Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-09-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve recently scheduled medical appointments or procedures, you may have noticed longer wait times than you expected. There’s a reason for that: The U.S. currently needs more than 17,000 additional healthcare practitioners to keep up with demand, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Although healthcare provider shortages are occurring across the country, the problem is particularly acute in underserved rural and urban areas.

One specific area of need is anesthesia care. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are often the only anesthesiology providers in rural hospitals and are the predominant providers in underserved communities, yet current regulations regarding how these highly qualified healthcare professionals can practice limit the ability of CRNAs to care for patients to the full extent of their training and experience.

To address this issue, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act introduced in Congress with bipartisan support will help eliminate unnecessary barriers to practice, so patients and healthcare facilities can fully benefit from the expertise of CRNAs for anesthesia care.

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the ICAN Act (Senate Bill 2418) in the Senate, joining more than a dozen representatives from both parties sponsoring the House version of the bill. The ICAN Act would remove barriers for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) such as CRNAs, allowing them to provide more comprehensive healthcare services to patients nationwide. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), plus over 200 other nursing and healthcare organizations, support the legislation, which will remove unnecessary supervision of CRNAs and provide access to CRNA services in Medicaid.

“CRNAs play a vital role in maintaining critical access in communities across the country,” said AANA President Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN. “However, superfluous regulations serve as barriers to expanding care, especially when those same communities face a shortage of providers. This critical legislation helps ensure everyone who needs access to high-quality care provided by advanced practice registered nurses such as CRNAs can have it.”

CRNA training and experience

CRNAs and other APRNs are trained at the master’s or doctoral level to provide anesthesia and pain management services, treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medication and non-pharmacologic treatments.

Despite the critical role APRNs such as CRNAs serve in the U.S. healthcare system, some federal statutes and regulations as well as institutional rules currently limit their practice, preventing them from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training.

CRNAs currently represent over 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties. Rural hospitals and critical access hospitals often rely on independently practicing CRNAs for anesthesia care so the facilities can provide a wide range of surgical care, including obstetrics and pain management, close to home, when and where patients need it most. Even with CRNAs’ vital role in maintaining critical access in communities nationwide, current Medicare restrictions require physician supervision of CRNAs. However, in many cases, there are no physician anesthesia providers available in a rural hospital to offer this unnecessary supervision, so the federal requirement creates a barrier to expanding care and worsens the current provider shortage, especially in underserved communities — without improving patient outcomes.

Additional support for the ICAN Act

Removing barriers to practice for CRNAs and other APRNs has widespread support. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommended in “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” that “all relevant state, federal and private organizations enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing practice barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of health and improve health care access, quality and value.”

These recommendations are echoed by multiple bipartisan stakeholders including the American Enterprise Institute, Brookings Institution, the Bipartisan Policy Center and AARP.

Improving access to care

Passing the ICAN Act will mean removing many barriers between patients and nurses in Medicare and increasing access to care for all Americans. Removing redundant supervision requirements for CRNAs will help lower costs in Medicare and Medicaid programs — and ensure proper reimbursement for services to maintain the highest standard and quality of care.

“We’ve seen how much nurses can do when they’re allowed to reach the full potential of their education and scope of practice,” added Riddle. “Removing barriers between nurses and patients is critical for achieving a more compassionate, efficient, affordable and equitable healthcare system for all Americans.”

Learn more about the ICAN Act and how you can support this life-saving legislation at AnesthesiaFacts.com.

2023-09-20T15:59:00

(BPT) – When you were younger, you might have had “family game night,” huddled around the kitchen table with dice and tokens. Besides the happy memories this brings, those game nights may actually help boost one’s health. Social connections, sense of purpose and an active mind can be key parts of healthier aging. Coming together to play games can be one way to encompass all three — while helping to reduce isolation.

In light of this, Ageless Innovation’s Reach Out and Play campaign, sponsored by AARP, will host board game events across the country through the end of the year.

Various organizations will host board game events across the country, and people are also encouraged to host their own with family and friends. These activities will bring people of all ages together through the power of play, and create meaningful connections for older adults.

Social isolation and loneliness for older adults can have a massive effect on their health. Loneliness has been found to lead to health risks, such as depression, cognitive decline, hypertension and more. Social isolation may lead to cardiovascular disease, a reduced quality of life and other health issues. Personal connections, no matter what the activities, can help foster better health.

“Social connection, camaraderie, and even some problem-solving — all of these things can be important contributors to the health of older adults,” said Dr. Philip Painter, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Events like this can bring people of all ages together for fun, but also drive a sense of wellness, which is so vital as we age.”

For information on Reach Out and Play, including how to find and register for an event in your area, visit aarp.org/agelessplay. And, check out reimagined versions of Scrabble, The Game of Life, and Trivial Pursuit — interpretations that encourage intergenerational play.

2023-09-20T13:31:00

(BPT) – Are you or someone you love on Medicare? As the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches (it starts on October 15 and runs through December 7), no doubt your mailbox will be flooded with letters, flyers and postcards from insurance companies and brokers pushing many Medicare options. But the one piece of mail you need to pay attention to is your current Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change, commonly referred to as ANOC.

All Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription plans are required to send out this important letter before the end of September. They must tell you if your current plan is changing in any way, because if there are changes that you don’t like, you have the right to change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. And yes, Medicare plans can change from year to year — and sometimes not for the better. What if your prescription drugs are no longer covered? Your doctor leaves the network? Your premium suddenly increases? Your co-payments jump? Protect your health and your wallet … read that ANOC letter!

Each insurance company has their own version of the ANOC letter, which may be up to 20 pages long, so grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable! Here are 6 things to look out for when reviewing your ANOC.

1. Change in plan premium. It’s likely that a plan’s premium may change from year to year. How much is dependent on what the individual carrier changes, but you could even see a plan with a $0 monthly premium change to having an actual dollar amount for you to pay.
2. Changes in co-pays. Check to make sure your doctor co-pays, including primary and specialists in and out of network, have not changed.
3. Network changes. This will show you if your doctors and pharmacies are no longer in your plan’s network or are no longer a preferred provider.
4. Drug list changes. It’s so important that you look at this list, also called the drug formulary. Prescriptions fall in and out of coverage or change price levels, so please review to see if your drugs are still covered and if there are any new restrictions.
5. Out-of-pocket maximum. This is the amount of money you will pay out-of-pocket for all Medicare-covered expenses. Make sure to review this section to see if your out-of-pocket limit has changed.
6. Additional benefits in Medicare Advantage plans. For those with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, telehealth and more.

Caution! If you ignore the ANOC letter and you do nothing during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current plan will renew for 2024 — and you won’t be able to make any changes until October 2024.

But if you review your plan’s annual notice and decide that your current plan may not be right for you in the coming year, it’s time to consider changing your plan for 2024. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The average Medicare beneficiary in 2023 has access to 43 Medicare Advantage plans, the largest number of options ever.” That means there are more plans for you to choose from this year (great news!).

Confused? Overwhelmed? Free help is just a phone call away. ClearMatch™ Medicare is dedicated to making Medicare easier to understand so you can choose the plan that’s right for you. Their highly trained licensed agents are patient and helpful, and if they find you are already in a great plan, they’ll tell you so. If you’d like help, call 1-888-441-7030 (TTY:711) for a free, no-obligation Medicare review, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) or visit ClearMatchMedicare.com, open 24-7.

2023-09-14T23:01:00

(BPT) – When Amy was trying to get back in shape after giving birth to her second child, she noticed lower back pain and core weakness she was struggling to re-strengthen. After numerous attempts at physical therapy and consulting with numerous doctors, she finally met with a neurologist and received a diagnosis of Late-Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD), a rare, genetic disorder which causes progressive weakness and can affect the major muscle groups used for breathing and mobility.

Amy’s self-advocacy and motivation to understand what was happening to her body has helped her to keep moving forward day by day, while living with a rare disease, with the help and support of her family, friends and care team. In fact, living with a rare disease may not be as rare as you would think – affecting one in 10 Americans, there are more than 7,000 known rare diseases in the U.S.

Here are some tips to ensure you too are proactively prioritizing your health, listening to your body and getting checked out by a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, trouble eating or chewing or difficultly walking.

• Listen to Your Body: As someone who exercised regularly, Amy immediately took notice of her fatigue and difficulties when exercising. Speaking with physicians from multiple disciplines, eventually including a neurologist, helped lead her toward a Pompe diagnosis.
• Communicate Your Needs: While at work as a physician’s assistant, a job that often requires being on your feet for many hours, Amy takes breaks when needed, and remains mindful of how she is feeling throughout the day. These adjustments in her schedule have helped Amy to continue working and be there for her own patients. Similar to Amy, it is important to let others know when you need help and support if you are experiencing a challenging moment.
• Work With Your Doctor to Monitor Your Progress: Two months after her Pompe diagnosis, Amy began an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) regimen every two weeks and visited her doctor every six months to monitor progress. In between those appointments, Amy paid close attention to her body to inform her doctor on any changes, helping ensure she maintained the muscle function she had for as long as possible. Taking note of any new symptoms also helped her make the most of her conversations with her doctor, and as a result, better-informed care decisions.
• Understand Your Options: When diagnosed with a rare disease, knowledge is power. Making the effort to familiarize oneself with rare diseases, symptoms and resources could be key to a diagnosis and proper treatment. Even though Amy was stable on the treatment she was using, she stayed up-to-date on scientific innovations. A year after beginning her initial ERT, Amy learned about NEXVIAZYME (avalglucosidase alfa-ngpt), a monotherapy for LOPD given every two weeks. After talking it through with her doctor, she decided to change her treatment. By keeping an open dialogue with her physician and advocating for herself, Amy was able to take the best next step for her to manage her LOPD.

Like Amy and her journey, remaining persistent and curious is a critical part of one’s journey. “I hope my story helps other people. At the end of the day, everybody has something they’re dealing with. But we will get through it, if we use each other for support,” said Amy, who is being treated with NEXVIAZYME for her LOPD.

For those living with Pompe disease, it is essential to continuously speak to your healthcare provider about ways to support the management of the disease. Being informed of Pompe disease, its signs and symptoms and potential treatment options are all key to helping advocate for yourself or a loved one. If you are currently living with LOPD and on an enzyme replacement therapy, but your symptoms are worsening or you are unable to do the things you want to do, talk to your doctor to see if NEXVIAZYME could be a treatment option for your late-onset Pompe disease management.

Patient stories reflect the real-life experiences of persons diagnosed with LOPD who have been prescribed NEXVIAZYME. However, individual experiences may vary. Patient stories are not necessarily representative of what another person using NEXVIAZYME may experience.

This patient was compensated for their time in creating this content.

INDICATION

NEXVIAZYME (avalglucosidase alfa-ngpt) is used for the treatment of patients 1 year of age and older with late-onset Pompe disease [lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency].

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis: See Boxed WARNING. Your doctor may decide to give you antihistamine, anti-fever and/or steroid medications before your infusions. Your doctor should consider the risks and benefits of restarting the infusion if you have a severe hypersensitivity reaction (including anaphylaxis) to NEXVIAZYME. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction occurs, your healthcare provider may slow the infusion rate or temporarily stop the infusion.

Infusion-Associated Reactions (IARs): See Boxed WARNING. Your doctor may decide to give you medications before your infusions to decrease the risk of IARs; however, IARs may still occur after receiving these medications. If mild or moderate IARs occur, your healthcare provider should consider decreasing the infusion rate or temporarily stopping the infusion which may help improve the symptoms.

Risk of Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure in Susceptible Patients: See Boxed WARNING.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (>5%) were headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, joint pain, dizziness, muscle pain, itching, vomiting, shortness of breath, rash, “pins-and-needles” sensation, and hives.

Please see full Prescribing Information for complete details, including Boxed WARNING.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

2023-09-14T10:27:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re seeking a better approach to your diet, a more environmentally conscious lifestyle or both, you’re in good company. Last year’s plant-based food market in the U.S. totaled $8 billion, up 7% from 2021 — and interest in plant-forward eating is not slowing down. Whatever your reasons for wanting to make this change, you probably have questions. Do you want to go vegan, or just vegetarian? Can you add a few more plant-based foods to your day and reap the benefits?

“A diet centered around fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods can deliver nutrients your body uses for energy while avoiding many of the drawbacks associated with eating meat,” said Dr. Luigi Gratton, M.D., M.P.H. and vice president of Training for Herbalife. “Eating whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains is beneficial because they contain a plethora of nutrients that support healthy function across all bodily systems.”

Although any effort to incorporate more plant-based foods into your routine offers benefits, it may be difficult to do all at once. To make lasting change, experts recommend taking one step at a time. New ways of shopping, cooking and eating take getting used to — as does adjusting to new flavors and textures.

What is a plant-based lifestyle?

“Plant-based” means you primarily eat food derived from plants. This is similar to the term “plant-forward,” emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts — but not limiting you to those foods. Versions of plant-based diets include:

Vegetarian: You abstain from eating animal products including meat, poultry or fish. Vegetarians consider it acceptable to eat animal by-products, such as milk and eggs, if the animals are kept in adequate conditions.

Vegan: In the strictest version of the plant-based approach, you eliminate any food of animal origin. In addition to avoiding meat and seafood, vegans also avoid dairy products, eggs and honey. Vegan foods never contain byproducts of animal agriculture like lard, whey or gelatin.

Flexitarian: An alternative to vegetarian, flexitarians focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and nuts, but occasionally include meat, poultry, fish or eggs. When incorporating meat, flexitarians choose organic, free-range, pasture-raised or grass-fed beef, chicken or turkey. This is a great option if you’re just starting to experiment with a plant-based lifestyle.

How do you know you’re getting enough nutrients?

One question for anyone considering going vegetarian or vegan is whether they’ll get enough protein and other nutrients for optimal health. Beyond seeking plant-based forms of protein like beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, iron-rich tofu and spinach, and whole grains like quinoa, you can add supplements to support your well-being with plant-based certified products like those from the Herbalife V Line.

“While following a plant-based lifestyle can be a very healthy way of eating, it may be tough to meet all your goals. For example, vegans seek good options to increase or meet their protein goals, including supplementation,” said Gratton. “Plant-based certified products like the shakes in the Herbalife V line can help you hit your macro target while taking out the guesswork of plant-based living.”

The product line offers four plant-based certified products to help simplify plant-based nutrition:

Plant-based Protein Shakes: Available in classic and chocolate flavors, their 20 grams of protein (pea, pumpkin seeds and chia) satisfies hunger, reduces food cravings, maintains lean muscle tone, sustains energy and promotes healthy skin. The shakes are also a source of non-heme iron.
Greens Booster: Formulated with special blends derived from organic fruits, vegetables, superfood powders and green tea, this is an easy way to add more fruit and vegetable ingredients to your daily routine.
Immune Support: Contains vitamins C, D and zinc to help balance and support daily immune health.*
Digestive Support: Oat and guar fibers support a healthy gut, digestion and regularity.*

Herbalife V products are backed by science and rigorously tested for quality. All products are certified USDA Organic, non-GMO-verified, Kosher, as well as Plant-based and Vegan by FoodChain ID. They’re formulated with no soy or dairy, with no artificial sweeteners or flavors. Herbalife V is available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico exclusively through Herbalife independent distributors. Learn more at Herbalife.com/herbalifev.

Ready to get started? Begin adding one plant-based meal per day, then slowly increase to three a day over the course of a month or two. Before you know it, you’ll be following a plant-forward lifestyle. Making one small change at a time can help improve your daily diet and overall wellness.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2023-09-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition in which the prostate grows and presses on the urethra. This can obstruct the flow of urine and can disrupt a man’s life by causing uncomfortable symptoms, like having a weak stream or difficulty starting or stopping urination.^[1] BPH is a common condition in older men, yet there are many misconceptions about treatment options, their side effects and what it means to live with BPH.^[2]

Here are five common myths about BPH.

1. Only older men get BPH

While it’s true that up to 90% of men develop BPH by age 85, younger men can develop the condition too. Did you know 50% of men by age 60 will develop BPH?² Some data suggest that approximately 1 in 12 men between the ages of 41 and 50 can also suffer from BPH. Men with BPH may experience waking up throughout the night to urinate or the feeling that the bladder is not empty, even after relieving themselves.^[3]

2. BPH is connected to prostate cancer

BPH and prostate cancer may present similar symptoms, but having BPH does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.^[4] However, since they do have similar symptoms, such as a frequent urge to urinate or a weak urinary stream, it is important to talk to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.⁴

3. If BPH symptoms aren’t severe, treatment isn’t needed

When BPH symptoms aren’t severe, health care providers may recommend a “watch and wait” approach, which may include behavior modifications and therapies.^[5] Examples include:

• Avoiding fluids prior to bedtime or before going out
• Reducing consumption of diuretics such as caffeine or alcohol
• Pelvic floor muscle training

If the “watch and wait” approach isn’t effective, minimally invasive treatment options may provide relief. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action to help maintain quality of life. By delaying treatment, men, particularly those who are older, may experience worsening BPH symptoms.^[6]

4. Most treatment options for moderate or severe BPH require significant recovery time

For moderate or severe forms of BPH, treatment options beyond lifestyle adjustments may be recommended. For patients who want to avoid the potential side effects that come with some surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures, such as Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy, may be an option. Rezūm Therapy uses the energy stored in water vapor to reduce the size of the prostate and provide lasting relief. It works by releasing water vapor into the excess prostate tissue that’s causing bothersome urinary symptoms.^[7] Over time, the body’s natural healing response absorbs the treated tissue, shrinking the prostate.^[8] Most patients who receive Rezūm Therapy return to regular activities within a few days after treatment and see symptom improvement within two weeks.^[9]

5. Multiple treatments are required to treat BPH

Treatment options for BPH can include medication to manage symptoms, minimally invasive procedures and surgery.^[10] While some patients require multiple treatments, others may not. A clinical study found that patients treated with Rezūm Therapy had sustained symptom relief and preserved their sexual function out to five years — with only 4.4% of study participants requiring another surgical treatment for BPH symptoms.⁷

For more information about BPH and treatment options, including Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy, visit Rezum.com.

References

2023-09-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – “I have a plan.” When Linda walked into her cardiologist’s office in 2022, she felt confident. This visit felt different—empowering, even. The retired nurse had been battling high levels of what’s known as “bad” cholesterol (aka low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C) for more than 30 years—a struggle that millions of Americans know all too well. But this time around, she came prepared with a different game plan.

When lifestyle changes and statins (the most prescribed drugs used to lower cholesterol levels) aren’t enough, giving up on lowering your bad cholesterol isn’t an option. In honor of National Cholesterol Education Month this September, Linda is sharing her inspirational health journey to help other people struggling with high levels of bad cholesterol reach their personal LDL-C goals.

Who knows more about you than…you? While doctors are there to offer support and help every step of the way, it’s important to always advocate for yourself. And what is the very first step to opening a productive, two-way conversation? Honesty. If you’ve been doing everything as recommended by your doctor—such as replacing french fries with fruits, skipping that glass of wine each night, going for a walk around the block five times a week—and aren’t seeing results, say something.

Linda knows firsthand there’s nothing to be ashamed of. “The usual diet and exercise routine and my statin regimen that my doctor recommended was no longer getting me to my goal,” she shares. Over time, it became more of a priority to manage her overall health. Due to her family’s history with heart disease, Linda took her regular chest pains seriously as soon as they first began in the early 2000s. After a 20-minute episode resulted in an emergency cardiogram, her doctor informed her of plaque buildup and she had a stent put in. Despite her many attempts to get the situation under control, there always seemed to be more left to do to help get her bad cholesterol under control. This episode was the wake-up call she needed to make a change. “It felt like I was stuck in a cycle of putting in the effort and ending up disappointed, and the only way out was to try something new.”

That’s exactly why preparation is essential when it comes to doctor’s visits. It doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with how high levels of bad cholesterol affects the body and the steps you can take to moderate it. It could simply mean spending an hour or two reading through materials online, or asking family and friends about their experiences: which treatment did they decide on? How did it make them feel? How easy was it to stick to the prescription schedule? Educating yourself allows you to arrive with specific questions for your doctor, and in certain cases, even have a potential add-on treatment already in mind.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE: 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

How effective is this medication for lowering my bad cholesterol? How can I find a medication that works for my lifestyle? How does this medication work? What side effects does the medication have and can it be taken with other medications? How much will the medication cost?

When Linda first heard of a new medication, called Leqvio^® (inclisiran), that could help lower her bad cholesterol, it was as if a lightbulb went off in her mind. And after researching more about the twice-yearly injection (after two initial injections), she took the idea straight to her cardiologist and nurse practitioner.¹

Leqvio is meant for patients with heart disease and those with an increased risk of developing heart disease, whose bad cholesterol levels still aren’t where they need after taking statins and making positive lifestyle choices.¹ Leqvio works by stopping certain proteins in the liver from being made, thereby allowing your liver to remove more bad cholesterol from the bloodstream for six months with one dose.¹

“Leqvio is the first and only treatment proven to lower bad cholesterol by 50% and keep it low with two doses a year,” explains Dr. Stephanie Saucier, MD and Director of the Women’s Heart Wellness Program at Hartford Hospital.¹ “What I especially like is that it works with the body’s natural processes and can fit into your lifestyle. Having an effective bi-annual treatment can allow people to live their lives and not have to consistently plan around treatment.”

The journey to lowering bad cholesterol isn’t always simple. Finding a care team that empathizes with your experiences and tailors treatment to your needs can make life so much easier. In Linda’s case, for example, twice-yearly Leqvio made sense for her lifestyle. “I’ve always loved to travel. The fact that my husband and I can freely book a trip to Italy, instead of worrying about staying local for my frequent appointments or injections, is life-changing,” she shared. Working with your doctor to find the right routine and medication can help you feel confident in managing your bad cholesterol and allow you to focus on the things you love most.

High levels of bad cholesterol is a bad problem. But making the choice to improve it is a brave step towards a healthier future. The good news? It’s treatable. The better news? There are tools to help you reach your cholesterol goals, such as Leqvio, which along with a statin was shown to lower bad cholesterol levels by 50% in patients during each six-month dosing interval.¹ It’s all about knowing your body and teaming up with your health care provider to find what works. Take it from Linda: “It all starts with one conversation. I can’t say it enough: talk to your doctor. You can be one conversation away from reaching your cholesterol goals.”

To learn more about Leqvio, visit Leqvio.com.

Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

What is Leqvio?

LEQVIO (inclisiran) is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or “bad” cholesterol.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The most common side effects of LEQVIO were: injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.

These are not all the possible side effects of LEQVIO. Ask your health care provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for Leqvio full Prescribing Information.

Reference
1. Leqvio. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Licensed from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080

© 2023 Novartis

8/23 298504

2023-09-08T14:01:02

(BPT) – Hepatitis C (HCV) is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ due to silent symptoms that may not appear until years after exposure. In fact, of the more than 2 million Americans who are living with HCV, it is estimated that 40% are unaware of their condition.¹

In the past ten years, cases of acute HCV have more than doubled with the opioid epidemic and substance use exacerbating the rise, and COVID-19 further limiting access to care.^2-4 If left untreated, HCV can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer and even death.¹

Fortunately, about 95% of chronic HCV cases can be cured with available treatments, and the virus can be detected through a simple blood test.^1,5

This National Recovery Month, opioid addiction advocate Devin Lyall, the Founding Executive Director at Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Dr. Ada Stewart, family physician at Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers and Gilead Sciences are encouraging testing and treatment for HCV, especially in vulnerable populations where substance use continues to impact communities.

Impact of the Opioid Crisis on HCV in the U.S.

In the United States, injection drug use is the leading cause of HCV transmission and comes with the risk of acquiring other blood-borne diseases such as HIV underscoring the need for awareness and screening among those affected by the opioid addiction crisis.^1,6 One person living with HCV who injects drugs is likely to transmit HCV to an estimated 20 other people through sharing equipment used to consume drugs.⁷ While the Southern and Appalachian regions are most impacted by the opioid crisis and have the highest increase in acute HCV cases, the impact is felt around the country with each community facing their own set of challenges.⁸

“As someone who experienced opioid addiction and has been cured of hepatitis C, I know first-hand how important it is to raise awareness of the impact of this crisis,” said Devin. “This is why I’m passionate about helping others in this situation and educating on the connection between the opioid epidemic, especially in vulnerable populations — if we can provide people a safer way to consume drugs that reduces risk of spreading transmittable diseases, like HCV, while working with them on their recovery journey, it not only positively impacts that individual, but our community as a whole.”

HCV Screening & Finding Care

Screening is the only way to know if someone is living with HCV. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends every adult be tested for HCV at least once in their lifetime as well as those with risk factors should be screened yearly.^1,5 However, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic HCV screening decreased by 25% compared to the year before due to several barriers — housing instability, medical provider availability, opioid addiction and financial concerns — that may have impacted access to treatment and care services.⁹

“By prioritizing vulnerable populations for HCV care, such as people who are experiencing addiction, we can advance national efforts to screen, treat and cure HCV,” said Dr. Stewart. “These individuals are often stigmatized or deprioritized for care due to concerns about adherence or potential drug interactions, but the data show this is not the case and that an increase in screening and linkage to care can lead to people being cured of HCV in these communities.”

Moving Toward HCV Elimination

As a nation, there is a need to work together to achieve the shared goal of HCV elimination — bringing together national and state governments, policymakers, public health officials, physicians, and community organizations to ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind or forgotten. Gilead Sciences has implemented several public and private partnerships during National Recovery Month and beyond to facilitate HCV care through efforts such as Gilead Relink as well as the FOCUS, HepConnect and LEGA-C programs with the goal to advance HCV testing and linkage to care.

Visit HepCHope.com to learn more about HCV testing and find support.

2023-09-08T13:31:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Intercept Pharmaceuticals

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disease that causes the body to attack its own cells in the bile ducts of the liver. Bile ducts are tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver to the intestine to help digest food. However, when bile can’t flow through the bile ducts, it collects in the liver and causes damage.

The most common early symptoms of PBC are pruritis (itching) and fatigue, though some PBC patients do not show symptoms at the time of diagnosis. If PBC progresses, it can cause an increase in risk of liver cancer, the need for liver transplant and death.

There is no cure for PBC, however, there are treatment options that can help people manage their disease. In recognition of September’s PBC Awareness Month, let’s look at five key facts about this condition and hear from healthcare providers, advocates and people living with PBC:

Fact #1: PBC is progressive and chronic, which means it won’t just go away and can get worse over time

Damage from PBC can cause fibrosis (scarring) and, in its most severe form, lead to cirrhosis (severe scarring). In some cases, this can result in liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

Dr. Kris Kowdley, Director of the Liver Institute Northwest and Professor of Medicine at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University, explained, “PBC can progress slowly for some people, while others may advance to end-stage liver disease or liver failure much more rapidly. Therefore, it’s important to catch it as early as possible so that we can treat the disease to slow the rate of progression and minimize the amount of damage and scarring to the liver. With early detection, we can hopefully reduce the risk of the patient developing cirrhosis or other complications of liver disease.”

Fact #2: Because many people with PBC have no symptoms, the disease is often discovered from abnormal results on routine liver blood tests

Most people with PBC do not experience symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. Instead, it is detected during routine blood tests which assess damage to the liver by measuring different enzymes and proteins in the blood.

One of the key enzymes used to help diagnose PBC is alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, which can also monitor disease progression and track how well someone is responding to treatment. More recent studies have shown that other liver enzymes beyond ALP are also important in assessing total liver health. Treatment can help improve these enzymes and reduce liver damage.

Dr. Kim Brown, Division Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Associate Medical Director of the Henry Ford Hospital Transplant Institute, stated, “We typically look at ALP levels when assessing PBC, though recent research shows that there are several biomarkers that should be measured and assessed. While still considered the cornerstone of PBC evaluations, we now look beyond ALP to include other liver enzymes as well as liver fibrosis when evaluating total liver health.”

Fact #3: While PBC is more common in females, it can affect anyone

People with PBC have historically been portrayed as middle-aged Caucasian women; however, it is widely recognized now that men and people of color are affected in higher numbers than once believed.

Wayne, a man living with PBC, was diagnosed in 1992, and before his diagnosis, the only person he knew with PBC was his father. He was shocked when he walked into his first PBC support group meeting and was surrounded by women. While more common in females, PBC can impact individuals from any background and may also be hereditary. A PBC diagnosis is often delayed among males because of the myth that PBC is rare in males, thus, the disease course in males tends to be more aggressive with worse outcomes.

Research also suggests that people of color living with PBC tend to have more severe disease when first diagnosed and experience worse long-term outcomes.

As Donna Cryer, a key advocacy leader and Founder, President and CEO of the Global Liver Institute, stated, “No matter who you are, you should be able to receive timely and thorough diagnosis and care for PBC. Equitable care for PBC patients requires us to move beyond harmful stereotypes and improve the system so that everyone has the same opportunity.”

Fact #4: PBC was once called primary biliary cirrhosis

For many years, PBC wasn’t diagnosed until it was late-stage and patients had already developed cirrhosis. Unfortunately, the negative stigma associated with cirrhosis led some people to incorrectly believe PBC was related to alcohol consumption.

Almost 10 years ago, a dedicated group of patient leaders and medical professionals, with the support of industry partners including Intercept Pharmaceuticals, teamed up and advocated to have the name changed to more accurately reflect the disease. Carol Roberts, President of the PBCers Organization who played a pivotal role in the movement, said, “Prior to the name change many patients did not share their diagnosis with others, even friends and family, because of the stigma. This prevented them from receiving the support they needed while dealing with the diagnosis. The name change helps them feel more comfortable sharing the diagnosis, allowing them to receive support and understanding, while increasing awareness of PBC.”

Fact #5: Even with initial treatment, up to 50% of people have uncontrolled disease

For many people, the first treatment their doctor prescribes is not enough to adequately control their PBC. Medical guidelines recommend that liver function tests are repeated every three to six months to monitor the disease and help determine if their initial treatment is working, or if additional therapy should be considered.

With this, it’s important for people with PBC to talk to their doctor about symptoms and test results to understand how they’re responding to treatment and if more can be done.

Visit LivingwithPBC.com for helpful resources, including discussion guides, tips for managing symptoms, patient videos and the PBC Living^® app that tracks test results.

2023-09-08T11:01:01

(BPT) – From record-breaking blizzards in upstate New York and devastating wildfires in California to powerful hurricanes off the coast of Florida, natural disasters are becoming increasingly common because of the ongoing climate crisis. While everyone is affected by severe weather, it poses a particular risk for people living with disabilities.

When a natural disaster hits, the routines and the infrastructures people with disabilities depend on can be dangerously disrupted. Also, state- and county-level disaster response protocols may pose a danger to people living with paralysis, as they may not have made those protocols with the disability community in mind. That’s why it’s crucial that people living with paralysis and their caregivers know how to prepare themselves.

With this in mind, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create the Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet. This comprehensive, crucial resource can aid national organizations, people living with paralysis and other disabilities and their caregivers to prepare for impending weather, including wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Below are some ways the booklet can help you identify your mobility needs, assess challenges and create tangible solutions in case of a power outage, hurricane, wildfire, tornado and extreme heat.

Power outage

Power outages are common during various natural disasters and storms. Because they are so common, it’s important that people who use power wheelchairs and/or ventilators know what they’ll need to do to prepare.

First, you’ll need to identify your frequently used electricity-dependent medical equipment. If you have extra batteries, know how long they’ll last and understand how to use a backup power supply.

Next, contact your local utility company and register as a power wheelchair user or dependent on a ventilator. This registration list is used to prioritize power restoration services.

Finally, contact emergency services to understand their protocols for those who require electricity to support medical equipment. This includes information on priority shelter placement or transportation to local EMS facilities.

Hurricane

Hurricanes are tropical storms with wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour. While these storms pose a significant threat to coastal communities, they can also cause torrential rains and severe flooding hundreds of miles inland.

To prepare for a hurricane, look around the interior of your home and identify what items need to be secured. Securing these items will prevent injury from falling debris.

Know your evacuation routes and leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued. If you’re at home when a hurricane strikes, head to the highest level or shelter in a windowless room.

Wildfire

Although wildfires may begin in natural areas like forests and prairies, they can quickly threaten residential communities. Hazardous air conditions and emergency evacuation are likely, like those issued in the recent Canadian fires in the Northeast. If you live in an area where wildfire risks are possible, it’s critical that you identify a safe space in your home that can be closed off before a wildfire strikes.

Another thing to remember is that regional power grids may be shut off to lower the risk of igniting power lines. Contact your local utility company and government agencies to find out how residents will be notified of a public power shutdown.

During a wildfire, if possible, get out of your wheelchair and onto the floor. Smoke rises, and the best air for breathing will be down low. Wear an N95 mask to limit smoke inhalation, and call 911 if you are trapped.

After the wildfire has been contained, don’t touch fallen power lines and continue to wear masks. Make sure to wash service animals and/or pets to remove residual ash.

Tornado

Tornadoes are most common in the Great Plains but occur throughout the U.S. and can be triggered by thunderstorms, tropical storms or hurricanes. The funnel-shaped cloud, containing violently spinning air, can leave a path of devastation a mile wide and 50 miles long.

In case of a tornado, identify a safe space to take shelter in your home. If the basement is not accessible, plan to use a windowless room, such as a bathroom or closet, on the lowest possible level of the home. Don’t forget to lock your wheelchair wheels.

Extreme heat

As a result of climate change, extreme heat is increasingly becoming an issue throughout the country. It can pose a specific risk for people who have difficulty regulating body temperature due to spinal cord injury.

Get in touch with local emergency management officials to locate community cooling centers. Make sure to visit ahead of time to ensure they are accessible.

Pay attention to your wheelchair and mobility equipment, which can become extremely hot when left in the sun. Overheated equipment can burn the skin of individuals who brush up against hot armrests and seats or who place bare feet on a metal footrest.

Beyond preparation

In addition to ensuring the safety and livelihood of those living with disabilities and their caregivers, the Reeve Foundation’s Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet is a powerful reminder to local and government leaders that people living with disabilities should be top of mind and included in the conversations of natural disaster response protocols.

To learn more and download the Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet, please visit ChristopherReeve.org.

This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8,700,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.