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The daily challenges of living with chronic hand eczema

2025-10-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – Could you be experiencing chronic hand eczema (CHE)? It’s different from atopic dermatitis (eczema)1 and is one of the most common skin disorders that affects approximately one in ten adults worldwide.2,3

Some CHE symptoms, like itching, redness and dry, flaky skin may seem relatively minor, although irritating.1 However, the condition is also characterized by pain, thickening of the skin, blisters, swelling and cracking skin on hands and wrists.1 Often, people diagnosed with CHE face functional and emotional challenges that can impact career, self-confidence, relationships and more4,5 — a reality that Monique T. knows all too well.

Monique’s journey with CHE

Monique — a resident of Shelby Township, Michigan — has lived with CHE since she was a child but experienced more intense symptoms starting in her 40s. At first, her hands became red and itchy, but she soon developed dry, flaky skin, lesions and blisters. Her CHE symptoms not only make her feel embarrassed about her hands, but she also struggles with everyday function, a common effect among CHE patients.

According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for LEO Pharma, Inc. — a medical dermatology company — 95% of U.S. dermatology providers surveyed agreed that moderate-to-severe CHE has a strong impact on patients’ work and home lives.6

For Monique, CHE makes it difficult to hold things, even the steering wheel of her car, a brush or a bottle of shampoo.

“Living with chronic hand eczema is a daily challenge,” Monique said. “The constant itching and pain make even simple tasks like driving to the store or washing my hair in the shower feel impossible because my hands are so sensitive and cracked that it hurts to touch anything.”

These physical symptoms can also make it difficult for patients with CHE to hold down a job. For example, 86% of health care providers surveyed said moderate-to-severe CHE has caused their patients to struggle at work.6 Also, 54% said CHE impacts their patients’ financial situation and 51% agreed that CHE has caused their patients to stall in their careers.6

“The hardest thing about having chronic hand eczema is its impact on my financial security,” Monique said. “It’s difficult to work full time when I’m having a flare and needing to call in sick or having to mask my pain while interacting with customers or co-workers.”

Beyond the physical and financial realms, CHE can make emotional and social aspects of life very difficult.6 Dermatology providers reported that CHE impacts their patients’ emotional health (93%) and self-consciousness (92%).6 These emotional challenges can have a strong impact on patients’ dating life (72%), relationships with family and friends (72%) and desire for intimacy with their partner (68%).6

For Monique, she struggles to participate in social activities because she is constantly thinking about her hands and her CHE.

“Chronic hand eczema has a big impact on my self-esteem and my social life,” Monique said. “I don’t like to make plans because I’m self-conscious about my hands and live in fear of having a flare and needing to cancel.”

How to manage CHE

If you’re experiencing CHE symptoms, start by removing products that may exacerbate the condition.1 When performing cleaning tasks, consider using gloves to keep your skin from contacting harsh chemicals.1 It’s also important to keep the skin moisturized frequently throughout the day to enhance the barrier function of the skin, even when CHE is not flaring.1

When it comes to emotional challenges, it’s important to create a routine and have plans in place for how to manage the anxiety that can come from living with CHE.1 To keep her mind occupied and her emotions under control, Monique turns to nature and her dogs. She also incorporates regular exercise into her routine, goes on long walks through the park, and uses a stress ball when she’s feeling anxious. It’s also important to build a support system. Monique has relied on her boyfriend for encouragement and understanding, but he’s also helped her when it was too painful for her to do certain tasks herself, like shower during a severe CHE flare.

Talk with your doctor

If you are living with CHE or suspect you’ve developed this skin disorder, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your condition and possible treatment plans. To learn more about a treatment option for adults with moderate-to-severe CHE, visit www.learnaboutche.com.

References

1. Thyssen JP, Schuttelaar MLA, Alfonso JH, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema. Contact Dermatitis. 2022;86(5):357-378.

2. Lee GR, Maarouf M, Hendricks AK, Lee DE, Shi VY. Current and emerging therapies for hand eczema. Dermatol Ther. 2019;32(3):e12840.

3. Quaade AS, Simonsen AB, Halling A-S, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD. Prevalence, incidence, and severity of hand eczema in the general population – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis. 2021;84:361–374.Voorberg AN, Loman L, Schuttelaar MLA. Prevalence and Severity of Hand Eczema in the Dutch General Population: A Cross-sectional, Questionnaire Study within the Lifelines Cohort Study. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022;102:adv00626.

4. Koskelo M, Sinikumpu SP, Jokelainen J, Huilaja L. Anxiety and depression in patients with hand eczema: A population-based study among 853 middle-aged subjects. Contact Dermatitis. 2023;89(6):464-470.

5. LEO Pharma Inc. LEO Pharma Survey: Dermatology Providers Agree Chronic Hand Eczema Impacts Patients’ Emotional, Social, and Occupational Well-Being. Business Wire. Published April 22, 2025. Accessed May 8, 2025. Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422320493/en/LEO-Pharma-Survey-Dermatology-Providers-Agree-Chronic-Hand-Eczema-Impacts-Patients-Emotional-Social-and-Occupational-Well-Being.

MAT-83866 September 2025

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Protein bars: Quick and convenient, but what’s really in them?

2025-10-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you often grab whatever protein bar is handy at the grocery store and regret it later, you are not alone. You want a quick solution to help fuel your busy day, running from the gym to pick up kids at school or powering through a working lunch, only to endure a chalky, gritty bar that leaves you feeling bloated or sluggish.

For many people, eating a protein bar feels more like a chore than a treat. They always sound good, but finding options that truly taste delicious — and are made with quality ingredients — is not easy. But do protein bars require you to trade flavor for function? The dietitians at Linear Bar think you can have both if you know what to look for when choosing your next protein bar.

A Linear bar in the foreground with a woman in boxing gloves working out in the background


What’s the sugar content?

The craving for something sweet may hit you, especially during that afternoon slump, but too much sugar can lead to an energy spike, followed by a drop that leaves you feeling exhausted. Sugar can be sneaky; your “healthy” protein bar might contain a lot more sugar than you think.

“The ingredients on the product label are listed in order of quantity, so the ingredient used most appears first, followed by those used in smaller amounts,” said Samantha MacLeod, MS, RDN. “Keep an eye out for sugar as one of the first ingredients on the label or sugar in other forms such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, brown rice syrup or fruit juice concentrate,” she continued.

Instead of artificial sweeteners that can lead to the fake-sugar aftertaste found in so many protein bars, Linear Bar uses organic cane sugar and organic purified stevia extract, a natural sugar alternative, for that just-sweet-enough decadence. Together with real organic dark chocolate, caramel and peanut butter, you’ll experience a rich, indulgent flavor and texture that reminds you of your favorite candy bar — but without all that sugar.

It’s not just about the protein (well, it mostly is)

The best protein bars offer a great-tasting combination of nutrients designed to satisfy hunger and provide vital nutrients your body needs. High-quality protein, healthy fats and dietary fiber are three nutrients to pay close attention to when choosing snack bars.

Man sitting on a bench in a locker room pulling a Linear bar out of his gym bag

Linear Bar’s protein (20 grams) comes from a unique powerhouse blend of organic whey, pea and chickpea protein. This blend of easily absorbed, complete proteins supports muscle repair and recovery. On top of that, each bar is packed with 12 grams of satisfying dietary fiber, meeting nearly half of the daily recommended amount of fiber for adults, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“Protein alone doesn’t give your body everything it needs to perform optimally,” said MacLeod. “Fiber is one of those unsung heroes of the nutrition world, helping to support digestion, control blood sugar, and keep you feeling full longer, and most people don’t get enough.”

What’s the deal with seed oils?

Many consumers are actively trying to limit seed oils in their diets. Consuming too much seed oil, like canola and safflower oil, can cause an imbalance in omega­-6 fatty acids, which may increase inflammation. This can be challenging, especially when it comes to packaged foods like protein bars. Many protein bars contain unnecessary additives, like highly processed seed oils, that are less healthy and cause an unpleasant mouthfeel.

By contrast, Linear Bar contains fats derived from organic oils found in ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter and organic peanut butter.

“The thoughtful selection of fats used in the Linear Bar recipe aligns with growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredient profiles,” MacLeod said. “And gives Linear Bars their signature chewy nougat-like texture and clean taste.”

Taste the difference

If you are looking for a protein bar that’s delicious and clean, choose a bar that was made in a kitchen, not a lab. Linear Bar’s Original flavor is the perfect combination of peanut butter, caramel and real dark chocolate that truly tastes like a candy bar — and you can feel good knowing that it’s made with 100% organic, high-quality ingredients and nothing artificial.

Linear bar in a wrapped leaning against a stack of Linear bar unwrapped.

“Linear Bar proves you can get elite performance and crave-worthy flavor that you’ll feel good about after eating,” said MacLeod.

You deserve a protein bar that tastes so good you want to eat it. Visit LinearBar.com to learn more.

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The Midwest state leading the startup ecosystem

2025-10-07T09:57:00

(BPT) – Silicon Valley may be known as one of the original startup hotbeds, but it’s not the only region of the country where entrepreneurs and innovators can bring their ideas to life. In fact, the Midwest has risen to the occasion as the up-and-coming startup hub in the U.S.

Within the Midwest, mid-sized and smaller cities are booming in both visibility and opportunity for entrepreneurs. According to the 2025 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings, cities like Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Madison, Wisconsin; and Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska, are climbing the ranks, driven by university spinouts, targeted funds and local accelerators.

Ann Arbor, in particular, has surged to become a startup powerhouse. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Ann Arbor region is known for driving cutting-edge innovation, revolutionary startups and world-class talent igniting inspiration for the next generation. Leveraging talent from the University of Michigan embedded within the city, the regional rankings report found that Ann Arbor performs very well in the raw number of startups, with startup momentum placing second overall and startup density ranking first overall.

Ann Arbor’s accomplishments are impressive, but it’s not the only city in this Startup State that is leading innovation. Detroit has shown significant global momentum, recently ranking second worldwide for startup ecosystem growth according to PitchBook’s Growth Score research. In the northern region of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Traverse City is part of the “Creative Coast,” having shifted from a tourism-based economy to one that emphasizes technology and entrepreneurship.

Michigan is a place where businesses of all sizes have access to the resources needed to conceptualize and efficiently grow to commercialization.

Michigan: A rising star

Out of the 64 cities that made the 2025 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings list, six Michigan cities were featured, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Flint. Their place on this list illustrates the state’s significant investments in key initiatives to support a thriving entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.

One recent initiative that aims to drive innovation is the PitchMI competition, which will award more than $4 million in direct investment to homegrown innovators. The goal of PitchMI is to spotlight the next generation of innovative companies and, thanks to a partnership between MEDC and the MSU Research Foundation, it’s highlighting that founders don’t have to leave their home in Michigan to build something world-changing. PitchMI received applications from 375 startups from over 100 different cities across both of Michigan’s peninsulas. The initiative split the competition into four regional events:

  1. Grand Rapids, focusing on health care and life sciences
  2. Traverse City, focusing on cleantech and outdoor innovation
  3. Detroit, focusing on mobility, defense and advanced manufacturing
  4. Ann Arbor, focusing on AI and software

Each event offered the winning startups funding ranging from $325,000 to $375,000 per company. The four startups that advanced to the statewide championship were:

  1. BedConnect, an online system that shows hospitals which nursing home beds are open so patients can be discharged more efficiently.
  2. Electric Outdoors, Inc., which builds a portable canopy system that supplies off-grid power, clean water, internet and EV charging for remote camping sites.
  3. General Orbit, which creates navigation hardware and software that make satellites easier to build and control.
  4. Adrenaline Interactive, which creates dynamic in-game advertising to help businesses reach and convert gamers into customers.

These companies will go head-to-head at the 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week in April 2026 for an additional $1 million investment and the title of PitchMI State Champion. This investment is one of the largest pitch competition prizes in the country, underscoring Michigan’s dedication to innovation.

The PitchMI competition isn’t the only way in which the state is providing startups with a leg up. MEDC’s entrepreneurial and innovation programs helped launch over 160 startups in 2024, despite a national venture capital slowdown. Thanks to MEDC’s partnerships with Michigan’s major research universities, support for campus-based incubators (like Ann Arbor SPARK and the MSU Innovation Center) and investments like the Michigan Innovation Fund have been instrumental in driving solutions that are designed to transform industries across the U.S.

Changing the world from the Great Lakes State

Michigan’s early-stage companies are solving problems that have the potential to bring real, positive change worldwide. To learn more about Michigan’s investments and resources for local startups, visit MichiganBusiness.org.

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Return to office, return to chaos? 5 ways parents can take back control with in-home childcare

2025-10-08T08:01:01

(BPT) – For working parents, the return-to-office mandate is a double-edged sword. While many employers are eager to reignite company culture and foster collaboration, the transition can feel less like a homecoming and more like a return to chaos for working parents. The once manageable juggle of remote work and family life has been upended, leaving many families scrambling for reliable childcare. This extends beyond a family issue to a core business challenge that can impact employee retention, productivity and morale.

If returning to the office feels less like a smooth transition and more like stepping into a whirlwind, you’re not alone. The traditional childcare landscape is already stretched thin, often struggling to accommodate the fluctuating demands of hybrid schedules, unexpected school closures and last-minute work commitments. While daycare waitlists and last-minute care gaps can be challenging, they also highlight the importance of flexible, family-friendly policies. When companies support working parents through change, everyone wins — including the business.

Picture this: You’ve successfully navigated the morning rush, dropped off the kids, and settled into your desk. You’re finally focused on a critical project when your phone buzzes. The school nurse calls about a sudden fever, or your after-school sitter cancels. Suddenly, your carefully planned day implodes, leaving you to manage an emergency while trying to stay present at work. This is the reality for countless working parents as they navigate the shifting demands of in-person work.

The pressure to be physically present at the office while managing school pick-ups, sick days and holiday breaks creates a constant state of anxiety. It impacts your ability to perform at your best, enjoy time with your family and protect your mental well-being.

Luckily, with the right steps, employers and parents can create a childcare plan that supports stability and drives performance. Here are a few ways parents can make in-home care work for them — both personally and professionally:

1. Prepare for the unexpected with back-up childcare

From surprise school closures to a sick nanny or a last-minute work trip, disruptions to your childcare routine can happen without warning. Back-up care is designed to help you stay on track when plans fall through. Services like Jovie Nannies & Sitters offer professional, vetted babysitters who can step in quickly — giving you peace of mind and helping your day run smoothly.

What many parents don’t realize is that back-up care is often available as a benefit through your employer, making it both accessible and affordable. It’s a smart way to stay prepared for life’s curveballs without scrambling for solutions.

2. Tap into employer-sponsored childcare support

Childcare benefits are becoming a key part of competitive workplace offerings — and for good reason. Many companies now subsidize back-up care to support working parents, reduce absenteeism and boost productivity. If you’re not sure what’s available to you, check your HR portal or talk to your benefits team.

If your employer already partners with a provider like Jovie, learn how to activate and use the benefit. If not, consider advocating for it. Presenting a solution like Jovie, which offers vetted, in-your-home childcare, can help make the case for a benefit that supports both families and the workplace.

3. Customize care for your child

While traditional daycares or after-school programs offer a structured group environment, in-your-home care provides a blank slate for customization and flexibility. This is a major advantage for children of all ages, from infants who need a strict nap schedule to school-aged kids who need help with homework and a ride to soccer practice. You can work with a nanny or sitter to create a routine tailored to your child’s specific needs and interests. This personalized approach reduces friction and creates a more seamless integration into your family’s life.

4. The sibling solution: One caregiver for all

For families with multiple young children, the logistics of dropping off and picking up from different schools or childcare centers can be a nightmare. In-home childcare simplifies this dramatically. You can hire one nanny to look after all your children, regardless of age. This not only streamlines your schedule but can also be more cost-effective than paying for multiple spots in a childcare center. Most importantly, it keeps siblings together, fostering their bond and creating a consistent, familiar environment where they feel safe.

5. Protect your work/life balance

The greatest advantage of taking control of your childcare is the balance it brings to your entire household. For parents, having reliable in-your-home support means less stress and more focus — whether you’re tackling a big project at work or pursuing personal goals. For children, it means consistent care from someone they trust, even when schedules shift or unexpected needs arise. When you’re not constantly juggling backup plans or worrying about last-minute gaps, you can be fully present in both your professional and family life. That sense of stability benefits everyone.

The widespread return-to-office mandates mark a new opportunity, but it doesn’t have to be defined by stress and uncertainty. By prioritizing flexible, in-your-home childcare, you can create a sustainable, supportive and successful family and career dynamic. Building a foundation of reliability allows you to meet both your professional and personal commitments with confidence.

Take the first step toward balancing work and life by exploring dependable resources for families and employers at Jovie.com.

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Prime Video Makes It Easy to Find Your Seasonal Streams

2025-10-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – As the leaves turn and the autumnal nights get longer, Halloween brings with it a familiar thrill—the return of scary movies, haunted house classics, and those nostalgic chills that make us want to gather with friends and family for a fright-night marathon. But in a landscape filled with endless streaming options, finding the perfect scary movie (or lighthearted seasonal special) can feel almost as daunting as a haunted house.

That’s where Prime Video steps in, turning a tricky situation into a treat for viewers of all ages and tastes.

The Halloween Nostalgia Wave

This year, nostalgia isn’t just a trend—it’s the main event. Classic horror films and beloved franchise slashers are once again haunting our screens, offering a comforting connection to simpler times. Whether you’re yearning for the gritty realism of 1970s horror, the over-the-top creatures of the VHS era, or the smart, meta-scares of the ’90s, Prime Video has curated a chilling library that brings the best of every decade to your living room—no VCR required.

Take a decade-by-decade journey through horror with titles like:

You can also stream original thrillers on Prime Video like Black Box (2020), Nocturne (2020), or Totally Killer (2023), or kick back with family-friendly favorites and seasonal comedies if you’re not in the mood for jump scares. With so many options, it’s easy to revisit your favorites or discover new nightmares for the first time—all directly on Prime Video.

Two creepy hands and type that says


Solving the Streaming Paradox

With so much content at our fingertips, the biggest challenge can be simply deciding what to watch. Psychologist Barry Schwartz famously called this the “paradox of choice”—having so many options that making a decision feels overwhelming. Prime Video was designed to make streaming simple, personalized, and convenient, transforming your entertainment search into a seamless experience.

Prime Video boasts thousands of original and licensed movies and shows, live sports, and a marketplace of subscriptions (from Apple TV+ and HBO Max to Paramount+ and more), and titles to rent or buy, all in one app. That means fewer apps to juggle and more time to enjoy what you love.

One-Stop Shop for Scares—and More

Prime Video knows that most viewers want everything in one place. Research shows that 77% of customers prefer to have their streaming services consolidated, and Prime Video delivers by offering access to major streaming subscriptions, plus more than 800 free, ad-supported (FAST) channels—all alongside its own robust lineup of original exclusive series and film releases like the popular Fallout, Heads of State, Reacher, Red One, Road House, The Accountant 2, The Boys, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Plus, features like X-Ray let you dive deeper into your favorite films, and Shop the Show even lets you shop for products featured in what you’re watching—making it easy to bring a little movie magic home.

Set the Mood, Your Way

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, planning a nostalgic movie marathon, or just looking for something scary to watch as you hand out candy, Prime Video is the ultimate entertainment destination for the season. From classic scream-fests to cozy comedies, all your Halloween favorites—and plenty of new surprises—are just a click away.

Two scary hands holding a square with a prime video on it.

This October, let Prime Video be the main character so the only thing you’ll have to fear is running out of popcorn.

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What my career as a Senior Football Insider has taught me about the power of early information

2025-10-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

By: Adam Schefter, Senior Football Insider and paid Sanofi spokesperson

Early information is my “currency” — I’ve built my career as a Senior Football Insider on the power and value of knowledge. From building strong relationships in the industry to moving fast on insights, getting the news before it breaks has always given me an edge in this space. Although advance notice has been the foundation of my career, I never considered how important it would be for my wife, Sharri, who was diagnosed unexpectedly with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

When my wife first found out she had T1D, it came as a complete shock. In fact, because T1D is often asymptomatic in its early stages, she didn’t have time to prepare for life with the disease and was instead immediately thrown into the realities of 24/7 disease management. Hearing her talk about her experience is a reminder that even the best laid plans can change, and we always have to be ready to pivot.

Every day, I watch Sharri navigate her disease — the ups, the downs, and everything in between. But just like players on a football field, I hate sitting and watching from the sidelines. I always have my head in the game. That’s why I feel incredibly strongly about the importance of early risk detection and spreading the word about the power of T1D autoantibody screening. Here’s three things you should know about T1D so you can put together an early detection playbook for yourself and your families.

T1D progresses in stages

It’s a common misconception that if someone is at risk of developing T1D, there’s nothing to do except wait and watch for symptoms. As part of this journey, I’ve learned that just one blood test can spot T1D before symptoms arise and insulin dependence begins. That means you can have the inside scoop on what’s going on in your body through T1D screening.

How is this possible? Well, the progression of T1D occurs in three stages. So, while my wife was diagnosed in Stage 3, it is possible to discover T1D in Stages 1 or 2. It’s during these early stages that a “silent” attack on beta cells (i.e., the cells responsible for keeping glucose levels in a healthy range) begins inside the body. By the time T1D progresses to Stage 3, the body’s ability to produce insulin becomes severely compromised, and therefore requires daily insulin injections.

Screening could be the difference between getting ahead of the game and discovering T1D in Stages 1 or 2 versus being caught off guard by a Stage 3 diagnosis. If my career has taught me anything, I’d say that being caught off guard is not a position you want to be in!

Certain risk factors can put you at an increased risk

There are certain risk factors — like certain autoimmune conditions — that may put you or your loved ones at an increased risk for developing T1D. Notably, family history is also a risk factor, and if even one family member has T1D, then the risk increases up to 15 times. For my family, that means my children are at an increased risk, which is something Sharri and I always keep in mind.

Adam talking on a media outlet from an office setting


There’s no need to wait for symptoms to act

If I asked right now, how many of us could describe the signs and symptoms of T1D? Years ago, I certainly wouldn’t have been able to. Symptoms of T1D can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexpected weight loss, and more; but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, these symptoms can be easy to confuse (with other sicknesses) or explain away. But just like getting a break on an exclusive story, these symptoms are time-sensitive; if you don’t see a doctor in time, you could find yourself in an emergency due to complications of T1D. When screening is available, there’s no need to wait until symptoms arise.

Final thoughts

The unfortunate truth is that a staggering ~64,000 individuals are newly diagnosed in the U.S. every year — many who find out about their diagnosis in an emergency setting. However, T1D screening can give you and your loved ones time to plan and stay ahead of the game. Like breaking the news, the sooner you know, the better, so don’t wait because if you wait, it might be too late.

My wife Sharri was caught off guard by her T1D diagnosis, but with screening and subsequent monitoring, you and your loved ones might not have to be. Make a plan and talk to your doctor about T1D screening.

Visit ScreenForType1.com to learn more.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Adam Schefter is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

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Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis: How one condition can worsen the other

2025-10-07T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you live with asthma and struggle with chronic sinus problems, the two conditions may be more connected than you think.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is long-term swelling of the nose and sinus passages that lasts for 12 weeks or more. It causes ongoing congestion, facial pain or pressure, postnasal drip and difficulty with sense of smell.

Sometimes chronic rhinosinusitis can cause small growths in the nose called nasal polyps. These are soft, painless, noncancerous lumps. Globally, about 5-12% of people live with chronic rhinosinusitis, and up to 30% of them also develop nasal polyps. When both conditions are present, it’s called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

How does CRSwNP affect asthma?

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps can worsen asthma. The nose, sinuses and lungs are part of a “united airway.” Any inflammation in the upper airways can trigger asthma symptoms and flare-ups in the lower airways. Polyps can also disrupt airflow.

Due to the chronic nature of the conditions, people with CRSwNP and asthma tend to struggle with worse quality of life.

What causes CRSwNP?

The exact cause of CRSwNP is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development.

Sinuses and nasal passages are lined with a protective mucosal barrier that blocks germs and irritants. In people with CRSwNP, this barrier is weakened. When microbes and irritants get through, they can trigger long-lasting inflammation in the sinuses. Over time, this constant inflammation can change the structure of sinus tissue, leading to the growth of nasal polyps.

People with both CRSwNP and asthma may also have high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and/or eosinophils in their body.

  • IgE is a protein in your blood that helps fight germs. In some patients, it can cause allergic reactions.
  • Eosinophils are white blood cells that fight infections. Too many can increase inflammation.

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Additional tests may include:

  • Lung function tests. These can help diagnose or reveal the severity of asthma.
  • Blood tests. These can help determine levels of IgE and eosinophils for both asthma and CRSwNP.
  • Sinus CT scan. Images of your sinuses and nasal cavity can reveal the severity of CRSwNP.
  • Nasal endoscopy. This involves a tiny camera inserted into your nasal passages to search for polyps.
  • Allergy tests. These help identify allergies that could be triggering symptoms. (They are also used to diagnose allergic asthma.)

CRSwNP triggers often overlap with asthma triggers. They include allergens such as pollen, mold or pets. Nonallergic triggers include respiratory viruses, tobacco smoke, air pollution and cold, dry air.

How to treat asthma and CRSwNP together

Asthma and CRSwNP require different treatments. Medications are available. Working together with your doctor to manage both conditions gives you the best chance for relief and better breathing.

For asthma, it’s essential to keep symptoms under control. Most people use a daily controller inhaler with an inhaled corticosteroid. These medications can help reduce inflammation and keep the airways open. Quick-relief inhalers are also available for sudden asthma symptoms or attacks.

For CRSwNP, corticosteroid nasal sprays are the first-line treatment. They can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose. A short course of oral corticosteroids can shrink polyps and improve a stuffy nose, but long-term use can cause serious side effects. If medications aren’t working, surgery to remove the polyps may be an option.

Biologic medications can treat asthma and CRSwNP together. Given as injections every 2–4 weeks, they are often a good choice for people with moderate to severe symptoms who haven’t found relief with other treatments.

Biologics target the underlying inflammation, not just the symptoms. They help reduce airway swelling, improve breathing and can even shrink nasal polyps. Some biologics are specifically approved for people with high IgE or eosinophil levels. This can help patients maintain control of both asthma and CRSwNP.

Healthcare providers may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers. This can also help reduce asthma and CRSwNP symptoms and help you feel better.

How to start taking control

If you have asthma with chronic sinus symptoms, it’s time to meet with your healthcare provider. Consider seeing a specialist such as a board-certified allergist. Ask about testing for CRSwNP, since sinus problems and nasal polyps may be making your asthma symptoms worse.

Visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org to learn more about asthma and CRSwNP.

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Genomic Testing: When Knowledge Gives You the Strength to Keep Fighting

2025-10-06T12:35:00

(BPT) – Adrianne Jouet will never forget the sound: “Huh.”

It was just one syllable from the mammogram technician, but in that moment, the 42-year-old mother of three knew something was wrong. When the tech started an ultrasound, Jouet immediately saw it too—a mass on the screen.

“Your mind goes to the worst place instantly,” Jouet recalls. “But I also knew I’d been doing everything right—following my doctor’s orders, getting screened every six months because of my family history. If this was cancer, at least we’d caught it early.”

What followed was a perfect storm of challenges. Scheduling a biopsy during the height of the pandemic proved difficult. Then Hurricane Ida knocked out power across New Orleans, where Jouet lived, threatening to destroy her biopsy results. When the results finally reached her, they confirmed her fears: Stage 1 invasive lobular breast cancer.

Fighting Back

After a double mastectomy with reconstruction, Jouet faced the next phase of her journey—preventing the cancer from ever coming back. Her oncologist consulted the genomic testing results that showed she was unlikely to benefit from chemotherapy but confirmed she would benefit from hormone therapy, thus prescribing tamoxifen, a hormone therapy commonly used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in premenopausal women, for five years.

“I can do five years. I mean, five years. It’s a piece of cake.” Adrianne thought. However, the side effects hit hard.

Hot flashes. Memory fog. Joint pain. Fatigue that made her marathon-running days feel like a distant memory. For someone who’d always been sensitive to medications, the daily struggle felt overwhelming.

She counted down the months. She pushed through the difficult days by focusing on the finish line. And finally, after four grueling years, she walked into her doctor’s office with a smile on her face.

“I’m going to be done soon!” she told her oncologist, already imagining life without the daily side effects.

But her doctor had different news.

“I really think you should be on it for ten years,” her oncologist said.

Ten years.

Jouet was stunned. She’d already endured four years, thinking the end was in sight. Now her doctor was asking for six more years—extending what she’d already committed to by double the time.

She trusted her doctor, but she needed more. She needed to see the evidence for herself. She needed to understand why ten years was necessary for her specifically. If she was going to commit to six more years of this struggle, she needed data—not just a recommendation.

The Data She Needed to See

Jouet knew she needed answers before she could commit to six more years. Through her work at genomic testing company Agendia, she was familiar with the MammaPrint® test—which examines 70 genes to assess a tumor’s risk of recurrence. Studies have shown it can help inform a range of treatment decisions, such as identifying women who may safely avoid extended hormone therapy and those who may benefit from continuing.¹,²

She asked for the test.

“I wasn’t doubting my doctor,” Jouet explains. “But when you’re four years into something incredibly difficult and someone asks you to double your sentence, you need to understand why. I needed to see the science behind it—the data specific to my tumor.”

Her MammaPrint results came back as “Low” risk—a classification that confirmed what her oncologist had recommended: The genomic data showed that for her specific tumor type, ten years of hormone therapy would significantly reduce her chance of recurrence compared to stopping at five.

“Seeing those results changed everything,” Jouet says. “It wasn’t just my doctor’s opinion anymore—I could see the molecular evidence. The test showed me exactly why those extra years mattered for my cancer. It didn’t tell me something scary or unexpected. It gave me proof that my doctor’s recommendation was right for me.”

Choosing to Fight—With Confidence

For Jouet, seeing the scientific evidence transformed everything. What had felt impossible suddenly felt necessary. She wasn’t just following orders anymore—she was making an informed choice based on evidence she could see and understand.

Armed with data, Jouet did the math. Six more years meant 2,300 additional days of side effects. But it also meant something far more important.

“The other 2,300 days that I still have, it’s worth it,” she says with conviction. “Why? Because of the risk of this coming back, I’m not willing to gamble that. I’m not willing to gamble missing a soccer game, or a cheerleading match, or a graduation.”

The MammaPrint test didn’t just provide scientific validation—it helped her see beyond the daily struggle to what she was truly fighting for. Every difficult day, every side effect, every moment of discomfort became bearable when weighed against the moments she refused to miss with her daughters.

A Message of Hope

Close-up of smiling Adrianne in a floral dress.

Today, Jouet uses her experience to encourage other women facing similar battles. She knows the journey isn’t easy—that some days will feel impossible, that side effects can steal your joy, that doubt can creep in.

But she also knows the power of having answers. The MammaPrint test didn’t deliver bad news or add fear—it provided clarity and confirmation that helped her move forward with confidence.

“You have unbreakable confidence,” Jouet tells other women with breast cancer. “You are stronger than you think you are. And whether you know it or not, you’ve already overcome your hardest day.”

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jouet’s story reminds us that the fight against cancer isn’t just about treatment—it’s about empowerment. When women can see the evidence behind their treatment plan, they find the courage and conviction to face even the hardest days ahead.

Because sometimes, seeing the data for yourself makes all the difference in finding the strength to keep going.

To learn more about genomic testing and personalized breast cancer treatment, visit Agendia.com.

[1] Rastogi P et al. J Clin Oncol. 2024;00:1-9.

[2] van ‘t Veer LJ, et al. JAMA. November 2024.

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The hidden threat after heart bypass — and the new treatment that could save thousands

2025-10-06T05:01:00

(BPT) – For the hundreds of thousands of Americans who undergo heart bypass surgery each year, the relief of surviving such a major procedure is often shadowed by one sobering fact: The risk of another heart attack or stroke still lingers.

Bypass surgery reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries, but it doesn’t stop the underlying disease; atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque and inflammation inside artery walls. This process continues even after surgery, keeping the danger alive. Now, groundbreaking new research shows that adding a small daily pill — low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg — can make a life-saving difference.

A breakthrough in post-bypass care

In a newly published study, researchers found that patients who added low-dose colchicine to their standard therapy after bypass surgery experienced significantly fewer serious cardiovascular events. The findings are striking: if all 150,000 Americans who undergo bypass each year were treated with low-dose colchicine, it could prevent more than 8,000 heart attacks, 16,000 strokes and nearly 10,000 repeat procedures over five years.

That’s not just statistics — that’s tens of thousands of families spared the trauma of watching a loved one rushed back to the hospital for another life-threatening event.

The study’s authors also noted that bypass patients remain at risk for long-term plaque buildup. Early evidence suggests this ongoing process of atherosclerosis may also be reduced by low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg — offering patients protection well beyond the immediate recovery period.

Why inflammation matters

Most people know high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. But what’s less understood is the role of inflammation in fueling atherosclerosis.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in arteries can trigger inflammation, creating a dangerous cycle of more plaque and increased risk of heart attacks or strokes. If left untreated, this chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissue like arteries and the heart itself. Doctors sometimes describe it as a “slow-burning fire” inside the arteries — invisible but steadily damaging the heart.

Expert insight

“The research makes it clear that post-bypass treatment must address inflammation in addition to cholesterol,” said Jimmy Kerrigan, M.D., FSCAI, FACC, assistant professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and interventional cardiologist at Saint Thomas Heart at Ascension Saint Thomas West in Nashville, Tennessee. “For patients already taking a statin, adding low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg daily, has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening events like stroke and heart attack.”

Three tests that reveal hidden risk

Even if you’ve never had a heart attack or bypass, there are three simple blood tests that can give you and your doctor a clearer picture of your heart health:

  • LDL cholesterol: the “bad” cholesterol most patients already track.
  • Lipoprotein(a): a genetic risk factor not usually measured in routine checkups.
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): a marker of inflammation that many patients don’t even know exists.

For bypass patients in particular, hs-CRP can reveal whether dangerous inflammation, the very process driving atherosclerosis, is still smoldering inside the arteries. If your hs-CRP levels show ongoing inflammation, your doctor may recommend adding low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg — currently the only anti-inflammatory treatment approved to reduce cardiovascular risk — to better protect against future events.

A call to action

If you or someone you love has had a heart bypass, don’t wait for another crisis to strike. Talk to your doctor about whether adding low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg daily, could help protect against the hidden threat of atherosclerosis and inflammation.

To learn more about cardiovascular inflammation and to check your risk using a quick online quiz, visit CVDInflammation.com.

Indication:

Low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg is indicated to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease or with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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