XMWare

2025-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Immunovant

Three years ago, Jesse was living her very best life. An avid hiker, travel enthusiast and professional photographer, she was never short on energy, always up for her next challenge. Then, one morning, she woke up with a swollen face, lips and eyes.

“At first, I shrugged it off as an allergic reaction, but my primary doctor didn’t seem to know what was going on,” said Jesse. “I decided to mention the symptoms to my OB-GYN. She noticed that my thyroid was enlarged and suggested I speak to an endocrinologist.”

What happened next frightened Jesse. She began to rapidly lose weight, experience hair loss, and suffer anxiety and a racing heartbeat. When the endocrinologist finally reviewed her bloodwork, Jesse was not only diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but immediately sent to the emergency room due to her high heart rate and severe symptoms. A few hours later, Jesse was discharged, left to navigate this new, confusing and overwhelming diagnosis.

Understanding Graves’ disease

Graves’ is a common autoimmune disease. In people with autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself.^1,2 Certain autoimmune disorders, like Graves’, are caused by harmful immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies – they are often unpredictable, and can prove challenging to control.^1,3,4 In Graves’ disease, harmful IgG autoantibodies attack the thyroid and cause it to make more hormones than the body needs. The resulting condition is known as hyperthyroidism.¹

“Graves’ disease needs to be closely managed, because when it’s left uncontrolled it can lead to serious health complications,” said Mark Lupo, MD, founder and medical director of the Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida. “Because the thyroid affects multiple body systems, symptoms that people experience are often very wide-ranging. They can include rapid weight loss, anxiety, tremor, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, racing heart, among others.”^1,5

People with Graves’ may also show complications of the disease beyond the thyroid. One of the most common is thyroid eye disease where the harmful IgG autoantibodies impact the muscles and tissues around the eyes causing inflammation, pain and bulging eyes.^6,7

A challenging condition to manage

For Jesse, the challenges in managing Graves’ disease didn’t end after her hospital visit. She continued to experience significant fluctuations in her thyroid hormone levels – often ranging from exceedingly high to dangerously low. Over the next 1.5 years, Jesse and her endocrinologist worked closely to manage her anti-thyroid medications, but her thyroid levels never seemed to even out.

“I just never felt well. I would go from feeling extreme fatigue to hyper-anxiety. I had constant swelling in my legs, and my eyes were always inflamed,” said Jesse. “The worst part though was that I started pulling away from all the people and things I loved. It was a depressing time.”

According to Dr. Lupo, Jesse’s experience is not an uncommon one. “In my practice, we see about one-third of people who aren’t optimally treated. These people often fluctuate between hypo- and hyperthyroidism, or can’t tolerate medication due to side effects,” said Lupo. “The challenge is that current treatments don’t actually address the underlying autoimmune disease driver – the harmful IgG autoantibodies.”³

Left with few other options, and desperate to feel better, Jesse proceeded with thyroid surgery. While the surgery corrected the symptoms of her hyperthyroidism, she’s now left dealing with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, chronic low calcium levels and extreme fatigue.

Hope for the future

While Jesse’s life has changed dramatically since her diagnosis, she shares her story to bring awareness and encouragement to others living with Graves’ disease.

“I think it’s important for people with Graves’ to be proactive,” said Jesse. “My advice – reach out to others in the autoimmune disease community, and speak up about your ongoing symptoms. If you aren’t feeling right, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your options.”

Today, clinical research is actively advancing to identify treatment options that address the root cause of Graves’ disease. Immunovant, a clinical-stage immunology company, is pursuing a patient-focused development approach with a goal to develop additional treatment options in autoimmune disease, including Graves’ disease. To learn more, visit https://www.immunovant.com/our-science/pipeline-and-therapeutic-areas.

References:

1. Antonelli A., Fallahi P., Elia G., et al. Graves’ disease: Clinical Manifestations, immune pathogenesis and therapy. Best Prac Res Clin Endocrinol Metabol. 2020; 34:101388.
2. National Library of Medicine. Autoimmune diseases. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html Accessed May 2025.
3. Kahaly, G., Bartalena, L. et al. 2018 European Thyroid Association Guideline for the Management of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism. European Thyroid Journal. 2018; 7:167-186.
4. Bartelena L, et al. Front Endocrinol. 2020 Nov 30:11:615993[1]
5. Chaker L., Cooper DS., Walsh JP., et al. Hyperthyroidism. Lancet. 2024; 403:768-780.
6. Davies, T.F., Andersen, S., Latif, R. et al. Graves’ disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020 Jul 2;6(1):52.
7. National Organization for Rare Diseases. Thyroid Eye Disease. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/thyroid-eye-disease/ Accessed May 2025.

2025-07-10T13:01:00

(BPT) – Tattoos have gone mainstream — about one in three U.S. adults has at least one. Some people consider the pain of getting a tattoo part of the experience or a rite of passage. Others may look for relief via numbing creams, sprays, ice packs or even anesthesia. This is especially true for large tattoos or long sessions, which can last eight hours or more. If you are considering anesthesia for a lengthy tattoo session, make sure the procedure follows the same safety standards as any elective surgery or procedure, according to new guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). With National Tattoo Day on July 17, it’s the perfect time to remember that safety should be as much of a priority as self-expression.

Leave tattoo anesthesia to anesthesiologists

If you choose anesthesia, you may have several options, including regional anesthesia (which only numbs part of your body), various levels of monitored sedation (from feeling drowsy but aware to not remembering any of the procedure) and general anesthesia (where you are unconscious).

No matter which type of anesthesia you receive, a tattoo artist’s studio is not a medically appropriate setting. Anesthesia comes with risks beyond the tattoo itself. Just as for a colonoscopy, MRI, plastic surgery or any other procedure, anesthesia for tattooing should always be administered by a qualified anesthesia professional, such as an anesthesiologist, and in a facility that is equipped to monitor your safety and handle emergencies. Your anesthesiologist will choose the right facility based on your health and the length of the tattooing session.

“Anesthesia is very safe when delivered by an anesthesiologist, who has the education and training to provide the best care, including determining the most appropriate anesthesia for each patient, monitoring their vital signs during the procedure and managing complications if they arise,” said ASA President Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA. “Your anesthesiologist will be there for you before, during and after the procedure.”

Tattoo anesthesia 101: What to expect and how to prepare

Before you undergo the procedure, you will meet with your anesthesiologist, who will:

• Review your medical history and conduct an exam
• Order any necessary tests or lab work
• Discuss the risks associated with anesthesia
• Determine the right type of anesthesia
• Ask if you use tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or other drugs — they can affect the anesthesia, so it’s important to be honest to ensure the safest care
• Review your anesthesia plan and post-anesthesia care plan, including your follow-up care instructions

To be sure you are prepared for your anesthesia care you should:

• Bring your medical records and required test results with you when you meet with your anesthesiologist
• Arrange to have someone with you to drive you home after the procedure

Other considerations are the same as those for elective surgery, including avoiding eating or drinking before the procedure and being prepared to have a urinary catheter if the procedure is long.

Learn more by reviewing ASA’s Patient Guidance on Anesthesia Care for Tattoo Procedures and visiting ASA’s Made for This Moment website to understand the specific types of anesthesia care available, find out more about the critical role anesthesiologists have in keeping you safe and comfortable, and to download ASA’s Anesthesia Care for Tattoo Procedures checklist.

2025-07-09T12:11:00

(BPT) – Have you skipped or delayed your yearly mammogram? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 MedStar Health survey, 59% of American women over 40 skip their annual mammogram, and almost a quarter say they’ve never had one.

There are several reasons why women forgo a mammogram, including myths that the procedure is uncomfortable and painful. However, mammograms are important diagnostic tests that can save lives and offer peace of mind.

Are you avoiding getting a mammogram because of common myths? Check out these five mammogram misconceptions and learn the truth about this critical healthcare procedure.

Myth 1: Mammograms are only necessary if you have a family history of breast cancer

Fact: The American College of Radiology (ACR) breast cancer screening guidelines recommend that women of average risk get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. That means that even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you should schedule a mammogram every year.

Why? Early detection gives you the best chance of treating breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), decades of research show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to find breast cancer early, are less likely to need aggressive treatments and are more likely to be cured.

Myth 2: Mammograms are painful

Fact: Many women avoid scheduling a mammogram because they think it will be painful. While breast compression isn’t pleasant, the discomfort should only last a few seconds. Talk with your technician. They’re specifically trained to adjust the pressure just enough to get a clear picture.

Myth 3: Mammography technology has not changed

Fact: Mammograms aren’t just manual exams and 2D X-rays. There have been several advances in breast cancer screening. From MRIs to 3D images, the types of screening available show an advancement in the field that helps women get the diagnosis and treatment they need.

For example, GE HealthCare’s Pristina Via™ is one of the latest advancements in mammography systems and is setting a new standard in breast imaging.

Designed to improve patient experience, The Senographe Pristina platform features breast supports with rounded angles, comfortable arm rests and patient-assisted compression, giving women a sense of control during the exam. When asked about their mammogram, 83% of patients reported a more positive experience on the Senographe Pristina Platform compared to previous exams.¹

The Pristina Via also eliminates repetitive steps, clicks and wait-time between exposures, which can help minimize the time under compression and prioritizes patient comfort. By streamlining workflow for technicians, you’ll get in and out of the exam quicker.

“Mammograms are an indispensable preventative procedure,” said Jyoti Gupta, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for Women’s Health and X-ray at GE HealthCare. “That’s why we focus on pushing technology forward to improve not only the experience of healthcare professionals but also to enhance the patient experience. The Pristina Via is designed by women for women with the goal of minimizing the time it takes technologists to perform a mammogram and make mammograms more approachable to those who need it most.”

To learn more about this technology, visit the GE HealthCare website.

Myth 4: Mammograms are time-consuming

Fact: Mammograms aren’t time-intensive. The whole appointment tends to take 20-30 minutes or less, and the actual procedure only lasts a few minutes. Also, new technology like GE HealthCare’s Pristina Via 3D mammogram streamlines the mammogram process so you can get screened faster. Recent analysis found that it can acquire an image in as little as 2 minutes.²

Myth 5: 3D mammograms are the same as traditional ones

Fact: Traditional 2D mammograms compress breast tissue and use low-dose X-rays to capture flat images from above and from the side of each breast. A 3D mammogram, on the other hand, takes several low-dose X-rays (the same as a simple 2D mammogram) in a small arch around your breasts. A computer then combines these images, allowing your doctor to see the breast tissue more clearly in three dimensions, as the name suggests.

3D mammograms increase clinical accuracy, compared to 2D alone, for all types of breasts including dense breasts³, and lower your chance of being called back for a follow-up screening. Another tool for dense breast diagnosis is contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) which uses an injected dye to examine breast tissue and flag abnormalities with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Don’t wait. Now that you know the truth about mammograms, you can confidently schedule an appointment so you can invest in your health and wellness.

Sources

1. Ipsos Patient Satisfaction Study sponsored by GE Healthcare, conducted with 315 patients across 2 sites in Europe, February 2017.

2. Pristina Workflow analysis. Aggregated data from +2k exams and 78 systems worldwide. Data on File. GE Healthcare 2024

3. GE Healthcare’s DBT delivers superior diagnostic accuracy compared to 2D alone for all types of breast densities, including dense breasts. (ref: Superior diagnostic accuracy demonstrated in a reader study comparing the ROC AUC of GE screening protocol (V-Preview + 3D CC/MLO with 3D in STD mode) to that of 2D FFDM alone. FDA PMA P130020)

Disclaimer: Pristina Via is a commercial offering of Senographe Pristina™.

2025-07-08T06:01:00

(BPT) – Health care essentials like over-the-counter (OTC) products can quickly add up and eat into your budget. Whether you’re buying pain medication to manage headaches or antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes, stocking your medicine cabinet can be expensive.

Making affordable choices at the pharmacy is especially daunting when trying to manage your environmental impact. Navigating the pharmacy aisle in search of eco-friendly product options during your busy day can feel like an overwhelming task.

If you regularly use OTC medications and want to save more and waste less, you can do so with just a few easy tips. Foster & Thrive, a private-label OTC health and wellness brand, offers five simple ways to make more affordable and sustainable choices when purchasing health care essentials.

1. Use your health insurance plan resources

Do you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)? You can use your funds for more than just copays and medical expenses.

Many pharmacy products, from OTC medication to health and wellness essentials like bandages, are HSA- or FSA-eligible items. Alternatively, your health plan may cover a yearly OTC credit. Check your health insurance plan to see what resources it offers and discover eligible items.

2. Choose private-label items

One of the easiest ways to help save on your OTC expenses is to choose private-label brands. Private-label drugs tend to cost less than brand names while still delivering the same effectiveness.

Foster & Thrive OTC products, for example, provide consumers with reliable care at an affordable price. With over 500 products for acute care, preventive care, everyday care and diagnostic care, you’re likely to find whatever health and wellness OTC products you need.

Private-label goods generally always meet or exceed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality, and are tested and compliant with industry-leading quality standards, so you can rest easy knowing you’re using safe and effective products.

3. Chat with your pharmacist

Pharmacists can provide personalized advice to guide your healthcare purchases. Before you select an antacid for a stomachache or acid reflux, check with a pharmacist to ensure you’re choosing the best OTC product for your needs.

A pharmacist can spot potential interactions between an OTC drug and any prescription medications you’re taking. They can also help you pick the right medication and dosage that can help alleviate multiple symptoms so you can avoid buying unnecessary products, saving you money and helping reduce drug waste.

4. Look for sustainable packaging

You can do your part to help the environment by choosing OTC products that come in eco-friendly packaging. Consider buying medications like those from Foster & Thrive’s eco-friendly aluminum product line, which is made with 70% less plastic than traditional bottles. The bottles are designed for recyclability,* and are made primarily of aluminum — one of the most commonly recycled materials in the U.S.¹

5. Check out your local, small business pharmacy

There are plenty of chain pharmacies, but if there is a locally owned pharmacy in your area, consider shopping for your OTC products there. Mom-and-pop shops often carry the same private-label and prescription products you can find at larger pharmacies, but with a more personalized focus. Community pharmacists often get to know their patients personally and can deliver more individualized care. They may even offer deals or reward programs that can help defray your health care costs.

OTC expenses don’t have to be expensive. Using these five tips, you can help save on your essential health care expenses so you can focus on investing in your health and wellness. To find a Foster and Thrive retailer near you, visit FosterAndThrive.com/Where-To-Buy.

*Availability of recycling programs and facilities may vary by location.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling.

2025-07-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Asthma, allergies and eczema are more common than you may think. More than 28.2 million people in the U.S. have asthma. About one in three adults and one in four children live with allergies. And almost 6% of adults and more than 10% of children have eczema. These conditions can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

When symptoms get worse, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids (OCS). If you’re prescribed OCS to treat severe flare-ups of these or related conditions, make sure to have an open conversation with your doctor about these medications. Learn how OCS can get symptoms under control. Ask about the risk of potential side effects.

1. What are OCS?

Oral corticosteroids are human-made steroid medications modeled after cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. These pills or liquid medications are used to quickly reduce inflammation. Examples of OCS include:

• prednisone
• prednisolone
• methylprednisolone
• dexamethasone

OCS are inexpensive, fast-acting drugs. They are typically prescribed in a short course, or burst, of three to five days. That is often all it takes for OCS to provide relief from symptoms.

OCS differ from inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and topical corticosteroids. ICS, delivered through an inhaler or nebulizer, act directly on the lungs and airways as a daily controller medication for asthma. Topical corticosteroids, on the other hand, are applied to the skin to treat localized inflammation from eczema.

OCS are also different from anabolic steroids, which are related to the male hormone testosterone and sometimes used for muscle building.

2. What are OCS prescribed for?

OCS are powerful anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are mostly prescribed to manage flare-ups of respiratory and allergic conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps and sinusitis. They are sometimes used to treat severe flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, chronic hives or psoriasis.

In addition, OCS are used to treat autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. What are the benefits of OCS?

OCS can quickly reduce inflammation and swelling in various body systems, including the airways and skin. They can provide relief and effectively stop symptoms from worsening.

This is why OCS are prescribed for severe asthma symptoms, nasal inflammation, and eczema flares, among other conditions. They are not usually prescribed for long-term daily management or control of symptoms.

4. What are the potential side effects of short-term OCS use?

OCS can quickly treat flare-ups, but they can cause serious side effects. That’s why doctors prescribe them in short courses of three to five days – to minimize the risk and impact of side effects.

Some short-term side effects include:

• Weight gain, particularly in the abdomen, face or neck
• Eye problems
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia and sleep problems
• High blood pressure
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Swelling in lower legs
• Gastrointestinal issues (heartburn, nausea)
• Mood changes and irritability
• Depression and anxiety

5. What are the potential side effects of long-term OCS use?

In rare cases, doctors prescribe OCS for long-term use when inflammation is severe, and the benefits outweigh the risks and side effects.

Long-term use can lead to the following side effects:

• Skin thinning and easy bruising
• Osteoporosis and bone loss or weakness
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular risks
• Diabetes onset
• Slow growth in children
• Immune system suppression and increased infection risk
• Adrenal gland suppression and hormonal imbalance
• Glaucoma and cataracts

6. What is OCS overuse?

Oral corticosteroids have a high rate of success in treating flare-ups. As a result, some people may develop a reliance on them for treatment. They may want to continue taking OCS to keep their condition under control.

OCS overuse is defined as when you take the medication at a dose or duration that increases the risk of adverse effects without a clear benefit.

The overuse may occur when you:

• take more than 2 courses or bursts of OCS per year, especially for asthma symptoms;

• take OCS daily or regularly for more than 3 months, particularly at high doses.

How much is too much? This is a conversation you should have with your doctor to decide what’s best for your medical condition.

7. How to prevent OCS overuse?

If you are prescribed two or more courses of oral corticosteroids per year, this is a sign that your condition is not well-controlled. You may need to adjust your treatment plan instead of continuing to rely on OCS.

Talk with your doctor – preferably a specialist such as an allergist or dermatologist – to discuss treatment options. Ask about advanced treatments such as biologics to help keep your symptoms in check.

Learn more about OCS and OCS overuse at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.