Brandpoint – Page 110

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024

Navigating Mental Illness and Tardive Dyskinesia: One Woman’s Story of Resilience

2024-10-08T15:57:00

(BPT) – This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Allison was compensated by Neurocrine Biosciences to share her story.

The first week of October is recognized as Mental Illness Awareness Week, an essential time to support and advocate for the one in five adults in the United States living with a mental illness. As advocates work to raise awareness for these individuals and their care partners, it’s important to remember that those taking antipsychotic medication to treat mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, may also have tardive dyskinesia (TD).* TD is a persistent, involuntary movement disorder associated with use of antipsychotic medication that affects approximately 600,000 or more people in the U.S.

Allison grew up in San Diego and has been participating in performance arts since she was a kid, including theater, acting and writing. While working at her first night shift radio job at the age of 28, she began losing sleep and started behaving erratically. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed both an antipsychotic and antidepressant. Allison’s doctor discontinued the antipsychotic after only three days, but she continued taking the antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. She later moved to Florida for a fresh start but saw her bipolar disorder symptoms increase after her antidepressant suddenly stopped working. She was again prescribed an antipsychotic medication and worked with her doctors over the next few years to find the best treatment to manage her symptoms and regain mental stability in her life.

However, eight years after beginning antipsychotic treatment, Allison began to experience uncontrollable movements, including a twisting torso, jerky legs, mouth movements and rapid blinking. “When I tried to sleep, my legs and arms flailed and I would kick my husband, like my whole spine was jumping. I became self-conscious and started sleeping on the couch,” she said. “My frame was rattling violently, like a car driving through potholes with bad shock absorbers. It was really scary.” After visiting several neurologists over the course of many years and wondering if she would ever receive answers, Allison was diagnosed with TD.

Mild, moderate or severe TD movements can occur in different parts of the body and can negatively impact people physically, socially and emotionally. People living with TD may also feel judged and ashamed, adding to a sense of worry, isolation and stigma. Even mild uncontrollable body movements from TD can have emotional and social consequences. “My symptoms were affecting my ability to sleep, work and live my life as I wanted to,” Allison said.

It’s important that people who are taking antipsychotic medication be monitored and screened by a healthcare provider for drug-induced movement disorders, such as TD, as part of their routine appointments. Proactive recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact in the lives of many people experiencing mental illness. While TD is unlikely to get better on its own, it is a treatable condition.

After researching potential treatment options and discussing the benefits and risks with her healthcare provider, Allison was prescribed INGREZZA^® (valbenazine) capsules. INGREZZA is a one-capsule, once-daily medication that’s proven to reduce TD in adults and is the #1 most prescribed vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor. VMAT2 inhibitors are recommended by the American Psychiatric Association as first-line treatment for patients experiencing TD. In a clinical study, INGREZZA was proven to reduce TD in adults at six weeks, and most people saw results in just two weeks.^†‡ The most common side effects of INGREZZA in people with TD are sleepiness and tiredness.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington’s disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you have Huntington’s disease and are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is especially important when INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Do not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE.

Please see full Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below and full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

Smiling Allison wearing a light colored blouse with jacket and necklaces.

After a few weeks of taking INGREZZA, Allison experienced fewer uncontrollable movements. “Now that I have been on INGREZZA and experience fewer movements, I’m not as consumed with embarrassment and discomfort over my TD symptoms,” she said. “I’m glad I never gave up and advocated for myself because now my husband can fall asleep in the same bed as me again due to the decrease in my movements.” Individual results may vary.

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, Allison wants to share her mental health journey to encourage others to support those living with mental illnesses and people experiencing uncontrollable movements to persevere and discuss symptoms and treatment options, such as INGREZZA, with their healthcare provider.

“It’s important to acknowledge Mental Illness Awareness Week because not everyone is equipped to advocate for themselves,” said Allison. “Our efforts to raise awareness of TD should not stop simply because there are available treatment options, such as INGREZZA, we must come together and support each other.”

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent, uncontrollable movements and have been treated with antipsychotic medication, visit INGREZZA.com for more information.

Important Information

Approved Uses

INGREZZA^® (valbenazine) capsules or INGREZZA^® SPRINKLE (valbenazine) capsules are prescription medicines used to treat adults with:

movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia).
involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE do not cure the cause of involuntary movements, and do not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions.

It is not known if INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you:

are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE.

INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE can cause serious side effects, including:

Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including an allergic reaction that causes sudden swelling called angioedema can happen after taking the first dose or after many doses of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and angioedema include: trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat, or other areas of your skin, trouble with swallowing, or rash, including raised, itchy red areas on your skin (hives). Swelling in the throat can be life-threatening and can lead to death. Stop taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE and go to the nearest emergency room right away if you develop these signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and angioedema.
Sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times (somnolence and sedation). Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE affects you. Drinking alcohol and taking other medicines may also cause sleepiness during treatment with INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE.
Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation). INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE may cause a heart rhythm problem known as QT prolongation. You have a higher chance of getting QT prolongation if you also take certain other medicines during treatment with INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of QT prolongation, including: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations), shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, or fainting or feeling like you are going to faint.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a serious condition that can lead to death. Call a healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms and they do not have another obvious cause: high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking, irregular pulse or blood pressure, increased sweating, or very fast or uneven heartbeat.
Parkinson-like symptoms. Symptoms include: body stiffness, drooling, trouble moving or walking, trouble keeping your balance, shaking (tremors), or falls.

Before taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you: have liver or heart problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Make sure you tell all of your healthcare providers that you are taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Taking INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you: take digoxin or take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine. You should not take INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE if you are taking, or have stopped taking, a MAOI within the last 14 days.

The most common side effect of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with tardive dyskinesia are sleepiness and tiredness.

The most common side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE in people with chorea associated with Huntington’s disease include sleepiness and tiredness, raised itchy red areas on your skin (hives), rash, and trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.

These are not all of the possible side effects of INGREZZA or INGREZZA SPRINKLE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Forms and Strengths: INGREZZA and INGREZZA SPRINKLE are available in 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg capsules.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.

* Certain prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders may also cause TD.

† INGREZZA was studied in a 6-week clinical trial. A total of 234 people participated in the study. Results were based on 79 people taking the recommended dose of 80 mg.

‡ In a 6-week clinical study. Post-clinical study evaluation of 149 patients who took 40 mg and/or 80 mg during the first 2 weeks; 64% had at least a 1-point reduction on an uncontrollable movement severity scale.

This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Allison was compensated by Neurocrine Biosciences to share her story.

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024

How This Army Soldier and Entrepreneur Celebrates Her Mexican American Heritage

2024-10-08T12:00:00

(BPT) – Over half of American adults have started a business at some point in their lives, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor — but nurturing a business to long-term success requires an unmatched level of dedication. Many U.S. Army Soldiers are familiar with this level of commitment and have used the foundational skills they’ve learned in the Army to pursue other lifelong goals. One inspiring Soldier is using her leadership skills and rich cultural influences to pursue her passions in and out of uniform as both a service member and female entrepreneur.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Calderon — who is self-described as a “coffee-holic” — was longing for something more satisfying than gas station coffee. With her go-to coffee shops closed for the foreseeable future, she began exploring new ways to brew her own blends, embodying the vibrant flavors and character of the proud Latino community that Calderon calls her own. Using the discipline she developed in the Army, Calderon founded her own company in 2021, Magia Coffee.

Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month, Calderon is drawing from her experiences as a Soldier and female entrepreneur to share her words of wisdom for those looking to start a business while staying true to their roots.

Build an authentic brand.

It’s easy to follow trends, but a truly memorable business idea comes from our own unique voice and character. In founding Magia, Calderon tapped into her Latino heritage and personal passion for coffee to create an authentic offering for her customers. From package design to coffee blends to the business model, she ensures every part of her brand speaks to her own experience and connects to her audience in a genuine way. The first bag she produced features La Mas Chingona, a reference rooted deeply in her Latino culture used to describe a strong, empowered woman, or as Calderon says, “She’s powerful, and you can’t mess with her!” By tapping into what you know your audience will love, you can find what will make your business unique.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Calderon holding a package of coffee beans next to a coffee maker.

Sgt. 1st Class Calderon infuses her Latino culture into every aspect of her coffee brand, including packaging and the coffee blends.

Plan to make plans.

There is a not-so-glamorous side to being an entrepreneur, and it calls for some serious planning and coordination. Finances, inventory, marketing and more all need to be considered as part of your business’s day-to-day operations. As a former Army drill sergeant and now a human resources specialist, Calderon is no stranger to discipline, structure and organization, and is grateful that she is able to translate that skillset into her business savvy every day. “[The Army] is a huge part of where I’ve been going and where I’m heading,” says Calderon, and the skills, professionalism and integrity instilled in her through service have been key to her thriving business.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Calderon wearing a tank top and holding a cup of coffee while coffee beans rain down like confetti.

Calderon, a former drill sergeant, says that the discipline she learned in the Army is essential to her success as an entrepreneur.

Build a community and pay it forward.

No one wants to run a business alone. As both a Soldier and a member of the Latino community, Calderon knows the importance of building and fostering connections with others and has tapped into her relationships to excel in every area of her life. When building her business, Calderon used her network to reconnect with a friend who eventually became her company’s designer, and she is always looking for opportunities to engage other Hispanic artists and creators in her work. She also creates community through partnerships and support for other small business owners, young athletes and aspiring entrepreneurs.

When in uniform, Calderon works to be an example for young Hispanic Soldiers of what can be accomplished with an Army career. Allowing herself to be proud of everything she has achieved is something that Calderon admits she is still working on — but she knows that by reflecting on her success, she is also inspiring the next generation of Soldiers and small business owners.

The relationships that Calderon has fostered throughout her career are essential to her success both in and out of uniform.

While they may seem worlds apart, starting a business and serving as a Soldier requires complementary skills; as Calderon knows, both take tenacity, organization and a team of support. Part of that support can be found in the Army, which allows the flexibility for Soldiers like Calderon to pursue their passions.

By considering these tips from a Soldier who has lived it, you can start your own journey into entrepreneurship on the right foot with the vision to make it happen.

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024

Pets or personal safety: A choice no one should ever have to make

2024-10-08T14:45:00

(BPT) – The physical and emotional benefits of having a pet are well documented, yet for those facing trauma and abuse, making the decision to escape abuse is more complicated when a pet is involved. For many survivors, seeking safety for themselves may mean deciding whether to leave their pet behind with an abuser because there is simply no safe place to go together.

Sadly, it is a decision that many survivors of domestic violence must make.

As many as one in three women and one in four men experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. Because few domestic violence shelters accept pets, 48% of survivors delay leaving their homes because they can’t take their pets with them, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. And 71% of survivors entering domestic violence shelters report that an abuser had threatened, injured or killed family pets.

Purina’s vision is to have a world where no one is trapped in abuse because they can’t take their whole family with them, including pets. Pets can be critical to the healing and well-being of survivors. That’s why Purina has partnered with RedRover to create the Purple Leash Project. The goal is to help ensure that 25% of U.S. domestic violence shelters are pet friendly by the end of 2025 so that survivors and their pets can escape together and heal together.

Purina is helping to create more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters by providing grants and resources to shelters across the country. Since 2019, Purina has provided 53 grants totaling $1.6 million as part of the Purple Leash Project, helping to move the number of shelters who accept pets from only 3% a decade ago to 19% today. And the momentum continues to build.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October is a reminder there are many opportunities to get involved and help survivors. Purple Thursday is a national day of action that takes place on Oct. 17 this year. Here are some ways you can participate and show your support for survivors of domestic abuse:

Wear purple
Donate wish list items to local domestic violence shelters
Light your home or business with purple lights
Donate to RedRover in support of the Purple Leash Project

Throughout October, Purina will help its factories and sales offices across the U.S. create activations in their own communities to help broaden the Purple Leash Project’s impact. Besides raising funds and awareness, Purina associates also volunteer their time and have helped renovate domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets.

The Purple Leash Project has the potential to change society and challenge the way that pets and domestic abuse survivors are treated when they need each other most.

Visit PurpleLeashProject.com for more ways to get involved, stay informed or to donate to RedRover to support this important work.

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

7 easy ways to freshen up your kitchen

2024-10-08T11:01:01

(BPT) – Thinking of updating your kitchen? If it has been awhile since you tended to the heart of your home, it might be time for a refresh. The good news? You don’t have to do an extensive (and expensive!) remodeling job to get a new look. You can spruce up your kitchen easily, in a weekend, with some small changes that will make a big impact.

Here are some ideas from the pros at Kohler.

Paint. Take one afternoon, a roll of painter’s tape, a paint brush and a step stool. Add a fun new color of paint and you’ve got a new look for your kitchen. There is nothing easier, quicker or less expensive than a DIY paint job to brighten up your space. Even a new color on one wall makes a big difference.

Faucets. You’d be surprised how much a new faucet can change the entire vibe of your kitchen. Today, faucets are multi-functional works of art, statement pieces that catch the eye. The Kohler Components Kitchen Faucet Collection, for example, is defined by a warm, minimalist look. Styles are noted for their precision in detail and the intersection of form, texture and function. Featuring seven striking designs, the collection is eye-catching, but these aren’t just pretty works of art. They incorporate advanced functionality, too. The Semi-Professional faucet showcases Kohler’s innovative Sweep Spray that provides a wide, forceful blade of water to deliver efficiency in cleaning. The Bar faucet features a two-function aerator that allows users to switch from an aerated stream to SoftRinse spray with a simple twist. That’s perfect for washing hands, rinsing delicate glassware and china, and prepping veggies and fruits.

Sinks. Long known as the workhorse of the kitchen, your sink is a central focal point of all of your meal prep and cleanup. But it doesn’t have to look stodgy. With Kohler’s Sink Collection, you can choose from under or top mounted, farmhouse, double or single bowl — whatever fits best with your kitchen decor. And deep color is all the rage. Why not venture from traditional white or cream into trendy teal, truffle, aspen or fresh green, or even dramatic black to update your kitchen style?

Backsplash. While you’re choosing your new sink, consider a new backsplash that will really make the area pop. Think about subway tiles, a mosaic or a metallic look that can pull the various elements of your kitchen together.

Cabinet refresh. You don’t need to invest in new cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. All you need is a coat of paint. Gone are the muted colors and whisper grays of past years. Today, it’s all about deep, rich color. Pair sage green cabinets with black appliances (or a dramatic black sink and a standout faucet!), or smoky blue cabinets with white walls and a splash of yellow. Other trending colors include deep red, pastel blue and even rich black.

Cabinet hardware. While you’re refreshing your cabinets, don’t forget the pulls and knobs. Take an afternoon to browse at your local kitchen store or online — you’ll be surprised by how many innovative, fun styles and colors of pulls and knobs you can find that will accent and highlight your kitchen’s new look.

Lighting. Swapping out your old fixtures for a more dramatic look will instantly change the feel of your kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting provides a soft glow for those times when you don’t need the room to be bright.

With a few small changes, you can freshen up your kitchen quickly and easily. Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Check out this Bathroom and Kitchen Buying Guide for inspiration.

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Brushing Away Hospital Risks: The Importance of Proper Oral Care

2024-10-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re the patient or the worried loved one, a hospital stay is often a whirlwind of stress, uncertainty and endless beeps from machines. Amid the chaos, it’s easy to forget the basics, like brushing your teeth. However, maintaining good oral care during your hospital stay isn’t just about keeping your breath fresh; it’s about addressing the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia with the proper, necessary tools (Quinn, 2020).

Don’t brush off oral care

When you’re in the hospital, your body is already in a vulnerable state — battling a weakened immune system, recovering from surgery, or just dealing with the overall exhaustion of being bedridden. This makes all patients — ventilated and non-ventilated — a prime target for hospital-acquired infections. And while doctors and nurses are superheroes in scrubs, even they can’t do it all. That’s where being proactive during your hospital stay, like brushing your teeth, comes in.

Skipping out on your oral care may not seem like a big deal, but this daily routine can help you maintain healthy oral hygiene. While in the hospital, bacteria from the mouth can make their way into the lungs, potentially causing serious complications like pneumonia, which is the most common hospital-acquired infection (Magill, 2018). The risk of infection is real for everyone (Quinn, 2014).

It’s also important to recognize that not all toothbrushes are created equal. Settling for a basic toothbrush that may or may not be provided by the hospital could put you at additional risk. A recent study published in Clinical Nurse Specialist found that nearly 50% of hospital-provided toothbrushes were contaminated with bacteria. This highlights the need for higher-quality tools that are replaced after every use or every day to better protect your health and well-being during your stay.

The dirty details of hospital-acquired pneumonia

Hospital-acquired pneumonia affects nearly 1 in every 100 hospitalized patients (Munro, 2021). Even worse, a study published in the American Journal of Critical Care identified that nearly 37% of people who develop pneumonia during a hospital stay go on to develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition that happens when your body has an extreme reaction to infection. Sepsis can lead to widespread inflammation, organ failure, and, in severe cases, death.

“Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia and its complications are responsible for 1 in 14 hospital deaths, with 1 in 5 patients who develop this infection never returning home,” said Barbara Quinn, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, former Director of Professional Practice & Nursing Excellence at Sutter Health (Jones, 2023). “Maintaining good oral care while in the hospital may seem like a small detail, but it can play a major role in recovery.”

According to a study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, patients who develop non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia typically face prolonged hospital stays, averaging an additional 6.6 days. Even after recovery, the journey might not be over, as nearly 20% of pneumonia patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge (Baker, 2018). The battle to regain full health often continues long after leaving the hospital, with lingering respiratory issues and weakened immunity making recovery even more challenging.

Keeping oral care on track

The solution is simple, but it’s often overlooked. If you or a loved one find yourself in the hospital, here’s how to stay on top of your oral care and address the risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia based on the ADA-approved evidence-based protocol:

Request the right tools: Ask a nurse for a soft-bristled toothbrush, therapeutic toothpaste (look for one with sodium bicarbonate), antiseptic mouthwash, and a non-petroleum-based moisturizer.
Stick to the routine: Brush your teeth 2-4 times a day – after each meal and before bedtime, just like you would at home.
Swap out old brushes: Hospital rooms can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so ask for a fresh toothbrush daily or after every use (DeJuilio, 2023).

These small steps can make a big difference in keeping pneumonia at bay and helping you or your loved one bounce back faster. So, next time you’re tempted to skip your oral care routine, remember: your mouth might be the first line of defense against a hospital stay that gets complicated. Keep those pearly whites clean, and you’ll be smiling all the way to recovery.

To learn more about comprehensive oral care, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and how you can advocate for yourself and your loved ones, visit Stryker.com.

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Spooktacular Cyber Safety Tips to Keep Your Finances Fright-Free

2024-10-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – What’s scarier than ghouls and goblins? Cybercriminals. According to the FBI, people lost $12.5 billion to cyber scams in the U.S. in 2023. Now, that is frightening!

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take stock of your cyber protections. While the fear of scammers getting access to your personal and financial information can be daunting, fear not! Here are five tips to keep your finances safe.

Update your devices to keep the tech-zombies away: Keep your devices’ operating systems up to date. Those updates contain more than just fancy features; they include critical security updates that protect you from vulnerabilities. Keeping your devices updated ensures that fraudsters won’t have a ghost of a chance to access your personal information.

Steer clear of public Wi-Fi to dodge the cyber-goblins: Don’t shop or complete any financial transactions on public Wi-Fi. Instead, wait until you get home or to a more protected network connection. Public Wi-Fi is risky as there could be scammers lurking, waiting to steal your private data!

Secure your sign-on to keep the digital demons at bay: Protect your online accounts with multi-factor authentication, known as MFA. Enabling MFA means you require a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before you’re allowed to access the service. Why does this matter? Because even if one factor (like your username/password) is compromised, fraudsters won’t be able to meet the second authentication requirement (like a biometric or text code), ultimately stopping them from trick-or-treating their way into your accounts and walking away with your personal information, money or worse!

Use your digital wallet to avoid spooky surprises: When making transactions, use your digital wallet for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a high-tech Ghostbuster keeping your financial info secure.

Zero Liability ensures you’re guarded from nightmares: Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold consumers responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” provided they are promptly reported, and the cardholder used reasonable care in protecting the card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability applies to your purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online or via a mobile device and ATM transactions. With protections like that, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check. So, keep your card close, and don’t let your security turn into a nightmare!

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Why this mom is advocating for flu vaccination

2024-10-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Like many seven-year-olds, Kaden Stevenson was active and healthy, enjoying martial arts and soccer. When Kaden’s mom Michele noticed he wasn’t his usual energetic self, she assumed he might have a cold or stomach bug. But after four days of rest, he was getting worse, and he was starting to complain that his right leg hurt. As soon as Michele noticed swelling in his leg and the rash all over his body, she took him to the emergency room.

Kaden was airlifted to a children’s hospital where a pediatric orthopedic surgeon could relieve the pressure in his leg. He was diagnosed with influenza A and strep. As a complication of influenza, bacteria had entered Kaden’s bloodstream, causing him to go into toxic shock. In addition to being at risk of losing his leg, Kaden’s heart, liver and kidneys were failing.

Kaden spent two weeks in pediatric intensive care, where Michele learned her son would need both legs amputated due to the infection in his bloodstream. He’s lucky to have survived the ordeal. “I thought I might lose him,” said Michele.

Kaden has learned to thrive with his new “robot legs,” and his family is grateful for the medical team who helped save his life. Michele learned firsthand how critical it is to prioritize annual flu vaccination, and she wants parents to understand the importance of getting their children over 6 months of age to get vaccinated against the flu every year.

“Pay attention to your kids, because it’s easy as parents to think we know it all,” said Michele. “You know your child, but when they’re young, they don’t always know how to express themselves. Don’t assume you can fix everything on your own.”

Boy in a wheelchair smiling and holding a prosthetic leg over his head.

Both of Kaden’s legs were amputated due to flu complications.

Not the common cold

Influenza, or the flu, is different from a cold. Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but sometimes flu can lead to complications (such as pneumonia) which can lead to hospitalization and death.¹

Flu may impact each person differently, but symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever (or feeling feverish/chills), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.¹

The flu is very contagious. People can begin spreading flu to others one day before symptoms start, and up to a week after becoming sick — and some, especially young children, might be contagious to others for even longer.² Flu viruses are spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.² Getting a flu vaccination annually can help prevent the flu for both you and your family.

Who may experience flu complications

Flu can impact anyone, of any age, race and gender² — even people who feel healthy — and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age.² However, some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick,² including people 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women and young children.²^,3

Vaccination is especially important for people across diverse racial and ethnic minorities, who may also be at higher risk for getting flu or developing serious illness.⁴ From 2009-2023, flu hospitalization rates have often been higher among Hispanic, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native adults.⁴ One issue is that people from some racial and ethnic minority groups face barriers to healthcare in general and, specifically, lack easy access to vaccination.⁴

When and where to get protection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect against flu is for everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated annually.²^,5 If you don’t have insurance or a primary care doctor, ask your local pharmacist about flu vaccination.

Protecting your family is crucial during flu season — October through May — peaking between December and February.⁶

“The best way your family can stay healthy is by getting a flu vaccination, ideally by late October,” said pharmacist and GSK vaccines educator Dr. Leah Smith. “Vaccination doesn’t mean you’ll never get the flu, but it can lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent flu complications.”

If you or a family member is unable to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended, because the flu typically peaks in February, and significant activity can continue into May.⁵

Getting flu vaccinations is typically quick and convenient, so you can help protect your family from the flu with minimal time commitment. Some locations like your local pharmacy may accept walk-ins. Vaccinations are usually free for people with medical insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, ACA plans and private plans.⁷ Flu vaccinations are offered in healthcare settings including doctor’s offices and clinics, but you can also get vaccinations in places like pharmacies, urgent care clinics, college health centers and some schools or workplaces.⁸

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about getting your flu vaccination this season. Learn more about flu prevention at CDC.gov/flu.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Symptoms & Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm. Accessed July 22, 2024.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 24, 2024.

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm. Accessed July 24, 2024.

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Equity and Flu. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/disparities-racial-ethnic-minority-groups.html. Accessed July 24, 2024.

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7305a1.htm?s_cid=rr7305a1_w. Accessed August 30, 2024.

6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Season. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html. Accessed July 24, 2024.

7 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How to Pay. Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/get-vaccinated/pay/index.html. Accessed July 24, 2024.

8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Flu Vaccines. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 24, 2024.

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Tackling a tiling project? Great grout makes all the difference

2024-10-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re a professional or DIYer, laying tile is one of those skills that looks easy when it’s well done, but can be complicated and physically demanding. The fun part is choosing the beautiful tile, but it’s a lot harder to install it. One of the best-kept secrets of the trade is that when it comes to laying tile, using great grout matters.

To ensure your tile installation goes smoothly, looks perfect and lasts for years, it’s crucial to choose the right grout, gather your tools ahead of time and read the installation instructions before you begin.

Colorful mosaic tile work in white tiled shower with glass door.

A smarter choice than traditional grout

Want grout that requires no mixing, no guesswork, is ready to use and easy to clean? Prism^® SCG Ultimate Performance Pre-Mixed Single Component^® Grout is your best bet. It uses a proprietary acrylic formulation that cures as hard as cement grout, but is the easiest to install. It also offers superior performance, with unsurpassed stain resistance and color consistency from bucket to bucket. Prism SCG is a professional-grade grout that’s crack-resistant and efflorescence free, with MicroBan^® protection to inhibit mold and mildew growth.

This grout is great for DIYers and pros alike because it’s easy to spread and clean — and requires no sealing. Best yet, you’ll have 40 designer-inspired colors to choose from, so your kitchen, bath or other project can achieve the desired look.

Not sure what color will best complement your tile choice? Contractors, architects, designers and DIYers can discover the perfect grout color before installation with the new web app from CUSTOM. You can also see examples of the product being used in this video.

Note: It’s normal for grout to appear lighter in color directly out of the bucket, but as it dries, it will darken to match the expected color, shown on the color chart or grout stick.

Applications

Prism SCG grout works well with porcelain, glass, ceramic, mosaic, quarry, terrazzo, polished natural stone and grout-able luxury vinyl tile with joint widths between 1/16 inch and 1/2 inch. You can use the grout with interior and most exterior residential, commercial, high-traffic and intermittently wet areas including countertops, backsplashes, tub surrounds, shower walls and floors.

Note: Prism SCG Grout is not for use in industrial applications or areas subjected to harsh or continuous chemicals (high or low pH), high heat or high-pressure cleaning. For heavy industrial tile installations, use CEG-IG 100% Solids Epoxy Grout.

Tools for the job

After you’ve selected your tile and grout color, you’ll want to gather your tools. Fortunately, with Prism SCG Grout you’ll only need a solid urethane float, margin trowel, bucket of water and microfiber towels to remove grout haze. It’s ready to use right from the bucket, with a resealable lid.

Read the Installation Guide before you begin.

Person wearing rubber gloves using Prism SCG and a float to grout verigated blue glass tile.

Tips for best grout usage

Prism SCG is designed to be installed at surface and ambient temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C). You can expect longer or shorter working times depending on the temperature conditions of your environment and tile porosity.

You’ll use a solid urethane float to apply the grout. Start with small areas (about 10-20 square feet) at one time, then you can expand the area as your proficiency grows. Professionals or anyone comfortable with the process can control up to 100 square feet at a time. The advanced formulation prevents this grout from drying out during extended open times.

Residual grout is easiest to clean while still wet, using a damp microfiber towel or cloth. One of the biggest advantages of Prism SCG is that it’s cleanable immediately — or within 30 minutes of applying — which means no more waiting for grout to set before you can clean grout haze. And you don’t have to come back later to seal it.

It’s recommended to do a final drag with a damp microfiber towel to pick up leftover grout haze immediately after installation. However, for up to three days following installation, grout haze can be removed with water and a sponge. After three days, grout haze should be removed using a neutral PH tile or grout cleaner like Aqua Mix^® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. Prism SCG Grout will cure by the next day for light traffic applications, and after three days for shower applications. Curing time will be longer in high humidity conditions.

Note for professionals: Prism SCG meets ANSI A118.19 and aligns with ANSI A118.7 and A118.3 performance characteristics.

More questions? You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.

It’s time to step up your grout game! Use the new revolutionary Prism SCG, available at tile distributors and coming soon to The Home Depot near you. For more information about this or other CUSTOM Building Products, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com.

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease – everyone should know their risk by taking these 3 simple tests

2024-10-07T06:01:00

(BPT) – Are you concerned about your cardiovascular (CV) health? Even if you don’t have a family history of CV diseases, it’s important to find out if you’re at risk so you can proactively take care of your cardiac health. Luckily, three simple universally available tests can detect your risk of life-threatening CV events like heart attack and stroke — decades in advance.

Since 1950, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. While heart disease affects people of all genders, races and ethnicities, heart disease in women, especially young women, has increased, with more women than men dying of heart disease every year.

While these statistics may be shocking, there is good news. A recent study has shown that a simple blood test of three biomarkers can predict a woman’s lifelong risk for heart attack and stroke.

Predicting the risk of CV disease as simple as 1, 2, 3

The recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine followed nearly 30,000 healthy American women to predict their risk of CV disease over the subsequent 30 years. Researchers measured participants’ levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), LDL cholesterol (LDL), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Each biomarker independently contributed to a woman’s overall CV risk, but one stood out above the rest: hs-CRP.

You’re probably familiar with an LDL test and likely Lp(a), which measures fats in your blood. What makes hs-CRP different is that it doesn’t test for fats — but rather for inflammation.

Inflammation’s role in CV disease

It may sound odd that inflammation, your body’s natural response to illness or injury, can contribute to CV events, but if you think about inflammation’s health role, it’s easy to see why.

Cholesterol and plaque in your arteries can also trigger an inflammatory response, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. When you suffer from long-term inflammation, it can damage healthy tissues, including your arteries and heart.

By measuring your hs-CRP levels, you’ll have a clearer picture of your risk of CV events down the road. In fact, according to another study, among patients already taking cholesterol-lowering statins, hs-CRP may be an even stronger predictor of future CV events than measuring high LDL cholesterol.

“Our understanding of how increased levels of inflammation can interact with lipids to compound cardiovascular disease risks has significantly improved our ability to treat patients based on their individual inflammatory risk which we can now treat with low-dose colchicine,” said Brittany N. Weber, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Cardio-Rheumatology Clinic, and associate physician in preventative cardiology and cardiovascular imaging at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “This new study shows the importance of measuring the inflammatory biomarker, hs-CRP, in addition to fats in the blood, to be able to better treat our patients, especially women, even earlier and potentially prevent life-threatening heart events.”

A low-dose treatment option for inflammation

Many statin medications have some anti-inflammatory properties but do not fully address inflammation issues. To help manage your inflammation and lower your risk of CV events, you’ll need an anti-inflammatory medication that can further reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

If your hs-CRP levels are high, your doctor may recommend low-dose colchicine. Low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, is the first and only therapy FDA-approved as an anti-inflammatory medication shown to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event, including heart attack or stroke.

The once-daily oral tablet can be used alone or in combination with a patient’s current lipid-lowering medication to effectively treat cardiovascular disease. Low-dose colchicine addresses your inflammatory risk to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in secondary and primary prevention.

If you’re concerned about your heart health, ask your doctor about the three simple tests above and take special notice of your inflammation marker. Learn more about your risk and steps you can take to support your cardiac health at CVDInflammation.com.

October 4, 2024October 4, 2024

Don’t just age, age better: 5 longevity tips for healthier aging

2024-10-04T06:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know how well you’re aging? Aging well goes beyond how you look. To live a healthier, more active lifestyle as you age, it’s important to know your current health baseline and identify potential future issues that you can prevent or manage now.

As we hit the home stretch of 2024, get a jump on next year’s resolutions and be your own health advocate. Create a personalized healthy aging plan with the help of next gen services, like genetic sequencing, and knowing your body’s “true” biological age.

Don’t know where to start? Here are five proactive steps you can take to invest in your health and longevity.

1. Find your baseline

While knowing your family medical history is a great place to start, you’ll need more information to determine your baseline health.

Consider signing up for 23andMe’s Total Health^TM, a longevity platform that combines genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, Biological Age analysis, and expert clinician oversight.

Total Health provides advanced, clinician-ordered genetic testing called exome sequencing that evaluates high impact genes associated with health conditions that, if detected early, may have effective preventive measures and clinical interventions.

Nothing is more personalized than your genetics, and genetic screening really is for everyone (not just for a specific group of people), especially with the amount of information current testing provides. Genetics is a true foundation of health, and the information gleaned from your DNA can offer a lifetime’s worth of insights into your longevity.

2. Go beyond routine lab tests

Once you have genetics as a baseline, you can layer on more data to get a fuller picture of your health profile.

Traditional blood testing does provide important health information. However, frequent comprehensive blood tests can offer ongoing insight into prevention and early detection. In fact, 70% of clinical decisions rely on lab data — that’s why blood testing is so fundamental.¹

A comprehensive test can measure things like blood sugar levels, kidney, liver and thyroid function, along with cholesterol and advanced lipoprotein levels. This is especially important if you have a family history of cardiovascular diseases.

Knowing your cholesterol level is just part of the story. When you have a comprehensive blood test, you can find out your lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels. High levels of Lp(a) and APOB are associated with an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease, including heart attacks and stroke.

If you have high levels of either (or both) markers, your health care provider can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you manage these levels and reduce your risk of related conditions.

Having both genetic and blood biomarker data together is key to constructing your health baseline. Together, they can help you identify screening, treatments and lifestyle changes that promote longevity and build long-term resilience.

3. Combine your genetic results with your bloodwork and take action

Genetics is about future risk. Lab tests are about the now.

Having both genetic and blood biomarker data together is key. Your genetic data gives you deep insights into your potential future risks, while your biomarker data gives you insight into the now. And together they could help provide you with answers.

For example, if you have high cholesterol today, you might be wondering why. Is it your daily habits, or is there more to it? Your genetics could help piece it all together and provide insight into why you may have higher cholesterol beyond your lifestyle habits. In fact, you might have a higher likelihood based on your own genetics! And you might need personalized interventions.

Your genetic test results can also guide you toward concrete steps to prevent disease related to a genetic variant. Genetics can provide insights on potential serious health risks for hereditary cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and different types of cancers — risks you may not know otherwise. Take, for example, a variant in the MLH1 gene that causes Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome affects about 1 in 280 people and can have serious health consequences. Individuals with Lynch syndrome are at a greater risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian and certain other cancers than the general population.

If your genetic results indicate you have Lynch syndrome, you can take proactive steps to manage your cancer risks. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people with Lynch syndrome should have colonoscopes starting at age 20-25 (instead of waiting until age 45) and continue to get screened every 1-2 years. Earlier, more frequent screening can catch the disease at the beginning stages when it’s most treatable.

4. Make lifestyle changes to lower your biological age

Your age is just a number. It doesn’t tell you how your body is truly aging. That’s why it’s critical to find out your biological age number and potentially lower or maintain your biological age.

23andMe’s Total Health membership includes access to a new Biological Age feature. This feature can help tell you how old you really are from the inside by analyzing biomarkers that reflect the condition of major body systems and organs and how it may differ from your calendar age. This measure is checked biannually so you can track it and take steps to potentially slow down or even reverse course if your biological age is outpacing your calendar age.

5. Make a tailored health plan with a clinician who understands genetics

All of this sophisticated health data is only helpful if you know what to do with it. Once you have your genetic and blood work results, it’s a good idea to work with a clinician to create a tailored health plan that includes lifestyle, screening and other health management tools.

If, for example, you have high cholesterol and elevated Lp(a) levels, a clinician can help you take concrete steps to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. They might discuss the benefits of statins and how your genetic results can be used to inform what your doctor prescribes to help reduce the risk of side effects.

Finding a clinician may sound daunting, but if you have a Total Health membership, you’ll have unlimited direct access to expert clinicians who have unique training in genetics. They can help connect all of the dots and build a hyper-personalized health plan that focuses on ongoing disease prevention and early detection.

Don’t address health issues as they come along. Get ahead of possible health risks to increase your odds of aging better with these proactive steps. To learn more about genetics, blood testing and personalized care, visit 23andMe.com/Total-Health.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5759162/