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Empower yourself and others to spot the signs of endometrial cancer

2023-10-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to women’s health, many issues aren’t discussed enough, if at all. One condition that needs more attention and awareness is endometrial cancer (EC). Many women with EC report that the symptoms of the disease are often stigmatized or dismissed. Unfortunately, the silence around diseases like EC could potentially lead to a lack of awareness and negative health outcomes.

EC is the most common type of uterine cancer. It’s also one of the few cancers where diagnoses and deaths are on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be over 66,000 new cases of uterine cancer diagnosed in the United States in 2023 alone, accounting for over 13,000 deaths. It’s important for people to learn more about this disease so they can spot the potential signs at an early stage and take action.

Early detection can help save lives

EC may be more treatable when detected at an early stage. If diagnosed when the cancer is local and has not spread from the uterus, a patient’s five-year survival rate is 96%. Early detection and treatment is particularly important for communities of color, many of whom already experience health disparities. Black women are nearly twice as likely to die of EC compared to white women and are more often diagnosed at a later stage.

Risk factors and signs of EC

It is important that women and all people with a uterus are aware of the factors that may increase their risk of developing EC, which include but are not limited to obesity, age, family history of uterine cancer, high-fat diet and lack of exercise, conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or a hereditary cancer syndrome such as Lynch syndrome. Knowing the signs of EC can also empower women to advocate for their health and help catch EC at an early stage. Look out for these common signs:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Spotting or brownish discharge after menopause
  • Irregular or heavy bleeding before menopause
  • Pelvic area pain or pressure.

“Prior to my diagnosis, I experienced symptoms like abnormal bleeding and intense cramps that were so painful, I knew I needed to see my doctor,” said Shawn Smith, an EC survivor. “I’m now sharing my story because I want other women to be able to spot the signs of EC and speak up for themselves and the women in their lives.”

Engaging in open conversations with your doctor can make a big difference. It’s vital for all women — especially Black women — to speak to a doctor if they experience any potential symptoms of concern.

End the silence and raise awareness

SHARE Cancer Support, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Black Health Matters, Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African-Americans (ECANA), The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC), and Eisai Inc. came together to launch Spot Her® to help end the silence around EC by educating the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease.

If you want to help raise awareness and show your support for women living with EC, join the conversation on social media by tagging your posts with #SpotHerforEC. For every post shared using #SpotHerforEC, Eisai will donate one dollar (up to $20,000) between SHARE, FORCE and ECANA to support women living with EC.

Know the signs, spot them early, and help save lives. For more information and resources on EC, visit SpotHerforEC.com.

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Railing 101: A guide to picking the perfect pairing for your deck

2023-10-25T13:51:00

(BPT) – When it comes to your deck, the railing is not just a functional necessity but also a crucial design element that can enhance the aesthetics and safety of your outdoor space. But, with so many options and industry jargon to decipher, choosing the right deck railing system can be daunting. Fear not. This article will guide you through the world of deck railing — from spindles to solar caps — to help you make informed decisions that suit your style and practical needs.

Common railing components

Understanding the parts of a deck railing system will help you navigate the terminology associated with different options.

Top Rail

This horizontal component — also called the handrail — sits on top of the railing system providing stability while also making a style statement. Top rails come in a variety of styles from traditional crown top (shown here) to more contemporary, minimalist designs.

Cocktail Rail

Also known as drink rail, cocktail rail is a popular option among homeowners who like to entertain. This application uses a deck board as a top rail to create a flat surface ledge at just the right height for holding drinks and plates.

Bottom Rail

The bottom rail is the horizontal piece that runs along the bottom of the railing system to hold the balusters or infill in place.

Balusters

Often referred to as spindles, balusters are the vertical components between the top and bottom rails that provide support and prevent small objects, pets and children from slipping through.

Infill

Railing infill comes in a range of styles from traditional vertical balusters to horizontal rods or cables. Glass and decorative mesh panels (shown here) are other options.

Posts

These are the larger, more substantial vertical pillars typically placed at corners and intervals along the railing to serve as anchor points for the system. They provide structural support and can be decorative elements as well. Posts can be made from wood, metal, aluminum or composite material. In some cases, they come with sleeves that slide over wooden posts to add a decorative touch.

Caps

These optional decorative pieces can be placed on top of railing posts to add a finishing touch and extra protection. Caps come in a range of shapes and styles, including LED and solar-powered options that light up to enhance ambiance and safety at night.

Railing material options

While wood remains a classic choice for deck railings, it requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, warping and fading. For a more on-trend look with less hassle, consider the following options.

Metal

Metal railings, such as aluminum and wrought iron, provide durability and a sleek, modern appearance. They require less maintenance than wood and are known for their strength. Metal railings can be customized with various finishes and designs to match your aesthetic preferences.

Composite

Composite railings combine the best of both worlds — the appearance of wood with the durability and low maintenance of plastic and metal. These railings are resistant to rot, insects and fading, making them a popular choice for busy homeowners.

Glass

Perfect for decks with scenic views, glass railings offer safety and style. Tempered glass is commonly used for its strength.

Finding Your Perfect Pairing

Selecting railing should be fun, but it can also be overwhelming considering the wide array of available options. To simplify things, use one of the following approaches:

  • Coordinate – Choose railing in the same shade as your decking for a well-coordinated look.
  • Contrast – Create visual impact by pairing your decking with railing in a contrasting but complementary color.
  • Customize – Mix colors and materials, such as combining dark aluminum railing and balusters with white composite posts for a dramatic, distinctive design.

For perfect pairings, Trex offers a Decking & Railing Duos tool on its website, which features designer-curated decking and railing combinations.

Now that you’re familiar with the various deck railing options and common terms, you can confidently embark on your deck project. Remember that the right deck railing not only enhances safety but also adds personality and charm to your outdoor space, making it a place where you’ll love to spend time for years to come. For more information about deck railing, visit Trex.com.

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3 Things a Former Educator Wants to Teach You about Migraine

2023-10-25T07:01:01

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer. Bernadette Gorczyca has partnered with Pfizer to share her experience living with migraine.

For Bernadette Gorczyca — a teacher of 13 years — migraine has been a part of her life since she was a young child. While she’s no longer a classroom teacher due to her severe migraine disease, Gorczyca is still passionate about education and has carried that passion into teaching others about migraine.

“It took nearly 30 years of living with migraine, multiple misdiagnoses and a lot of self-advocacy to finally understand that migraine is a neurological disease that needs to be treated or it can continue to progress,” says Gorczyca. “Now, it’s my personal mission to help others find their voice so they can help themselves and those around them. Whether you’re a teacher like I was, a student, or someone who hasn’t been in a classroom in decades, it’s so important to understand the impact of migraine on an individual.”

Gorczyca’s journey with migraine started when she was just five years old. She first experienced abdominal migraine, a form of migraine with episodes of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Then in middle school, she began experiencing migraine pain in her head. By the time she reached high school, she was experiencing frequent, severe migraine attacks. After being misdiagnosed for years, Gorczyca began to think that migraine attacks were a normal part of life and she only focused on treating each individual attack. After experiencing a long-lasting, severe attack when she was 33, she desperately began researching everything she could about migraine and finally understood how important a migraine management plan could be in reclaiming her life.

Here are three reasons why Gorczyca believes migraine education is so important.

1. The stigma associated with migraine often becomes a barrier to treatment. Less than half of people with migraine seek care from a doctor for migraine.[1] Gorczyca notes that stigma may help explain this. “People often feel like migraine attacks are their fault because they do not understand that migraine is a neurological disease that impacts the entire body. The language we use contributes to the stigma, too. For example, when we refer to the disease as “migraines,” people then think of migraine as a condition that comes and goes, rather than realizing that it’s a lifelong, complex neurological disease that the brain is always navigating. This was the main reason I didn’t start preventive treatment until I was in my thirties, even though I had been living with migraine since I was a child.”

2. People struggling with migraine should know they aren’t alone. “I want those with migraine to know there is a large community of people with migraine out there. While everyone’s experience with migraine is different, we are here to support each other. My treatment plan and the ways I treat my migraine — what I call my “migraine treatment toolbox” — grew exponentially after finding the migraine community. There are great patient advocacy resources and social media groups where people with migraine can get more information or join the community,” says Gorczyca.

3. People require individualized migraine management plans. “My goal is to help people understand that migraine is a disease and there are treatment options available. People who experience migraine can work with their doctor — particularly a neurologist or headache specialist — to develop a treatment plan to help get their migraine under control,” she says. Every person is different, and there’s no one migraine treatment that works for everyone. In fact, Gorczyca, like many people with migraine, relies on a migraine treatment toolbox to manage her migraine symptoms. “For me personally, I use a combination of treatment approaches in my preventive and acute migraine management plan.”

“Migraine is a lifelong disease and becoming educated about it changed my life,” says Gorczyca. “I have been able to take steps to find the right treatment to help my migraine symptoms so I can get back to doing the things I love and embrace my life instead of having to retreat from it.”

To learn more about migraine, visit Pfizer.com.

Bernadette Gorczyca is a person with migraine and patient advocate who takes a biopsychosocial approach to managing migraine disease. She can be found on Instagram @ChronicAccounts. Views or opinions expressed on @ChronicAccounts are those of Bernadette Gorczyca and do not represent the views or opinions of Pfizer.

  1. Parikh, S.K., Kempner, J. & Young, W.B. Stigma and Migraine: Developing Effective Interventions. Curr Pain Headache Rep 25, 75 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-021-00982-z

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Unable to use CPAP? Join a clinical study for a potential new sleep apnea treatment

2023-10-25T15:11:00

(BPT) – If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s likely that your health care provider will recommend treatment with a medical device called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. While CPAP is the most common treatment that works well for some people, more than half of the patients find CPAP uncomfortable and are unable to use it. This leaves many people at risk from the consequences of untreated or undertreated OSA.

How OSA affects your health

People with OSA have pauses in their breathing during sleep, called apneas, when the muscles in their throat relax with sleep and block normal breathing. As a result, the quality of sleep may worsen, and lead to feeling overly tired during the day.

If you have OSA, you may experience fatigue and sleepiness, making it difficult to function at work and at home. This could have a negative impact on your life.

Over the long term, OSA can also lead to serious chronic health consequences. OSA can lower oxygen levels in your blood and make conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension worse. Long term, untreated OSA may increase a person’s risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Alternative treatments to CPAP

Apnimed is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing the first approved oral medications to treat OSA. One such potential new medicine is called AD109, which was used in a study called MARIPOSA that showed promising results.

The company is now conducting a larger clinical trial of AD109 called the LunAIRo study. AD109 is designed as a single pill taken nightly at bedtime, to help the muscles of the throat prevent the blockage of the airway that typically occurs with OSA.

Many patients with OSA are unable to adequately treat their condition with existing options, and the team at Apnimed is driven to find new solutions for patients and their doctors to overcome these barriers to treatment. The success of this effort is largely dependent on the dedicated work done by patients and doctors in the community who take part in clinical research.

“Any treatment is only effective as long as patients are using it,” said Sanjay Patel, M.D., primary investigator in the LunAIRo clinical study and Director, UPMC Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Clinical Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Unfortunately, many of my patients cannot or will not tolerate using CPAP or similar devices to help manage their OSA. It’s vital to discover and test alternative treatments for people with OSA to potentially help improve their quality of life at night and during the day.”

How you can enroll in a clinical study

If you have OSA and cannot or do not use CPAP, you may be eligible to enroll in a 12-month clinical study of AD109 called LunAIRo.

For more information about the clinical study and to enroll, visit www.LunAIRoStudy.com.

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How to stay protected while shopping online this holiday season

2023-10-24T23:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the convenience of doing your holiday shopping online. You save money on gas, avoid crowds, and skip the long checkout lines. What’s more, you’ll often find more unique items for everyone on your list than you would at a store.

But as more people turn to spending money online — buying gifts, booking travels, and sending money — the bustling holiday season also becomes a prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of busy consumers. Bad actors see the holidays as an opportunity to strike as your guard may be down while you rush to get your holiday shopping done.

Scams have been on the rise over the past few years. Shockingly, over 151 million Americans have been victims of credit card fraud, according to data from Security.org. As fraud becomes more common, sophisticated scammers are finding creative ways to trick people into sharing their personal information and data, and the risks tend to increase during the holiday shopping frenzy.

But this doesn’t mean you have to give up holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home. There are ways to help protect yourself — by being aware of common scams, knowing what to look for, and using available tools to safeguard your accounts and information, you can shop online without getting duped.

Holiday phishing scams: Beware of suspicious emails or texts

Phishing attacks are on the rise and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. With the influx of promotional emails and texts advertising year-end deals, it’s even more likely you might mistake a phishing message as legitimate during the holidays.

Phishing is a common technique used by scammers to gain access to your personal information and accounts, potentially leading to financial loss and more stress than you need this holiday season. Phishing emails and texts will ask you to respond with information like your passwords or account numbers, or request that you call a phone number, open an attachment, or click a link. Even if these messages seem to come from a legitimate company, you may notice things like spelling errors or a return email address that doesn’t match the company website.

If you aren’t positive that a message is safe, it’s better to be safe than sorry — delete the messages, don’t call, or click links, and don’t respond. For PayPal users, PayPal monitors transactions with their 24/7 Fraud Monitoring to help prevent fraud and identity theft, while its credential monitoring safeguards your account details. You can also report fraudulent shipping messages and invoices on the PayPal website or app.

You can also give yourself the gift of security by protecting yourself against common phishing scams now: update your passwords so they are strong and unique and consider using multi-factor authentication. PayPal users can create a passkey1 — a phishing-resistant login method that’s more secure and easier to use than passwords.

Deceptive holiday discounts: Is that deal too good to be true?

As you scroll through Instagram, you come across an ad promoting the newest laptop you’ve wanted to buy your teenager for the holidays, offered at a fraction of its typical price. The ad seems like it could be from a legitimate business, but something about it rubs you the wrong way. Could the deal really be as good as it seems? Or is it a scam?

If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it might be. Don’t click the link in the ad; instead, visit a trusted retailer’s website to check if they’re promoting that same offer. Scammers will often promote deceptive ads or marketplace listings attempting to trick you into buying something, only to be disappointed by an item that is not as described or never arrives.

One way to safeguard your purchases is paying through PayPal. When you checkout with PayPal online, you may be covered with PayPal Purchase Protection if your item shows up different than described or never arrives. You can also track your online purchases in the PayPal app with PayPal Package Tracking. It will automatically share live updates on the status and whereabouts of your package.

The “holiday emergency” scam: Think before you lend

Imagine: you’re decorating for the holidays when you suddenly get an urgent money request. It’s from your cousin Martha and she needs money to get home in time for the holidays — but the ask sets off alarm bells. Many scammers will use this trick, knowing the emotional appeal tugs at your heartstrings as “Martha” stresses how badly she wants to spend the holidays with the family.

If you receive a money request that seems suspicious, simply decline and report it. PayPal gives you the option to report in one click, either online or in the PayPal app. PayPal’s user experience controls also allow you to block or report suspicious users. And if you do want to send money to your family or friends for the holidays — you can use PayPal’s digital wallet to do so safely.

Shop safely this season: Improve your security and stay vigilant

By staying vigilant with these tips and using tools like PayPal, you can shop and pay online with peace of mind during this busy time. The PayPal App offers smart security, 24/7 fraud monitoring, purchase protection and more — giving you one less thing to worry about. Buy online with the convenience and safety of PayPal, so you can spend more of your time making the holidays merry and bright for your friends and family. Learn more at https://www.paypal.com/us/digital-wallet/security-and-protection

  1. Requires an eligible Apple iOS or Android device

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Skin Insights: Could It Be Seborrheic Dermatitis?

2023-10-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Seborrheic dermatitis (Seb Derm) is a common recurrent inflammatory skin condition that causes red patches covered with large, greasy, flaking yellow scales, and persistent itch, and most often occurs on areas of the body with oil-producing glands. Often mistaken for other types of skin diseases, Seb Derm is a real medical condition that requires a clinical diagnosis from a medical professional.

Never heard of it before? You’re not alone — a nationwide survey of 300 adults with Seb Derm reveals the need for greater awareness, understanding and discussion about the disease, including its significant impact on those affected.

Learn more at www.ClearingUpSebDerm.com.

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5 tips for safe, stunning outdoor lighting

2023-10-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – According to a recent Mr. Electric survey, one in 12 U.S. homeowners surveyed do not have outdoor lighting for their house. As the days get shorter here in the northern hemisphere, adding or upgrading outdoor lighting can help homeowners live their best outdoor life 24/7/365 with perfect visibility and comfort.

However, outdoor lighting also presents a few hazards, some of which could utterly ruin your al fresco free time. To keep things safe and beautiful, here are five simple tips you can follow this fall.

1. Leverage your lighting for security and visibility

Well-planned outdoor lighting accomplishes two things. First, it safely and comfortably extends your usable living space. Second, it deters intruders from prowling your property. To pull off this double duty, pay special attention to ensuring all pathways, social spaces and entrances are illuminated.

Also, instead of motion-activated lighting, consider an always-on approach. This can be a better deterrent before a ne’er-do-well enters your yard. And thanks to LED bulbs, leaving a few outdoor lights on doesn’t have to cost a lot or create a lot of heat.

2. Ensure everything is outdoor-rated

Only use bulbs, fixtures, cords and outlets specifically rated for outdoor use. Fortunately, with the near-infinite range of outdoor lighting styles on the market, you’ll never have to sacrifice on aesthetics. Choosing correctly rated equipment lets you enhance the appeal of your property, highlighting architectural features and landscaping focal points, without risking failure, fire or other calamities.

3. Only use GFCI outlets

GFCI or GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter outlet. These outlets will shut off power almost instantly if any plugged-in devices contact water. GFCI outlets have only been required in homes since 1971, according to the National Fire Protection Association. So, if your home was built before then, calling in an electrician is a wise decision. Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, is a great place to find a locally owned, independent and certified expert.

4. Avoid risky placement

Unless specifically designed for it, outdoor lights shouldn’t be directly on grass. Prone to being either wet or tinder dry, adding electricity to grass just isn’t a smart move. Also, if your wiring will be buried, make sure it isn’t under anything highly flammable, such as mulch or woodchips. An experienced electrician can help you find safe and attractive solutions, such as installing directly on concrete or in gravel beds.

5. Respect the maximum wattage

Screwing a 100-watt bulb into a fixture with a 75-watt maximum will, at best, waste your money on bulb replacements. You’re also likely to cause permanent damage to the fixture itself. To steer clear of these issues, always choose a bulb where the wattage is equal to or less than the fixture’s maximum.

This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice brightness. With LED bulbs, you can get the same or greater illumination as incandescent bulbs with just a fraction of the wattage.

When in doubt, call a professional

Anytime you’re unsure about your outdoor lighting safety is a good time to get in touch with an expert, like your local Mr. Electric location. With the combination of their experience and your vision for easy outdoor living, the future can’t help but look bright.

Visit mrelectric.com/lighting-services for more information.

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5 expert tips to help you light up your home for the holidays

2023-10-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve always wanted your house to stand out during the holidays, now’s your chance. Recent holiday lighting improvements, including enhanced versatility and ease of use, make it easier than ever to turn your home into a winter wonderland your family will never forget, inside and out.

To help you transform your home this year, here are tips to help ensure you’ll get the effect you want, bringing cheer to your family and everyone in your neighborhood.

1. Make a plan

Whatever you’re imagining for your lighting design, you’ll want to plan ahead first, so you know what kind of lighting to get and how much you’ll need. This is especially important when planning exterior and interior lighting that covers a large area. To create your design plan, take a good look at your house from a distance, like from across the street. Take a picture of your home and then decide which features you want to highlight. Do you have a distinctive front door, windows or columns you want to use as the visual focus? Measure areas you want to outline with lights so you’ll know how much to purchase.

2. Consider the range of possibilities


Today’s lighting offers increased capabilities to personalize, even when you’re just decorating your indoor tree. For example, Govee — a leader in smart home lighting — recently introduced its new Christmas String Lights that let you create customized lighting effects with over 100 lighting presets. Their lights feature water drop-shaped lamp beads which create a stronger halo effect of light and ultimately a fuller, brighter light. With Uni-IC Control, each individual LED bead can be independently controlled to offer greater freedom for creative, unique lighting effects and interactive gaming modes. Even better, a built-in microphone allows for ultimate connectivity and light synchronization, so you don’t need to buy extra accessories to sync up lights with your favorite holiday music.

3. Take advantage of smart connectivity features

Managing your entire lighting system is simpler than ever, thanks to today’s smart features. When you choose Govee, you can easily integrate all your holiday lights with the rest of your smart home system to enable voice-activated convenience and control via connectivity to Alexa and Google Home, as well as through the Govee Home app using both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

4. Choose lighting that’s versatile and easy to use

For exterior lighting, seek options offering maximum flexibility and ease of use. Govee’s Christmas String Lights are IP65 waterproof and operable at temps as low as -4°F, making them suitable to add a festive vibe to patios, trees, gardens or fences. Or choose Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro — designed for added security and to elevate festive celebrations from Halloween to New Year’s Eve so holiday decorating is easier than ever. Choose from 75 different scene modes with countless color options and implement reactive music mode for any holiday celebration. They’re cuttable, spliceable and reconnectable, as well as being extendable up to 200 feet. They can be installed using two simple options, Screw Clips and VHB adhesive tape, which are compatible with a variety of materials and surfaces including wood, fiber, cement, metal and vinyl.

5. Add brightness and security to outdoor spaces

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro can do more than bring holiday cheer. Their versatility means they can be used not just for special occasions, but also for everyday safety and security. The balanced, accurate spectrum of cool and warm white lighting they provide is ideal for ambient lighting and security purposes. Their seamless integration with other smart devices also makes it easy to pair with security cameras or outdoor sensors, creating one-touch synchronization between indoor and outdoor devices. They can be used for up to 50,000 hours, enhancing safety by illuminating areas covered by security cameras and providing a robust deterrent against potential intruders during the busy holiday season — and year-round.

Ready to illuminate your home for the holiday season? Find Govee’s Christmas String Lights and Permanent Outdoor Lights on Amazon or at Govee.com.

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‘It’s Not Just a Bad Cold’: The Impact of this Lung Condition Goes Deeper than You Think

2023-10-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever experienced a chronic cough, fatigue and shortness of breath that just won’t go away? It’s easy to brush off these symptoms but they could be signs of a much more serious issue — especially if you already live with a lung condition like bronchiectasis, COPD or asthma.

Debbie B, 78, used to lead an active lifestyle golfing, hiking and skiing before coughing consumed her life. For 15 years, she struggled with colds that seemed to last for months with uncontrollable coughing fits.

The turning point for Debbie came when she had to abruptly leave a family dinner due to fatigue and chills. This event pushed her to see a pulmonologist who ran several tests, including a bronchoscopy, which revealed that she had NTM (nontuberculous mycobacterial) lung disease.

While Debbie was shocked, having a diagnosis for her condition brought her some comfort. “I felt a great relief knowing that I could do something about NTM, the condition that I now could put a name to,” said Debbie. “And I was very optimistic.”

What is NTM?

Like Debbie, people are often surprised to find out they have NTM, and even more surprised when they learn it doesn’t go away on its own and could be causing long-term lung damage. Most people have not heard of NTM lung disease or its most common cause: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which accounts for 80% of all NTM lung disease cases in the U.S.

This serious infection is caused by bacteria that exist in water, soil and the air we breathe. Everyone comes into contact with NTM bacteria during their daily lives. However, not everyone is at risk of getting NTM lung disease. Those with underlying lung conditions are at greater risk than the general population.

The real impact of NTM lung disease goes deeper than just coughing. Studies show that having a MAC infection can cause lung damage that can worsen over time. That’s why early diagnosis and management are important.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical in this patient population because if left untreated, NTM can have a serious, long-term impact on a person’s health,” said Bryan Garcia, M.D., assistant professor, Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama. “Both the symptoms and the infection need to be managed appropriately. It’s particularly important for people who have a more severe infection, a compromised immune system, severe fatigue or cavitary disease to be treated immediately rather than waiting.”

Spot the symptoms

People can have NTM for months and sometimes years without knowing it. The symptoms of NTM lung disease are so similar to other lung conditions that some patients are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. According to AboutNTM, an educational website and resource for patients with NTM lung disease, symptoms may include:

  • Coughing
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Feeling tired often
  • Weight loss and/or lack of appetite
  • Low-grade fever
  • Recurring infection
  • Symptoms that do not get better despite medicine

How can you tell if it’s NTM and not something else? The truth is that it’s very difficult — and even if you don’t have symptoms, this type of infection can have a lasting impact on your health by causing permanent lung damage over time. If you think you or a loved one may have NTM lung disease, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and any lung conditions you have.

“When I was first diagnosed, there was not a lot of information about NTM. Today, the knowledge of the medical community has come a long way,” said Debbie. “There are doctors who are teaching other doctors about NTM. It’s important to talk to a doctor who understands the disease and seek out information.”

Get diagnosed and treated

Talk with your doctor so your disease can be managed as soon as possible. Dr. Garcia says that once patients are diagnosed, it is important to discuss a treatment plan for getting rid of the infection, and your doctor may recommend a multidrug regimen of at least three antibiotics.

Dr. Garcia also recommends staying in regular contact with your doctor and continuing testing to assess whether your treatment works. Regular sputum testing (a test for infection which requires mucus to be brought up from lungs) is recommended to determine if you are still positive for NTM. Up to one-third of patients will not be MAC negative after six months on a multidrug regimen. Talk to your doctor about testing after six months and if you’re still positive, discuss other possible treatment options.

While NTM can be scary and challenging, there is hope. “Be optimistic you’re going to overcome this disease,” said Debbie. “I think attitude is very important.”

Don’t dismiss NTM as just an inconvenience. The real impact of NTM and MAC, which accounts for 80% of all NTM lung disease, goes deeper than you think. For an interactive experience that allows you to see how the infection enters the lungs and spreads, the permanent damage MAC can cause and how to take action, visit https://aboutntm.com/inside-the-lung-damage/.

This article and AboutNTM are sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

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From Imagination to Inspiration: LG Celebrates the Transformative Power of Art and Technology Through the Eyes of College Students

2023-10-23T10:51:00

(BPT) – Picture this: your artwork is prominently displayed on an iconic billboard nestled in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, where hundreds of thousands of visitors will be inspired by your creativity and feel motivated to make the world a better place. This moment doesn’t merely represent artistic recognition — it symbolizes the immense potential of creative expression to inspire and uplift, something we need now more than ever.

Enter: The LG Wonderbox Showcase 2023, a digital art competition for college students that empowers participants to immerse themselves in a vibrant realm fueled by a deep passion for artistry and a steadfast belief that life can be good. Running from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, the winner’s entry will be showcased on LG’s Times Square billboard.

Aimed at providing a launchpad for college-aged emerging artists, Wonderbox elevates participants’ voices and gives them the tools to make a meaningful impact on the world through their art. This year’s theme, “Life’s Good with Optimism,” harnesses the transformative power of the imagination and an optimistic outlook to bring hope and positive change to the world, encouraging participants to see possibilities and solutions instead of challenges and struggles.

Beyond mere creativity, the program pushes participants’ boundaries through immersive and thought-provoking digital 3D experiences, offering a space for artists to break free from the constraints of conventional art mediums, allowing them to create canvases capable of transporting viewers to new realms of possibilities and wonders.

LG Electronics embraces the idea that optimism often thrives when creativity is given a platform to flourish, and that ingenuity fuels the ideas and innovations that make the world a better place. The intersection of art and technology has long been known to produce incredible innovations:

  • Immersive technology allows us to jump into a piece of artwork using virtual reality.
  • Artificial intelligence helps even the most amateur artists push their creative boundaries.
  • 3D printing lets artists realize highly complex geometries with a high level of detail.
  • Mobile applications help us create with the swipe of a finger; no tools needed.

As we find ourselves at an exciting crossroads between art and technology, we are poised to embark on a journey that explores new connections in human creativity and the profound impact of ingenuity. It’s a journey fueled by the hope that art can shape our perceptions, challenge our assumptions, and provoke deep thought and emotion.

Now picture this: a business executive is walking through Times Square in the hustle and bustle after a long, stressful day, when she looks up and sees something new and exciting moving across the LG billboard. All of a sudden, she feels inspired and after walking only two more blocks, comes up with the solution to the problem she has been faced with all week.

That is the transformative power of art and technology.