Category: Brandpoint

2018-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online vision apps can be a great resource for health-related information, but if you rely on them to preserve your eye health and detect potential problems, you could be doing more harm than good, the American Optometric Association warns.

“Eye health is critical to overall good health,” says Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the AOA. “If someone chooses to forego an annual eye exam with a doctor of optometry because they think an online test or mobile app screening is enough, they’re making a mistake that could put their vision and health at risk.”

The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometric professionals and optometry students, supports state and federal policies that protect patients from the potential dangers of online vision test apps. Here are four of the many reasons why patients should not rely on online eye screenings or mobile apps:

1. Vision test apps or online tests can’t diagnose or treat serious eye problems.

These tools simply use measurements to gauge what is known as visual acuity, or sensitivity. However, many vision and eye health conditions don’t have obvious signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Online tests can miss serious conditions that a comprehensive eye exam would catch.

They may be designed to test for near-sightedness or far-sightedness, but can’t adequately evaluate overall eye health. For example, an online screening might be able to detect symptoms of near-sightedness, but isn’t designed to catch signs of glaucoma.

2. Vision test apps aren’t held to the same standards as doctors of optometry.

People put their eye health at risk when they choose convenience over care and today, 17 states have regulations in place to safeguard patients from unproven technologies and practices that can compromise the established and proven standard of care. And there is good reason.

Right now, online vision screening services and mobile apps aren’t required to meet the definition of a comprehensive eye exam, or clinically prove their technologies provide the same level of care you would get from a qualified eye care doctor. In addition, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3. Patients may not get the care they need.

Even if an app accurately indicates a problem with vision acuity, patients might not follow up as recommended with a doctor of optometry, who can diagnose issues and work with you to develop solutions to eye health and vision care needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist can be an important step in identifying health conditions that might not have been detected otherwise, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can help you understand the seriousness of the condition and suggest and implement appropriate treatment.

4. You could be risking your eye or overall health.

Online vision screening apps might not catch signs of a serious problem. Missing the signs of an eye health or overall health issue can put you at risk.

“People may think they’re doing something good by using a mobile vision app,” Quinn says. “Unfortunately, an online eye test does not completely cover any one of the 12 components of a regular in-person, comprehensive eye exam, something everyone needs to ensure they’re protecting and preserving their vision.”

To learn more about vision health, visit www.aoa.org.

2018-01-26T10:29:00

(BPT) – There are 18.8 million veterans in the U.S., according to the most recent U.S. Census. More than 9 million are seeking treatment at their local U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs medical center, and more than 39,000 are homeless on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are many ways to help a veteran in need. Below are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference in a veteran’s life this year.

Tie your passion to your action.

We all have passions that bring us joy. There are many ways that suit your interests to give back while helping veterans in need. For example, do you like to spend time outdoors? Many organizations host volunteer activities like cleaning a veterans memorial in the community. Are you more of a people person? Give your time to a local veterans facility to connect with a resident in need of company.

Reach out to a veteran service organization to learn more.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion are actively involved in veteran causes with local units across the U.S. They offer community through memberships, organize and hold volunteer events throughout the year. As a first step, visit the websites of each organization and look for a unit close to you. Meeting with these organizations or others can kick-start your efforts to get involved with the veteran community.

Donate a day of service.

Everyday life can get messy with full-time jobs and commitments. One way to identify free time for charitable activities is to use a day off engaging in community service. “Donate” your Memorial Day to help the ALA distribute handmade poppies that support veterans in local hospitals, visit a veterans facility or deliver a meal or care package.

Give a gift.

Extend your thankfulness to the veteran community by making a gift. Mark your calendar for Nov. 27, 2018, when you can participate in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement, by making a monetary donation to an organization that dedicates its efforts to helping veterans. Whether you come together as a family, a company, a community or by yourself, a donation can make a real difference.

Helping a veteran can be a year-long commitment or a one-day activity. To learn more about how to take the first step, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2018-01-25T09:03:01

(BPT) – At age 64, Bob Carlson was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and he felt the diagnosis was like “an expiration date being stamped on his life, like a milk carton,” and the time he had left “wasn’t nearly enough.” Bob, his wife, Julia, and doctors chose chemotherapy to combat his illness—but according to Bob, his quality of life after taking the treatments was non-existent.

Bob became so sick from the chemotherapy that he felt the treatments were almost worse than the disease itself. He talked to his doctor, who said there was nothing else they could do. Bob was on the verge of giving up hope when his physician sent him to a different research center. There, Bob met with another physician who presented him with a new option and renewed his fight.

Understanding the changing lung cancer treatment landscape

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, representing approximately 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses. While a cure for lung cancer does not currently exist, cancer immunotherapy is changing the treatment landscape and improving the prognosis for many people with lung cancer. Several immunotherapy treatments are approved for lung cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including some as a first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients.

Immunotherapy is widely considered to be the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Cancer immunotherapy treatments harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight cancer.

According to a report published in the Annals of Oncology by the Cancer Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research, there are over 2,004 immunotherapy agents in development with over sixty clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy combinations in lung cancer. There are 26 immunotherapies approved by the FDA, including six immunotherapy agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

“Today, the lung cancer space has the largest number of combination clinical trials underway, evaluating how two or more medications can work better when taken together. These trials hold much promise for patients, but there are still a lot of misperceptions surrounding clinical trials, with many people thinking that these studies are only an option after other treatments have failed,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “However, many of the clinical trials currently underway are evaluating immunotherapy treatments for front-line use.”

The Cancer Research Institute offers the Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder as a free resource to help patients match themselves with appropriate trials based on their specific cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment history.

“We hope that the Clinical Trial Finder will help more people learn about potential clinical trial options earlier in their patient journey so that they might have better outcomes,” said Dr. O’Donnell-Tormey.

How a clinical trial made all the difference

In August 2013, Bob became the very last patient to enroll in a particular clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, evaluating a checkpoint inhibitor—a promising immunotherapy approach that works by “taking the brakes off” the immune system to allow it to mount a stronger and more effective attack against cancer.

Once he started the immunotherapy treatment in the clinical trial, Bob and his doctors realized in short order that the treatment was working. “We saw tumor reduction rather quickly—which was amazing. And to top it off, unlike chemotherapy, which involved lengthy infusions that took many hours and left me ill due to the side effects, the experience of having the immunotherapy treatment in this case only took about 30 minutes, and has very little impact on my quality of life. You take your medicine, and you go on with your life. I have had to make zero lifestyle changes,” said Bob.

Now, almost five years later, Bob and Julia are back pursuing their hobby of wildlife photography and travel. He is hopeful that more patients will benefit from emerging immunotherapy treatments—through new FDA-approved therapies and through clinical trial participation.

“My only wish is that I had known about the immunotherapy clinical trial sooner,” he continued. “And I hope that through continued research more immunotherapy treatments are discovered that work for all patients with all cancer types.”

There are many other cancer patients and survivors, like Bob, who have been given new hope thanks to cancer immunotherapy research and clinical trials. For more information on cancer immunotherapy and how to match with an open clinical trial, visit the Cancer Research Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder at https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials.

2018-01-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Dru Riddle of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the estimated 7.5 million people afflicted with psoriasis across the United States. A nurse anesthetist and university professor, Riddle understands first-hand the importance of receiving the proper treatment as quickly as possible and treating the condition with safe, effective medicine. Diagnosed with psoriasis in 2003 and psoriatic arthritis (PA) in 2010, Riddle underwent the treatment trials and errors common to many sufferers of PA before he was connected with a health care provider who prescribed a more aggressive plan that included biologics. Before doctors put him to a biologic therapy, Riddle suffered for several years with skin lesions and joint pain. “Finally I was switched to an injectable biologic medication,” Riddle says. “Those medications have really helped control my disease and the symptoms.”

A condition that is more than skin deep

Psoriasis often presents as patches of itchy, flaky skin, while PA — which affects about a third of psoriasis patients — results in joint swelling and pain, which may cause permanent damage. Both conditions are a product of the body’s immune system attacking itself instead of the foreign invader that should be its target.

PA can usually be identified by psoriasis-like skin inflammations. However, sometimes the joint pain and swelling appear first. This can make it difficult for doctors to properly diagnose the condition.

Initially, Riddle’s condition was treated topically with little to no effect. The relief he found with the right medicines was life-changing and he has vowed to help others with PA find the right care.

“I recommend anyone with PA be extremely aggressive with their treatment,” Riddle says. “The risks of not treating your PA are so much greater than treating it.”

Understanding biosimilars

In his quest for the right treatment regime, Riddle was diligent about his self-care and joined a number of clinical trials for the types of biologics that have been so integral to his treatment plan. It was thanks to his proactive approach to treating his condition that he started learning more about biosimilars.

Biosimilars are safe, effective and affordable alternatives to conventional biologic medicines, similar to generic offerings in other medicinal categories. Widely used in Europe, biosimilars have faced a biologics-dominated market in the United States that has so far been successful in limiting their availability. Expanding the biosimilars market in the United States will require manufacturers, the government and regulatory groups to work together to craft new policies, making access to these potentially life-changing treatments their top priority.

Riddle applauds the option of safe, effective and affordable biosimilars for patients.

“The expense of the biologic medication can be prohibitive — they’re very costly,” Riddle says. “So some people may benefit from a more affordable biosimilar medication. That medication has the same efficacy, meaning it works just as well as the biologic.”

Learning more about your options

“There’s no need to be afraid of the medicine,” says Christine Simmon, Executive Director of The Biosimilars Council, a group working to support the broad components of the biosimilar industry and enabling increased access to safe, effective and affordable biosimilar medicines. “Learn more about your options, talk to your doctor and make sure you’re receiving the medication that is the most effective treatment for your condition.”

If you have psoriasis and/or PA, you deserve to know all of your options, including biosimilars. Your doctor can provide you the information you need on these treatment options. To prepare for your next doctor’s visit and have your initial questions answered, visit http://biosimilarscouncil.org/ today.

2018-01-23T15:11:00

(BPT) – Grandparents today play an active, important role in families’ lives, serving as caregivers, playmates and educators for their grandchildren. It’s important to protect yourself with an annual flu vaccine so you can continue doing the things you love with your families!

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2018-01-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-01-22T15:59:00

(BPT) – The daily routine for a parent can be hectic and stressful, and having a child that is living with atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be difficult.¹

Eczema is a common skin condition that may develop during childhood.² Eczema typically occurs in characteristic areas of skin and is often identified by scaly or dry patches.^2,3 Nearly 18 million children and adults across the United States live with the condition.⁴ About 90 percent of those with eczema have the mild-to-moderate form of the disease.⁵ And you shouldn’t be too surprised your child has eczema, if you have asthma, hay fever, or eczema yourself. Genetic factors are associated with eczema.^3,4

If your child has eczema, the following tips may help you care for your child and their skin.

1. Know what to watch for.

Eczema may look different on different people, so it’s important to know what to watch for.² The face, neck, arms and legs are common sites for many people, depending on their age.² Eczema often appears as a rough, red skin rash.³ If you think your child has eczema, talk with a doctor to learn what to look for and discuss a possible treatment plan. Here’s another tip: consider pajama or bath time as an opportunity to take a moment and check for any changes in your child’s skin.

2. Tame the triggers.

For some, eczema may flare, or get worse, when they’re exposed to different triggers, even if they are currently treating their eczema.² Food choices, sweat, stress, and clothing types may all be possible triggers for your child’s eczema.^3,6 Monitor your child’s skin, and if you notice a change, talk to their doctor to find the strategies that may best identify these triggers.

3. Prepare appropriately.

As a parent, you’ve probably learned that children never stop moving. Purses are filled with all sorts of things to help keep your child entertained. That preparation can also be applied to eczema. For example, heat and sweat are common causes of flares. Try dressing your child in comfortable, loose clothing or uniforms that have been washed before your child wears them.⁶ Don’t forget those new gym clothes and soccer jerseys!

4. Adjust bath time routines.

Children take baths—for obvious reasons!—but bath time might be a challenge for children with eczema. Try to limit bath time to 5-10 minutes up to once per day with warm, not hot, water.⁷ Applying a moisturizer soon after bathing may also help ensure your child’s skin is moisturized.^2,7

5. Understand your options.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment options available. EUCRISA^® (crisaborole) ointment, 2% is a steroid-free topical ointment for people with mild-to-moderate eczema and can be used on all skin tones from face to feet, for adults and kids as young as 2 years old.⁸ EUCRISA is a topical treatment that works both above and below the skin to treat eczema.⁹ The specific way EUCRISA works is not well defined.⁸ It can be applied topically to the skin, including the face. Do not use in the eyes, mouth or vagina.⁸ Talk to your child’s doctor to see if EUCRISA is right for your child and visit www.EUCRISA.com to learn more.

While the above tips may help you manage your child’s eczema, always be sure to talk to their doctor to help identify the best treatment plan. To learn more about EUCRISA, visit www.EUCRISA.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

Do not use EUCRISA if you are allergic to crisaborole or any of the ingredients in EUCRISA.

EUCRISA may cause side effects including allergic reactions at or near the application site. These can be serious and may include hives, itching, swelling, and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using EUCRISA and get medical help right away.

The most common side effect of EUCRISA is application site pain, such as burning or stinging.

EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

INDICATION
EUCRISA is a prescription ointment used on the skin (topical) to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

See Full Prescribing Information at EUCRISA.com.

For more information call 1-866-EUCRISA (1-866-382-7472).

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

¹ Lifschitz C. The Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Quality of Life. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(suppl 1): 24-40.
² Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatol. 2012;1(3);203-217.
³ Akdis CA, Akdis M, Bieber T, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/PRACTALL Consensus Report. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 2006;118:152-169.
⁴ Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis. 2007;18(2):82-91.
⁵ Paller AS, Tom WL, Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, a novel, nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(3):494-503.
⁶ Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015;32(6):409-420.
⁷ Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Chamlin SL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Section 2. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116-132.
⁸ EUCRISA^® (crisaborole). Full Prescribing Information. December 2016.
⁹ Jarnagin K, Chanda S, Coronado D, et al. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2%: a nonsteroidal, topical, anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):390-396.

2018-01-22T15:57:00

EUCRISA may cause side effects including allergic reactions at or near the application site. These can be serious and may include hives, itching, swelling, and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using EUCRISA and get medical help right away.

The most common side effect of EUCRISA is application site pain, such as burning or stinging.

EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

INDICATION
EUCRISA is a prescription ointment used on the skin (topical) to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

See Full Prescribing Information at EUCRISA.com.

For more information, call 1-866-EUCRISA (1-866-382-7472).

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

¹ Akdis CA, Akdis M, Bieber T, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/PRACTALL Consensus Report. J Allerg Clin Immunol. 2006;118:152-169.
² Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015;32(6):409-420.
³ Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Chamlin SL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Section 2. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116-132.
⁴ Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatol. 2012;1(3):203-217.
⁵ EUCRISA^® (crisaborole). Full Prescribing Information. December 2016.
⁶ Jarnagin K, Chanda S, Coronado D, et al. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2%: a nonsteroidal, topical, anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):390-396.

2018-01-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re having surgery, you can expect to be sore and uncomfortable for a few days, whether you’re recovering at home or in the hospital. But it’s best to limit opioids or avoid them altogether, opting for alternatives to manage pain and discomfort, recommends the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

Unfortunately, many patients leave the hospital following surgery with a prescription for 30 or more highly addictive opioid pills (e.g., Vicodin, hydrocodone and oxycodone), and about 6 percent are still using them three months or longer after the procedure.

“Nobody needs a prescription for 30 or 50 opioids, and even those who are in major pain should only take them for a day or two,” said ASA President James D. Grant, M.D., M.B.A., FASA. “There are effective alternatives. Many people don’t need opioids at all or at least should drastically reduce the amount they take.”

Addiction can start after taking only a few opioids. More than 2 million Americans abuse these medications, which can create a feeling of euphoria and make the body believe the drug is necessary for survival. Since 2000, opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. have increased 200 percent.

Don’t take that chance. ASA offers advice for coping with pain and discomfort as you recover from surgery.

* Ask about alternatives – Only take opioids when you are in extreme pain. Medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain and soreness. While it’s never a good idea to rely on any type of pain pills for too long, these medications are not addictive and are far less risky than opioids.

* Manage your expectations – Everyone feels pain differently, but soreness and discomfort after surgery are normal and will improve within a day or two. These sensations are less severe than pain, which is usually sharp or intense. You usually don’t treat muscle soreness after a hard workout with an opioid, so if you are sore, and not in severe pain, try ibuprofen or naproxen.

* Be an active participant in your own care – While you are in recovery, the nurse will ask you if you are in pain and if so, how much. Be descriptive in explaining how you feel. If you are in major pain, ask that the opioid prescription be written for a small amount, and only take them for a day or two, three at most. Unused pills can fall into the wrong hands. In fact, more than half of people who misuse prescription painkillers get them from a friend or relative. Your pain will improve significantly within a few days whether or not you take opioids.

* Be aware of other downsides to opioids – Opioids cause severe constipation and often don’t manage pain as well as people expect. Additionally, they can cause hyperalgesia, or an increased sensitivity to pain.

“The opioid crisis is huge and affects everyone, rich and poor, male and female. It’s got to stop, and reducing opioid use during recovery after surgery is a big part of the solution,” said Dr. Grant. “Those who are in continued severe pain after surgery should ask a physician anesthesiologist or other pain specialist about alternative strategies to manage pain, including exercise, nerve blocks and non-opioid medications.”

ASA is committed to ending opioid abuse and has launched several initiatives to combat the epidemic. For more information, review ASA’s National Pain Strategy.

To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

2018-01-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – A new survey reveals Americans are not aware of what to report prior to a blood test. Only half (52 percent) believe it is very important to report use of supplements to their healthcare provider before getting a blood test.

With recent interest in the use of supplements like biotin as beauty treatments, it’s especially critical for consumers, doctors and lab personnel to talk before blood tests because very high doses of supplements could interfere with some test results.

The possibility of interference in blood testing is low, but if you’re taking high-dose biotin for hair, skin or nail health, for example, it is best to inform your doctor before a blood test. Just as you may need to fast before certain types of tests, you may need to hold off on taking supplements like biotin for at least eight hours before blood work.

The survey, commissioned by Roche Diagnostics, also found that most Americans (85 percent) expect their physician to provide complete instructions on how to prepare for a blood test.

“Many factors — from stress, to prescription medication, to vitamins — can affect blood test results, so it’s important to be proactive in communicating about medicines or supplements you’re taking rather than waiting to be asked,” said Dr. Emily Jungheim, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Ask your healthcare provider about ways to prepare for blood tests. Here are some simple tips to follow:

* Write down all your prescription medicines the night before a blood test so you can share up-to-date information with the lab technician or your doctor.

* Also report vitamins, supplements, nutraceuticals and any over-the-counter medications.

* Know the doses of the medicines and supplements you are taking. The dose matters. You may not be aware that 5 mg of biotin per day, for example, is equal to the amount of biotin in 100 capsules of a typical daily multivitamin.