Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-10-13T08:31:00

(BPT) – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. For most, an RSV infection comes with mild symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. However, RSV can develop into a lung infection and may lead to hospitalization.

Tom, a GSK patient advocate and 70-year-old grandfather who had RSV in 2022, recounted, “My doctor explained that, because of my age, RSV could affect me worse than someone who was younger. I found out the hard way that this is true. My experience with RSV caused me to put my life on hold. I could not do the things I loved to do each day, like take my grandkids to school.”

Tom isn’t alone. RSV often spreads during the fall and winter months in most of the U.S. Older adults, including those with certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk. RSV causes ~177,000 hospitalizations in U.S. adults 65 and older each year.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself for this fall and winter RSV season, which include:

• Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about RSV vaccination if you are 60 years or older
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20+ seconds/using an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

This is the first RSV season where vaccinations are available. AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is one of the available vaccines for older adults and was the first to be approved by the FDA for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in those 60 years and older. It is now widely available at all major U.S. retail pharmacies. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist if AREXVY is covered by their insurance.

What Is AREXVY?

AREXVY is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.

Important Safety Information for AREXVY

• You should not receive AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients
• Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including AREXVY. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to fainting
• Some people with weakened immune systems may have reduced immune responses to AREXVY
• The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain
• Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients
• Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for you

AREXVY is a single-dose shot that can be given at the same time as a quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on a discussion between the healthcare provider and patient. Visit www.AREXVY.com to learn more.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2023 GSK or licensor.

RSAADVR230009 September 2023

Produced in USA.

2023-10-12T12:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for yourself and prioritizing self-care has become more important than ever. During life’s busiest moments, finding ways to escape for calm and personal care is vital.

The solution: Transform your bathroom into a self-care sanctuary within your home.

The modern home has transformed into a place where work, play, and all aspects of life collide. For many, the bathroom is the only space to enjoy a truly private escape from life, kids, work, and the world. It is also where we take care of essential tasks that prepare us to face the day and unwind at night.

By making a few simple DIY bathroom upgrades, you can create a personal space to indulge your senses, escape the world’s stresses, and turn your daily bathroom routine into a rejuvenating experience focused on health and wellness.

Creating a Calming Space

Adding color and texture to your bathroom can contribute to creating a serene and calming space. Take cues from spas that use visual aesthetics to reinforce a peaceful, comforting environment.

Consider painting the walls in soothing tones such as blues or greens or adding wallpaper with a subtle pattern to create a visually pleasing environment. Including plants and natural elements can also bring a sense of tranquility to your bathroom, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Make the bathroom a sanctuary by clearing chaotic noises and opting for sounds that enhance your mood. Invest in a wireless waterproof speaker to stream music while in the shower or going through your daily routine. Instrumentals or nature sounds help you relax, upbeat tunes can energize you, and white noise is perfect to clear your head for a moment to yourself.

Another way to enhance your well-being while in the bathroom is to incorporate scents that create a spa-like ambiance. Use essential oils, scented candles, or reed diffusers to fill the air with calming fragrances such as lavender or eucalyptus. The power of aromatherapy can positively impact your mood, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Confidently Clean Routine

When you think of self-care, don’t forget the toilet, where so much of our time in the bathroom is spent. Ditch the scratchy toilet paper and cold toilet seat and opt for a more relaxing, cleaner, and spa-like bathroom experience.

In less than 30 minutes, you can replace your toilet seat with one of TOTO’s line of WASHLET bidet seats, which provides a welcoming heated seat, warm-water personal cleansing, and warm-air drying with adjustable temperature and pressure controls and self-cleaning options.

You’ll enjoy comfort and warmth with a personal cleansing experience that’s much cleaner than using toilet paper — and much more eco-friendly.

Not only do bidet seats enhance your self-care routine with a superior clean, they also contribute to overall health and well-being. Gentle warm-water cleansing and warm-air drying are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or suffering from certain medical conditions and can provide a more independent life for people with mobility issues. Heated seats provide soothing warmth and relief for stiff joints.

Additionally, TOTO bidet seats have a built-in deodorizer that eliminates unpleasant odors and self-cleaning features that use electrolyzed EWATER+ to clean the bidet wand, inside and out before and after every use, and toilet bowl, helping keep the toilet fresh at all times.

The Wonder of Water

Whether you want a refreshing start to the day or a calming end, look no further than the shower to relax and invigorate. Swap out your old showerhead for one with different spray patterns and water pressure options. Some even come with filters to remove impurities from the water, promoting healthier skin and hair.

With the right showerhead, you can enjoy a luxurious shower that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

TOTO’s two-mode round showerhead delivers large, air-infused drops of water with just the right amount of stimulation. Bathers feel encased in far more water than they are using, resulting in a pleasurable shower experience while reducing water consumption. TOTO’s round hand-shower has Active Wave water technology that offers a vigorous shower experience, ideal for relaxing tired muscles.

A refreshing shower can be a time for reflection where you can add a mindful moment to the beginning or end of your day, find space to spark creativity and relax or unwind.

Transforming your bathroom into a self-care oasis doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By replacing your traditional toilet seat with a bidet seat, upgrading your showerhead, adding color and texture, and incorporating pleasant scents and sounds, you can create a space that promotes health, wellness, and relaxation.

2023-10-10T16:01:00

(BPT) – All diseases do not affect all people equally. Many factors play a part in an individual’s disease — and treatment — experience, including race, gender, socioeconomic status and more. Despite the importance of these unique personal identifiers, many clinical trials lack diversity. Participants from underrepresented and diverse populations are needed in clinical research for scientists to fully understand the safety and efficacy of new treatment options in such populations. Visit ResearchIncludesMe.com to learn more about clinical trial participation and find a trial near you.

2023-10-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Have you noticed that your eyesight has changed? For example, have you noticed that you can’t see as clearly when reading or working on a computer? No need to panic. Changes in your eyesight are a normal part of aging.

If you’ve noticed changes in your sight, visit your doctor to check on the health of your eyes. Chances are, you need a pair of reading glasses. Reading glasses make it easier to read for long periods and see nearby text and images, reducing the eyestrain that sometimes accompanies the changes in your eyesight that often occur as you age.

Choosing the right pair of reading glasses is crucial. If you’re serious about taking care of your eyesight long term, any pair won’t do. In honor of World Sight Day, Foster Grant wants to help you invest in your eye health so you can continue to love your vision (in style!). Check out their top five tips for choosing a pair of reading glasses you’ll love and love to use.

1. Pick a stylish pair

Reading glasses aren’t just a functional tool, they are also an easy and stylish accessory! When choosing a frame, pick a style that expresses your personal taste and complements your overall aesthetic. Try classic, trendy and quirky styles to see what suits you best. Finding a style you love is important because you’re more likely to wear your reading glasses more consistently, which will benefit your eyesight in the long run.

Want to find your PERFECT pair of eyewear, but don’t know where to start? Try Foster Grant’s quick and easy frame finder tool for personalized recommendations.

2. Consider sun readers

Do you frequently read outdoors? Consider purchasing a pair of reading sunglasses. The Foster Grant SunReaders line of eyewear features tinted lenses that are scratch and impact resistant and provides 100% UVA-UVB sun protection so you can read comfortably in bright environments. This versatile choice is the best of both worlds! Best of all, no one will be able to tell they’re reading glasses!

3. Find a frame that fits your face

You’ll want a comfortable pair when you’re wearing reading glasses for long periods. Find a frame that fits your face shape well. Frames that pinch or press against your temples or nose can cause discomfort and headaches. Take your time to try on various sizes, shapes and styles to find a pair that you can comfortably wear for hours on end.

4. Invest in a slim, easy-to-carry pair

If you’re always on the go, you’ll need readers that are easy to carry. Opt for a pair of slim, lightweight reading glasses that easily fit in your bag or pocket. Foldable or compact frames are convenient and practical choices for everyday use.

The Foster Grant Super Flat line of readers fold up nice and flat, coming in at just over half an inch which is similar to the average cell phone! These ultra-compact, ultra-portable reading glasses work just as efficiently and comfortably as the company’s standard-size styles.

5. Prioritize quality

High-quality frames and lenses offer improved lens features which can provide clearer vision so you can continue to care for your vision. Reading glasses that suit your needs don’t have to be expensive. Seek out brands with longevity and a history of producing innovative eyewear options.

Picking the perfect pair of reading glasses doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these five tips, you’ll easily find the right pair for you that enhances your reading experience, complements your lifestyle and helps you take care of your eyesight for years to come. To learn more about different styles and lines of reading glasses, visit FosterGrant.com.

2023-10-09T14:15:00

(BPT) – When you are looking for a plan to cover your health care needs, and perhaps those of your loved ones, it can be confusing to know what your options are and what you might be eligible for. And there could be a lot of factors that come into play, such as how old you are, where you live and your level of income.

But the good news is, no matter your circumstances, there’s a health plan that can work for you. Access to affordable health care coverage is more attainable than you might think. If you have questions about the different types of coverage being offered and who might be eligible, here’s a quick guide to help.

Employer-based coverage: For the 54% of Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a 2- to 3-week period between September and December when their employees can select health benefits for the following year. A lot can change in a year, so if you have employer-based coverage, consider whether your current benefits are still meeting you and your family’s needs and see what plan changes your employer has made in the options offered. If you are unsure about your options, check with your employer.

Medicare: This is a federal program that provides health insurance for people 65 years and older, with certain exceptions for those younger than 65. There are several types, or “parts” of Medicare.

• Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) are considered Original Medicare.
• Part C is what’s also known as Medicare Advantage and combines Parts A and B and usually includes prescription drug coverage. These plans often also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision and fitness.
• Part D plans are stand-alone plans that help pay for prescription drugs. Part D plans may be added with Original Medicare and/or a Medicare supplement insurance plan, as well as with certain Medicare Advantage plans that don’t include prescription drug coverage.
• Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.

For more information about Medicare, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

Medicaid: This is a federal health insurance program that is managed by each state, so the eligibility requirements (such as income level) may differ from state to state. Medicaid plans can also provide access to care for pregnant women, children, eligible low-income adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid plans cover things like hospital stays, doctor visits, and nursing home care. Often it includes things like prescription drug coverage, dental care and more. Check with your state plan to find out if you’re eligible and what that specific plan covers. Or visit MedicaidHelper.com.

Dual Special Needs Plans: Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In this case, they are also able to have what’s called a Dual Special Needs plan, or D-SNP. It combines features of both programs, but also can contain benefits that are exclusive to dual plans, such as credits for healthy food and help with utilities. These plans are administered by each state.

Other Special Needs Plans include:

• Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for people living with severe or disabling chronic conditions
• Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) for people who live in a skilled nursing facility
• Institutional-Equivalent Special Needs Plans (IE-SNPs) for people who live in a contracted assisted living facility and need the same kind of care as those who live in a skilled nursing facility

UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plans: These plans are available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the Exchange. This is where Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care plans are sold, offering affordable coverage, sometimes at low- to no-cost, for you and your family. These are health plans people can buy on their own. If you do not have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source, an Individual and Family Plan may be a good alternative for you. To learn about UnitedHealthcare’s Individual and Family Plans or to see if they’re available in your state, visit UHCExchange.com.

This time of year is when many people are choosing their health care coverage for the coming year. For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens for two weeks sometime between September and December. Medicare members can enroll or make changes to coverage from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. Most selections made will take effect on Jan. 1.

2023-10-09T12:01:00

(BPT) – Steve Cooper, an 18-year military veteran and successful businessman, was 41 years old when he received a devastating diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer and was given just months to live. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, behind skin cancer.[1] While prostate cancer is typically treated successfully when found early, Steve’s cancer was diagnosed in an advanced stage.[2]

“My personal motto is ‘Never Quit’ and after hearing about my prognosis, my training and discipline from years in the U.S. Army immediately kicked in,” said Steve. “I truly believe that keeping my focus on staying physically active helped me keep my mind off this disease and ultimately, get through treatment.”

Steve first underwent a prostatectomy — an operation to remove part or all of the prostate gland — followed by radiation, chemotherapy and anti-hormone therapy. While this approach led to Steve’s remission, in the years following his treatment he began to struggle with urinary incontinence. Men who have a prostatectomy experience bladder leakage in the first few weeks after their procedure, and about 10% report urinary incontinence to be a significant problem a year or more after their procedure.[3],[4]

As his bladder leakage worsened, Steve had to begin wearing adult diapers. Beyond feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed, he stopped many of the physical and daily activities that had defined his life up to that point.

“As devastating as my cancer diagnosis was, my struggle with bladder leakage was worse,” Steve recalled. “I wanted to be active, but I didn’t want to change in a locker room anymore. I stopped dating because of the embarrassment of wearing diapers. My life was falling apart.”

Steve realized he needed to do something to regain control of his life and spoke with his doctor about his options. Together they decided on an implantable device called the AMS 800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS). The AMS 800 AUS is entirely contained within the body. A cuff gently squeezes the urethra closed and prevents urine leakage.[5]

Soon after having the artificial urinary sphincter implanted, he was able to ditch the diapers. For Steve, it was like a weight had been lifted. He was able to feel like himself again without the constant fear of bladder leakage. Steve began dating again, met his future wife, and even competed in a half Ironman race in Hawaii nearly two years following the procedure.

“It’s sometimes hard for people to understand the impact of incontinence on so many aspects of daily life if they haven’t experienced it themselves,” Steve shared. “I find myself telling people that the day I married my wife was the best day of my life, but the day I received my implant was a close second!”

Several years later, Steve remains active and is cancer-free. His current mission is to help veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned and raise awareness about prostate cancer treatment and its side effects, including urinary incontinence.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and benefits involved with the AMS 800 AUS, and it’s important for patients to talk with their doctor to determine an appropriate treatment approach for them. To learn more about the AMS 800 AUS, visit www.FixIncontinence.com/AMS800.

Some risks include, but are not limited to, device malfunction or failure, which may require revision surgery, wearing away/loss of tissue (device/tissue erosion), inability to urinate (urinary retention), infection and postoperative pain.[5] Safety information, as well as a complete list of potential side effects associated with the AMS 800 AUS, can be found online at: www.FixIncontinence.com/risks.

Results from this patient are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

2023-10-06T12:35:00

(BPT) – Prescriptions can be expensive, but one company is committed to making communities healthier by making medicines more affordable. Since 2010, BuzzRx^® customers have saved over $1 billion on prescription medications through their free prescription savings card, coupons, and mobile app.

While BuzzRx’s primary goal is to help people get the medications they need to stay healthy, its work doesn’t stop there. It’s the only prescription savings company that gives back year-round to their nonprofit partners like Make-A-Wish^®.

For the last 10 years, through its corporate sponsorship with Make-A-Wish, BuzzRx has helped grant over 650 life-changing wishes. BuzzRx is always eager to go the extra mile for wish kids, whether through volunteering at an event, participating in a wish-granting, or providing wish enhancements. Their reach is national, but their impact remains local because BuzzRx’s donations go back to the nearest Make-A-Wish chapter where the card was used. The BuzzRx team, including their community-based Representatives, are proud to know their efforts are giving back to their local communities.

“The BuzzRx team is thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of granting wishes through our partnership with Make-A-Wish,” said Matthew Herfield, BuzzRx Chairman and CEO. “From day one, our company has wholeheartedly embraced its mission to spread hope, strength, and joy to children fighting life-threatening illnesses, and our passion for this cause has only grown stronger over time.”

Making a difference, one kid at a time

The BuzzRx team is extremely passionate about giving back to Make-A-Wish and believes wholeheartedly in the power of a wish. Here are just a few wishes the company has made possible.

Christian, a 9-year-old from Chicago, was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition when he was just a baby. Since then, he endured several surgeries and today is feeling good thanks to his supportive relatives, close monitoring of his condition, and daily medication. For Christian’s wish, he wanted to be a superhero, just like his favorite comic book character. In 2017, with sponsorship from BuzzRx, Make-A-Wish made his dream a reality! Christian helped save Chicago from “the bad guys” through a series of heroic actions across the city, and even had his own police escort!

In 2016, 5-year-old Wyatt was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent countless medical appointments, hospital stays, and chemotherapy sessions. “It’s been a tough time, but he’s such a strong little boy,” said Brittany, Wyatt’s Mom. In 2017, Make-A-Wish and BuzzRx granted Wyatt’s wish in West Melbourne, Florida. Wyatt’s heartwarming wish was to be an ice cream man so he could share his love for ice cream with his friends and family.

Audrey, a 12-year-old living in Arizona, has a passion for fashion! Her nervous system disorder and daily seizures caused by a stroke at birth didn’t stop her from pursuing her interest in fashion. When she learned she was eligible for a wish, Audrey knew exactly what she wanted. “I wish to wear a fancy, poufy dress and have my photos taken with my hair and makeup done just like the models in fashion magazines.” In 2021, BuzzRx sponsored Audrey’s wish, and she was able to realize her dream of having a fashion photoshoot.

In 2020, 2-year-old Lydia was diagnosed with retinoblastoma and endured countless rounds of chemotherapy and eye surgeries. 4-year-old Lydia’s greatest wish was to meet giraffes “at their house.” BuzzRx and Make-A-Wish made it possible for her to visit Animal Adventure Park in upstate New York, where she enjoyed personalized behind-the-scenes tours and experiences, including feeding giraffes!

These are just a few of the many wishes BuzzRx has made possible over the last decade through its partnership with Make-A-Wish. In celebration of 10 years of granting wishes, during the 10th month of the year, BuzzRx will donate $1 for every app download, up to $10,000.

“The promise of a wish can be transformative for a child with a critical illness,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “When a wish comes true, it gives kids like Audrey the strength to fight and even overcome their illness. We’re grateful to celebrate ten years of partnership with BuzzRx to help more children reclaim their childhood and believe in brighter days ahead.”

The free BuzzRx card and coupons can help you save up to 80% on prescription medications at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide and make more wishes come true. This October, download the free BuzzRx app to help grant more wishes for wish kids—the company will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish at no cost to you. To learn more, visit BuzzRx.com/wish.

2023-10-05T17:41:00

(BPT) – Registered Dietitian Mia Syn, MS, RDN

Are your little ones turning up their noses at broccoli and scoffing at spinach? It’s time to bring out the secret ingredients — fun and laughter, plus maybe some hidden veggies. Here are my best tips for getting kids to gobble up healthy food that will have them begging for more!

1. Cook together: Cooking as a family can be fun and educational. Yes, it can also make a bit of a mess. But lean into it, I promise it’s worth it! When kids participate in meal preparation, they are more likely to try new foods and flavors. Plus getting them involved practices skills like measuring, chopping, stirring and following recipes — great for children’s overall development and gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Try a Taco Tuesday night with Kevin’s Cilantro Lime Chicken. The chicken is heat and serve, so it’s perfect for tiny hand participation. Pop it in your favorite tortillas and create a toppings bar for kids to make their own creations. Letting kids choose their own toppings provides an opportunity to cultivate autonomy and have a little fun!

2. Encourage family meals: Family meals are where it’s at! Eating together is a chance to bond and connect, not to mention savor some seriously delicious food. Make fuss-free and fun dinners a staple in your household by putting technology aside and focusing on the goodness at hand. Try upping the fun factor by playing some fun sing-a-long dinnertime music. Or pick up some colorful paper napkins with their favorite characters and let the kids choose Superman or SpongeBob. Studies show that kiddos who eat dinner with their families tend to have healthier diets overall. Take that, mac ‘n cheese on repeat!

3. Be a role model: Monkey see, monkey do! Your little ones learn by example, so be sure to model healthy eating habits yourself. Want your kids to eat their veggies? Then it’s time to show them how it’s done! You can even make it extra easy and delicious by trying out Kevin’s Natural Foods 5-minute meals. With a wide variety of flavors, like Thai Coconut Chicken and Korean BBQ Beef, these meals are not only healthy but also incredibly tasty. Add in some pre-washed veggies and dinner is served! By enjoying these convenient and nutritious options, you’ll show your kids that eating well can be both quick and satisfying.

Now get out there and help your kids build a healthy relationship with food and develop a taste for nutritious options! From being a role model to trying out Kevin’s Natural Foods 5-minute meals, taking small steps can make a big difference in your child’s health. So, start today, and don’t forget to add in the fun!

2023-10-04T06:01:01

(BPT) – At 54 years old, Valerie felt healthy and prided herself on being active. In her hometown of Flagstaff, Ariz., she could often be found exploring the outdoors, playing with her granddaughter or spending time with friends. She took a proactive approach to her health, so when she read a book that discussed breakthroughs in precision medicine, she was curious, especially when it came to new approaches to cancer screening.

Currently, there are only five recommended cancer screenings in the United States, including mammograms and colonoscopies. While early detection has been proven to significantly improve cancer survival rates and reduce the cost and complexity of cancer treatment, most cancers don’t have recommended screenings and are detected too late. Cancers without widespread screening recommendations represent 71% of all cancer diagnoses and 70% of cancer deaths in the U.S. among individuals aged 50-79.

Knowing she had some family history of cancer, Valerie wanted to know more. She researched a multi-cancer early detection test called Galleri^®, which screens for a signal shared by multiple types of cancers through a single blood draw. When a cancer signal is detected, the test can predict the tissue type or organ associated with the cancer signal with high accuracy and help guide diagnostic evaluation.

Advocating for Her Health

Although she felt healthy and didn’t have any symptoms, Valerie was determined to advocate for her own health. She spoke with a few healthcare providers and worked with a physician who ordered the Galleri test.

“I received a call that there was a signal detected. My doctor quickly ordered an MRI but said he didn’t see cancer. However, the radiologist told me he had never seen a gallbladder with so many stones and that it needed to come out,” recalled Valerie.

Valerie had a successful surgery to remove her gallbladder, but there was more to her story. The day after the surgery, the pathology report came back and showed there was a 4.5-centimeter tumor in her gallbladder.

“Finding out I did have cancer allowed me to take action. We moved forward with my care plan, and I started on chemotherapy for six months,” Valerie said. “I feel like this test was made for me. I appreciate it so much. I’m going to be able to live my life because we found my gallbladder cancer so soon.”

Knowledge Empowers

Valerie is grateful she pushed to take the Galleri test, because it helped her find her cancer early and make informed decisions that were right for her. She was empowered to advocate for her own health and is now encouraging others to take an active role in their health journeys.

Valerie knows firsthand that knowledge empowers, but there’s an element of bravery required to request the test and hear the results.

“It takes courage for people to take the Galleri test, especially the first time, because there’s many kinds of cancers you could have,” she said. “Is it better not to know, or is it better to know? For me, it was better to know. That’s how I can sit here with energy and continue my life right now.”

“I just want to get the word out to as many people as possible, because this is something that has made such a difference for myself and my family,” she continued.

Learn More

The Galleri test must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and should be used in addition to recommended cancer screenings such as mammography, colonoscopy, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and/or cervical cancer screening. It is intended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older.

The Galleri test does not detect a signal for all cancers, and not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur.

Based on a clinical study of people ages 50 to 79, around 1% are expected to receive a Cancer Signal Detected result, which includes predicted Cancer Signal Origin(s). After diagnostic evaluation, around 40% of people are expected to have a confirmed cancer diagnosis. The overall sensitivity in Galleri study participants with gallbladder cancer was 70.6% (0% for Stage I, 33.3% for Stage II, 75.0% for Stage III and 100% for Stage IV).

Learn more at galleri.com.

Important Safety Information

The Galleri test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and should be used in addition to routine cancer screening tests recommended by a healthcare provider. Galleri is intended to detect cancer signals and predict where in the body the cancer signal is located. Use of Galleri is not recommended in individuals who are pregnant, 21 years old or younger, or undergoing active cancer treatment.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms. A test result of “Cancer Signal Not Detected” does not rule out cancer. A test result of “Cancer Signal Detected” requires confirmatory diagnostic evaluation by medically established procedures (e.g., imaging) to confirm cancer.

If cancer is not confirmed with further testing, it could mean that cancer is not present or testing was insufficient to detect cancer, including due to the cancer being located in a different part of the body. False-positive (a cancer signal detected when cancer is not present) and false-negative (a cancer signal not detected when cancer is present) test results do occur. Rx only.

Laboratory/Test Information

GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The Galleri test was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by GRAIL. The Galleri test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GRAIL’s clinical laboratory is regulated under CLIA to perform high-complexity testing. The Galleri test is intended for clinical purposes.

2023-10-02T11:53:00

(BPT) – An exclusive savings event is happening at Walgreens to celebrate and thank myWalgreens members with extraordinary bonus offers and Walgreens Cash rewards. myW™days will kick off on Oct. 4 and run through Oct. 7. With four days of daily deals and more, this is a great time to earn cash rewards ahead of the holiday shopping season. Plus, just in time for respiratory virus season, shoppers can also get a $20 Walgreens Cash reward bonus when they get their vaccines at Walgreens.

myWalgreens^® members can take advantage of exclusive offers on Walgreens-branded items, for 30-minute Pickup or 1-Hour Delivery orders and online and in-store orders. To take advantage of these deals, be sure to sign up or log into your myWalgreens^® account (it’s free to join!) to start unlocking deals now to clip and use throughout the course of the event:

1. Wednesday, Oct. 4: Earn 15% Walgreens Cash on Walgreens Branded Products

When you shop any Walgreens-branded product on Oct. 4, you’ll earn 15% Walgreens Cash rewards on your purchase. Then, apply those rewards toward future Walgreens purchases for even more savings.

2. Thursday, Oct. 5: Earn $10 Walgreens Cash on Pickup and Delivery Orders

Walgreens offers one-hour delivery (when you order before 7 p.m.) nationwide on more than 27,000 retail items, delivered right to your door. If you need it faster, select 30-Minute Pickup and your order will be packed and ready for you to grab at your local store. On Oct. 5, you’ll earn $10 Walgreens Cash when you spend $30+ on a 1-Hour Delivery or 30-Minute Pickup order.

3. Friday, Oct. 6: Extra Online Discounts

On Oct. 6, myWalgreens^® members will earn an extra 25% off their $20 purchase using code WAG25 or an extra 30% off a $60 purchase using code WAG30 on eligible purchases sitewide.

4. Saturday, Oct. 7: Deeper Cash Rewards

If you’re shopping on Oct. 7, you’ll earn $20 Walgreens Cash rewards when you spend $45 or more on eligible purchases made in-store, online or on the Walgreens app. It pays to shop in the app as it allows you to clip app-exclusive deals and coupons from anywhere. Plus, the app shows your Walgreens Cash rewards balance in real time.

5. All Event Long: $20 Walgreens Cash rewards on Immunizations

As the respiratory virus season approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. To reward those who are doing so, Walgreens is offering $20 Cash rewards when you receive an immunization for flu, COVID-19, RSV or pneumonia during the myW days event. Limit three per member.

6. All Event Long: 15% Walgreens Cash on Eligible Purchases

Just for being a member during this event, Walgreens is offering 15% Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases. Walgreens Cash rewards earned during myW days will be available for members to redeem on future Walgreens purchases for up to one year from when earned.

7. All Event Long: $25 Walgreens Cash with myWalgreens^® Credit Card

When you open a myWalgreens^® credit card during this event, you’ll receive an automatic $25 Walgreens Cash reward if you make a purchase with the card within 45 days.

myWalgreens^® members can redeem the myW days promotions from anywhere, whether you choose to shop in-store or online.

To take advantage of the deals, members can begin clipping offers in their myWalgreens^® account now online at walgreens.com/mywdays or in the Walgreens app.