Category: Brandpoint Health

2023-01-20T05:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Lilly USA, LLC

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Have you ever had the sudden need to use the bathroom, yet none were nearby? Many of us have experienced this due to food poisoning or feeling sick, but the immediate need for a bowel movement, known as bowel urgency, can be particularly disruptive for people with ulcerative colitis (UC)^2,3,7,8.

The CONFIDE (Communicating Needs and Features of IBD Experiences) Study – conducted by Eli Lilly and Company – has uncovered surprising statistics about the impact on those living with moderately-to-severely active UC by evaluating healthcare provider and patient experiences. Notably, this study found nearly 70% of adult American participants with moderately-to-severely active UC reported wearing diapers or pads at least once a month in the past three months due to fear of a bowel urgency-related accident⁶.

To understand the burdens of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a broad term used to identify chronic conditions of the digestive tract, such as UC and Crohn’s disease (CD), it’s important to understand its impact¹. IBD affects nearly 7 million people globally, disrupting one’s daily life with debilitating symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, bowel urgency and bowel urgency-related accidents, known as urge incontinence^1-5. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding cures and improving the lives of people living with UC and CD, IBD diagnosis is most common for adolescents and young adults between ages 15 and 35.

The Impact of IBD Symptoms

For those living with UC, bowel urgency can strike at any moment, making it difficult to find a bathroom in time. The anticipation of an accident may cause individuals with UC to become hyper-aware of bathroom locations, pack extra clothing or protection when leaving home, or decline participation in social events.

“I consider myself to be a planner,” said Sophia, a patient advocate with UC. “But when experiencing a flare up of my ulcerative colitis, planning can feel impossible, especially with all of the bathroom breaks. Your body doesn’t care about your plans.”

In addition to social activities, the CONFIDE study revealed the most common reasons for declining participation in work, school and physical exercise among respondents with moderately-to-severely active UC were bowel urgency and fear of urgency-related accidents⁶. Although these symptoms can make it more difficult for people with IBD to work, travel and spend time with others, many still find it embarrassing to discuss their symptoms with their families and even their healthcare providers.

Organizations like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation strive to reduce the stigma around IBD in an effort to make conversations about bowel urgency easier. “Despite the embarrassing symptoms and often acute pain, IBD is all too often invisible, as people living with the disease can look healthy. This can make them feel misunderstood and unsupported,” said Laura Wingate, Executive Vice President, Education, Support, & Advocacy at the Foundation. “We want to ensure all people living with these conditions feel educated and empowered to discuss their most stress-inducing and embarrassing symptoms openly.”

Resources to Help You Take Control of Your Disease

For people living with UC, the stress and anxiety of urgency-related accidents can take a toll on their well-being. “It can make focusing on your job or getting things done really difficult,” Sophia said. “It’s common to be pulled away from whatever you might be working on to use the restroom.”

While the symptoms of UC can be difficult both physically and emotionally, there are resources to help people with IBD take control of their disease. The Foundation works with municipalities and business owners across the United States to promote the Open Restrooms Movement, which encourages local establishments to allow public access to restrooms. As a part of this movement, the Foundation has created a mobile app called “We Can’t Wait” that locates publicly accessible bathrooms and identifies sympathetic establishments in the event of an unexpected or urgent need to find a restroom.

“We are committed to raising awareness of how the debilitating symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as bowel urgency, can impact one’s overall emotional well-being,” said Wingate. “With findings from the CONFIDE study further emphasizing the burden people living with IBD face, we encourage everyone to become self-advocates and learn more about the impact of these symptoms.”

From Sophia’s experience, being open and honest with her healthcare team about her feelings and symptoms has been an empowering step in her disease journey. “Take control of the conversation,” she says. “Your medical team has heard it all, seen it all and smelled it all. Your ulcerative colitis doesn’t have to be – and shouldn’t be – a secret.”

For more information, visit Lilly’s website, Let’s Talk Urgency, which provides specific resources on bowel urgency and tools to inspire better dialogue between patients and healthcare providers.

More information on the CONFIDE Study can be found at Lilly.com.

References

1. Alatab, S., Sepanlou, S. G., Ikuta, K., et al. (2020). The global, regional, and national burden of inflammatory bowel disease in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet gastroenterology & hepatology, 5(1), 17-30.
2. Newton L, Randall JA, Hunter T, et al. A qualitative study exploring the health-related quality of life and symptomatic experiences of adults and adolescents with ulcerative colitis. J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2019;3(1):66. doi:10.1186/s41687-019-0154-x.
3. Buchmann P, Kolb E, Alexander-Williams J. Pathogenesis of urgency in defaecation in Crohn’s disease. Digestion. 1981;22:310-316.
4. Petryszyn PW, Paradowski L. Stool patterns and symptoms of disordered anorectal function in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2018;27(6):813-818.
5. US Department of Health and Human Services, US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Ulcerative Colitis: Clinical Trial Endpoints. Guidance for Industry [Draft Guidance]. Rockville, MD: US Food and Drug Administration; 2016.
6. Schreiber S et al. UEGW 2022 Poster presentation #963
7. Dibley L, Norton C. Experiences of fecal incontinence in people with inflammatory bowel disease: self-reported experiences among a community sample. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013; 19(7):1450-1462. doi:10.1097.MIB.0b013e318281327f
8. Carpio D, López-Sanromán A, Calvet X, et al. Perception of disease burden and treatment satisfaction in patients with ulcerative colitis from outpatient clinics in Spain: UC-LIFE survey. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;28(9):1056-1064. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000000658

2023-01-18T05:01:00

(BPT) – If an acne-free complexion is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re in luck! There’s a revolutionary award-winning treatment that influencers, beauty experts and leading dermatologists are buzzing about.

Introducing AviClear™, the acne treatment that was awarded “Best Laser Treatment for Acne” by Cosmopolitan Magazine and “The Future of Beauty” by Elle Magazine. AviClear is the first and original FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne.

The AviClear technology features a 1726 nm wavelength laser that safely and effectively treats acne at the source by selectively targeting and suppressing the sebaceous glands¹ (oil glands), in just a few treatments. The results from a series of treatments are redefining what is possible without prescription medications or harmful side effects.^1,2

“AviClear takes acne treatments to the next level. The technology works to significantly eliminate acne in three quick 30-minute treatment sessions spaced one month apart.² This is a real game changer for anyone who has suffered from chronic breakouts,” says Dr. Karen Grossman, founder of Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA, and New York City.

The lesions will continue to clear after the final treatment, with a significant reduction in acne over time.² “There is virtually no downtime, although some patients may experience mild redness or irritation right after the treatment that subsides quickly. Our patients consider AviClear to be an investment in their skin,” she says.

What’s more, AviClear was designed to provide optimal comfort and safety for patients of all skin tones through exclusive contact cooling technology. Clinical studies also reveal that AviClear is a long-term resolution to acne with 92% of patients seeing an improvement in their skin after their final treatment session.³

According to Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City, “By selectively targeting and suppressing the sebaceous glands that cause breakouts, a series of treatments with AviClear can make breakouts less frequent and less intense.”²

“Most acne sufferers can greatly benefit from the AviClear technology. Our patients are seeing excellent results that continue to improve after each treatment session. It is also a good alternative for those who want to avoid taking prescription oral or topical medications that may have unwanted side effects,” Dr. Goldenberg explains.

Find out if this breakthrough acne treatment is right for you by scheduling a consultation with an AviClear provider near you at aviclear.com.

1. Bhatia K, Williams HC. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol. 2013;168(3):474-485.

2. Data on file. Cutera, Inc.

3. Data on file. FDA clearance study. Cutera, Inc. (12 months after final treatment)

2023-01-17T13:01:00

(BPT) – Mental health counselor and avid hiker Chris knew something was going on with his health. He was not only feeling tired all the time, but despite napping every day, he still fell asleep at movies, at work — even while meeting with clients. Chris knew it was time to seek medical help.

After meeting with his doctor and having his symptoms thoroughly evaluated, Chris was ultimately diagnosed with narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which results in persistent sleepiness throughout the day regardless of how much sleep an individual gets at night. Another symptom can be cataplexy, the sudden, brief loss of muscle strength or tone while you’re awake. Cataplexy is often triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or surprise and can cause the person to collapse completely, but more often affects specific areas of the body such as the hands or parts of the face such as eyelids.

For Chris, EDS was the symptom that impacted him the most day-to-day, resulting in the frequent need to take naps throughout the day. Chris also experiences cataplexy, which started a little later than the EDS. He describes his cataplexy as a mild symptom where he feels a loosening of his facial muscles, which others saw as Chris appearing to have no facial expression.

Finding help for living with narcolepsy

After his diagnosis, Chris regularly saw a sleep specialist who helped him navigate his narcolepsy for several years. Chris noticed a positive change in his symptoms, but eventually had to switch to a new healthcare provider. His new provider reviewed everything from his initial diagnosis and treatment history, to how often he continued to experience symptoms like EDS. Based on this evaluation, Chris and his new provider discussed changing his treatment plan to see if that could further help. His new healthcare provider explained a few treatment options for consideration.

One of those options was WAKIX® (pitolisant) tablets.

Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, MPH, FAASM, Medical Director at the Indiana Sleep Center, describes WAKIX “as a first-of-its-kind treatment that is FDA approved to treat EDS or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy, taken once-daily upon waking.”

“People living with narcolepsy also are interested to learn that while the way WAKIX works is not fully understood, it is thought that WAKIX reduces EDS or cataplexy by increasing histamine levels in the brain,” explains Dr. Singh.

Histamine is a natural chemical in the brain that works to help you stay awake by increasing brain activity in areas that help you wake up, as well as decreasing brain activity in areas that make you sleepy, including areas that paralyze your muscles while you are in REM sleep.

In addition, Chris’s healthcare provider detailed how WAKIX is not a controlled substance. According to Dr. Singh, “people living with narcolepsy might also want to consider WAKIX because it is not a stimulant medication.” These were both important to Chris.

During Chris’ discussions with his healthcare provider, they discussed WAKIX dosing which included titration, something new for Chris. “Titration is a process where your healthcare provider starts you at a lower dose and may increase your dose each week to find the right dose for you, up to the maximum recommended dose,” Singh explained.

During his 3-week titration, Chris’ healthcare provider checked in with him to see how he was feeling, and if his EDS was decreasing at all. He reminded Chris that the common side effects could include insomnia, nausea, and anxiety, although these are not all the possible side effects of WAKIX, and that Chris should let him know if he experiences any side effects. Chris encourages those living with narcolepsy to communicate with their healthcare provider about how they are feeling and managing their symptoms, to determine if WAKIX is the right choice for them. A few weeks after Chris was titrated to the dose that was right for him, he noticed that his EDS had started to decrease, along with some of his cataplexy attacks. Dr. Singh notes that “for WAKIX, individual results may vary, and for some patients it may take up to eight weeks to achieve a response.”

Tips for managing life with narcolepsy

Beyond his treatment plan for managing his narcolepsy, Chris also learned management techniques that he shares with others, to help give back whenever he can.

“When I was first diagnosed, online support groups were a very big part of knowing I wasn’t alone in my experience, as I didn’t know anybody who had narcolepsy,” said Chris. “Knowing there were people out there with the same diagnosis and that they’re able to manage their symptoms and give feedback about how to manage my symptoms was huge for me.”

Here are some of the ways Chris manages his narcolepsy day-to-day in addition to medication:

• Connecting with those in the narcolepsy community: Learning from others who live with the disorder and sharing experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation or helplessness.
• Building naps into the day: For Chris, taking at least one nap per day helps him manage his EDS.
• Practicing good sleep hygiene: Chris uses different techniques to sleep better at night. For example, he uses blackout curtains to keep his bedroom dark, which helps him fall asleep and stay asleep better.

Chris also has a wake-up lamp that uses light to mimic the rising sun to wake him up each morning.

“Many patients also find it useful to maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule, to help lessen the impact of their symptoms,” Dr. Singh shared. “Other lifestyle modifications that can help patients manage their symptoms include avoiding alcohol and not having caffeine in the evening.”

“Learning to live with narcolepsy is a marathon and not a sprint,” added Chris. “And for me, having a relationship with my healthcare provider and going through this whole process has been reaffirming, showing me that things can change. And that is a very good thing.”

If you or someone you know is an adult with narcolepsy experiencing EDS or cataplexy, speak with a healthcare provider to see if WAKIX could be an option. Read more about WAKIX below. To see videos about the experiences of Chris and others living with narcolepsy who are taking WAKIX, visit WAKIX.com/wakix-personal-stories.

Indications and Usage

WAKIX is a prescription medicine used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or sudden onset of weak or paralyzed muscles (cataplexy) in adults with narcolepsy.

Important Safety Information

Do not take WAKIX if you are allergic to pitolisant or any ingredient in WAKIX, or if you have severe liver disease.

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have heart rhythm irregularities, were born with a heart condition, or the levels of electrolytes in your blood are too high or too low. WAKIX has an effect on the electrical activity of the heart known as QT/QTc prolongation. Medicines with this effect can lead to disturbances in heart rhythm, which are more likely in patients with risk factors such as certain heart conditions, or when taken in combination with other medicines that affect QT. Tell your healthcare provider about all the other medicines you take.

The risk of QT prolongation may be greater in patients with liver or kidney disease. WAKIX is not recommended in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

The most common side effects seen with WAKIX were insomnia, nausea, and anxiety. Other side effects included headache, upper respiratory infection, musculoskeletal pain, heart rate increased, and decreased appetite. These are not all the possible side effects of WAKIX. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take or plan to take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can increase the amount of WAKIX that gets into your blood and some medicines can decrease the amount of WAKIX that gets into your blood. The dosage of WAKIX may need to be adjusted if you are taking these medicines.

WAKIX can also decrease the effectiveness of some medicines, including hormonal birth control methods. You should use an alternative non-hormonal birth control method during treatment with WAKIX and for at least 21 days after discontinuation of treatment.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women who are exposed to WAKIX during pregnancy. You are encouraged to enroll in the WAKIX pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while taking WAKIX. To enroll or obtain information from the registry, call 1-800-833-7460.

The safety and effectiveness of WAKIX have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also report negative side effects to Harmony Biosciences at 1-800-833-7460.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

For more information about living with narcolepsy, visit WAKIX.com/living-with-narcolepsy.

WAKIX is a registered trademark of Bioprojet Europe, Ltd.
© 2022 Harmony Biosciences. All rights reserved.
US-WAK-2200230/Dec 2022

2023-01-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Raquel, an avid traveler and baker who works in investing, didn’t think her eyes looked different until she started noticing them in pictures. She enjoyed posting pictures on social media, but eventually, she couldn’t stop seeing her eyes, and only her eyes, in photos. They always looked bloodshot and different. At first, she assumed the redness and dryness she was experiencing were signs of dry eyes or allergies, but eventually, her eyes started protruding.

Raquel kept dismissing her symptoms, often using eye drops to relieve the dryness and redness and wearing sunglasses to cover her eyes. “I looked great with sunglasses, but head-on, my eyes looked weird.”

After seeing several doctors, Raquel was finally diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) — a rare, autoimmune condition that may affect up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease, a separate autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid. Symptoms of TED can vary greatly and may include dryness and grittiness, redness and watering, eye pain and pressure behind the eyes, bulging or misaligned eyes, sensitivity to light, and double or blurry vision. If left untreated, TED can potentially lead to vision loss.

As her TED progressed, Raquel stopped posting pictures of herself and started searching for answers on social media. “I started looking up hashtags like ‘bulgy eyes.’ I saw so many photos of people whose eyes looked like mine and knew I needed to find help.”

Today, Raquel has relief from her TED symptoms, but it wasn’t without persistence and the treatment option TEPEZZA^® (teprotumumab-trbw) — the first and only FDA-approved medicine to treat TED symptoms at the source. To help others find the care they need sooner, Raquel is sharing what she learned along the way.

See Important Safety Information for TEPEZZA below.

Be Your Own Best Advocate

While looking for a doctor to help her, Raquel said she felt “helpless and that there was nothing that I could do to feel that I was in control.”

To prevent this from happening to others, Raquel recommends the following:

• Find a TED Eye Specialist, like a neuro-ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon, who is specially trained to manage and treat TED. These specialists perform eye exams, evaluate and note how TED may change over time, and can get you started on TED treatment.
• Speak up about all new or worsening symptoms, even the more invisible symptoms such as blurry vision, double vision, or pain.
• Don’t downplay the impact these symptoms have on your day-to-day life. If you are not looking like yourself or feeling like yourself, tell your doctor. When your doctors know how TED is affecting you, they can help you get the treatment you need for some symptoms.
• If you have photos of yourself, bring them to your appointment and show your doctor how your appearance may be changing over time.

Ask about Treatment Options

Raquel was relieved when she learned treatment for TED was available and she was prescribed TEPEZZA by her neuro-ophthalmologist.

TEPEZZA is an intravenous medicine, also known as an IV medicine, meaning it is delivered in a person’s arm under the supervision of a medical professional. TEPEZZA is given to patients once every three weeks for a total of eight infusions, with a full course of treatment with TEPEZZA taking about five months.

With each infusion, Raquel started feeling better and noticed the pain, pressure, and bulging in her eyes subsiding. She also started to notice that her eyes were looking better, and she felt more like herself.

“During and after TEPEZZA treatment, my TED symptoms started to lessen, and I began to feel and look more like myself again. Now, I feel comfortable taking photos without sunglasses again,” said Raquel.

Raquel doesn’t want others going through what she went through and encourages those living with TED or symptoms of TED to speak up and ask a TED Eye Specialist about available treatment options, including TEPEZZA.

“TED has made me realize how important it is to be persistent and to find the right doctors. I encourage everyone to be proactive with their health and to advocate for themselves,” said Raquel.

Visit TEPEZZA.com to learn more and find a TED Eye Specialist near you.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

High blood pressure	Difficulty breathing
Fast heartbeat	Headache
Redness of the face/Feeling hot	Muscle pain

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

© 2022 Horizon Therapeutics plc P-TEP-US-00789 12/22

2023-01-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Is the beginning of a brand new year inspiring you to try a fresh new look? Before splurging on an entirely different wardrobe, try a tactic that will instantly elevate your style and give your confidence a boost: refreshing your hairstyle.

This year’s hair trends are all about movement, and also making the most of your own natural hair type for a great new look — and feel! Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to upgrade your look thanks to Great Clips Online Check-In, so you can embrace the new year with a trending haircut near you, in no time.

Here are some fun hair trends for women and men that may just make you smile and do a double take when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

For Women:

All these trending do’s have the advantage of working well with any kind of hair, from straight to curly or fine to thick. You can make any one of these styles your own for a fresh new look you’ll love.

Bangs —

Try this trending fringe to guarantee your year will start with a bang! From ’70s-inspired butterfly bangs to timeless side-swept bangs, any fringe with texture is making a comeback in the new year. Bangs frame your face and can create instant volume, making them a great accent for any hair type, length and texture.

And don’t worry about the upkeep with your bangs. With Clip Notes, Great Clips stylists keep personalized notes about each haircut and trim to make sure you get the same great haircut every time.

Not sure how to style your new fringe? Ensure that your bangs look great and stay in place all day long with American Crew’s Pomade — a match “po-made” in heaven!

Modern Shag —

This version of the shag is here to stay! Inspired by ’80s rock stars, this layered cut features face-framing bangs, texture and layers. Also known as the wolf cut, a shag haircut is a versatile style that works great with any hair type.

Lots of Layers —

2023 is the year of flowy hair. No matter what your hair’s curl pattern or texture type, layered styles that emphasize movement are sure to be a hit! Keep your hair feeling weightless by using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner for a boost of bounce.

For Men:

Take on the adventure of an amazing new style, with help from American Crew products that can help you look your best all year long.

Brushed-Up Styles —

Inspired by the looks of the 1950s, TikTok and YouTube influencers are bringing an exciting modern twist to classic brushed-up hairstyles. This new take on a retro haircut includes medium-length hair on top that is styled back, usually in a messy way. The short sides are cut in a fade, undercut or taper. Finish off the look with American Crew Grooming Spray to easily keep your hair in place, no matter the weather.

Embrace Texture —

Whether your hair is straight or curly, this year is texture’s time to shine! Try products like American Crew’s Fiber Cream to define your hair and add rough texture without making it feel crunchy or stiff.

Ready for a fresh new start? Welcome 2023 by finding your next great hairstyle at Great Clips and visit GreatClips.com to find a salon closest to you.

2023-01-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Now that winter is officially in full swing, cold weather and shorter days are upon us, which can make it harder to stick to your wellness goals and resolutions. However, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers the following tips that can help you invest in your well-being and stick to your health goals this season.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can boost your immune system, which helps your body avoid illnesses during the colder months. According to The New York Times, several studies have shown a strong link between regular exercise and lower risks of infection, including respiratory infections. Regardless of what exercise you partake in, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week can give your body an edge against cold and flu season this winter.

2. Winterize your hydration

Staying hydrated benefits your health in many ways, including aiding in the regulation of body temperature, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to your cells and lubricating your joints! It can also improve your sleep, cognition and mood. If you aren’t craving big glasses of ice water on cold wintery days, winterize your hydration by reaching for hot drinks like herbal teas or add a squeeze of winter fruit like oranges or grapefruit to your water to make it more flavorful.

3. Eat Vitamin D–rich foods

Eating foods rich in Vitamin D is always important, but especially in the winter. We make Vitamin D from sunshine, so when we are seeing less of the sun we have to make sure we are getting it in our diet. Vitamin D is associated with bone health, muscle function and immunity and is found in foods such as fatty fish, fortified milk, certain mushrooms and egg yolks. Eggland’s Best eggs contain six times more Vitamin D than ordinary eggs. Plus double the Omega-3s, 25% less saturated fat and more than double the Vitamin B12; they’re really a nutrient powerhouse!

4. Add seasonal produce

With each season our cravings change. The fruits and veggies we wanted in the summer like crisp, cold salads will likely be different in the winter. So lean into the season and add winter produce to your routine such as kale, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and spaghetti squash. Produce adds beneficial antioxidants and fiber to help keep cells and digestion healthy.

Check out this hearty Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl from Eggland’s Best and don’t forget to nourish your body during the coldest winter months while satisfying your taste buds!

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (chopped into 1-inch cubes)

• 2 cups of baby spinach

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 large avocado (salt and pepper for taste)

• 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

Preparation:

1. Add sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly.

2. Put the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for 25 minutes at 375 degrees for the perfect texture. Shake the basket at about 10 minutes.

3. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, lightly coat your nonstick pan with oil over medium heat. Once the pan heats up, crack 4 eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper and cover it.

4. Cook until the whites are set, but the yolks are still runny.

5. Divide the sweet potato and spinach between 2 bowls. Top each bowl with 2 sunny-side-up eggs and half an avocado.

6. Serve with sausage or veggie links if desired. Enjoy!

By following these four tips, you’ll be sure to set yourself up for wellness success this year! For more tasty and healthy recipes featuring Eggland’s Best eggs, visit EgglandsBest.com.

2023-01-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – Creating a spa-like bathroom that enhances your overall well-being is seriously on trend, and for good reason. Self-care can become part of your daily ritual if you make your bathroom into a calm oasis that supports your well-being — and technology can help create that sanctuary. Technology can also help you feel better knowing that you’re conserving water and protecting your home from potential problems such as freezing pipes. Knowing your systems are safe will allow you to relax and stay calmer.

If you’re ready to make improvements in your bathroom, here are some recent innovations to help you put your wellness front and center.

Personalize your bathing experience, smartly

If you’d like to have better control of your shower, the innovative Anthem Smart Showering Valves and Controls can simultaneously deliver different temperatures, pressures and spray settings for each water outlet with the touch of a button for a personalized shower experience, every time. Rinsing with warm and cool water at the same time offers hydrotherapy benefits and creates a spa-like experience right in your home. The Anthem smart showering systems control up to six water outlets, and the digital control display will also show how much water was used after each shower to help inform you about your water consumption. This is an effective way to use technology to provide smart water delivery and management in your everyday life.

Shower luxuriously — using less water

If water conservation is important to you, the Statement VES (Variable Eco-Spray) Showerhead and Handshower use up to 40% less water than a typical 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead. Statement VES’s low-flow spray is optimized to provide strong rinsing coverage while still maintaining warmth — addressing two key shower experience needs. The Statement collection includes Kohler’s Katalyst air-induction technology that infuses air into water droplets to make them feel larger while retaining heat longer, for a more luxurious soak while still using less water. Even better, Statement showerheads are compatible with existing pipes for an easy upgrade.

Protect your home for more peace of mind

If you have ever had to cope with plumbing leaks or frozen pipes, you know how devastating and costly these problems can be. Achieve a sense of serenity in the bathroom by planning ahead so you can avoid these calamities in the future. H2Wise Smart Water Monitoring Systems, powered by Phyn monitors and tracks all household water usage, alerting you to leaks and providing pre-freeze warnings. H2Wise plus features remote shutoff functionality in case of a catastrophic leak. A new frozen pipe mitigation smart feature will even detect if pipes begin to freeze and instruct your KOHLER Konnect water fixtures to briefly relieve pressure and minimize potential damage.

Improve personal cleansing, with style

For next-level hygiene and personal care, the Eir Smart Toilet exemplifies the art of innovation, offering convenient features such as a heated seat, customizable personal cleansing, a hands-free auto open and close lid, a nightlight, automatic flush and smart automatic flush capabilities that meet the EPA’s WaterSense criteria. Its sleek, tankless design and multiple finish options allow for concealed connections, making the toilet a beautiful centerpiece in your bathroom.

Bring the spa into your home

If you’re looking for easy ways to turn your daily bath or shower into a spa-like experience, look no further than Sprig, Kohler’s new lifestyle brand. You can easily install one of their shower infusion systems with natural shower infusion pods, their versatile body and linen mists or premium bath bombs to provide peaceful escape through aromatherapy. Sprig infusion systems easily retrofit to your existing shower to diffuse aromatherapy into the water, making it simple to elevate your daily routine into a moment of escape to enhance your well-being. You can also use their versatile body and linen mists for an aromatic burst of freshness — spritzed directly onto skin, into the air or onto a pillow, towel or yoga mat. Whether you love bath bombs or haven’t tried one yet, you’ll love their clean, natural, premium bath bombs featuring botanicals and skincare superstars like coconut oil, shea butter and kaolin clay.

Learn more about these products and other innovations to help transform your bathroom into your personal retreat and enhance your well-being at home by visiting Kohler.com.

2023-01-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – Making New Year’s resolutions is easy, but keeping them can be a struggle. Whether you want to spend more time meditating, increase your activity or change your eating habits, following through on your commitments can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to make better choices for your health without making it complicated, check out these four tips.

1. Set attainable goals

Setting goals for yourself is admirable, but make sure they’re attainable. Setting goals that are too big can make you feel discouraged and less likely to follow through. Meet your current self with compassion and look at small, sustainable changes.

For example, if you don’t work out consistently, resolving to work out every day in the new year is a tall order. Instead, start with a smaller goal, like working out twice a week. Once you can consistently exercise twice a week, bump it up to three times a week.

Another method is to break up your exercise into smaller chunks. If moving your body for 30 minutes a day sounds daunting, break up your workout into three 10-minute sessions you can do throughout the day.

2. Small substitutions instead of sacrifice

When it comes to your health, you may be tempted to restrict yourself from the things you like that aren’t the healthiest choices for you. Instead of sacrificing something that gives you pleasure, substitute it with something similar.

If you plan to do a “Dry January” in 2023, you don’t need to miss out on craft beverages or special indulgences. Instead, make a drink without alcohol and enjoy the taste of your favorite cocktail while staying “dry.” To make mixing mocktails at home easier, consider purchasing the Vitamix A3500 Entertainment Bundle, which combines the powerful, top-rated Ascent A3500 with the innovative Aer Disc Container.

The container blender acts like a muddler and a cocktail shaker, extracting essential oils and juice while chilling drinks without crushing the ice. You can use it to make delicious mocktails like a Blackberry Iced Tea Bramble or Mango Fresno Kombucha Mocktail. With so many delicious possibilities, Dry January can last as long as you like.

3. Find an accountability buddy

You don’t have to pursue your New Year’s goals alone. Finding a partner to keep you accountable throughout the year can help you keep and reach your resolutions.

According to a study by Culturelle, 68% of Americans need someone to hold them accountable when making healthy choices. Also, 63% credit their healthier habits and lifestyle to someone else who helped them along their wellness journey. Whether it’s your spouse, a friend or a co-worker, having someone to check in on your progress can help you feel more motivated to keep your commitment.

If you want to move more, have a buddy you can meet with a couple of times a week to walk together or do yoga. When you can’t meet up, text or call each other to check in or remind each other of your shared goal. Having an accountability buddy isn’t just helpful for you; you’re also helping them reach their goals.

4. Eat more whole foods

Whole foods — foods that haven’t been refined, processed or have added ingredients — are crucial to living a healthier life. By eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in their natural state, you get the benefit of consuming the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are often missing in processed foods.

Eating whole foods can also help reduce your risk of certain health conditions. According to Nourish by WebMD, many studies have found that eating whole foods can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

“When you eat whole foods, you’re giving your body nature’s perfectly designed resources to not only fuel your body, but also to help protect yourself against many chronic diseases,” said Dr. Aimee Wrubel, physician and holistic medicine expert at Vitamix. “Foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed retain the innate fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that are essential for healthy living.”

But incorporating more whole foods doesn’t have to mean preparing multiple dishes from scratch at every meal. An easy way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet is to use a blender. Whether you use it to blend greens and fruits to make a smoothie, puree beans for soups and dips or prepare a healthy dressing for your salads, a blender is a tool that makes healthy eating simpler and easier to stick with.

When looking for a blender, make sure you buy one that will last and support your long-term wellness journey. For example, a Vitamix blender lasts up to 10 times longer than the average blender and can power through the toughest whole and frozen ingredients. That means your finished blend will have a better taste and texture, making healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.

It’s an investment that will keep your wellness journey on track year after year.

Using these four tips, you can invest in yourself and your wellness this coming year and beyond. For more tips on how to lead a healthier life, visit www.vitamix.com.

2023-01-03T10:34:58

(BPT) – If the new year inspires you to reassess your health and wellness routine, this is the perfect time to focus on the core of your well-being: heart health. You can take positive steps today to benefit your overall wellness by using tips recommended by a cardiologist.

“Your heart is the center of your life,” said interventional cardiologist and nutritionist Dr. Heather Shenkman, “so it’s crucial to maintain your heart health to ensure that every part of your body gets the nutrients and oxygen needed for optimal function and energy.”

Here are the top ways to create an effective heart-healthy routine.

1. Go for a walk

Walking — or other physical activity — is recommended to help improve your blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight, among other benefits cited by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

How much should you walk? The American Heart Association recommends adults get either 2 1/2 hours of moderate exercise spread over one week, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity throughout each week. While walking may be easy to start with as it requires no equipment and you can control your pace and distance, you can also try cycling, swimming or dancing. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise.

2. Quit tobacco

If you smoke (including e-cigarettes and vaping), now is a good time to quit. The American Heart Association reports inhaled nicotine delivery product use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., including approximately one-third of the deaths from heart disease.

3. Get your zz’s

Not sleeping enough won’t just make you tired, but can also impact your heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your blood pressure goes down during normal sleep, so sleeping less means your blood pressure is staying higher longer, which can raise your risk for heart disease. How much sleep is enough? While the amount needed varies by individual, the CDC recommends aiming for 7 hours per night.

4. Reduce sodium — and increase potassium

According to Harvard Health, one way to lower cardiovascular disease risk is by reducing salty foods in your diet while increasing potassium-rich foods. Too much salt can elevate blood pressure, potentially leading to heart disease, while more potassium can help decrease blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables containing potassium include bananas, oranges, spinach and broccoli.

5. Boost fiber intake

The Mayo Clinic reports that fiber from beans, oats and flaxseed may help lower your LDL cholesterol levels, while providing other benefits like reducing blood pressure and helping you maintain a healthier weight. How much fiber do you need? The Institute of Medicine recommends women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 38 grams. Currently, Americans only get on average 15 grams of fiber each day.

“Getting enough fiber means upping the amount of beans and lentils you eat, as well as oats and other whole grains, plus fresh vegetables and fruits,” said Dr. David Kahana, who is triple-board certified in gastroenterology, pediatrics and medical nutrition. “Daily fiber is crucial for your digestive health as well as your heart health.”

6. Discover the benefits of nitric oxide — and beetroot

While you’ve probably heard about fiber, you may not be familiar with nitric oxide — an important neurotransmitter that supports many processes in the body and plays a key role in heart health, including supporting arterial wall and platelet function.

“Nitric oxide helps support healthy blood pressure levels and aids in maintaining normal blood glucose levels and metabolic health,” said Dr. Shenkman. “Since nitric oxide synthesis slows as you age, it’s important to maintain healthy nitric oxide levels.”

To support nitric oxide production, Shenkman recommends eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, garlic, leafy greens, pomegranate, nuts and seeds — and beetroot makes the top of her list. Beetroot powder has been gaining attention as an effective way to boost nitric oxide production, which is why Shenkman worked with 1MD Nutrition to help create CardioFitMD^®, the ultimate vegan, all-in-one daily nutrition drink packed with superfoods including highly concentrated, potent beetroot powder — plus essential fiber, probiotics and 20 key vitamins and minerals.

“I always tell patients about the importance of a balanced diet and physical fitness, but we all know that’s easier said than done,” adds Shenkman. “That’s why I helped formulate CardioFitMD, the ultimate daily superfood beverage for complete heart, circulatory, metabolism, digestive and multivitamin support. CardioFitMD is a great-tasting, nutrient-rich drink to help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.”

7. Maintain a healthy weight

If you’re following any of these tips, you’re already taking positive steps toward reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Moving every day, while increasing the fresh fruits and veggies, beans and legumes you eat can help you better manage your weight, which in turn supports your heart health. The National Institutes of Health reports that losing 3-5% of your weight can improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Learn how CardioFitMD can help support your energy levels and stamina, and promote proper heart and digestive function while helping you maintain a healthy weight, at 1md.org/product/cardiofitmd.