habits

Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits. You may notice that they miss the litter box when doing their business or avoid it completely. If so, they may be experiencing pain in their joints and bones that makes it harder to get in and out of the litter box.

3. Grooming

Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. Look out for painful mats and a less healthy coat or skin as pain can make it harder to groom places they could normally reach when twisting and contorting their bodies.

4. Slowing down

Is your cat less playful and not as active as they used to be? Decreased energy and activity as well as changes in behavior like reluctance or trouble running, jumping, chasing moving objects or climbing up and down stairs may seem like your cat is slowing down due to aging, but these symptoms could be signs of OA and joint pain.

5. Vocalization

Pay attention if your cat’s communication style is out of character, such as increased meowing, hissing and growling. Increased vocalizations may be your cat’s way of telling you they’re hurting.

6. Eating

Does your cat normally have a big appetite but has suddenly become a picky eater? Cats in pain often lose their appetite and are less food-motivated than usual. Keep track of their eating habits and make notes of how much they’re eating.

7. Sleeping

While cats normally like to sleep the day away, pain can disrupt their routines. You may notice your cat is sleeping more than usual as a way to escape the pain. Alternatively, you may notice that they are sleeping less because they can’t get comfortable or frequently wake up because of pain.

Help is here

If your cat shows any or several signs listed above talk with your veterinary health team about these changes — with the right support, you can get your cat the care they need and reduce the stress you feel. Your veterinary health team may recommend a treatment option like Solensia™ (frunevetmab injection).

Solensia is the first and only once-monthly injectable monoclonal antibody treatment to control OA pain in cats, helping improve their mobility, comfort and overall well-being.⁶ In a study, Solensia — which is administered in your veterinary office — was shown to increase mobility in cats after a single treatment.* ^6,7

Don’t let OA pain disrupt the unique bond you share with your cat. Visit Zoetis Petcare to learn more about Solensia and take a screening quiz to find out if your cat may be experiencing OA pain.

*77% of cat owners experienced improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia in a 3-month study, and 67% of cat owners experienced improvement in signs of their cat’s pain in the placebo group.⁶

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

See full Prescribing Information at SolensiaPI.com. For use in cats only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. Solensia should not be used in breeding cats or in pregnant or lactating queens. Solensia should not be administered to cats with known hypersensitivity to frunevetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were vomiting and injection site pain.

Indication: For the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats.

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2023-11-14T05:01:00

(BPT) – In the quest for radiant-looking skin, we’re constantly on the hunt for the newest cream or silky serum, and trendy treatments don’t always deliver the results we hoped for.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your skin looking young and healthy, or if you’re hoping to reverse some of the signs of aging, try Secret PRO. This clinically proven treatment does double duty by combining two of the most in-demand treatments: RF (radiofrequency) microneedling and a fractionated CO₂ laser for maximum effects.

Secret PRO’s signature treatment, “The Gentle Peel,” resurfaces and reveals younger looking skin on most skin types in just one treatment with little to no downtime. The Gentle Peel addresses the common signs of skin aging such as fine lines, sun damage, large pores, and uneven texture.^1,2,3

Secret PRO is also ideal for treatments beyond The Gentle Peel. According to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman of Somenek + Pittman MD, “By combining these two powerful technologies, we can use the Secret PRO to stimulate collagen production at multiple layers in the skin for a multi-dimensional approach to skin revitalization.”

“This state-of-the-art system is very effective for remodeling the skin to improve tone and texture to deep acne scars or a micro peel treatment to revitalize our patients’ skin of the face and the body,” he says.^1,2 By pairing the two technologies, Secret PRO can cover all the bases from fractional CO₂ skin resurfacing to RF microneedling dermal remodeling.”

“The combination treatment allows us to accelerate incision remodeling and scar discoloration for our surgical patients,” adds Dr. Pittman.

“With Secret PRO’s wide range of treatment options and customizable treatment settings, we can deliver impressive, visible results, leaving patients with noticeably improved skin texture and appearance. By using tiny, ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, we are stimulating the body’s natural healing process while promoting the production of collagen and elastin. These two essential proteins are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity,” says Dr. Eugene Chen, Medical Director of New Life New Image in Las Vegas.

“Secret PRO’s two modalities, RF microneedling and CO₂ skin resurfacing, and safety profile across various skin types ensure accessibility and effectiveness for a broad range of patients, making it a standout choice for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. We can tailor the treatment to each patient based on their skin type, skin condition, goals, and tolerance for downtime and accommodate even the busiest schedules,” he says.

“Most patients will need a series of treatments to achieve the outcomes they are looking for, from skin revitalization to a more intense treatment plan to reverse the signs of aging. The results we can achieve have been exceptional,” says Dr. Chen.

Are you ready to take your skin to the next level? Find a provider near you.

REFERENCES:

1. Tierney, Emily, and William Hanke. “Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Photoaging: Prospective Study in 45 Patients and Review of the Literature.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 37, no. 9, 2011, pp. 1279– 1290., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02082.x.
2. Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244.,
3. Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.

2023-11-13T16:37:00

(BPT) – As people age, our hearing tends to decline for multiple reasons, including repetitive exposure to loud sounds and genetic factors. In fact, hearing loss ranks as the third most common chronic condition among all Americans. For older Americans, nearly a quarter of those aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. That number increases to 50% for those 75 and older.

For people in this situation, obtaining treatment as soon as possible is crucial, as hearing is vital to staying connected with friends and family. Studies have shown that hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, cognitive decline, trouble communicating and more.

While there is no cure for certain types of hearing loss, there are options to treat it and help you maintain an active lifestyle. In fact, the recent ACHIEVE Study found that for older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline, accessing hearing invention, specifically hearing aids, slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over three years.

To help prevent further hearing loss, avoid potential medication-related complications, and make more informed decisions about testing and treatment, here are three tips from Dr. Claire Collord Johnson, audiologist with UnitedHealthcare Hearing:

1. Continue to focus on prevention. Even if you are already experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to avoid exposure to one-time or prolonged loud sounds. When attending events such as concerts or sporting events, use protection such as foam or custom ear plugs.

There may be other activities in your day-to-day routine causing damage, too. Prolonged exposure to noise over 70 decibels over time can damage hearing health. Sources of sound above this decibel level can include lawn mowers, power tools or listening to music at high volumes. When using earbuds or headphones, follow the 60-60 listening rule, which promotes listening to audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.

2. Consider your overall health. Before starting any new medications, it is important to know that more than 600 prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have the potential to impact hearing. These medications are known as ototoxic, which means they can contribute to hearing loss, worsen tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or contribute to balance disorders.

Make sure you check with your primary care provider to review any potential side effects of new medications that could cause further harm to your hearing, as well as make sure to follow the guidance from your prescribing physician. Importantly, hearing health is connected to overall health, with untreated hearing loss linked to higher rates of depression, dementia and increased risk of falls.

3. Seek treatment. If you or a loved one believes you may be experiencing hearing loss, it is important to access care as soon as possible. Wearing hearing aids when the condition first arises may help your ears adapt to the re-introduction of lost sounds more effectively, preserving the brain’s ability to process language.

A good place to start is by completing an online hearing test, which offers a hearing health questionnaire to assess your hearing health and learn about potential next steps for care. You can also check with your primary care physician, who may be able to provide a basic test, check for earwax and refer you to a hearing health professional for a comprehensive exam. Depending on your specific needs, an audiologist or hearing health professional may be able to fit you for a prescription hearing aid.

To help make hearing aids more affordable, check with your health plan to determine if any discounts may be available. For instance, people enrolled in most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans can purchase custom-programmed hearing aids with little to no out-of-pocket costs.ⁱ Other potential ways to save on hearing aids include through membership organizations.

Following these tips can play an important role in protecting your hearing health as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

Learn more: Go to UHCHearing.com to access a free online hearing test*, find a hearing care professional near you, and to save on prescription and OTC hearing aids.

* The online hearing test is not designed to replace a professional hearing test.

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2023-11-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – People with narcolepsy may be unaware that their chronic condition may increase their odds of having a stroke*, heart disease†, hypertension†, diabetes†, and other cardiometabolic comorbidities† compared to the people without narcolepsy. As a result, many are caught by surprise when they hear about their increased risk and the steps needed to help mitigate it.

Consider Grace** for example, who has narcolepsy type 1*** and has had to navigate the realities of her diagnosis and its connection to cardiovascular disease. Shortly after finding out she had narcolepsy, Grace spoke to her doctor and sought out online resources, which led her to a statistic that may come as a shock.

A study comparing 9,312 adults with narcolepsy to 46,559 similar adults who do not live with the sleep disorder showed that people with narcolepsy were 2.5x more likely to have a stroke**** than people without narcolepsy.

“I know narcolepsy is a life-long condition, and I will likely need treatment for the rest of my life,” Grace says. “Although I am healthy and in shape, I try to do what I can every day to lower my risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Below are some important considerations that narcolepsy patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy can refer to when speaking with their doctor about their sodium intake, which is a modifiable risk factor for heart health.

Many people know sodium intake is important but may be overlooking the “why.” Enter the heart health connection. “Monitoring sodium is important to me because too much sodium can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Grace says. “And I know that in general, I have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease since I have narcolepsy.”

For most adults, reducing sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And while sodium typically comes from food and drinks, people may be surprised to learn it is also in certain medications.

Oxybate-containing medications are a treatment option for people with narcolepsy who have excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. However, some of these medications can contain up to ~1640 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended 9 g nightly dose. For patients seven years and older with cataplexy and/or excessive daytime sleepiness, XYWAV® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates), the first and only FDA approved low-sodium oxybate, is an option. XYWAV is thought to work during sleep to help with two common symptoms of narcolepsy during the day. The exact way XYWAV works for the treatment of cataplexy and EDS in patients with narcolepsy is unknown, but it contains 92% less sodium than the higher-sodium oxybate, XYREM® (sodium oxybate) oral solution. That’s as much as ~1,509 mg less sodium per night at the maximum recommended nightly dose.

It’s important for people with narcolepsy to understand certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including considering their sodium intake. “I would definitely recommend to others who are struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy to talk to their doctor about trying XYWAV to see if it may help them like it helped me,” Grace says. No matter your age, diet or fitness status, it’s important people with narcolepsy be aware of how sodium plays into their heightened cardiovascular disease risk and to speak with their doctors about Xywav, a low-sodium treatment option.

XYWAV may cause serious side effects including Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, abuse and misuse, breathing problems, mental health problems and sleepwalking. Because of the risk of CNS depression, abuse and misuse, XYWAV is available only by prescription, and filled through the central pharmacy in the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. Please see below for more information on XYWAV.

For more information, visit XYWAV.com/narcolepsy.

Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

* Based on an analysis of 9,312 people with narcolepsy and 46,559 people without narcolepsy matched by age, sex, geographic region, and payer who had continuous insurance coverage between the years of 2006 and 2010

† Based on an interview study of 320 people with narcolepsy compared to 1464 people without narcolepsy matched for age, sex, and body mass index

** Grace is a real XYWAV patient and has been compensated by Jazz Pharmaceuticals for her time

*** Narcolepsy type 1 is characterized by the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, which is the uncontrollable need to sleep during the day, and cataplexy, which is a brief loss of muscle control that can happen when a person feels a strong emotion

**** Odds ratio (95% CI) 2.5 (2.3, 2.7); P-value <0.0001

Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning and Medication Guide available on XYWAV.com.

About Xywav^® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution
Xywav is a lower-sodium oxybate approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. FDA recognized seven years of Orphan Drug Exclusivity for Xywav in June 2021 for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years of age and older with narcolepsy. The Office of Orphan Product Development (OOPD) at FDA found Xywav to be clinically superior to Xyrem by means of greater cardiovascular safety because Xywav provides a greatly reduced chronic sodium burden compared to Xyrem. According to FDA, these differences in sodium content will be clinically meaningful in reducing cardiovascular disease for many people with narcolepsy who suffer from EDS and/or cataplexy. There are no head-to-head data for Xywav and Xyrem. Xywav is comprised of a unique composition of cations resulting in 92% less sodium. At the recommended dosage range of 6 to 9 grams, that is a reduction of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 mg of sodium per night. While the exact mechanism of action of Xywav is unknown, it is hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of Xywav on cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness are thought to work during sleep to help with symptoms during the day. Because of the risks of CNS depression and abuse and misuse, Xywav is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Taking XYWAV with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicines used to make you or your child fall asleep, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, sedating antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedating anti-epileptic medicines, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, alcohol, or street drugs, may cause serious medical problems, including trouble breathing (respiratory depression), low blood pressure (hypotension), changes in alertness (drowsiness), fainting (syncope), and death.

The active ingredient of XYWAV is a form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Abuse or misuse of illegal GHB alone or with other drugs that cause changes in alertness (or consciousness) has caused serious side effects. These effects include seizures, trouble breathing (respiratory depression), changes in alertness (drowsiness), coma, and death. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of these serious side effects.

Because of these risks, you have to go through the XYWAV and XYREM REMS to have your or your child’s prescription for XYWAV filled.

Do not take XYWAV if you take or your child takes other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness), drinks alcohol, or has a rare problem called succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Keep XYWAV in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away XYWAV may harm others and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Anyone who takes XYWAV should not do anything that requires them to be fully awake or is dangerous, including driving a car, using heavy machinery, or flying an airplane, for at least 6 hours after taking XYWAV. Those activities should not be done until you know how XYWAV affects you or your child.

XYWAV can cause serious side effects, including the following:

• • Breathing problems, including slower breathing, trouble breathing, and/or short periods of not breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea). People who already have breathing or lung problems have a higher chance of having breathing problems when they use XYWAV.

• • Mental health problems, including confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), unusual or disturbing thoughts (abnormal thinking), feeling anxious or upset, depression, thoughts of killing yourself or trying to kill yourself, increased tiredness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor if you or your child have or had depression or have tried to harm yourself or themselves. Call your doctor right away if you have or your child has symptoms of mental health problems or a change in weight or appetite.

• • Sleepwalking. XYWAV can cause sleepwalking, which can cause injuries. Call your doctor if this occurs.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in adults include nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, parasomnia (a sleep disorder that can include abnormal dreams, abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sleep paralysis, sleep talking, sleep terror, sleep-related eating disorder, sleepwalking, and other abnormal sleep-related events), somnolence, fatigue, and tremor.

The most common side effects of XYREM (which also contains oxybate like XYWAV) in children include nausea, bedwetting, vomiting, headache, weight decrease, decreased appetite, dizziness, and sleepwalking.

XYWAV can cause physical dependence and craving for the medicine when it is not taken as directed. These are not all the possible side effects of XYWAV.

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.

Approved Use

XYWAV^® (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium oxybates) oral solution, 0.5 g/mL total salts (equivalent to 0.413 g/mL of oxybate) is a prescription medicine used to treat:

• The following symptoms in people 7 years of age or older with narcolepsy:
  • Sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)