Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-04-18T04:01:00

(BPT) – For many, the longer days, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers of spring and summer bring a renewed sense of energy and motivation to paint the garage or freshen up the garden. However, it is also the perfect time of the year to devote your energy to personal health and wellness improvement projects.

To prepare for the warmer seasons ahead, Dr. Leah Joseph, a board-certified primary care physician at Teladoc Health, the world’s largest telehealth company, shares her top tips for upgrading health and wellness routines.

Tidy up your sleep schedule

People tend to appreciate the longer days of spring and summer. But more early morning sunshine, along with life’s other distractions, can wreak havoc on sleep schedules.

Joseph recommends that people prioritize getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night and stresses that consistency is the key to reaping the rewards of a good night’s rest. “Establishing a sleep schedule that conditions your body to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends, helps your body get into a natural rhythm,” she says. “To get into a routine, try setting a bedtime alert on your phone or placing a note next to your TV to remind you of your bedtime.”

And when interruptions and sleepless nights do happen, people shouldn’t dwell on it because the stress can make it even harder to get back into a sleep rhythm. Joseph recommends accepting the interruption as a temporary lapse and trying again for better sleep the next night.

Dig into your diet

More sun and rising temperatures make it easier to find fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables, staples of a healthy diet. Eating plenty of whole foods, including vegetables and fruits, can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, help with digestion problems and have a positive effect on blood sugar, which can help keep appetites under control.

“Focus on what you can control around healthy eating choices and learn to adapt to things outside of your power,” suggests Joseph. “Look for chances to add color to your plate with fruits and veggies and cook with fresh ingredients when you can.”

In addition to support from your primary care physician, registered nutritionists and dietitians can help design a healthy eating strategy with the right mix of whole foods. In many cases, meeting with dietary experts can be done easily and conveniently online.

Take it outside

Joseph says one of the most important things you can do for your overall health is to prioritize getting enough physical activity. Getting daily exercise doesn’t have to be intense or complicated. Taking a quick walk around the neighborhood or local park can have significant benefits for everyone, no matter an individual’s fitness level.

“If you can, find a partner to help keep you motivated to move,” recommends Joseph. “Ask friends and family to work out with you, and make it unique to you. They’ll help you stay on track, and you’ll have more fun doing it.”

She advises that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, and that people need to try different activities until they find at least one that they enjoy enough to engage in regularly.

Pick up with your primary care provider

It is always easier to stay on top of health goals and priorities with an expert by your side. Your primary care provider (PCP) can help navigate every aspect of health and wellness, from a new health goal to a new health diagnosis.

Scheduling an appointment with a PCP is the best way to stay on top of health needs. Regular check-ins are key to disease prevention, controlling common chronic diseases, mental wellness and coordinating testing and specialist care, when it’s needed.

“Too often, I see that people wait to see a doctor until there is an issue or an emergency,” commented Joseph. “With regular visits, I can establish relationships with my patients and help them identify any potential concerns early and often. It saves a lot of time and pain down the road.”

While it may seem time-consuming to schedule and attend regular appointments, new digital tools — like virtual care — are making it easier than ever to check in with a PCP, wherever and whenever is convenient for you. Plus, companies like Teladoc Health offer access to primary care, chronic care, dermatology, nutrition services and more, all from one place, to help you seamlessly keep up with every aspect of your health.

2023-04-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – For families raising cattle, their livelihood depends on the land, and protecting the natural resources they rely on is key to sustaining both the land and the way of life. While sustainability is top of mind every April as Earth Day approaches, beef farmers and ranchers across the country have been dedicated to sustainability for decades, which is why the U.S. produces the most sustainable beef in the world[i].

While a dedication to caring for the land is common among beef producers, the practices they employ are different, developed and adapted over time to match the environment and land they depend on.

In honor of Earth Day, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights three recent winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award, working to raise beef and care for the land in very different parts of the country.

The foundation: Soil health

For five generations, the Jorgensen family in Ideal, South Dakota, has depended on soil to help provide nutrients to their grazing cattle. “Soil health is a principal part of everything we do in our operation,” said Brian Jorgensen, chief agronomy operations officer at Jorgensen Land and Cattle. “So we have to do everything we can to sustain and build the health of that soil.”

Toward that aim, they practice rotational grazing, aided by modern technology: “We’ve been supplementing rotational grazing with a GPS grazing collar,” explained Nick Jorgensen, CEO. “That way, we can graze cattle where you can’t put in a fence. We can also graze spots of land on our property that we may have never used before.”

This innovative use of technology ensures no land is overgrazed — and every area is grazed by cattle that help break up the soil crust, encouraging seed-to-soil contact, stimulating plant growth and successfully converting fibrous plants into energy and protein.

“Sustainability has been an important part of our operation for decades,” added Nick. “It’s going to be what powers us into the future.”

Water is life

One mile north of the Horicorn Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, owners of Huth Polled Hereford and S&H Livestock Enterprises in Oakfield, Wisconsin, understand the importance of water.

“The Horicon Marsh is one of the largest marsh systems in the U.S.,” explained Jerry Huth, co-owner. “The challenge we face is containing the animals so their runoff doesn’t get into the streams that enter the marsh. We’re very sensitive about having grass buffer strips that absorb runoff from the fields or the cattle.”

They focus on limiting erosion as a crucial conservation effort. “One way to prevent phosphates going into your water source is to increase the forage density and limit erosion,” said Joshua Scharf, co-owner. “You’re also sequestering carbon while you’re doing that. Clean water benefits wildlife, cattle and humans.”

The company was one of the first to graze cattle on Wisconsin’s public lands, which helped manage vegetation. “When we first took cattle out there, it was woody vegetation over my head. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was burning and spraying chemicals to control it, and they’ve not done that since we’ve had cattle out there,” continued Scharf. “After the first year, you could start seeing grasses pop through. There was a lot of clover and a lot of legumes, that are desirable for cattle and also for wildlife.”

Their efforts offer a great example of people working together with state and federal agencies to create beneficial land for livestock and wildlife alike.

Restoring the ecosystem

Out west, invasive species like pinion and juniper can soak up large amounts of ground water, impeding its flow. The Fulstone family, founders of Fulstone Ranches in Smith Valley, Nevada, have learned these lessons since their family’s arrival in the 1850s.

“We’ve done a lot of work removing pinion and juniper trees, which has improved the grass and the environment for cattle and for sage grouse,” said rancher Annette Fulstone.

Their work includes habitat restoration where erosion caused previously wet meadows to dry out. “The landscape came back from being a washed-out dry creek bed to this lush meadow,” added Emily Fulstone, Annette’s niece. “My dream for the future is to continue working on our regenerative practices to be more sustainable in every aspect.”

The Fulstone family aims to preserve the land for generations to come. “Our cattle are very beneficial to the land. We’re probably raising one of the best sources of protein you can in this environment,” said Steven Fulstone, Emily’s father and Annette’s brother. “It’s a renewable resource, and probably the best use of the land.”

To learn more about these and the other 2022 award winners visit EnvironmentalStewardship.org, or visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com to learn more about how cattle are raised across the country.

2023-04-14T15:15:00

(BPT) – At age 47, Jamie loves to exercise, running during the summer and going to the gym to work out during the winter. Between running and weightlifting, Jamie is active, strong and energetic enough to keep up with her four boys. Even with her active lifestyle, she has struggled with cellulite since her teenage years.

“I noticed cellulite back in high school, and I would wear leggings under my jeans to offset the dimples in my legs,” said Jamie. “I have dresses in my wardrobe that I’ve never worn, and shorts sitting in my closet. I just don’t have the confidence to wear them because of my cellulite.”

What Jamie didn’t know was that her cellulite has nothing to do with her lifestyle or habits, and up to 90% of women have it, though most women don’t like to talk about it. Many women don’t know exactly what it is, or what causes it, thinking it has something to do with diet and exercise — which are common misconceptions.

Jamie is just one of many women who are impacted by cellulite throughout their lives. For some women, cellulite can have a significant emotional impact, influencing decisions about the clothes they choose to wear, activities they choose to do and even how they perceive themselves. However, having cellulite shouldn’t stop you from wearing and doing what you want.

Cellulite is complicated

What exactly is cellulite? While the answer is complex, the good news is that cellulite does not result from something you did or didn’t do — and it’s not your fault if you have it. Cellulite is thought to be based more on genetics and hormones.

Research shows that a major underlying cause of cellulite dimples are septa — fibrous bands that tether the skin to the structures below. More recently, research was done that found the septa actually form a complicated, honeycomb-like structure that is much more complex than historically understood. Septa are different for each woman, and can also be different in various parts of the body. Some septa are good — and serve a purpose — but in certain parts of the body, it is believed they can stiffen and shrink over time, causing dimples on the buttocks or thighs that are commonly called cellulite.

Lasting results are possible

There are many different products and treatments claiming to fix cellulite, but many make promises to women they can’t deliver on, approaching cellulite blindly from the outside in.

Fortunately, a new, targeted approach with an FDA-cleared device called Avéli™ addresses cellulite from the inside out to deliver long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite after a single treatment. Avéli is a device used by a trained provider during a minimally invasive procedure performed with local anesthesia in the treatment area. It’s the only procedure where the provider can identify the culprit septa under the skin, and then confirm in real time that they are releasing those targeted septa. Women see a long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite dimples quickly after a single in-office procedure, with little to no downtime.

“Cellulite impacts almost all women across the globe and due to its complex structure, it has been historically tricky to treat,” said board-certified dermatologist Anna Paré, MD. “An in-office treatment I can do in about an hour, Avéli releases the fibrous bands causing dimples to improve the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks and thighs. Women can anticipate starting to see initial results in the days following the procedure.”

During recovery, you may experience bruising, soreness and tenderness within the first thirty days. Rest is recommended post-procedure, but typically you will be back to normal activities in just a day or two and can resume more strenuous workouts within a couple weeks.

Start the cellulite conversation

If you’re one of the many women bothered by cellulite, and especially if you’ve tried other treatments with lackluster results, rest assured there are new options now available that will end that skepticism.

“As a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring, long-lasting cellulite reduction has been impossible to achieve, until now,” said Matthew Schulman, MD. “Avéli represents the missing piece for women looking to reduce the appearance of their cellulite dimples as a part of their lower body rejuvenation treatment plan — an increasing trend I’ve seen in my practice.”

Jamie chose Avéli to treat her cellulite, and she has been very satisfied with her results. “I’ve really noticed that I don’t have the dimples that I had before. I look in the mirror every day and am in awe,” she said. “For all the ladies out there that have suffered with cellulite for years and years like I have, this could be the procedure for you.”

It’s time to feel more comfortable talking about cellulite so you can take action like Jamie did. If it bothers you, bring it up with your medical aesthetics provider. For those looking to learn more, you can visit MyAveli.com or follow @aveli on Instagram to see real patient results. Hear more of Jamie’s story at https://youtu.be/rIva8r9DqSo.

Sources:

¹ Emanuele E. Cellulite: advances in treatment: facts and controversies. Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(6):725-30.
² Data on file. Revelle Aesthetics, Inc. 2021. Patient Quantitative Research Report, June 2021.
³ Stevens WG, Green JB, Layt C, et al. Multicenter Pivotal Study Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of a New Cellulite Procedure: Final Results at 12 Months [published online ahead of print, 2022 Nov 10]. Aesthet Surg J. 2022;sjac291.
⁴ Stevens WG, Green JB, Layt C, et al. Multicenter Pivotal Study Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of a New Cellulite Procedure: 3-Month Results [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jul 5]. Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Jul 5;sjac179. doi:10.1093/asj/sjac179.

2023-04-12T05:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know around 700 women die in the U.S. every year from pregnancy-related complications? The Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported on the status of maternal health, finding many areas of the healthcare system needing improvement to help ensure healthier pregnancies, safer delivery and better postpartum care. Because it has been determined that over 8 in 10 (84%) pregnancy-related deaths are actually preventable, many healthcare organizations, hospitals and lawmakers are seeking ways to improve maternal care. Confronting this issue directly, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has updated their practice guidelines for care before, during and after childbirth, using the most up-to-date science-based evidence to ensure that effective standardized protocols are in place nationwide.

The singular care provided by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly educated, trained and qualified anesthesia experts who provide 50 million anesthetics per year in the U.S., in every setting where anesthesia is delivered. They are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural settings, enabling facilities in medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, pain management and trauma stabilization services. Using their unique ability to combine the scientific rigor of the field of anesthesiology with the compassionate care integral to nursing, CRNAs aim to provide the highest quality overall care, and these new guidelines will help ensure that even in stressful life-threatening emergencies, each patient receives a consistent level of care — whether in a big city hospital or a small rural community.

AANA’s updated guidelines cover topics including physiologic changes during pregnancy, pre-anesthesia assessment and evaluation, patient education, preparing a plan of care, pain management and anesthesia options during labor, delivery and postpartum care, as well as complications and emergency care. AANA’s recommendations highlight care for high-risk patients, including those with hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia and obstetric complications, plus emergencies such as maternal hemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism.

“AANA’s new guidelines offer obstetric anesthesia providers current practice recommendations to support delivery of high-quality maternal care, thereby improving patient safety and patient outcomes,” said Beth Ann Clayton, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, professor of Clinical Nursing and the Nurse Anesthesia program director at the University of Cincinnati. “In an emergency, if clinicians do not have a protocol available, they may miss a step. These guidelines are in place to facilitate effective care decisions and enhance coordination among the anesthesia, obstetric and pediatric professionals to create an optimal environment for safe maternal and neonatal care.”

Addressing racial disparities

When it comes to maternal care, recent research shows that women of color, especially Black patients and those in underserved communities, are at an even higher risk of maternal mortality. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Black women experience pregnancy-related mortality rates about three times higher than white women. That number increases with maternal age: Black women between ages 30-34 have a four times higher rate of maternal mortality than white women.

Some research shows that Black women have higher morbidity rates partially because they are at significantly higher risk for serious pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. However, other factors leading to these racial and ethnic disparities include barriers to care due to lack of health insurance as well as hospital and obstetric unit closings in rural and underserved communities, plus inadequate treatment due to racism — from poor communication to outright mistreatment — as evidenced in research such as the Kaiser Family Foundation report.

Acknowledging that maternal health disparities exist, CRNAs aim to reduce maternal deaths, using prevention strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related mortality. These inequities are some of the main hurdles to good maternal care that AANA has worked to address with their updated guidelines.

“These new guidelines and their protocols promote equity of care. For example, when a patient has preeclampsia, direct steps for hypertension management can be taken,” said Clayton. “The document also highlights how CRNAs help drive change to reduce maternal-related deaths, implementing prevention strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities.”

CRNAs provide equitable, compassionate, holistic, patient-centered anesthesia, pain management and related care encompassing each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Learn more about their efforts to improve care for every patient at AANA.com.

2023-04-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – In the U.S., people want to improve their health, but many don’t know how. According to data from two national surveys designed by leading human genetics company 23andMe, 55% of people in the U.S. don’t feel healthy and 63% don’t feel in control of their health.*

Patients who want help addressing their medical concerns and improving their health often turn to their primary care physicians (PCPs) for support. However, while many people trust their doctors, they also feel there’s a gap in the care they want and receive.

When it comes to health care, people want more personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every person has different needs and requires tailored prevention plans that address their specific health concerns. One way to foster a more personalized approach and bridge this existing gap: Genetics.

The role of genetics in personalized care

The survey data showed that 62% of patients want tailored care advice, but only 36% say that’s what they’re getting. Creating a personal care plan can be difficult for health care professionals without a complete picture of an individual’s health. While you may tell your PCPs about your lifestyle choices and share past family and personal medical history, you can’t know all your future health risks. That’s where genetic testing can help.

On at least a weekly basis, many health care professionals encounter a clinical case where genetics plays a significant role, according to the survey findings. The data, which also captured physicians’ attitudes on DNA testing, found 62% of doctors felt that genetic testing could help them provide more individualized care plans. More than half feel using it could lead to better patient outcomes.

Patients agree. According to a survey of people’s attitudes on the role of genetic testing in tailored care plans, 75% of people in the U.S. said they’d be more likely to follow a doctor’s advice if they knew their genetic profile was used to personalize their care.

Bridging the gap

Health care professionals can develop targeted treatment and prevention plans for their patients by leveraging an individual’s DNA, medical history and lifestyle. According to 23andMe, most customers found they had an increased risk for at least one disease or health condition. Knowing this information is empowering, as a 2019 Health customer survey conducted by 23andMe found more than 3 out of 4 customers took a healthier action after receiving their reports.**

Because of genetic data, patients and doctors are more equipped than ever to realize the promise of health care that is tailored specifically to the individual. To learn more about how DNA testing can help build a healthier future together through genetics-based personalized care, visit 23andMe.com.

*Based on 2022 surveys, designed by 23andMe, Medscape and Material Holdings LLC, of approximately 1,000 doctors and approximately 1,500 patients.

**Based on a 2019 survey, designed by 23andMe and M/A/R/C Research, of approximately 1,000 23andMe Health + Ancestry customers.

2023-04-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout her life, Kim had no explanation for the recurrent, painful kidney stones she experienced. Growing up she and her doctors dismissed these stones and associated pain for other conditions like menstrual cramps and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It wasn’t until her sister Joy passed away from the same disease that Kim received answers in the form of an official diagnosis — Kim’s kidney stones were the result of a rare, inherited disease called primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1).

Kidney stones are a hallmark symptom of PH1. However, many people who experience recurrent stones in adulthood or even one kidney stone as a child do not consider or investigate a root cause, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and further complications. After watching her sister’s progressive PH1 symptoms, Kim is determined to ensure her sister’s memory lives on by sharing PH1 education and her own disease journey. Here’s some information to know about PH1, including signs and symptoms, to better understand what to look for and when to potentially suspect this rare disease.

What is PH1?

PH1 causes an overproduction of oxalate — an unneeded waste product that cannot be broken down further — in the liver. Normally, oxalate is present only in small amounts, is not used by the body for anything and needs to be eliminated by the kidneys. The overproduction of oxalate can lead to the formation of painful and recurrent kidney stones as well as progressive damage — meaning it can get worse over time and cause permanent damage.

How rare is PH1?

As a rare disease, PH1 affects approximately 1 to 3 individuals per million in the United States and Europe, with an estimated 1,300 to 2,100 diagnosed cases across geographies. In some regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa, the genetic prevalence of PH1 is estimated to be higher.

After getting diagnosed with PH1, Kim took a genealogy test that showed she is, in part, of Middle Eastern descent, giving her a higher likelihood of having PH1. Knowing this helped fuel her vigorous research to learn about disease management options, especially since she and her siblings are more likely to have PH1 due to their ancestry.

What are the common symptoms of PH1?

Most people with PH1 have their first symptoms as children or teens, but some people don’t have signs until they’re adults. Kidney stones are the most common symptom of PH1, which may include pain in the side of the body, painful and/or bloody urination and urinary tract infections. However, not everyone with PH1 may have kidney stones. Other symptoms of PH1 include, but are not limited to, nephrocalcinosis (crystal deposits in kidney tissue), failure to thrive in babies and end-stage kidney disease (kidney failure).

Kim was not the first person in her family to experience kidney stones. In fact, this seemingly common symptom ran in her family. Her brother passed away at birth due to crystallization in his kidneys, and her sister also experienced kidney stones, among other PH1 symptoms, throughout her life. Their symptoms were undiagnosed by doctors for years until they received a formal diagnosis later in life — which unfortunately, was too late in her sister’s battle with PH1.

How are patients diagnosed with PH1, and how can they manage a positive diagnosis?

PH1 can be diagnosed by a doctor measuring oxalate levels in the urine or blood, and/or with a genetic test. While managing PH1 is life long, there are various ways to address the symptoms. A person diagnosed with PH1 should work with their doctor or care team to create a personalized care plan, which likely would include monitoring oxalate levels and kidney function. Management options include hyperhydration (drinking a lot of water to dilute urinary calcium oxalate), dialysis (removing oxalate and other waste products from the blood) and certain supplements or oxalate-lowering medications.

How often are people diagnosed with PH1?

For many patients, like Kim, PH1 is not diagnosed immediately. Half of people living with PH1 may be undiagnosed. Unfortunately, Kim’s sister was also diagnosed later in life and, due to the delayed diagnosis, developed severe oxalosis throughout her body, including in her legs and heart before passing away.

Today, Kim is passionate about telling her story, so she was happy to be sponsored to share her story with Alnylam. She also advocates for herself and others with PH1. To learn more about PH1 and access educational resources about the symptoms and management of PH1, visit www.TakeOnPH1.com. If you suspect you may have PH1, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and testing.

A message from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

PH1-USA-00257-V1

2023-04-03T06:01:00

(BPT) – Bathrooms are frequently used spaces in a home that are brimming with design potential. Plus, these smaller rooms are ideal to experiment with new aesthetics and unique features. Incorporating unexpected elements in your bathroom’s design can add character and interest, while still creating a functional space you’ll love.

Consider these tips to help you incorporate unexpected design into your own bathroom:

Experimental color: Rather than traditional white or neutral color schemes, try strategically incorporating rich colors or patterns. Colorful tiles, a bold accent wall or brightly hued towels are just a few examples. Wallpaper is another way to add color and pattern, with modern options available appropriate for the more humid bathroom environment. Not only will pops of color make the space more visually interesting, but it will also create a joyful atmosphere in the bathroom.

Glam glass: The sink is the ideal location to feature this luxe material. Inspired by a Champagne glass, the Salute vessel sink by Kohler is artistic and elegant — and at 15 inches is ideal for small spaces, making an impression extending well beyond its stature. If you prefer an undermount, rectangular glass sink, the Yepsen Artist Editions sink is for you. Reminiscent of the carved textures on marble and architectural facades, it’s available in both translucent and opaque colorways.

Mixed materials: Blending complementary textures and materials adds depth to a space in a subtle yet unexpected way. For example, pairing a sleek and modern shower with a vintage clawfoot tub can create a unique and eclectic feel. Adding natural elements such as wood or stone can also add interest to the room, creating a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.

Modern metals: The right metals elevate and define a faucet and bathroom accessories, refining its overall look. Thanks to the Kohler Finish Program, you don’t have to feel limited in your choices. The program offers eight key finishes across product categories, including matte black, brushed modern brass, French gold, vibrant titanium and more. Plus, these finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing to ensure enduring beauty for years to come.

Curated decor: A great way to create an unexpected design in your bathroom is by curating interesting decorations. Look for pieces that show off your style, but be sure not to go overboard with the clutter. One or two pieces of art or sculpture are plenty for the average bathroom space. A pro tip: Use walls and vertical spaces for art rather than taking up valuable countertop space.

Statement pieces: Invest in remarkable pieces that attract the eye, like the new Aureus Artist Editions Vessel sink that mixes two design inspirations — Asian art and marble. The Asian art Kintsukuroi, which means golden repair, is the process of fixing broken pottery with lacquer resin dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum. In looking at marble, the sink draws inspiration from the natural veining patterns. Combined, these influences evoke contemporary design with bold veins and subtle hints of gold and brown.

Elevated lighting: Instead of relying only on harsh overhead lighting, consider incorporating more ambient lighting throughout the bathroom space. This could be achieved by adding new lighting elements or installing dimmer switches. Flexible lighting options in visually appealing fixtures create an environment that is as fashionable as it is functional. Whether you want soft light for a long soak or bright light to prep for the day, you will have options.

When it comes to home design, bathrooms are just as important as any other room. By incorporating unexpected design in these frequently used rooms, you’ll create spaces that reflect your style and intrigue visitors. With a little creativity and effort, the bathroom can become a stunning space in your home.

2023-04-03T06:01:00

(BPT) – April is National Minority Health Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the health disparities that exist among many populations in the United States. One significant area of concern is cancer-related health disparities, which impact racial, ethnic and LGBTQ+ groups disproportionately.

Are you more likely to experience cancer-related health disparities?

Anyone can get cancer, but some groups are more likely to be diagnosed, have an aggressive cancer and die of the disease. These differences in outcomes are called health disparities. Often, groups that are vulnerable, marginalized or exposed to biases have worse cancer outcomes due to several systemic issues — including discrimination — that put them at higher risk.

Did you know:

• Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer or prostate cancer. They are also more likely to die of these cancers than non-Hispanic white people.
• Hispanic, Black, American Indian and Native Alaskan people are less likely to have health insurance than people from other racial or ethnic groups. This could lead to fewer cancer screenings and later detection.
• When undergoing genetic testing for hereditary cancer, Black Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are more likely to receive a confusing test result known as a “variant of uncertain significance” — a change in a person’s DNA that has an unknown effect on their cancer risk.
• People from the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to receive cancer screening. One in three transgender people report having a negative experience with a healthcare provider related to being transgender.
• Black and Native Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer of any racial or ethnic group, and they are also more likely to die from the disease than other groups.

Understanding your hereditary cancer risk could save your life.

About 10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in specific genes. These mutations are linked to an increased risk for various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, colorectal, stomach and skin cancer.

While white female celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Christina Applegate and Kelly Osbourne get a disproportionate amount of media attention for having BRCA gene mutations (a condition linked to breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer), people of all backgrounds and genders can inherit genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer.

Studies have shown that Black and white women inherit genetic mutations associated with breast cancer at the same rates, yet Black women are much less likely to undergo genetic counseling and testing, largely due to differences in physician recommendations and access to care. This disparity contributes to later-stage diagnoses and higher mortality rates among Black women, who are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.

Up to 90% of people are unaware that they have a genetic mutation that increases their cancer risk, and most people have no idea they are predisposed to cancer until they — or a close family member — receive a cancer diagnosis that leads them to get genetic testing.

Protecting your health and combatting disparities

Knowing whether you have an inherited gene mutation that increases your cancer risk can save your life and the lives of your family members. Screenings and other steps can help people prevent cancer or catch it at its earliest, most treatable stage. If you suspect that hereditary cancer runs in your family, be sure to:

1. Learn your family history of cancer.
2. Talk to your healthcare provider about routine screenings you should be having.
3. Ask if genetic counseling and testing might be appropriate.
4. Talk to your family members about what you learn.

Fortunately, many organizations are working to address health disparities and improve people’s access to healthcare. Specific nonprofits are dedicated to supporting Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian and LGBTQ+ populations (view a full list here). Other organizations, like FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), offer education, support and advocacy for anyone affected by hereditary cancer.

Join us in raising awareness about health disparities that continue to affect people from diverse racial, ethnic and LGBTQ+ groups. We can all make an impact by advocating for health equity and encouraging others to safeguard their health through education, cancer screening and prevention.

2023-03-31T15:07:00

(BPT) – From delicious and nutritious cheese and creamy yogurt to cool, nutrient-rich milk and refreshing smoothies, dairy is a fundamental part of American cuisine. Not only do dairy foods make eating more enjoyable, they also provide important nutrients and health benefits that go beyond strong bones.

Dairy benefits for kids

For parents, dairy offers great first-food choices for little ones like yogurt and cheese for baby’s first bites and tantalizing options for bigger kids. Plus, by exposing your growing child to many foods, textures and tastes, you’re helping them learn to like a wide variety of nutritious foods now and into the future.

Dairy every day is a healthy way to nourish kids’ brains, bones and bodies. Consider a cup of milk, for example. Just one glass provides 7 of the 14 nutrients the American Academy of Pediatrics says are important to brain development, helping to set the stage for cognition and IQ later in life, as noted in the medical journal Pediatrics.

“The brain-supporting nutrients milk provides are protein, zinc, selenium, iodine, choline and vitamins A and D,” said Dr. Elizabeth Pearce, Boston University Medical Center. “And while all of these nutrients play an important role in brain development, iodine stands out.” According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is the most preventable cause of intellectual disability in the world.

In particular, people of child-bearing age who do not regularly consume dairy foods, eggs, seafood or iodized table salt may not consume enough iodine to meet increased needs during pregnancy and lactation, which could lead to neurocognitive defects and lower childhood IQ, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An easy way to get enough iodine during this critical life stage is to include 3 servings of dairy at meals or snacks. At about 20 cents per 8-ounce serving, milk is an affordable source of iodine and other essential nutrients.

Preventing osteoporosis later

Bones are the framework for your child’s growing body. The healthy habits your child forms today can make, or literally break, their bones as they age. That’s because osteoporosis — the disease that makes bones brittle — is a process that can start in early childhood if nutrition and lifestyle habits are not incorporated, but it doesn’t reveal itself until adulthood.

Building your child’s bone bank account is a lot like saving for their education: The more they save now, the bigger investment for their bone health future. Bones benefit from nutrients found in dairy foods like calcium, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, and help kids develop and reach peak bone mass.

Thankfully, there are plenty of nutrient-packed dairy options kids love, like milk, yogurt and cheese that can help keep them nourished and fueled to focus and perform at their best.

Dairy benefits for adults

“Dairy’s benefits go beyond bones with a body of research indicating they are linked to both lower inflammation and risk of non-communicable diseases,” said Dr. Chris Cifelli, SVP of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council. “Chronic, low-grade inflammation can result from a continuously out-of-balance immune system, and, the good news is, three systematic reviews found dairy foods can help keep markers of chronic inflammation in check.”

For example, a systematic review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition evaluated 27 randomized control trials and found that dairy foods (e.g., milk, cheese and yogurt) and dairy proteins (e.g., whey, casein) have neutral to beneficial effects on inflammation.

Not only are dairy foods part of an anti-inflammatory diet, consumption of dairy foods also is linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, which disproportionately impact people of color. In fact, a recent study in the journal Nutrients found dairy foods are linked to a 26% reduced risk of heart disease deaths for those 19 and older and were not linked to all-cause or cancer mortality.

Lactose-free dairy options

There are a variety of dairy foods to meet people’s personalized nutrition and wellness needs, from milk with extra protein or kefir with probiotics to lactose-free dairy milk for people who cannot tolerate the lactose in dairy. Lactose-free dairy milk is widely available at grocery stores from name brand to store brand. It is real dairy milk with the lactose removed or filtered out, so the same nutrients will be in every serving. People can also choose hard cheeses, which contain minimal lactose, or yogurt, because its probiotics help digest the lactose.

To learn more about dairy and its health benefits for kids and adults, visit USDairy.com.

2023-03-31T12:31:00

(BPT) – Friendships are an essential part of living a fulfilling life. However, just like any other relationship, some friends are only meant to be part of your life for a reason or a season, rather than a lifetime. The problem is, no one really talks about how to evaluate your friendships and let go of the ones that are no longer adding value to your life.

While an overwhelming majority (77%) of respondents in a recent Bumble For Friends survey* believe that friends are one of the main factors to a happy and healthy life, 42% have never intentionally evaluated the existing friendships in their lives, and 1 in 4 (25%) agree that they are stuck in outdated friendships that no longer serve them.

Danielle Bayard Jackson, Bumble For Friends’ friendship expert, shares her advice on how to intentionally assess your friendships so that you can find peace in letting go of the ones you’ve outgrown. She suggests starting by asking yourself these questions:

Does the friendship feel like an obligation?

Many people have circumstantial friendships, meaning relationships that are mostly based on convenience, such as taking the same classes or having the same hobbies. Bumble For Friends’ survey* found that 1 in 3 (35%) people have these kinds of friendships — they’re common, and they add value to life by offering a certain kind of companionship. However, when these friendships become obligatory, meaning that you maintain them out of a sense of duty, it’s time to reassess.

Why are you maintaining the friendship?

One of the most common reasons why people hold on to friendships that no longer serve them is that they feel they owe it to history. They may also feel scared that if they let a friendship go, they’ll have a hard time finding new friendships. If the reasons you’ve elected to keep a friendship don’t include a value-add to your life, then it might be time to mend or end the relationship.

What is maintaining the friendship costing you?

Holding on to a friendship that you aren’t genuinely interested in maintaining can lead to resentment, as you’re investing time, energy and emotional bandwidth that you most likely can’t afford. It can also impact your other friendships, as you’re dedicating space that you could be using on friends that fill your cup. There are only so many hours in the day, so it’s important to focus on friendships that positively impact your life.

If you decide that it’s time to part ways with the friendship, Jackson recommends a three-step formula for approaching the conversation:

• Show that you’re intentional about the decision. Say, “Listen, I’ve been thinking a lot lately….”
• Address your needs without blaming the other person. Use ‘I’ statements as much as you can; rather than “you are never there for me when I need you…,” try saying, “I need friendships in my life that can prioritize and support me in times of need.”
• Tell them how much you appreciate them and what your intention is for moving forward. This could be, “I have appreciated our friendship so much, and you have been such an integral part of my life. However, I won’t be able to show up in this friendship in the same way that I have before.”

“Sometimes letting go is the first step toward creating a stronger friendship circle,” says Jackson. “Ending a friendship that no longer fits doesn’t make you mean or disloyal. Instead, it creates space for the both of you to be better positioned to invite new connections into your lives.”

If things have changed in your life and you feel like you’ve maybe outgrown a friendship, Jackson suggests intentionally doing things to form new friendships — whether that be joining group activities, asking friends of friends to tag along to their next event, or downloading Bumble For Friends, the friendship-finding mode on the Bumble app. By putting yourself out there, you’ll be on the right track to creating a stronger social circle around you.

For more expert advice on building (and maintaining) strong friendships, visit bumble.com/bff.

*Research was commissioned by Bumble and carried out online by Censuswide in February 2023 amongst a sample of more than 1,000 US adults who have either attended college or are currently in college.