XMWare

2024-09-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past 20 years, the world has witnessed a staggering rise in extreme weather events. According to a 2020 report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction the dramatic increase is largely fueled by rising global temperatures and other climatic changes. These weather trends pose a serious threat to populations worldwide, but especially to vulnerable groups like older adults.

During heat waves, floods, fires, hurricanes, droughts and cold spells, older adults are at significant risk for respiratory, cardiovascular and psychological harm due to existing health conditions like compromised immune systems, dementia and limited mobility.

This problem will only be exacerbated by the “silver tsunami” of Baby Boomers. By 2030, one-fifth of the country’s population will be over age 65, with the fastest-growing segment being ethnic minorities.

“Anyone caring for vulnerable older adults must be knowledgeable about the health effects of climate change events,” said Dr. Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, a Walden University nursing faculty member and president of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.

Heat waves and droughts

Heat waves, heat domes and droughts can lead to poor air quality that worsens lung conditions in elderly patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergies. Also, hotter climates increase the risk of dehydration, stressing the cardiovascular and renal systems and leading to kidney failure.

Older people tend to have decreased thirst perception and may take medications that put them at risk for dehydration and heat-related illnesses on normal temperature days. During high-heat days, they may experience a medical emergency like heat stroke, characterized by a temperature of 104° F, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, confusion, blurry vision and falling.

Wildfires

Wildfires pose another significant threat to older adults, particularly those in low-income areas with limited resources to evacuate or relocate to new housing. If they have to stay in an area with an active wildfire, the smoke can contribute to respiratory challenges. In the aftermath, ash that contains hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollutes the water and land, making the area practically unlivable.

Mold

Longer rainy seasons and increased flooding foster the growth of indoor and outdoor molds and fungi. Mold doesn’t just smell unpleasant. It can exacerbate allergies, asthma, emphysema and COPD, increasing the need for emergency services and hospitalizations.

Improving care through education

No one on their own can stop climate change. However, practical steps can be taken to assess and tend to older adults in the face of health threats during extreme weather.

Anyone caring for an elderly person should review medications for ones that can worsen the impact of extreme temperatures and take time to evaluate their living conditions. Older adults on fixed incomes may experience food insecurity and can’t stock up on provisions in case of a disaster. Additionally, their homes may be unprepared for a climate change event.

During a serious weather event, healthcare providers can evaluate older adults via telehealth services. Doing so allows patients to receive care without enduring environmental factors to get to appointments.

Finally, it’s important to educate older adults about steps they can take to mitigate their risks during extreme weather events. For example, they should be reminded of the importance of drinking water even if they’re not thirsty. Not only does this help them avoid dehydration during a typical day, but it can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, renal damage and heat stroke during high temperatures.

Raising awareness among healthcare professionals

Because traditional nursing curricula include little content about the health impacts of climate change on older people, Dr. Kriebel-Gasparro and her nursing colleagues at Walden University are weaving these topics into their course materials. She says, “It is essential that healthcare providers have the knowledge to evaluate this age group for presentations of heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration, acute kidney injury, and cardiorespiratory illness brought on by extreme temperatures.”

By equipping nursing students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for older adults during environmental crises, the university is creating a new generation of healthcare providers that can make a significant difference during these unprecedented times. To learn more about the Walden University nursing curriculum, visit WaldenU.edu.

2024-09-30T14:31:00

(BPT) – There are many reasons to feel good about consuming farmed salmon from Chile. According to researchers, farmed salmon is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly proteins you can eat. The USDA recommends that Americans increase consumption of fatty fish like salmon as part of a healthy diet. To learn more, here are some truths about farmed salmon that help set the record straight.

Farmed salmon: A sustainable animal protein when it comes to emissions

As the planet warms and the global population grows, producing food as sustainably as possible is important. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that less than 2% of the world’s oceans are dedicated to aquaculture yet farmed salmon has the lowest carbon footprint of all animal proteins.

This is because research from Johns Hopkins University found that farmed salmon — including salmon from Chile — contains more edible protein than other animals while requiring less feed and other inputs to grow. This makes salmon’s environmental impact four times smaller than pork’s and eight times smaller than cattle’s. According to a 2018 analysis by the National Centre for Scientific Research, farmed salmon produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions per 100 grams of protein (5.98 kg) than beef (49.9 kg).

Salmon’s overlooked health benefits

Chilean salmon is a nutritional powerhouse packed with high-quality protein and important nutrients, such as vitamin D and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating fatty fish like salmon may decrease the risk for heart disease, some autoimmune conditions, depression and cognitive decline, while improving eye health and sleep quality.

Because of these many benefits, the USDA’s 2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans consume seafood two to three times per week, yet 80% of the adult population falls short of meeting that recommendation. The Food and Drug Administration considers farmed salmon a safe choice for the whole family, including pregnant women and children, thanks to its low levels of mercury and exceptionally high omega-3 fat content.

The world needs more aquaculture, not less — according to the U.N.

Aquaculture can help protect the ocean from overfishing, preserving important marine species, while also helping to feed a global population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. That’s precisely why organizations like the United Nations are working to expand global aquaculture, including salmon production. The UN’s “blue transformation” aims to increase global aquaculture production between 35% and 40% by 2030.

As salmon farmers work toward this sustainability goal, they are constantly improving their practices to keep fish healthy and safeguard the oceans they depend on. Examples include vaccination programs to prevent disease spread and extensive monitoring programs to ensure optimal conditions for the fish they raise. To hold itself accountable, the industry has partnered with conservation groups to help each farm adhere to these high environmental standards.

To learn more, visit ChileanSalmon.org.

2024-09-30T08:31:00

(BPT) – One woman shares her story of hope living with a rare and aggressive brain cancer.

Jennifer’s* story begins in a small town in Alabama where she was born into a loving family. From a very young age, it was clear that she had a tenacious spirit and a fierce determination to make the most of her life.

She excelled academically, poured her heart into sports, and always aimed to better herself and those around her. With a clear vision for her future, she aspired to become an attorney. Marriage and children were not part of her plan.

“I always said I was never going to get married or have kids. I was going to be a lawyer and help people who couldn’t help themselves,” Jennifer said. “But life had other plans for me.”

She met a man who completely captured her heart. They got married, and together they built a beautiful life. She ended up changing her career path, earning an MBA instead of a law degree, and her husband secured a job as an engineer. Together, they built their family by having three boys. They instilled in their children the values of volunteerism and community, creating a nurturing and enriching family environment.

Their life was vibrant and fulfilling, with every day bringing new joys and challenges. But in 2015, when Jennifer was 40 years old and her children were ages 11, 8 and 4, their journey took an unexpected turn. One day, Jennifer felt what she described as “off” and looked in the mirror to find that half her face was paralyzed. She brushed it off and told her husband she was going to see a nurse practitioner. What seemed like what she called a “minor inconvenience” turned into a whirlwind of events as Jennifer was advised to go to the emergency room immediately.

“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t have a stroke. I just ran a 5K that morning. I have a meeting to attend,'” Jennifer recalls. “But when I got to the ER, things got serious quickly.”

At the ER, it was discovered that Jennifer had a lesion on her brain. The news was shocking and surreal. She, a strong and healthy person who lived life at full speed, couldn’t fathom having a possible brain tumor. But reality set in. Despite the gravity of the situation, Jennifer remained positive and determined.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Jennifer said. “Me? A brain tumor? It seemed impossible.”

Through a surgical resection, the lesion was identified as glioma, a rare brain cancer. She later found out that she had a specific type of glioma with an IDH­-mutation.

“A glioma is a type of tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord. The overwhelming majority of all primary malignant brain tumors are gliomas,” said Dr. Rimas V. Lukas, a neuro­-oncologist and Associate Chief of Neuro­-Oncology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Note, Dr. Lukas was not Jennifer’s healthcare provider. “Of those, approximately 20 percent harbor what’s known as a mutation in the genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase, or IDH.”

IDH­-mutant gliomas are malignant and incurable brain tumors that continue to grow and relentlessly infiltrate the brain, even after surgery. Symptoms of glioma vary from patient to patient and are influenced by tumor type and location. Both before and after a glioma diagnosis, patients may experience a wide range of symptoms including changes in mental function, speech difficulties, new weakness or numbness in one or more body parts, seizures, headache, nausea and vomiting.

“IDH­-mutant glioma is a relatively overlooked and generally understudied patient population,” added Dr. Lukas. “Approximately 2,400 patients a year are diagnosed with this aggressive cancer, but there are likely many living with these tumors, either receiving active treatment or being followed clinically and radiographically on what physicians call a ‘watch and wait,’ or active surveillance, protocol.”

Jennifer’s journey took her out of her local hospital and into a larger one in a nearby city, where she met her neuro­-oncologist for the first time. Her neuro­-oncologist was a true partner to her from the start and someone who she described as “patient, treated me with respect and cared about who I was as a person.” He confirmed the diagnosis because of her age and extensive surgical resection, and instead of prescribing immediate radiation and chemotherapy, placed her on a “watch and wait” protocol. For her, this meant regular MRIs and close monitoring of the tumor’s progression before considering more aggressive forms of treatment.

During this journey, she reconnected with Tara, a former colleague and mother of four daughters, who, coincidentally, had also been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer and was seeking treatment at the same hospital as Jennifer. Tara and Jennifer became each other’s pillars of support. They turned doctor visits into opportunities for camaraderie, sharing laughs and tears along the way.

“Tara and I became each other’s rock,” Jennifer explains. “We turned hospital visits into moments of strength and support, knowing we were in this together.”

Jennifer’s outlook on life changed. She focused on creating memories with her children, ensuring they always remembered her as a loving and fun mother. She took them on trips, engaged in activities they loved, and lived each day to the fullest. She also made practical decisions, ensuring her family’s future was secure financially.

“I took my kids on every adventure I could think of,” Jennifer says. “From road trips to the beach to visiting zoos, I wanted to create as many memories as possible.”

As the days passed, the reality of her condition weighed heavily on Jennifer, but her spirit remained unbroken. Jennifer had a Grade 2 glioma, and the time had come for her to consider more aggressive treatment options.

Jennifer vividly remembers the day she was about to start radiation. As she was being prepped, a nurse suddenly entered the room, bringing everything to a halt.

Wait,” the nurse said urgently. “The doctor has news for you.”

The doctor told Jennifer about a new trial, INDIGO, specifically designed for patients with IDH­-mutant gliomas.

The INDIGO trial was investigating a new oral therapy at the time, Voranigo^® (vorasidenib).

See below for additional Important Safety Information, including the benefits and risks of Voranigo^® (vorasidenib). Click here for Prescribing Information and discuss with your doctor.

With her neuro­oncologist’s guidance and an understanding of the benefits and risks of Voranigo, Jennifer quickly enrolled in the INDIGO study.

“I was both excited and nervous,” Jennifer recalled.

The journey was challenging, but Jennifer’s unwavering determination and the support of her loved ones carried her through.

While Jennifer was participating in the clinical trial, her friend Tara faced her own challenges. Tara’s condition worsened, and she did not survive the cancer. Jennifer was heartbroken by the loss of her friend but continued to draw strength from the bond they had shared.

“Tara’s passing was a profound loss,” Jennifer said. “She was my rock, and I miss her every day. But her memory drives me to keep fighting and to live fully.”

Today, Jennifer’s brain tumor progression has slowed.

“Every day, I feel grateful,” Jennifer said. “Life is precious, and I’m determined to make the most of every moment. I dream of holding my future grandchildren one day. Despite my condition, I’m thinking about the adventures ahead and hope to take a Mediterranean vacation with my husband soon.”

Dr. Lukas stated: “We are now entering a new era in the treatment of IDH­-mutant gliomas, with the recent approval of the first targeted therapy for this patient population.”

Voranigo, which was approved in the U.S. on August 6, 2024, is an isocitrate dehydrogenase­-1 (IDH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase­-2 (IDH2) inhibitor, indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with Grade 2 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with a susceptible IDH1 or IDH2 mutation following surgery including biopsy, sub­total resection, or gross total resection.

The approval of Voranigo is supported by results from the pivotal Phase 3 INDIGO clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 2023 ASCO plenary, which showed that Voranigo significantly extended progression-­free survival and time­-to-­next intervention, when compared to placebo.

“There are benefits and risks associated with Voranigo. It is important for patients to speak with a doctor to learn more,” said Dr. Lukas.

For more information about Voranigo, please visit www.Voranigo.com.

*Jennifer is a paid consultant for Servier in the U.S. Last name withheld to protect personal privacy.

**Dr. Rimas Lukas is a paid consultant for Servier in the U.S.

What is VORANIGO?

VORANIGO (40 mg tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with certain types of brain tumors called astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-­1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-­2 (IDH2) mutation, following surgery. Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that VORANIGO is right for you. It is not known if VORANIGO is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of VORANIGO?

VORANIGO may cause serious side effects, including:

• Liver problems. Changes in liver function blood tests may happen during treatment with VORANIGO and can be serious. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with VORANIGO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms of liver problems:
  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice) dark tea­-colored urine
  • loss of appetite
  • pain on the upper right side of your stomach area feeling very tired or weak

The most common side effects of VORANIGO include:

• increased liver enzyme levels in the blood
• lack of energy, tiredness
• headache
• COVID­-19
• muscle aches or stiffness
• diarrhea
• nausea
• seizure

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with VORANIGO if you have certain side effects.

VORANIGO may affect fertility in females and males, which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of VORANIGO.

Before taking VORANIGO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems
• have kidney problems or are on dialysis
• smoke tobacco
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. VORANIGO can harm your unborn baby

Females who are able to become pregnant:

• Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with VORANIGO
• You should use effective nonhormonal birth control during treatment with VORANIGO and for 3 months after the last dose. VORANIGO may affect how hormonal contraceptives (birth control) work and cause them to not work well. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you during treatment with VORANIGO
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with VORANIGO

Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:

• You should use effective birth control during treatment with VORANIGO and for 3 months after the last dose
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if your partner becomes pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant during your treatment with VORANIGO

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VORANIGO passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with VORANIGO and for 2 months after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-­the-­counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VORANIGO may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VORANIGO works.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.