Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-08-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Arcutis Biotherapeutics

Psoriasis Action Month is about raising awareness of psoriasis and its impact, and encouraging individuals with this common skin disease to get the support and care that they need.

About 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which often appears as raised, red and scaly plaques. However, in people with darker skin tones, plaques sometimes may appear more grayish, purplish or brownish. Plaque psoriasis can occur anywhere − yes, anywhere − on the body, including the knees, elbows, torso, and sensitive places like the face, genitals, and areas where skin touches skin. In these areas, psoriasis may appear as smooth and non-scaly lesions. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis can include pain, cracking skin and itching.

Diagnosing and treating plaque psoriasis can be complex and challenging − something Jillian knows firsthand. Jillian dealt with symptoms of plaque psoriasis on the back of her neck for 12 years before getting an accurate diagnosis and a treatment that worked for her.

“My symptoms first started in high school, when I had an irritated patch of skin develop on my hairline. As time went on, this turned into full-on scaly plaques along my hairline on the back of my neck. Throughout the last 10 years, those plaques started to grow and spread like tree branches down the side of my neck,” said Jillian. “I had a ton of tests done over the years, but only got a diagnosis of plaque psoriasis late last year.”

As a personal trainer and dietitian, Jillian spends most of her days teaching others about healthy habits and how to love the skin they’re in. Because of her profession, she spends most of the time with her hair up, which made her plaque psoriasis more visible, and made her feel self-conscious.

“In my profession, it’s hard to have a condition like this because, unfortunately, people view your own health as a direct reflection of the quality of your professional knowledge. It also takes a toll on your mental health when you feel like you have to explain to everyone − from people at work to your hairdresser − that what they’re seeing isn’t contagious or anything to worry about,” she said.

Recently, Jillian tried a steroid-free cream, ZORYVE^® (roflumilast) cream 0.3%, that is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical), including in areas with skin folds, to treat plaque psoriasis in people 12 years of age and older. It is not known if ZORYVE is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

“Over the years I’ve tried almost everything out there − from various prescriptions to over-the-counter options and natural remedies. But they didn’t work for me and were really complicated to use, and my plaque psoriasis just kept coming back,” she explains. “I started applying ZORYVE daily, and it began working within weeks to manage both the visible symptoms of my plaque psoriasis by clearing my skin, and even the itch, too. Now, I can use ZORYVE when my psoriasis flares, and since it is steroid free, I feel comfortable using it wherever I have psoriasis. I also like that the cream is not greasy or messy, it spreads easily, and I just need to apply a small amount.”

In clinical trials, approximately 40% of 576 people treated with ZORYVE had significantly clearer skin, compared to approximately 6% of 305 people treated with a cream not containing the active ingredient at 8 weeks. Additionally, approximately 68% of the 447 people treated with ZORYVE had significant itch reduction, compared to approximately 30% of the 231 people treated with a cream not containing the active ingredient.

Prior to being treated, Jillian was hyper aware of the clothing she would wear and how she’d style her hair to try and cover the back of her neck as much as possible. Now that her condition is under control, it’s one less thing she has to worry about.

“I used to be really embarrassed about my plaque psoriasis, but since I’ve found the right treatment that works for me, I no longer am,” said Jillian. “I’m also getting married in January and feel confident that my psoriasis will remain under control, so I don’t have to worry about clothing I wear during the events leading up to my wedding or how I wear my hair on my wedding day.”

If you’re struggling with psoriasis or any other skin concerns, be sure to make an appointment with a dermatology professional. They will work with you to get the care you need and help you find the right treatment plan.

ZORYVE is for use on the skin (topical only). Do not use ZORYVE in or on your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Do not use ZORYVE if you have certain liver problems.

Before using ZORYVE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have liver problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ZORYVE will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZORYVE passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZORYVE. Breastfeeding women using ZORYVE should use ZORYVE on the smallest area of the skin and for the shortest time needed. Do not apply ZORYVE directly to the nipple and areola to avoid contact with your baby.

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

The most common side effects of ZORYVE include diarrhea, headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, application site pain, upper respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

These are not all of the possible side effects of ZORYVE. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about plaque psoriasis and product information for ZORYVE, a steroid-free topical that works across affected body areas, talk to your healthcare provider or visit www.zoryve.com.

Jillian lives with plaque psoriasis and is being compensated for her time contributing to this article. This is just one patient’s experience. Results may vary.

SPONSORED BY Arcutis Biotherapeutics

© 2023 Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved.

US-CRP-151-00007 08/23

2023-08-10T16:01:00

(BPT) – Getting your kids ready for back-to-school season may feel like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. With so much to do, it is important not to miss one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle: an eye exam. From buying pencils and notebooks to new shoes and backpacks, a visit to the eye doctor is often forgotten on the back-to-school check list. Eye health is critical to academic success. In fact, 80% of classroom learning is done visually.^[1]

When Alexander was in fifth grade, his parents Estephanie and Argenis became concerned when he started having difficulty reading the board in class and complaining of headaches. Their concern for their son continued to grow, so they sought professional help.

“Our first thought was to call the pediatrician,” said Estephanie of Addison, Illinois. “We were able to quickly get Alexander in for an appointment to do a checkup, and he did a quick eye exam. We were surprised when the pediatrician recommended we visit an eye doctor, and we’re so thankful for that recommendation because visiting an eye doctor hadn’t even occurred to us.”

After a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Caroline Cho, O.D., DuPage Optical, Alexander was prescribed ACUVUE^® Abiliti™ Overnight Therapeutic Lenses to manage his myopia, or nearsightedness, which is a chronic and progressive disease in which the eye grows too long.^[2],[3],[4]

“Alexander’s story isn’t uncommon. I have a lot of children and young adults come to my office who experience similar symptoms,” said Dr. Cho. “Fortunately, if they come in early, we can help manage their myopia through treatments like ACUVUE^® Abiliti™ Overnight Therapeutic Lenses. They’re worn overnight and temporarily reshape the cornea, typically eliminating the need to wear glasses or contacts during the day.”^[5],[6],[*]

Back-to-school season is a great time to take your child to an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. These exams help supplement a quick vision screening at school or a pediatrician’s office and are important because they can detect the early signs of myopia, as well as more than 270 common and chronic diseases.^[7] Myopia is often diagnosed in children between the ages of 8 and 12.^[8] It can develop in earlier years, which is why it’s recommended that children have an annual comprehensive eye exam starting at age 5.^[9],[10]

Myopia impacts an average of one in three kids in the United States and that number is growing.^[11],[12] Altered lifestyle factors like increased near work and decreased outdoor time are likely to be contributors to myopia, which has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.^{[13],[14],[15]} But now there are new treatments for kids like Alexander.

“I’m so happy with my Abiliti™ lenses! I’m able to play all my favorite sports like soccer and boxing without having to wear glasses,” said Alexander. “I’m able to see the board in school again and my headaches have gone away.”

Abiliti™ Overnight lenses provide a significant improvement in vision-related quality of life and wearers report better rates of overall vision, far distance vision, symptoms, appearance, satisfaction, activities, academic performance, handling and peer perceptions than those wearing single-vision spectacles.⁵

“Since Dr. Cho prescribed Alexander with ACUVUE^® Abiliti™, we have seen so much improvement in his overall health and happiness,” said Estephanie. “It gives my husband and me peace of mind knowing he can go all day without needing to wear glasses and that his myopia is being managed. I strongly encourage all parents to schedule a yearly eye exam even if they don’t suspect their child is having vision issues.”

To learn more about ACUVUE^® Abiliti™ Overnight Therapeutic Lenses and find an eye doctor that manages myopia near you to schedule an eye exam, visit seeyourabiliti.com.

Important Safety Information for Contact Lens Wearers
ACUVUE^® Abiliti™ Overnight Therapeutic Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for the management of myopia. An eye care professional will determine whether these contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems including vision loss and blindness can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these symptoms, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care disinfection instructions provided by your eye care professional. Do not wear these contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and review the Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-877-334-3937, or visit www.seeyourabiliti.com.

2023-08-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become an epidemic that demands our attention.

Every day, Americans of all ages and walks of life receive a diagnosis of CRC. Unfortunately, this reality upends every aspect of life for both patients and their loved ones, sending them on an urgent quest for answers and for effective treatment options.

CRC is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States in men and women combined. Diagnoses of CRC are on the rise in younger Americans, and it is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50. By 2023, it’s projected to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in all people under 50. Without early screening, CRC can remain undetected until the disease is advanced, leaving patients with limited to no curative treatment options. People living with CRC face numerous challenges throughout their journey, navigating the complex healthcare system, managing the financial burden of treatment, and overcoming the physical and emotional toll.

The oncology community has been listening — and working to bring hope to this crisis. Decades of research have revealed that the most potent tools to fight cancer are within our own bodies, waiting to be unleashed. This approach is called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy drugs are designed to harness the body’s natural immune system to attack and eliminate cancer cells. These therapies activate the body to win the battle against cancer.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s approval of the first immunotherapy for use in melanoma in 2011, this approach has successfully expanded into a wide range of cancers and opened the door to a new generation of cancer therapies.

Dr. Steven O’Day, Chief Medical Officer at Agenus, was part of the team of melanoma researchers that pioneered the immuno-oncology revolution.

“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of immunotherapy in cancer treatment,” Dr. O’Day says. “Currently, there is a concerning rise in colorectal cancer among young adults, highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment options. I firmly believe that novel immunotherapies have the potential to address this pressing issue.”

This revolutionary approach is changing the way many cancers are treated — a breakthrough that is desperately needed, particularly in advanced-stage CRC.

Clinical trials play a crucial role in the development of new treatments, including novel immunotherapies. These studies provide patients the opportunity to access innovative treatments and high-quality care, while contributing to the advancement of medical science. Clinical trials are designed to improve patient care and establish more effective therapeutic options.

Agenus is committed to patients and understands the urgent need in the CRC community. Together with physicians, patients, caregivers and advocates across the globe, Agenus has activated a mission to improve the lives of those affected by this disease. The company has launched an ongoing clinical trial of its novel immunotherapy for eligible patients with advanced CRC.

To learn more about Agenus’ clinical trial visit: www.Activate-study.com.

Agenus believes that together we can harness the extraordinary power of the immune system to conquer cancer.

2023-08-10T06:01:00

(BPT) – Professional baseball player J.D. Martinez is prioritizing his lung health this baseball season. He has asthma, an underlying medical condition that puts him at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. J.D. doesn’t want pneumococcal pneumonia to get in his way of doing what he loves on the field.

Read tips from J.D. on how he’s helping protect his health this baseball season.

Q: You’re prioritizing your lung health, why should others?

J.D.: Because I’m an adult with asthma, I’m at increased risk for certain illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia.

That’s why I’m partnering with Pfizer to help other adults 19 or older at increased risk understand the importance of getting vaccinated. I don’t want to let pneumococcal pneumonia strike me out.

Q: Are there any other factors that put people at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia?

J.D.: Yes. Adults aged 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, chronic heart disease, or chronic lung disease—in addition to asthma—are at increased risk. Same goes for those 65 or older: even if they are healthy, their age puts them at increased risk. It’s important to me that they know there are steps they can take to help protect themselves—like asking their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.

Q: Even if someone’s had a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine in the past, should they still ask about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination?

J.D.: Yes! Even if you’ve been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor or pharmacist may still recommend another vaccination for additional protection. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can give their professional advice.

Q: Do I need to wait for flu season to get vaccinated against PP?

J.D.: Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and vaccination is available all year round. Don’t wait for flu season to strike, stay ahead of the game and ask your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination at any time.

Q: Thanks so much for the information, J.D. Where can people find out more?

J.D.: To learn more about the disease, risks, vaccination, and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.

Sponsored by Pfizer.

2023-08-08T11:01:00

(BPT) – From the outside, Teresa’s life looked great. She had a healthy family and lasting friendships. However, she didn’t feel great. She had periods of panic attacks, trouble sleeping, constant fidgeting, difficulty concentrating, and the inability to feel joy.²

Teresa figured these symptoms were due to extreme depression. Even though she worked with her doctor through various treatment and management options, her symptoms continued to get worse. She started having thoughts that scared her, like, “What if I hurt myself?”

Teresa decided it was time to see a new doctor and get another opinion. Dr. Ann Groover reviewed Teresa’s symptoms and medical history over several sessions before diagnosing her with bipolar II depression.

“It turns out that the antidepressant I was taking could have actually exacerbated my bipolar disorder,” recalled Teresa. Unfortunately, Teresa’s story is not unusual. Studies have shown that 3 in 4 patients with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed, most often with major depressive disorder (MDD) (like, persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and lethargy) are one of the key diagnostic features in both conditions.

Understanding bipolar depression

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition which causes extreme changes in mood and behavior. These changes in mood, known as mood episodes, can cause patients to experience lows (bipolar depression) and highs (mania).^1,3 Mood episodes can affect a person’s sleep, energy, activity levels, judgement, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

The lows of bipolar, also known as depressive episodes, can make people feel sad or hopeless. They may lose interest or pleasure in most activities, even those they once enjoyed. These depressive episodes may be present throughout their lives and some episodes may even last several months.⁴

The highs of bipolar, also known as manic or hypomanic episodes, can cause people to feel intense excitement, impulsive, unusually irritable or have an abnormal amount of increased energy.⁴

“I see a lot of patients who are suffering from bipolar II disorder. People with bipolar II disorder, like Teresa, may experience longer depressive episodes that can be more severe than some patients with bipolar I while not experiencing debilitating bouts of mania or needing to go to the hospital. This can make bipolar II hard to diagnose, as it can be frequently confused with major depressive disorder,” said Dr. Groover.

Treating Teresa’s bipolar II depression

“Even though the diagnosis wasn’t what I expected, it was a relief learning that I might be able to work with my health care provider toward a treatment and management plan that might work for me,” said Teresa. “At a follow-up appointment with my doctor, she told me about a medication called CAPLYTA^® (lumateperone).”

CAPLYTA is a prescription medication used to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder in adults. CAPLYTA is a once-daily capsule that’s believed to work by affecting chemicals in the brain that are involved in mood, including dopamine and serotonin. The exact way CAPLYTA works is not fully understood.

Studies have also shown CAPLYTA is proven to provide significant relief from depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder and can reduce the overall severity of bipolar depression. Unlike some medications that only treat bipolar I depression, CAPLYTA treats both bipolar I and bipolar II depression and can be taken alone or with lithium or valproate.

“For patients experiencing bipolar I or II depression, I often prescribe CAPLYTA. I feel that the combined efficacy and safety data along with the convenient once-a-day dosing makes CAPLYTA an excellent choice for some adult patients like Teresa with bipolar depression. Every patient’s experience will be unique,” said Dr. Groover.

Medicines like CAPLYTA can raise the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). CAPLYTA is not approved for treating people with dementia-related psychosis.

CAPLYTA and antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when CAPLYTA or an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Report any change in these symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. See additional important safety information below.

Finding the LYTE and breaking the stigma

“CAPLYTA has helped me light up the darkness. And I’m happy with the success I’ve had,” said Teresa. “I’m grateful for my work with my doctor to talk through options that could work for me. I hope others can find the same success I did, and together we can fight the stigma of bipolar II depression.” At first, Teresa was worried about weight gain with CAPLYTA. But her healthcare provider reassured her that most people who took CAPLYTA did not gain weight or have changes in their blood sugar or cholesterol in the short- or long-term clinical trials. At 6 months, the average weight change for people on CAPLYTA was -0.02 lbs.

CAPLYTA may cause problems with your metabolism including high blood sugar, diabetes, increased fat (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels in your blood and weight gain. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar, fat levels and weight before you start and periodically during treatment with CAPLYTA.

Teresa and her healthcare provider have been happy with the results. Over time, the depressive symptoms decreased with CAPLYTA. Teresa said, “I can laugh again and feel more like myself.”

The most common side effects experienced by people with bipolar depression taking CAPLYTA were sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth. CAPLYTA can cause sleepiness and difficulty thinking. Until a patient is aware of how CAPLYTA may affect them, they should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the lows of bipolar depression, CAPLYTA may be able to help. Talk to your health care provider and ask if CAPLYTA is right for you. To learn more, visit Caplyta.com.

Important Safety Information

Medicines like CAPLYTA can raise the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). CAPLYTA is not approved for treating people with dementia-related psychosis.

CAPLYTA and antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when CAPLYTA or an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Report any change in these symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not take CAPLYTA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Get emergency medical help if you are having an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue, lip, face, or throat).

CAPLYTA may cause serious side effects, including:
• Stroke (cerebrovascular problems) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis that can lead to death.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, confusion, changes in your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, stiff muscles, and increased sweating; these may be symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal condition. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you experience signs and symptoms of NMS.
• Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia, TD) in your face, tongue, or other body parts. TD may not go away, even if you stop taking CAPLYTA. It may also occur after you stop taking CAPLYTA.
• Problems with your metabolism including high blood sugar, diabetes, increased fat (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels in your blood and weight gain. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar, fat levels and weight before you start and during your treatment with CAPLYTA. Extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to coma or death. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of high blood sugar: feeling very thirsty, hungry, sick to your stomach, needing to urinate more than usual, weak/tired, or confused, or your breath smells fruity.
• Low white blood cell count. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests during the first few months of treatment with CAPLYTA.
• Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Falls. CAPLYTA may make you sleepy or dizzy, may cause a decrease in your blood pressure when changing position (orthostatic hypotension), and can slow your thinking and motor skills which may lead to falls that can cause broken bones or other injuries.
• Seizures (convulsions).
• Sleepiness, drowsiness, feeling tired, difficulty thinking and doing normal activities. Until you know how CAPLYTA affects you, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities.
• Problems controlling your body temperature so that you feel too warm. Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated while taking CAPLYTA.
• Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into the lungs.

The most common side effects of CAPLYTA include sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth.

These are not all the possible side effects of CAPLYTA. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had heart problems or a stroke, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, or high blood sugar, problems with cholesterol, have or have had seizures (convulsions), kidney or liver problems, or a low white blood cell count. CAPLYTA may cause fertility problems in females and males. You should notify your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking CAPLYTA. CAPLYTA may cause abnormal involuntary movements and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies exposed to CAPLYTA during the third trimester. CAPLYTA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and the best way to feed your baby during treatment with CAPLYTA. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you’re taking. CAPLYTA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how CAPLYTA works, causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines while taking CAPLYTA without talking to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs. Contact Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. at 1-888-611-4824 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

CAPLYTA is available in 10.5 mg, 21 mg, and 42 mg capsules.

Please see Medication Guide, including Boxed Warnings.

1. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder. Accessed April 21, 2023.
2. Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955. February 16, 2021. Accessed April 20, 2023.
3. Miller S, Dell’Ossa B, Kettera TA. The prevalence and burden of bipolar depression. J Affect Disorder. 2014; 169(1): S3-S11. Accessed April 19, 2023.
4. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder. Accessed April 21, 2023.

©2023 Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. All rights reserved. CAPLYTA is a registered trademark of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

US-CAP-2300251 7/2023

2023-08-07T23:01:00

(BPT) – We have all heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but have you ever wondered why? A nutritious breakfast can make a huge impact on your morning and the rest of your day.

To share insight on the importance of a balanced breakfast, Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company, delivers three facts about how a morning meal helps with starting the day on the right note.

Breakfast kick-starts the metabolism

Ever think of what “breakfast” means? It essentially means to “break” your fast from the night before. When fasting, the body responds to prolonged periods of not eating by slowing down, decreasing its metabolic rate and burning fewer calories to conserve energy.

However, having breakfast helps wake up the metabolism and gets your engine humming for the day ahead. According to Michigan State University, studies show that eating breakfast jump-starts the metabolism, which can help burn more calories between 8 a.m. and noon.

Breakfast is good for the brain

Breakfast helps wake up the brain so you can be your best. This is especially important for school-aged children.

According to the International Food Information Council, several studies suggest that eating breakfast may improve children’s memory, alertness, concentration, problem-solving skills and test scores. Adults who skip breakfast should take note, as they can gain the same brain-boosting benefits that may improve their job performance.

Of course, it can be easy to skip a morning meal when crunched for time. That’s why it’s important to keep breakfast bars like the new Atkins Vanilla Macadamia Nut Soft Baked Bar on hand. It packs 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of net carbs and less than 2 grams of sugar to help keep the brain alert. Simply grab one on the way out the door for a successful morning.

Breakfast boosts your mood

Don’t start the day off hangry. Skipping breakfast can make you grouchy and irritable, which can throw off your whole day. However, you can improve your mood with a good quality breakfast.

Studies show that eating first thing in the morning balances your blood sugar levels and keeps them steady throughout the day. Starting the day with a balanced breakfast sets the mood for the rest of the day and increases the likelihood of making better eating decisions for lunch and dinner.

If you find time to make a balanced breakfast, Heimowitz suggests making an Atkins Low Carb Berry Delicious Yogurt Parfait, as it takes less than five minutes to make, leaving more time for yourself each morning. If you need to head out the door quickly, you can store the parfait in a Mason jar and take it with you.

Keep these facts and tips in mind when you plan your morning meals. To find more breakfast recipes or meals for every occasion, visit Atkins.com.

2023-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – As a pillar of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center, the Quality of Life Grants Program, pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, impacts and empowers people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers by providing grants to nonprofit organizations whose projects and initiatives foster inclusion, involvement and community engagement, while promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

2023-08-04T12:15:00

(BPT) – For the past few decades, our dependence on digital devices has dramatically increased. Our eyes are now spending a considerable amount of time focused on screens ranging from smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs.

In fact, adults are now spending 13+ hours a day on digital devices, a 35% increase since 2019.¹ All this time on screens has many wondering how it could impact our eyes, and what is blue-violet light?

Sources of blue-violet light are more numerous than you’d think, including digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets), fluorescent and LED lighting, and even the sun!² Though light from electronic screens comes in all colors, the majority of these devices use LED technologies with high amounts of blue-violet light.

“We may not like to admit this, but most of us go from seeing a medium-sized screen (computer) at work, to a larger screen (TV) that is playing in the background as we scroll through our small screen (smartphones),” according to Luis Rojas, O.D., co-founder of DeNovo Eye. “It’s no surprise that our visual demands have increased, but without taking precautionary steps, your eyes may be impacted with increased screen time.”

Long days in an increasingly digital-dependent world also means we blink less, which can cause a destabilized tear film, leading to feelings of dryness and tired eyes.^3-5 In fact, 71% of eye care professionals say patients are reporting issues with eye comfort due to screen time.⁶

Solutions to think about NOW to help keep your eyes feeling good

Give your eyes a rest by following the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Setting a timer or reminder on your phone to take regular breaks to look into the distance can help your eyes to relax.

For those that wear contact lenses, there is also a new option from ACUVUE^® to help with our evolving digital lifestyle. ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-DAY lenses are designed to maximize tear-film stability and lock in moisture.^7,8 In fact, ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-Day lens wearers were 2X less likely to experience feelings of tired eyes at the end of the day and 2X more likely to have clear vision using digital devices.^9,[*] These lenses also have the highest-level blue-violet light filter in the industry at up to 60%.^{8,10,[†],[‡]}

The most important step is scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam to determine with your doctor the best options for you, depending on your lifestyle and needs.

How can you determine a suitable option for your eye health? It’s easy, says Dr. Rojas, “go talk to your eye doctor!”

“When visiting an eye care provider, one can expect a comprehensive assessment of your overall vision and ocular health which can help identify many ocular and systemic complications,” according to Dr. Rojas. “After checking your vision with several tests, your doctor will determine your prescription and tailor it to your visual needs to maintain clear and comfortable vision throughout the day. Our goal is to find solutions that will help you maintain healthy eyes, reduce fatigue, and maximize your vision potential to increase your productivity day-after-day.”

Visit the ACUVUE^® eye care professional locator to find a doctor in your area and schedule an appointment today!

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers:

ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guide (https://www.acuvue.ca/patient-instruction-guides).

References

¹ COVID-19: Screen Time spikes to over 13 hours per day according to Eyesafe Nielsen estimates, published 3/28/20, https://eyesafe.com/covid-19-screen-time-spike-to-over-13-hours-per-day.

² JJV Data on File 2022. Blue-Violet Filter Utilized in ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses.

³ Tsubota K, Nakamori K. Dry eyes and video display terminals. N Engl J Med. 1993;328(8):584. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199302253280817.

⁴ Patel S, Henderson R, Bradley L. et al. Effect of visual display unit use on blink rate and tear stability. Optom vis Sci. 1991; 68(11):888-892. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199111000-00010.

⁵ JJV data on file, 2021. ACUVUE^® OASYS Brand Family Digital Device Claims (ACUVUE^® OASYS, ACUVUE^® OASYS 1-DAY, and ACUVUE^® OASYS with TRANSITIONS™.

⁶ Jobson Optical Research, January 2021 n=503 ECPs.

⁷ JJV Data on File 2022. Effect on Tear Film and Evaluation of Visual Artifacts of ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-Day Family with TearStable™ Technology.

⁸ JJV Data on File 2022. TearStable™ Technology Definition.

⁹ JJV Data on File 2022. Comparative Subjective Claims for ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lens vs DAILIES TOTAL1 and Additional Stand-Alone Claims.

¹⁰ JJV Data on File 2022. Material Properties: 1-DAY ACUVUE^® MOIST, 1-DAY ACUVUE^® TruEye^®, ACUVUE^® OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe^® Technology and ACUVUE^® OASYS MAX 1-Day with TearStable™ Technology Brand Contact Lenses and other daily disposable contact lens brands.

2023-08-02T13:01:00

(BPT) – A majority of Minnesotans gambled last year and most lost money, underscoring the need-to-know tips for lower-risk and responsible gambling

For many Minnesotans, a trip to the casino has become a rite of passage for those coming of age. Meanwhile, pull-tabs are found at virtually every other bar, online gaming is surging, and big lottery jackpots continue to capture mass media attention. And while gambling can promise excitement and the possibility of big winnings, it also inherently holds high risks, and can quickly form into a serious addiction with severe consequences if it’s not approached with caution.

Emphasizing the issue, a new survey from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) says 65 percent of Minnesotans gambled in some form in the past year and more than half lost money. The findings, according to MNAPG, are a cautionary reminder to stick to a limit when gambling and to understand the signs if gambling is becoming an addiction.

“For many, making a friendly wager adds excitement to a game, but gambling can also take on a life of its own, especially given the ease of betting on smartphones,” says Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director of MNAPG, a gambling-neutral nonprofit organization. “Many Minnesotans enjoy gambling — whether it’s fantasy sports, pull-tabs, or trips to the casino — so therefore it’s critical people understand how to practice low-risk gambling to avoid serious, life-altering consequences.”

Three Tips for Safe and Responsible Gambling

Given the high risk of addictive behavior tied to gambling, it’s important to practice these low-risk tips to protect yourself and be responsible.

1. Have a plan: Whether you’re going to a casino or opening a gambling app on your phone, set your time limits and keep to it.
2. Have a budget: Don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.
3. Monitor: Make sure to monitor spending to keep to your limit.

“Similar to more well-known substance addictions, gambling is an official behavioral addiction,” says Sheridan Tucker. “Behavioral addictions form in the brain in much the same way as alcohol or drug addiction, resulting in a person making riskier decisions to feed their brain’s reward hub. The signs can be harder to see, but you might notice the person becoming more withdrawn and evasive about questions related to money.”

To further educate Minnesotans about gambling addiction, and to emphasize that help is free in Minnesota, MNAPG partnered with Minneapolis advertising agency Preston Spire who created and produced a gripping public service announcement called “Just As Real” that MNAPG is encouraging people to view and share to help spread the message.

For anyone suffering or for those concerned about a loved one’s gambling habits, MNAPG stresses that addiction treatment is free in Minnesota, both for those who need help and their loved ones. People seeking help can call the Minnesota Helpline at 1-800-333-4673.

2023-08-04T16:01:00

(BPT) – Content Provided by Boston Scientific

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for American men, yet receiving a diagnosis can feel unexpected.^[1] While some people experience symptoms like increased frequency of difficulty starting urination, trouble emptying the bladder, or weak or interrupted flow, some men are asymptomatic and feel fine before being diagnosed.^[2]

Receiving a diagnosis can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, especially when navigating treatment options. Prostate cancer treatments can vary and include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer with blood and imaging tests), surgery to remove all or part of the prostate or radiation therapy.^[3] It is important for patients to speak with a doctor to determine treatment options.

For those being treated with radiation therapy, which may be recommended for early or more advanced stages of prostate cancer, here are four questions that you may want to ask your doctor:^[4]

1. How common is prostate cancer radiation therapy and how does it work?

Each year in the U.S., more than 60,000 men opt for radiation therapy to treat their prostate cancer.^[5] Radiation therapy works by using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and is typically given five days a week in an outpatient center for several weeks at a time.^[6]

2. What are the benefits and risks of radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a commonly recommended treatment option that has contributed to a relative five-year survival rate of 98%, making it appealing to many doctors and patients.^[7],[8] While the therapy can be effective, it can have unwanted side effects, including urinary leakage, bowel leakage and diminished erectile function. Due to the proximity of the prostate and the rectum, radiation therapy to the prostate can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum and other surrounding organs.^[9]

3. Are there options to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer?

There are options that may help to reduce side effects of radiation therapy, including SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and the rectum, designed to minimize radiation side effects.^[10] By adding a small amount of space, SpaceOAR Hydrogel may help reduce radiation damage to the rectum.^[11] SpaceOAR Hydrogel is clinically shown to minimize urinary, sexual and bowel side effects when compared to the control, and may help maintain quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.^{[11],[12],[13]}

4. Where is a rectal spacer insertion procedure performed?

SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted as an outpatient procedure in a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient clinic or surgery center prior to the start of radiation treatment.^[10] It stays in place for about three months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about six months.^[10]

Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you. Visit www.SpaceOAR.com/radiation for more information about SpaceOAR Hydrogel.

References