Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-05-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Lilly USA, LLC

Understanding Alopecia Areata

For many people, alopecia areata presents as small, well-defined patches of hair loss on the scalp. But for others with severe cases, the unpredictable autoimmune disease can progress to a complete loss of scalp and body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. While the causes of the disease are not fully understood, it is believed to be the result of complex immune signals that change the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for alopecia areata, which can affect people of all ages and ethnicities. It is estimated that about 300,000 people in the U.S. have alopecia areata involving more than 50% scalp hair loss.

Despite being a medical condition, alopecia areata is often mistakenly viewed as a cosmetic condition, camouflaged with wigs and fake eyelashes. This has left many people, especially those with severe disease, searching for an appropriate way to manage hair loss. In fact, in a 2016 U.S. study of 1,083 adults with alopecia areata, 8 in 10 patients were unsatisfied with existing medical treatment options for alopecia areata.

Dr. Brett King, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.D., has seen firsthand the frustration of patients with limited treatment options. “Working with so many alopecia areata patients, I recognize the need for treatment options for this condition that affects patients in so many ways,” Dr. King said. “My work has focused on helping those living with severe alopecia areata, with the goal of bringing effective treatments to them.”

First FDA-Approved, Oral Treatment for Adults with Severe Alopecia Areata

In June 2022, Olumiant^® (baricitinib) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first and only oral treatment for adults with severe alopecia areata. Olumiant is available as 4 mg, 2 mg and 1 mg tablets.

Dr. King was the lead investigator of the Olumiant clinical trials conducted in adults with severe alopecia areata. He has been studying Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, like Olumiant, over the past decade. Seeing the need in the alopecia areata community, Dr. King worked tirelessly for his patients to advance the understanding of the disease to identify potential options for patients.

“The marriage of science and medicine has finally gotten us to the point of an FDA-approved oral medicine for adults living with severe alopecia areata,” said Dr. King.

In clinical studies, some adults with severe alopecia areata taking Olumiant saw 80% scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks.* For those taking Olumiant 4 mg once daily, some even saw 90% or greater scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks.** In people with substantial eyebrow and eyelash hair loss, some taking Olumiant 4 mg once daily saw an improvement in eyebrow and eyelash coverage at 36 weeks. The recommended dose is 2 mg once daily for most patients, but certain patients may be treated with 4 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the right dose for you.

Olumiant may cause serious side effects, including serious infections, increased risk of death, cancer and immune system problems, increased risk of major cardiovascular events, and blood clots. See below for more information.

*Up to 22% of people taking 2 mg once daily

**Up to 26% of people taking 4 mg once daily

Learning More About Your Options

Dr. King recommends having an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your hair loss, including what treatment options you can access through your insurance coverage. If your doctor has provided you with a prescription for Olumiant, Olumiant Together™ is a patient support program where a representative can thoroughly evaluate your insurance coverage status and share information on how to enroll in a customer support program.

For eligible commercially insured patients, financial support for Olumiant can be offered through the Olumiant savings card. You may be able to save on Olumiant even if your commercial insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your treatment. Find out if you’re eligible on Olumiant.com. Government beneficiaries excluded, terms and conditions apply.

If you are an adult with severe alopecia areata, talk to your doctor to see if Olumiant may be right for you. Visit Olumiant.com to learn more.

INDICATIONS AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS

Olumiant^® (O-loo-me-ant) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat:

• adults with severe alopecia areata.
• adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis after treatment with 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well enough or could not be tolerated.

Warnings – Olumiant may cause serious side effects, including:

• Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, and others caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some people have died from these infections. Olumiant can make you more likely to get infections or make any infections that you have worse. Your doctor should test for TB before starting Olumiant and watch for TB symptoms during treatment. You should not start Olumiant if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you it is okay. While taking Olumiant, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection, such as:

fever, sweating, or chills muscle aches cough shortness of breath blood in phlegm weight loss

warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body diarrhea or stomach pain burning with urination or urinating more often than normal feeling tired

If you get a serious infection, your doctor may stop Olumiant until your infection is controlled.

• Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age or older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and are taking a medicine in a class of medicines called JAK inhibitors.
• Cancer and immune system problems. Olumiant may increase your risk of lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers. People taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors have a higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Follow your doctor’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer while taking Olumiant.
• Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking Olumiant, including:
  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded
  • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech
• Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs, and arteries. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age or older and with at least 1 heart disease risk factor taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors. Stop taking Olumiant and tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots, including swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg, sudden chest pain, or shortness of breath, while taking Olumiant.
• Allergic reactions. While taking Olumiant, if you have symptoms, such as rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, stop taking Olumiant and get emergency help right away. Some of these reactions seen in people taking Olumiant were serious.
• Tears in the stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. While taking Olumiant, tell your doctor right away if you have fever and stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in bowel habits.
• Changes in laboratory test results. Your doctor should do blood tests before and while taking Olumiant. You should not take Olumiant if your white or red blood cell count is too low or your liver tests are too high. Your doctor may pause your treatment with Olumiant because of changes in these test results. Your doctor should also check your cholesterol levels approximately 12 weeks after you start Olumiant and as needed.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Olumiant in people treated for alopecia areata include:

upper respiratory tract infections (cold or sinus infections) headache acne increased cholesterol levels increased muscle enzyme levels urinary tract infection increased liver enzyme levels inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis)

tiredness lower respiratory tract infections nausea genital yeast infection low red blood cell count (anemia) low white blood cell count (neutropenia) stomach-area (abdominal) pain shingles (herpes zoster) increased weight

The most common side effects of Olumiant in people treated for rheumatoid arthritis include:

upper respiratory tract infections (cold or sinus infections) nausea

herpes simplex virus infections, including cold sores shingles (herpes zoster)

These are not all the possible side effects of Olumiant. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Before you use Olumiant, tell your doctor if you:

• Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection.
• Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
• Have had shingles (herpes zoster).
• Have had hepatitis B or C, cancer, or blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs.
• Live, have lived, or have visited parts of the country that increase your risk of fungal infections. These may include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest. Ask your doctor if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.
• Are a current or past smoker.
• Have had a heart attack, other heart problems or stroke.
• Have other medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, low blood cell counts, diabetes, lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system.
• Have any stomach-area pain or have been diagnosed with inflammation in the large intestine (diverticulitis) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.
• Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking Olumiant should not receive live vaccines.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Olumiant may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Olumiant, call Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-545-5979 to report the pregnancy.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while taking Olumiant and for 4 days after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while taking Olumiant.
• Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your doctor, if you take:
  • a medicine called probenecid
  • medicines that affect your immune system, such biologic medications, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine or cyclosporine) since these may increase your risk of infection.

• Are under age 18. It is not known if Olumiant is safe and effective in children.

How to take

• Take Olumiant exactly as your doctor says.
• Take Olumiant once a day by mouth with or without food.
• Talk to your doctor if you cannot swallow tablets whole.
• If you take too much Olumiant, call your doctor or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Learn more

Olumiant is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to www.olumiant.com.

This summary provides basic information about Olumiant but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about Olumiant and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if Olumiant is right for you.

BA CON BS 14SEP2022

Olumiant^® is a registered trademark and Olumiant Together™ is a trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

PP-BA-US-1956 04/2023 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.

2023-05-22T11:23:00

(BPT) – There are some basic health practices that apply to everyone like eating well and getting exercise. Beyond these though, men and women actually have some distinct health considerations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women face many unique health concerns throughout their life that affect their overall well-being. May is Women’s Health Month, a time when women are encouraged to prioritize their health. From physical ailments to mental health and everything in between, there are many areas of women’s health that need special attention and care.

Taking care of your health and well-being doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are simple ways you can check in with yourself about your well-being. This Women’s Health Month, Amazon Clinic — a virtual health care service available on Amazon.com — encourages women to take the following steps to ensure they can continue to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

1. Take stock of your sexual health

Your reproductive system is responsible for more than just sexual intimacy and pregnancy. Other systems in the body — like your endocrine and urinary systems — are closely tied to your reproductive health.

If you haven’t been to a gynecologist in a while, consider scheduling an appointment. Regardless of sexual activity, if you’re 21 years and older you should visit a health care provider once a year to review your sexual health. If you experience gynecological health conditions like urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness or yeast infections, you should speak with a doctor sooner rather than later.

If you aren’t on birth control but want to be, this is the perfect time to discuss your options with a health care professional. Also, if you’re unhappy with your current birth control method, you can talk to a doctor about switching medications, changing your dosage, or getting an arm implant.

2. Get help for menstrual pain

Period cramps aren’t just annoying and inconvenient. For many women, it’s a painful experience that can complicate everyday tasks. Studies suggest that up to 91% of women of reproductive age experience some level of period pain. Worse still, nearly one in three women report severe period pain.

While period cramps are common, they don’t have to keep you from going to work, school or doing the things you love. You may find that self-care — like exercising and using heating pads — and taking over-the-counter pain medications are enough to manage your period pain. If not, though, you should talk with a health care provider so they can help you create a personalized period pain treatment plan. They may recommend specialized NSAIDs or hormonal contraception to help you weather menstrual pain.

3. Invest in healthy skin

Taking care of your skin can be a struggle for many women. Depending on the time of year, where you live, your diet, your menstrual cycle and your genes, your hair and skin can feel and look quite different. This requires personalized care to keep them healthy.

For example, while acne is commonly associated with youth, some adults continue to have acne into their 30s and beyond, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Some even experience acne for the first time in adulthood.

Also, throughout your life, your skin experiences everyday wear and tear like sun exposure that leads to aging and wrinkles. While there’s nothing wrong with aging naturally, too much sun without protection can prematurely age your skin and lead to other health conditions, including skin cancer.

Talk with your doctor about your skin concerns to create a personalized skincare routine that will keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Beyond wearing sunscreen, eating a balanced diet and washing your face with gentle products, they may recommend over-the-counter and prescription treatments to manage your skin health.

Prioritize your health this month and beyond

Making time for your health is hard when you’re busy living life. But you don’t have to do it alone. This Women’s Health Month, Amazon Clinic wants to help women get the care they need with the same level of convenience, affordability and speed people expect from Amazon.

Available 24/7 on Amazon.com, the service can connect you to clinicians for many common conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, allergies, birth control, menstrual pain, vaginal dryness, and skin health — within hours, not weeks. Best of all, you’ll know the price of the consultation upfront, and there’s no appointment needed.

To get started, visit clinic.amazon.com/womens-health and select your condition and provider. After you answer a few questions, a doctor will send a message with a treatment plan — including any necessary prescriptions — to your phone or computer.

2023-05-11T08:49:00

(BPT) – Are you changing the world for the better? If you’re rocking a beard, chances are your answer is “YES!” In fact, a recent study by Wahl found that men with beards are 13% more charitable than their clean-shaven counterparts, and the Wahl “Benevolent Beards” Contest is looking to crown the most benevolent of them all. The second annual contest will present one Grand Prize winner with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new “Wahl Man of the Year,” a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 16 years.

“There are many reasons people choose to be generous with their time, talent and treasures — and the Benevolent Beards contest is a great way to find those men who spend theirs helping others,” said Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. “Wahl is a family company committed to serving our communities and we are excited to reward men for doing the same in theirs.”

How to Enter

From now until July 1, 2023, men with beards can create a video of themselves showing off their beard while either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/WahlBenevolentBeards. After the entry period is closed, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity of choice and a Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Trimmer.

Things get really exciting in August when voting opens to the public to determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner Ryan Baudhuin from Green Bay, Wisconsin, who uses his charity High Point Adventures to organize dream hunting trips for veterans struggling with returning to civilian life. According to Baudhuin, the healing effects of the outdoors saved his life after his return home from war. He now feels it’s his duty to serve other veterans who have sacrificed so much. “My charity is small, and budgets are tight, so this prize went far in helping to cover about seven hunting trips,” he said.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help. From animals to nature to human rights and beyond, you can feel good about giving back.

2023-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – ADVERTISEMENT Sponsored by Radius Health.

When you hear about osteoporosis, what kind of patient do you picture? Chances are, you imagine a woman. However, you may be surprised to learn that while it’s commonly known as a women’s disease, men are also at risk of developing osteoporosis and experiencing serious injuries related to this condition.

According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), osteoporosis in men is a serious risk: two million American men already have osteoporosis and about 12 million more are at risk. While many men may be concerned about developing prostate cancer, they’re actually more likely to break a bone because of osteoporosis. In fact, one in four men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Breaking a bone isn’t just painful. It can have serious health consequences. Each year, about 80,000 men will break a hip and compared to women, they’re more likely to die within a year of breaking a hip.

Whether you are a man or a woman, you can help maintain and improve your bone health through lifestyle choices and early intervention. In honor of Osteoporosis Awareness Month, here are five tips that both men and women can do to invest in their bone health to help prevent the risk of weak bones.

1. Eat foods for bone health

Eating the right foods is one of the easiest ways to strengthen bones. According to BHOF, calcium is especially important, as it’s the building block of your bones. Make sure you eat and drink your calcium daily by incorporating low-fat dairy, leafy greens, fish, fortified juices, milk and grains into your diet.

Of course, getting enough calcium isn’t useful on its own. You should talk to your doctor to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. While some foods contain vitamin D, taking a supplement can help raise your levels. Similarly, your doctor may recommend you start on a calcium supplement.

Finally, you’ll need protein to build and repair bones. According to Harvard Health, healthy protein sources include dairy products, fish, legumes, poultry, whole grains, nuts, seeds, corn, broccoli and asparagus.

2. Make exercise a part of your routine

Just like your muscles, your bones become stronger with exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, like hiking, jogging, tennis, dancing and climbing stairs, are excellent for strengthening bones.

Muscle-strengthening exercises are also important because your muscles and bones work in tandem. As your muscles grow stronger from exercise, they pull on your bones, encouraging them to get stronger to support the strain on your muscles. According to BHOF, lifting weights, resistance exercises with elastic bands, yoga and Pilates are great for improving strength, balance and flexibility, which can help prevent falls as you age.

3. Skip the cigarette

Smoking is detrimental to your overall health and specifically increases your risk of weakened bones. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies suggest tobacco use has been linked to decreased bone density and increased fracture risks.

Smoking also increases common risk factors that contribute to osteoporosis. For example, the NIH notes that smokers tend to be thinner, drink more, are less physically active and have poor diets compared to nonsmokers. All of these factors increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

4. Decrease drinking

Drinking too much alcohol is associated with many health problems, including osteoporosis. According to NIH, excessive drinking throws off calcium balance and the production of vitamin D.

Alcohol can also affect your balance and gait, which is why people with alcoholism tend to fall more frequently. Heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of fractures, especially hip fractures. To maintain healthy bones and prevent falling, BHOF recommends limiting your alcohol consumption to 2-3 drinks per day.

5. Talk to your doctor

In addition to making healthy life choices, you should talk with your doctor about a bone density scan. This is especially important for men: unlike women, who are recommended to get a bone density scan after age 65, the NIH notes that men are often not diagnosed until a fracture occurs or the man complains of back pain.

Additionally, if you have osteoporosis and are at risk of a fracture, your doctor may also recommend medication.

Many patients with osteoporosis receive antiresorptive treatment, which slows down bone loss. It’s also critical to rebuild the bone lost by increasing bone mineral density—a measure of the amount of mineral in your bones.

TYMLOS^® (abaloparatide) is a treatment option to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for bone fracture, or who cannot use another osteoporosis treatment or other osteoporosis treatments did not work well. TYMLOS^® is also approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for bone fracture, or who cannot use another osteoporosis treatment or other osteoporosis treatments did not work well. To learn more about this treatment, visit Tymlos.com.

Using these five tips for men’s bone health, you can help protect your bones as you age and reduce your risk of life-altering fractures.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TYMLOS?

TYMLOS may cause serious side effects including:

Possible bone cancer (osteosarcoma). During animal drug testing, TYMLOS caused some rats to develop a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. It is not known if people who take TYMLOS will have a higher chance of getting osteosarcoma.

• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your bones, pain in any areas of your body that does not go away, or any new or unusual lumps or swelling under your skin that is tender to touch.

Do not take TYMLOS:

• if you had an allergic reaction to abaloparatide or any of the other ingredients in TYMLOS. The inactive ingredients in TYMLOS are phenol, sodium acetate trihydrate, acetic acid, and water for injection.

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

• have Paget’s disease of the bone or other bone disease.
• have or have had any of the following: cancer in your bones; radiation therapy involving your bones; too much calcium in your blood; or an increase in your parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism).
• will have trouble injecting yourself with the TYMLOS pen and do not have someone who can help you.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, because TYMLOS is not for pregnant women, or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TYMLOS passes into your breast milk; you should not take TYMLOS and breastfeed.
  

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

What are the possible side effects of TYMLOS?

TYMLOS can cause serious side effects including:

• Decrease in blood pressure when you change positions. Some people may feel dizzy, have a faster heartbeat, or feel lightheaded soon after the TYMLOS injection is given. These symptoms generally go away within a few hours. Take your injection of TYMLOS in a place where you can sit or lie down right away if you get these symptoms. If your symptoms get worse or do not go away, stop taking TYMLOS and call your healthcare provider.
• Increased blood calcium (hypercalcemia). TYMLOS can cause some people to have a higher blood calcium level than normal. Your healthcare provider may check your blood calcium before you start and during your treatment with TYMLOS. Tell your healthcare provider if you have nausea, vomiting, constipation, low energy, or muscle weakness. These may be signs there is too much calcium in your blood.
• Increased urine calcium (hypercalciuria). TYMLOS can cause some people to have higher levels of calcium in their urine than normal. Increased calcium may also cause you to develop kidney stones (urolithiasis) in your kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any symptoms of kidney stones which may include pain in your lower back or lower stomach area, pain when you urinate, or blood in your urine.

The most common side effects of TYMLOS in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis include:

• dizziness, nausea, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling tired (fatigue), upper stomach pain, and spinning feeling (vertigo).

The most common side effects of TYMLOS in men with osteoporosis include:

• redness at injection site, dizziness, joint pain, swelling at injection site, pain at injection site, bruising, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and bone pain.

These are not all the possible side effects of TYMLOS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use TYMLOS?

• Read the complete Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.
• If you take more TYMLOS than prescribed you may experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, low energy, headache, nausea, dizziness (especially when getting up after sitting for a while), and a faster heartbeat. Stop taking TYMLOS and call your healthcare provider right away.
• You should not use TYMLOS for more than 2 years over your lifetime.

What is TYMLOS?

TYMLOS is a prescription medicine used to:

• Treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for bone fracture, or who cannot use another osteoporosis treatment or other osteoporosis treatments did not work well. TYMLOS can decrease the chance of having a fracture of the spine and other bones in postmenopausal women with thinning and weakening bones (osteoporosis).
• Increase bone density in men with osteoporosis who are at high risk for bone fracture, or who cannot use another osteoporosis treatment or other osteoporosis treatments did not work well.

It is not known if TYMLOS is safe and effective for children and young adults 18 years and younger. TYMLOS should not be used in children and young adults whose bones are still growing.

Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

ADVERTISEMENT Sponsored by Radius Health.

©2023 Radius Health, Inc. TYMLOS and Radius are registered trademarks of Radius Health, Inc. TYM-US-05447 05/23

2023-05-07T23:01:00

(BPT) – Warm weather is quickly approaching, and there’s no better time to kick off a new wellness routine as you prepare for three months of fun in the sun. Improve your lifestyle just in time for summer by making smarter choices and simple swaps when it comes to snacking, meals and fitness habits.

To help you get started, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., who has partnered with and endorsed the Quest brand, offers a few practical suggestions on ways to continue enjoying the flavors you love while also sticking to your overall wellness goals.

1. Start swapping your snacks now

Making a few simple swaps that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine will make a big difference come summer.

“Chips and guacamole may seem like the perfect warm-weather pairing, but those high-carb dippers can add up fast, possibly making energy levels tank,” said Kirkpatrick.

Instead, keep the healthy fat that guacamole provides, but swap out the dipper. For example, the new Quest Hot & Spicy Protein Chips pack plenty of the flavor and crunch that you want in a snack, without a ton of carbs. They can even add to your protein content for the day, with 19 grams of protein per bag.

2. Take advantage of seasonal produce

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the bounty that nature has to offer. Salads are the perfect meal when tasty, fresh local produce becomes widely available and backyard gardens start producing.

“If your salads were getting a little ho-hum over the winter, now’s the time to spruce them up and get creative by experimenting with a wider variety of fresh ingredients,” Kirkpatrick noted. “Get the whole family involved by growing an edible garden together or visiting your local farmers market for inspiration.”

Swap the romaine you used all winter for arugula, and switch out the dried cranberries you were piling on for hempseed or shredded radishes. Soon you’ll be able to mix in even more fresh colors and flavors with ripe blueberries or strawberries. Consider adding more herbs to your salads, too. Search for fresh basil and mint at your farmers market or grow some of your own!

“Get a protein boost by adding chicken and shrimp fresh off the grill, or hard-boiled eggs and garbanzo beans when you need something quick,” says Kirkpatrick.

3. Make simple lifestyle changes

Better health can start today by following new wellness routines. Start by eating more colorful veggies and fruits every day (so you’re getting more phytonutrients), focus on better sleep — aim for seven hours a night — and start moving more whenever possible.

The warmer weather and extended daylight hours provide the ideal opportunity to fit more activity into each day. Start today and get your fitness level up by signing up for a short race, or spend time swimming, cycling or walking outdoors with friends and family.

“The best thing about the warmer months is that you don’t have to spend all your time cooped up in the gym to improve your fitness,” added Kirkpatrick. “Spending more time outdoors, whether you’re playing with the kids or working in the yard, will help you become more active.”

Visit QuestNutrition.com for more snacking options as you enjoy the warm weather.

2023-05-05T05:01:00

(BPT) – Not loving your love handles? Need a little help toning your baby belly?

The new truBody^® body sculpting product line offers everything you need to reshape your trouble spots without the downsides of going off carbs, taking pills or injections, or spending countless hours at the gym with a personal trainer.

This award-winning body-shaping technology can address your problem areas with 15-minute treatment options that are customized for your shape to deliver effective results. Ideal for busy lifestyles and those who want help getting to their body goals faster, the new truBody helps you go beyond your best.

Dr. Elise Grenier, owner of The G Spa in San Francisco, CA, is impressed with the dramatic outcomes that can be achieved for her patients. “We are seeing tremendous benefits by incorporating both truBody devices together, Monopolar Radiofrequency and Multi-Directional Stimulation, truSculpt^® and truFlex^TM. Since the treatments are non-invasive with zero downtime, patients can go back to work or get on with their day immediately following their treatment sessions with us. These non-invasive treatments will fit easily into anyone’s busy schedule with ease so both women and men will stick with the program to get the results they are looking for.”

“truBody allows our practice to give clients personalized results that improve their physical and mental well-being. We love that there is no recovery time needed after any of the treatments. We are able to target multiple areas with different applicators within the same session, thus reducing the number of treatment sessions, time and visits to be scheduled around their daily activities,” says Dr. Grenier.

Customization is key, and truBody allows you to hone in on the areas you’ve been struggling to define. Treat your abs and flanks (love handles) with truSculpt fat reduction, for an average of 24% reduction in fat in one treatment¹. Shape, tone and define your abs, butt and thighs with truFlex, boasting 54,000 muscle contractions in just 15 minutes. According to Katie Werbowski, Director of Brand Strategy and Development at Skin Spa New York, “We are getting incredible body sculpting results for our clients with truBody, both fat reduction and muscle toning, because it is so customizable. We often start at only 30% of truFlex’s power which has been a game changer for those looking to take their body sculpting to the next level.”

“By providing highly effective combination treatments, our clients love the addition of a body device that allows them to treat multiple areas simultaneously targeting both fat and muscle. The Trim & Tone treatment protocol has been a long-awaited solution for those who have limited time,” says Ms. Werbowski.

“This treatment is much more than just a body contouring device. The next generation truBody technology helps our patients establish goals to create better habits for their overall health. They are encouraged to drink more water and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the treatment plan to maximize results, and many or most of them stick with these changes long after their last treatments,” says Dr. Grenier.

“We can help our patients achieve the body of their dreams without surgery or downtime, and they are loving the results,” she says.

Find a truBody provider near you today!

¹ Somenek MT, Ronan SJ, Pittman TA. Lasers Surg Med. 2021;53(3):337- 343

² Nye R, Hoffmeister A. The process of muscle hypertrophy utilizing a novel bio-electrical muscle stimulation device [white paper, Cutera Inc.]. 1/2020

2023-05-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – No matter where you live, biking is a great way to get outdoors and be active. Whether it’s for pleasure, to exercise or for commuting purposes, biking has numerous physical and mental benefits — the key is to do it safely.

“Biking is a low-impact resistance exercise that is great for building muscles, improving coordination and increasing mobility, but just like any physical activity, biking comes with risks. Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, concussions, muscle strains and sprains. You can significantly lower that risk by taking safety precautions and following the rules of the road,” said Amy L. McIntosh, MD, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon, Scottish Rite for Children, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

May is National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of bicycle safety all year long. The AAOS shares the following information about bicycle injury prevention and strategies for how you and your family can stay safe.

Common bicycle injuries

There were more than 325,000 preventable bike-related injuries in the U.S. in 2020, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Bruises and minor cuts are usually the leading types of injuries involving bicycles, followed by fractures, muscle strains and sprains. However, serious injuries, including death, do occur. According to the NSC, there were nearly 1,260 preventable bicycle-related deaths in 2020.

Helmet safety

No matter what your age or level of experience, you should wear a helmet every time you bike. Cuts, bruises and even broken bones will heal, but damage to your brain can be permanent. Even a low-speed fall can result in serious head injury. When choosing a helmet, make sure it is:

• Snug — It should not slide from side-to-side or front-to-back.
• Level — It should be square on top of your head, covering the top of the forehead. It should not tilt in any direction.
• Stable — The chin strap keeps the helmet from rocking in any direction. Chin straps should be replaced if any part of the buckle breaks. Otherwise, a helmet may fly off in an accident.

Road safety rules

When biking, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road. Start by familiarizing yourself with the bicycle rules of the road in your city or state, and do not ride if you are looking at your phone or mobile device. Pull over to the side to change your music, check your map or answer a call. Ride in the direction of traffic and always follow traffic signs and lights. Signal your turns or your intentions so that drivers can anticipate your actions, and if you are riding with others, ride in single file.

“Staying alert and aware of your surroundings — even when traffic appears light — can help bicyclists to prevent musculoskeletal injuries,” added Dr. McIntosh.

Choose bike routes wisely

Avoid riding on high-traffic roads and instead select streets with fewer and slower cars. Whenever possible, choose streets with designated bicycle lanes. If there is not a bicycle lane, ride on the right shoulder of the road. When a street lane is too narrow for a vehicle and bicycle to safely ride side by side, or if there are several parked cars on the street, you will need to join traffic and ride toward the center of the road.

Pace yourself and prevent injuries

Cycling can be vigorous exercise, so make sure you are fit enough to participate before you start pedaling. Make sure you understand how to use the gears on your bike to help control your physical exertion level. Additionally, change riding positions periodically to reduce stress on pressure points and avoid overstressing muscles. Finally, stay hydrated by bringing water, especially on longer rides.

Supervise young riders

Whether it’s their first ride or they’ve been cycling for a few years, younger riders benefit from someone watching and advising them. Younger children or people just learning to ride should only do so away from moving vehicles and traffic. New riders may need reminders to avoid distracted cycling.

To learn more about bike safety and injury prevention, visit OrthoInfo.org.

2023-05-01T10:31:00

(BPT) – If you’re searching for tips on how to improve what you eat, you’ll often be met with information that’s more confusing than helpful. To help solve this mystery, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Amy Shapiro shares not only what she advises her clients to eat, but what she reaches for each day, including her favorite sources of protein.

Up your protein intake at meals

Your body needs protein to help maintain, build, and repair muscle, bones, skin, hair and other basic functions, so it’s important to look for ways to boost your intake at every meal. But what are the best sources of protein?

“My favorite protein sources include cold water fish like tuna, which provides omega 3 fatty acids, plus organic poultry, grass-fed beef, beans and legumes, organic tofu, tempeh, eggs, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese,” Shapiro notes. “All of them provide roughly 7 grams of protein per ounce and contain limited amounts of saturated fat, which you want to eat less of, because saturated fat causes cholesterol to increase, which can lead to heart disease.”

Snacks are an underused opportunity to boost protein

Protein is digested slowly to keep you feeling satisfied longer, without increasing blood sugar levels. By integrating more protein into your snacks, you’ll have more energy and will feel fuller between meals, which can help prevent cravings and overeating.

While you may not immediately think of protein sources when snack time rolls around, Shapiro offers several suggestions for easy, tasty, and portable options that can help add more essential nutrients to your day.

“The best snack choices provide the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition and quality,” says Shapiro.

For busy families, Shapiro recommends protein snacks that can easily be taken on-the-go including:

• Beef jerky
• Beef sticks
• Sealed pack tuna
• Whole grain and seed crackers
• Greek yogurt
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cheese sticks
• Crunchy edamame

Pair proteins with fresh produce

To get the nutrients your body needs to thrive, Shapiro recommends including as many different colors of fresh produce as you can, every day.

“Fill up your crisper drawers. You can find fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit at most grocers, but I love a good farmers market haul where the food tastes fresh and the seasonal ingredients are abundant,” says Shapiro. “Pair your proteins and produce, such as hummus and veggies, for a hit of fiber, or a beef stick with bright citrus fruit to support hunger and cravings.”

Choosing the best meat-based proteins

When it comes to beef, there are two main options: grain-fed and grass-fed. Shapiro says that the benefit of choosing 100% grass-fed beef is that it is leaner and has a lower saturated fat content than grain-fed beef. Due to its lower fat content, grass-fed beef is also lower in calories than grain-fed options. Grass-fed beef also has higher omega-3 fatty acids that could help lower bad cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Options include 100% lean ground beef, 100% grass-fed steak and 100% grass-fed beef jerky.

For snacking in-transit, Shapiro opts for protein snacks from Lorissa’s Kitchen, including their 100% grass-fed Beef Sticks (Original and Jalapeno flavors) and Beef Strips (Original and Korean Barbecue flavors). Lorissa’s Kitchen snacks are a good source of protein, gluten free and contain no preservatives, added nitrites or nitrates. Even better, they deliver on the taste, nutrition and convenience families are looking for. Stock up on their Mini Beef Stick Snack Packs or 1-ounce single serve sticks for a lightweight snack that’s ready to go wherever you’re going, whether that’s work or a workout, a sporting event or a road trip.

“Beef jerky and sticks made from grass-fed beef are an easy, on-the-go snack option that can help fuel you throughout the day, and are good for post-workout recovery,” adds Shapiro. “Whole foods are a must, but when convenience and ease are top of mind, portable snacks like jerky and beef sticks made with grass-fed beef are great choices.”

Looking for more snacking tips? Visit LorissasKitchen.com/blog.

2023-05-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – This content is sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and is intended for U.S. audiences only. Debra is an actual patient who is taking RADICAVA^® (edaravone).

The information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Individual results may vary. Please see Important Safety Information below, full Prescribing Information and Patient Information on Radicava.com.

Who I Am and How I Find Joy

I retired after working for 30 years in the medical field. I’m used to being the one everyone turns to for care, so having ALS and accepting help has been a real adjustment for me.

I try to focus on the important things beyond my ALS. One thing that brings me much joy is spending time with my new grandbaby. She’s 20 months old and being with her reminds me how precious every day on this earth really is.

My Journey to ALS Diagnosis

Around six months prior to being diagnosed, I’d lost 60 pounds and couldn’t swallow. My doctor in Nashville did a scope to see what the diagnosis could be. After the scope she woke me right up and said, “Debra, I think it’s ALS.” So, mentally I prepared myself to hear the news as best as I could — but I don’t think you can truly be ready for that kind of diagnosis.

My husband was with me the day I was diagnosed, and he asked the physician “What can we do?” The physician told him “You just need to take her home and enjoy every minute.” My husband is very supportive, and my family has been right there with me at every step.

Learning How to “Embrace My Now” and Live My Life with ALS

I have Bulbar ALS, so my speech is affected, which I sometimes feel insecure about. But that doesn’t stop me from living my life and doing the things that make me happy. I “Embrace My Now” by enjoying being outside, tending to the garden, and planting new seeds. Today, I’m lucky that I’m still able to drive and do everything I need to do.

Thankfully, I get a lot of support from important people in my life, like the nurse practitioner I see for my ALS care. She’s somebody who really listens, and I’m so happy with the help she gives me. And after my diagnosis, my sister and I have become very close. She’s my go-to person who listens when I need to talk, and she’s been a huge source of support. She’s my ride-or-die partner.

How I Chose to Focus on Fighting

I went back to work the day after I was diagnosed and didn’t really accept that I had ALS. But being in the medical field for over 30 years helped me research the disease and options available. It was then that I chose to fight every day and not quit. Everybody’s journey is different, but I decided to get up every day and keep going.

How I Found RADICAVA^® and Started on RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone)

In my research about ALS treatments, I found out about RADICAVA^®. I spoke to my doctor about wanting to try it, and she agreed it would be a good option for me, so I began taking Radicava^® IV infusions in 2019.

Talk to your doctor to see if RADICAVA^® is right for you.

I kept up with the latest research and knew when the oral form — RADICAVA ORS^® — got approved. I was very excited by the news, so I contacted my doctor and asked her if I was a candidate to switch. She said yes, and I recently started RADICAVA ORS^®.

RADICAVA ORS^® really fits into my life’s routines. I’d encourage people with ALS to talk with their doctor about RADICAVA^®.

Want to learn more about RADICAVA^® Watch the How RADICAVA^® May Help video at HowRadicavaMayHelp.com.

Individual results may vary. RADICAVA^® is shown to slow the loss of physical function as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R).

Talk to your doctor about all the benefits and risks associated with treatment.

RADICAVA IV and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) IV or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA IV and RADICAVA ORS.

Please See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information and Patient Information on RADICAVA.com.

My Experience with RADICAVA ORS^®

Knowing that a lot of people with ALS already use RADICAVA^® made me feel more comfortable to start treatment. My doctor tells me how much RADICAVA ORS^® to take and how often to take it. I follow the same schedule I did with infusions — 10 days on and then off for 2 weeks. With the oral treatment, I don’t have to sit and wait for an infusion to go in, so I think it’s a lot more comfortable for me. I also like that it shakes up well and is convenient for me to take at home. If I could sum up the experience of switching from RADICAVA^® IV to RADICAVA ORS^®, it would be streamlined administration.

I make sure to follow these instructions my doctor told me:

• Take RADICAVA ORS^® first thing every morning after fasting overnight
• Wait at least 1 hour after taking it before eating or drinking anything except water
• RADICAVA ORS^® should be stored upright at room temperature between 68°F-77°F and protected from light
• Read the Instructions for Use before you take RADICAVA ORS^®

My Advice to Others Living with ALS

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about what options are available to you. Everybody’s journey is different with ALS, and everybody progresses at different levels. I don’t know any other people that have ALS, so hearing others’ stories was really helpful for me to not feel so alone. I wanted to share my story because I know it will help people like me who need to hear others’ experiences.

If you want to hear more from me, you can watch my video at DebraALSStory.com.

Sharing My Story
When I was diagnosed with ALS, I was lucky to have people in my personal life, like my sister and husband, that I could talk to about my thoughts and feelings. I’m grateful for their support but hearing from others living with ALS about their treatment experience through the Share Your Story program has been comforting. The Share Your Story program allows real people living with ALS and/or their caregivers to share their own experiences of living with ALS and why treatment with RADICAVA^® or RADICAVA ORS^® matters to them.

Interested in sharing your story about ALS and RADICAVA^®? Learn more about participating in the Share Your Story program at ShareYourALSStory.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS.

Before you take RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma.
• are allergic to other medicines.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS passes into your breastmilk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS or breastfeed.

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

What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS?

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS may cause serious side effects, including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

• Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA or taking RADICAVA ORS and can happen after your medicine has been given.
• RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects and allergic reactions.

The most common side effects include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch or Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058.

INDICATION
RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

For more information, including full Prescribing Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com.

RADICAVA^® and RADICAVA ORS^® are registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.

© 2023 Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. All rights reserved.

CP-OE-US-0494 4/23