Month: April 2018

2018-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced Americans’ eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for you,” are now considered nutritious.

“Nutrition is exciting. Just about every day there is new research about how certain foods work in our body,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Over time as research is done, foods that were once considered unhealthy can be found to actually play a key role in healthy diets.”

What historically “unhealthy” foods are now considered wholesome? Blatner provides some examples:

Eggs

Shunned for many years, eggs were believed to be bad for heart health due to high cholesterol levels. However, numerous studies have shown that intake of dietary cholesterol has little influence on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you take in from food.

Today, eggs are part of a healthy diet — so much so that recently the country’s leading weight loss service announced that eggs are now included on its zero points list. Keep in mind, though, that not all eggs are created equal. When shopping for eggs, look for Eggland’s Best eggs, which have significantly more nutrition than ordinary eggs.

“Many health and nutrition organizations are finally recognizing eggs for the nutrient powerhouse they are,” says Blatner. “Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and more than double the vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs, making them the best egg option to maximize your nutritional intake.”

Nuts

Snacking on nuts today is typically considered a healthy way to keep hunger pangs at bay, but it wasn’t always that way. Nuts used to have a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, and were often avoided, especially for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, many nuts are considered the ideal nutritious snack as they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For example, the versatile almond is relatively low in calories when compared to other nuts and has more calcium than other varieties, according to Health.com. Plus, almonds are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

“Nuts can make a great snack or wonderful addition to recipes,” says Blatner. “The one thing to be mindful of is sodium intake. Opt for raw nuts or dry-roasted varieties. These are minimally processed and typically won’t contain the salt and oils you’ll find in other varieties.”

Carbohydrates

Due to empty calories and low nutritional value, cutting carbs has been at the heart of diet fads for decades. The problem with this is that it assumes all carbs are equal, which is false.

“The important thing to realize is there are high-quality and low-quality carbs,” says Blatner. “Instead of shaming all carbs, focus on high-quality sources of carbohydrates that fuel the body and give you energy — skip the refined grains like white bread and focus on whole grains.”

Want to try a recipe that uses some of these formerly misunderstood foods? Blatner shares one of her favorites.

Eggland’s Best Spinach & Avocado Egg Sushi

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large), 1 tablespoon milk, 1 dash of salt, 1 dash of ground black pepper, 1 large whole wheat tortilla (12 inch), 1/2 avocado (mashed), 1 cup fresh baby spinach

For the spicy sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce) and 1 teaspoon milk in a small bowl.

Directions:

Coat a 10-inch nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat on medium-low heat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cover with a lid. Do not scramble! Cook until set (about 3-4 minutes), flip and finish cooking (about 1-2 minutes).

Lay tortilla flat and spread with avocado, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

When eggs are finished cooking, place in the center of the tortilla and top with spinach.

Start at one end and roll tightly, but gently.

Coat the same skillet with nonstick spray and warm on medium-high heat.

Place roll seam-side down on skillet and brown slightly on both sides. Remove and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, slice 1-inch pieces, drizzle with spicy sauce and serve with chopsticks.

2018-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to take a serious look at your heart health. One important aspect of managing your heart health is keeping your cholesterol levels within a healthy range. With a few smart steps, you can help support your heart health today and well into the future.

Dr. Shawn Dhillon, medical director at Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore, believes that managing heart health begins with strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. It’s through open, honest conversation that people can best manage their cholesterol levels to support a healthy heart.

“It’s critical for patients to have an open dialogue about a management plan,” says Dr. Dhillon. “It’s also important for physicians to properly explain conditions and treatment options to patients, and equally important for patients to listen. Talking and forming a partnership helps ensure success.”

In the US, more than 100 million American adults have high cholesterol, which can lead to hard, thick buildup (plaque) forming in your arteries, causing them to narrow and slowing down and even blocking the flow of blood to your heart. This is dangerous because blood carries oxygen to the heart and brain. If enough oxygen doesn’t reach your heart, you may feel pains in your chest, and if blood supply is completely blocked to any part of your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

To help encourage a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Dhillon often suggests therapeutic lifestyle changes before recommending any medication. This may start by looking at dietary changes that increase intake of soluble fiber and decrease intake of trans and saturated fats.

Dr. Dhillon also recommends increased exercise, which works the heart and encourages weight loss. For those who need to reduce cholesterol levels, The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or activity 3 to 4 times a week.

“If cholesterol levels still do not improve to where we want them to be after trying lifestyle changes for an adequate amount of time, we supplement with a statin medication,” says Dr. Dhillon.

Statins are prescription drugs that can help people manage cholesterol levels. LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) is a statin medication that, along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can improve overall cholesterol levels while having a lower risk of certain unpredictable drug interactions compared to other statins.

Some people may experience side effects when starting a statin. “It’s important to record any symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider,” according to Dr. Dhillon. “Everyone has a different tolerance level for statins,” he says. “Sometimes the body needs time to adjust to the new medication. You may experience muscle aches or fatigue but by working with your doctor you can make adjustments — perhaps trying a lower dose or trying a different type of statin — so that you can find a treatment that works for your unique needs.”

While speaking with your doctor, ask if LIVALO is right for you. LIVALO lowers cholesterol levels by targeting the enzyme that plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. LIVALO is metabolized, or processed, in the liver differently than most other statins and may be less likely to interact with other medications. Because of the way LIVALO is metabolized differently than most statins, patients are able to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, both of which can potentially interfere with the action of some other prescription drugs.

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO.
• Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Pain in the legs or arms

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1.800.FDA.1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, and out of the reach of children.
• LIVALO can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit http://www.livalorx.com.

© Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2017) – LIV-RA-0109

2018-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – At the turn of the calendar, many people begin taking action on what they plan to accomplish in the new year. Some have resolved to take up a new hobby, to save more money, to travel and, of course, to improve their health.

New eating plans and gym memberships are common steps people take toward their health goals, but there are other effective ways to improve your health — like adding probiotics to your daily regimen. You’ve likely heard of probiotics before, but do you know how they benefit your health and how to select the right one for you? This article can help.*

What is a probiotic?

Before delving into how probiotics can help your body, let’s first explain what they actually are. In the simplest terms, probiotics are the good bacteria (live microorganisms) that live inside your digestive tract and help your body to function properly. There are many different types of probiotics, and each one performs a different function in your digestive system.*

The billions of bacteria that live inside your digestive tract are often called “microflora,” or more correctly, “microbiota,” and the environment that they work together to create inside the body is called the microbiome. Maintaining proper balance within your microbiome is crucial for overall health.*

How do probiotics help?

The beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract are influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, medication use, traveling and poor diet. Therefore, it is important to prioritize diet and lifestyle to maintain proper gut ecology. Probiotics are also effective for maintaining healthy populations of beneficial bacteria. Numerous clinical studies have shown probiotics have positive effects on health, including assisting in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients and contributing to immune system health. Some studies have suggested that certain beneficial strains may also support brain function.*

Probiotics in your diet

Probiotics are found in many foods you may enjoy every day including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. However, due to food processing and packaging, maintaining the stability and potency of the live beneficial bacteria in these foods can be a challenge. Including probiotic supplements in your routine ensures a consistent dose to help you and your family maintain optimal health.*

Finding the right probiotic supplement for you

Probiotic supplements can help support health at any age — from infancy to adulthood. When it comes to selecting the probiotics for you and your family, the best options are those that are formulated based on clinical research. Genestra Brands offers a comprehensive line of clinically studied, effective probiotic strains that have been recommended by doctors for more than 20 years. With more than 25 gluten-free, non-GMO formulas, Genestra Brands’ probiotics offer personalized support to help make your New Year’s resolution of becoming a healthier you that much easier.*

Before you begin taking any type of probiotic, speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist about whether they are safe and right for you.

To learn more about probiotics designed with you in mind, visit genestrahmf.com.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2018-02-02T12:17:00

(BPT) – Managing finances can seem like a daunting task, and many have a hard time deciphering between necessities and luxuries, such as vacations. People might even take some of these necessities for granted and not consider healthcare costs as part of that. However, a chronic health condition like diabetes can add an extra layer to managing a budget.

With medical costs for people with diabetes two times higher than for people without diabetes¹, it’s not surprising that in a recent survey of 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, with diabetes and 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, without diabetes, more than half with diabetes report the costs associated with their condition have negatively impacted their finances. In fact, of those surveyed, more than two-thirds of employed participants with diabetes are concerned they’ll have to delay retirement specifically because of healthcare costs, and 62 percent of employed participants living with diabetes are concerned health issues will force them to retire before they have the financial resources to do so.²

With managing personal finances often top of mind, it is important for those living with diabetes to have tools and resources to help with budgeting. Roche Diabetes Care Inc. collaborated with Alexa von Tobel*, Founder and CEO of LearnVest.com, a company redefining America’s approach to personal finance, to help give people living with diabetes the ability to focus on their health, not the costs. In a video on Accu-Chek.com, von Tobel shares her advice and tips on budgeting, specifically for adults living with diabetes, which include:

• Creating a budget, mapping out all of the expenses in your life, and dedicating a credit or debit card to diabetes-related expenses to make tracking what you spend even easier
• Dedicating 50 percent or less of total income toward necessities, like groceries, diabetes-related expenses, rent, and transportation
• Putting away 20 percent for the future so you are left with 30 percent for personal expenses

Another tool for those living with diabetes to help with managing budgets is the Accu-Check^® Guide SimplePay program.³ With the program, people with diabetes can have a savings solution that maintains a low cost for test strips to help them focus on what is best for their health, not what it costs. The Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program is designed to help make managing diabetes more affordable for the millions of Americans living with diabetes by guaranteeing a low price for test strips every day. To utilize the SimplePay program, patients can sign up by answering a few short questions at www.Accu-Chek.com, and hand the SimplePay card to their pharmacist, along with their test strip prescription to start saving.

To learn more about budgeting tips from Alexa von Tobel, check out her video on www.accu-chek.com. While there, you can also learn more about the Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program and download the free SimplePay card.

___________________________________

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/library/socialmedia/diabetes-infographic.pdf

² The Roche Diabetes Care Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research among U.S. adults ages 26-64, 500 of whom are currently being treated for diabetes and 500 who aren’t, between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1, 2017. The margin of error was +/- 4.4% for each audience.

³ The card is not insurance; it is a cash discount program and cannot be combined with any form of health insurance. Those insured by any government healthcare program, such as Medicare, Medicaid, the military or VA, are NOT eligible for this offer. Insurers may offer a lower cost option. 30- or 90-day Accu-Chek Guide test strip prescription required. Limit 12 vials per refill.

Refills cannot be dispensed before 75% of previous days’ supply have elapsed. Program may be changed or discontinued at any time.

*Alexa von Tobel is a paid spokesperson for Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. and Accu-Chek^®.

**Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. is not providing financial, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your professional financial adviser to determine what is best for you.

Accu-Chek^®, Accu-Chek^® GUIDE and Accu-Chek^® GUIDE SIMPLEPAY are trademarks of Roche.

2018-02-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – For most of us, a little evening downtime is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. After a hectic day of work, commutes, kids and dinner prep, we deserve to take a moment to slow down and enjoy some hard-earned “me time.”

Instead of using this time to stream your favorite show or scroll through social media, try a gentle and relaxing activity that puts your focus on the present moment and makes this time truly enjoyable.

“For a relaxing end-of-day activity, there’s nothing quite like preparing and savoring the perfect cup of herbal tea,” says Stephen Twining, whose family founded the world-famous tea brand, Twinings of London, in 1706.

The steps we take to prepare and enjoy our perfect cup of tea can help us unwind and feel refreshed, Twining says. Tea releases pleasing scents, the warm brew makes comforting sensations as we wrap our fingers around the mug and take sips, and there’s the deep and satisfying flavors of the tea itself.

Of course, when we’re engaged in a mindful activity, it’s that much easier to let go of daily stress and transition into a more relaxed state. Follow these five tips from Twining to brew your favorite cup of herbal tea, and try making this a part of your end-of-day ritual.

1. Start fresh: The perfect cup of tea starts with a clean mug and a clean kettle of fresh, cold water. Never reuse water that’s already been boiled, because that can weaken the tea’s flavor, Twining says.

2. Don’t over-boil: As soon as the water reaches a boil, it’s time to remove the kettle from the heat source.

“I never let the water over-boil because in doing so, you will cause the oxygen in the water to be reduced, making the tea taste ‘flat,’” Twining says. For that reason, he recommends not using a microwave to boil the water.

3. Savor the moment: Set the tea bag in the mug before you add hot water, pouring it directly onto the tea bag. Just then, it starts releasing its herbal scent, so make sure you take a moment to inhale and relax while enjoying the aroma. Twinings offers a range of herbal teas each expertly blended to provide the perfect balance of taste, flavor and aroma. For example, Buttermint has a refreshing blend of peppermint leaves combined with the creamy flavor of vanilla for a smooth taste and rich aroma, perfect for helping you unwind.

4. Wait for the perfect flavor: Many people make the mistake of thinking that once the brew darkens, it’s ready to drink. However, Twining says color merely washes off the tea leaves early in the process, so don’t let the appearance mislead you. To make sure the flavors fully develop, know how much time your tea needs to brew, and keep an eye on the clock. Herbal teas should steep for a full four minutes.

5. Customize and enjoy: Hopefully, you will find your perfectly brewed cup of herbal tea needs no embellishment because the expertly blended herbs and flowers will provide all the flavor you need. But as Twining says, “The best cup of tea is the one you like the most,” so feel free to make adjustments. The recommended add-ins for herbal teas are honey, sugar or a squeeze of lemon — do not add milk or cream. For a deeper flavor, let the tea steep a minute or two longer.

After a long day, you definitely earned this moment, so make sure you take time to enjoy it. If you’re interested in exploring Twinings’ complete line of herbal teas, visit twiningsusa.com.

2018-02-06T06:01:01

(BPT) – Chest discomfort. Heartburn. Tightness or pressure in the throat, jaw, shoulder, abdomen, back or arm. These are all symptoms of a common heart disease called obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as a blockage in the heart arteries. And it can be deadly. In fact, it often is.

Given how serious a disease this is, you need to know your options for an accurate diagnosis. There’s new evidence for a simple blood test that can help your doctor determine whether your symptoms are due to heart disease or something else, like heartburn caused by a spicy meal, anxiety due to stress, or a pulled muscle in the upper chest area. An emerging field of medical research called cardiovascular genomics has given doctors a new way to discover whether their patients’ symptoms are caused by obstructive CAD just by looking at a patient’s blood sample.

A recent substudy of the Duke University-run National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded PROMISE trial^[1] gave further evidence that this simple blood test can be used to help doctors determine whether obstructive CAD is the cause of patients’ symptoms as well as to provide information about the potential for future heart disease events.

The test (known as the Corus CAD^® blood test) incorporates age, sex and gene expression measurements into a single score that indicates a person’s current likelihood of having a significant blockage or narrowing in their heart arteries. Unlike a genetic test, which provides information about a patient’s future risk of disease, this test provides the likelihood of plaque buildup in the arteries right when the testing is done.

Dr. Andrew Waxler of Berks Cardiologists Ltd. tells us that “Heart disease is not only the number one killer in the U.S., it is also incredibly expensive. The traditional and common tests and procedures doctors use, including heart catheterizations, are expensive, though these are very valuable tools when used with the right people. The beauty of this simple blood test is it’s not very expensive, relatively speaking, and it will direct who needs the more expensive and more risky tests, and who doesn’t. This is a good thing because fewer invasive tests mean fewer risks to the patient, including surgery complications and radiation exposure.”

“In these current health care economic times, people don’t want to pay for unneeded tests. With proper use I feel this simple blood test will help us all save money in the long run while helping doctors determine the best treatment path for each individual patient. It’s a win-win for all involved,” adds Dr. Waxler.

This simple blood test is scored on a scale of 1-40. Those with low scores, defined as ≤ 15, can be safely assessed as having symptoms not caused by CAD, whereas patients with higher scores have a higher likelihood of obstructive CAD. A low score means the patient may be spared invasive and potentially risky cardiac tests and procedures, while those with high scores may require more testing.

If you are concerned about the symptoms of obstructive CAD, talk with your doctor.

For more information about the blood test, visit coruscad.com.

Fast Facts

• One in seven deaths among Americans is caused by CAD.^[2]
• A simple blood test called Corus CAD helps doctors identify patients who are at low risk so that unnecessary and potentially harmful cardiac tests can be avoided, as well as those at high risk so appropriate next steps can be taken.
• This simple blood test (Corus CAD) offers potential costs savings to the patient as well as to health insurance companies as it can help reduce unnecessary tests and procedures, which are often more costly.

2018-02-06T09:59:01

(BPT) – Bipolar I disorder is a condition that equally affects men and women, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity.¹ Approximately 1.5 million adults in America are living with this disease, yet it’s a condition that’s still chronically misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.² In fact, people with bipolar disorder may struggle an average of 10 years before they receive an accurate diagnosis.¹ That’s why knowing and understanding the symptoms is so important.

“One of the biggest difficulties with diagnosis is the wide variety of ways in which the disorder can manifest itself,” said Gary Sachs, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Although every person with bipolar I disorder can experience it differently, these experiences do include features that fall into specific categories of identifiable symptoms.”

Whether you’re someone who has a history of mental illness or are concerned about a loved one who is struggling with their mental health, Dr. Sachs sheds light on bipolar I disorder and answers some important questions to help you better understand this condition.

What is bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is a brain and behavioral disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, activity levels, energy, and judgment, impacting a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.³ Everyone has typical ups and downs, but in bipolar I disorder these can be more extreme. People diagnosed with bipolar I disorder have periods called “mood episodes,” which can be either manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed.³ Every patient experiences episodes differently, but it’s important to note that bipolar I patients have had at least one manic or mixed episode. When managing their condition, patients should keep an open dialogue with their healthcare providers.⁴

Can you tell me more about what it means to experience mania?

Many people know what it means to be depressed, but fewer understand mania. Someone experiencing manic symptoms of bipolar I disorder may have periods of unusually elevated feelings like extreme happiness, energy, or irritability. Some symptoms of manic episodes may include³:

• Feeling unusually happy, excited, or energetic
• Feeling restless, irritable, wired, or overreactive
• Having racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating
• Poor judgment with risk taking, indulging in impulsive behaviors, and having a heightened sense of self-importance

What does it mean to experience a mixed episode? Is it common?

Someone with bipolar I disorder can have a mixed episode when experiencing symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. Mixed episodes are more common than you may think. In fact, 40% of people living with bipolar I disorder have experienced a mixed episode, sometimes called a “mixed state.”⁵ Some of these symptoms include³:

• Feeling overly energized, while feeling very hopeless
• Feeling agitated, while having extreme changes in appetite, and having suicidal thoughts
• Having racing thoughts, while feeling “slowed down” or experiencing a loss of interest in something once enjoyed

Can you treat bipolar I disorder?

There is no known cure for bipolar I disorder, but symptoms may be managed through treatment. It is important for patients to partner with their healthcare providers, so that, together, they can determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may include counseling, support groups, and medicine. In fact, recently approved atypical antipsychotics have provided additional options to help people living with bipolar I disorder.

VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) is a once-a-day prescription medicine that’s FDA-approved in adults for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder.⁶ In clinical studies, VRAYLAR^® was proven to help manage manic symptoms in adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. VRAYLAR^® showed significant improvement in overall manic symptoms compared to those who took a placebo (sugar pill). VRAYLAR^® was not studied to measure symptoms individually, and is not approved to treat hypomania, depression, or depressive symptoms.

Every patient experiences symptoms differently and not all patients respond to treatment in the same way. That’s why it’s important for patients suffering from bipolar I disorder to actively engage with their healthcare provider to determine which treatment path is appropriate for them.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about VRAYLAR?

VRAYLAR may cause serious side effects, including:

• Stroke (which can be fatal) in elderly people with dementia
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Call your healthcare provider right away if you have high fever; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; or sweating. These can be symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal side effect called NMS. VRAYLAR should be stopped if you have NMS
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot control the movements of your face, tongue, or other body parts. These could be signs of a serious and sometimes permanent side effect called TD. Risk of developing TD and the chance that it will become permanent are thought to increase the longer a person takes the medicine and the more medicine a person takes over time. TD can develop even after a person has been taking the medicine for a short time at low doses. TD may partially or completely go away if you stop taking VRAYLAR. TD may also start after you stop taking VRAYLAR
• Late-occurring side effects: VRAYLAR stays in the body for several weeks, even after you stop taking it, which could affect the timing of when you may experience side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have side effects (eg, uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness) as these may occur several weeks after starting or increasing dose of VRAYLAR
• Problems with your metabolism, such as:
  • High blood sugar and diabetes: If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (eg, being overweight or family history of diabetes), your blood sugar should be tested before you start VRAYLAR and regularly during treatment. Complications of diabetes can be serious and even life threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as feeling very thirsty or very hungry, urinating more than usual, or feeling weak
  • Increased blood cholesterol or triglycerides: Your healthcare provider should check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels before and during treatment
  • Weight gain: Weight gain has been reported with VRAYLAR. Your healthcare provider should check your weight before and regularly during treatment
• Low white blood cell count: Low white blood cell counts have been reported with antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR. This may increase your risk of infection. Very low white blood cell counts, which can be fatal, have been reported with other antipsychotics
• Decreased blood pressure: You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position
• Falls: VRAYLAR may increase risk of falls, which could cause fractures or other injuries
• Seizures
• Impaired judgment, thinking, and motor skills: Do NOT drive or use dangerous machinery until you know how VRAYLAR affects you. VRAYLAR may make you drowsy
• Increased body temperature: VRAYLAR may make you more sensitive to heat. You may have trouble cooling off. Be careful when exercising or when doing things likely to cause dehydration or make you warm
• Difficulty swallowing: VRAYLAR and medicines like it have been associated with difficulty swallowing

Who should not take VRAYLAR?

Do not take VRAYLAR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Get emergency medical help if you are having an allergic reaction (eg, rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue, lip, face or throat).

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VRAYLAR?

Tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions and if you have or have had:

• Diabetes or high blood sugar in you or your family
• High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL-cholesterol; or low levels of HDL-cholesterol
• Seizures or conditions that increase your risk for seizures
• Low or high blood pressure
• Low white blood cell count

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant. Using VRAYLAR in the third trimester may cause uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. A special program (National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics) collects information on the safety of antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR, during pregnancy. For information, contact the program at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. VRAYLAR may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VRAYLAR works.

What are the most common side effects of VRAYLAR?

• The most common side effects were uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, vomiting, indigestion, sleepiness, and restlessness.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all possible side effects of VRAYLAR.

Please also see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, which are also available at www.vraylar.com and https://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/vraylar_pi.

References

1. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Available at: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder. Accessed January 31, 2018.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder Among Adults. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/bipolar-disorder-among-adults.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
3. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
4. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
5. Muneer, A. Mixed States in Bipolar Disorder: Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment. Chonnam Medical Journal. 2017 Jan; 53(1): 1–13. doi: 10.4068/cmj.2017.53.1.1.
6. VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) [package insert]. Irvine, CA: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2017.

Allergan^® and its design are trademarks of Allergan, Inc.

VRAYLAR^® and its design are registered trademarks of Forest Laboratories Holdings Ltd., an Allergan affiliate.

Licensed from Gedeon Richter Plc.

© 2018 Allergan. All rights reserved.

VRA112771_v2 02/18

2018-02-08T10:31:00

(BPT) – Even though vaccines are one of the greatest health innovations of the last century, a new survey shows that among some adults in America there is a lack of awareness about the immunizations they need as adults.

According to an online survey of 1,000 American adults aged 18 years and older, there is a critical gap between awareness and action when it comes to vaccination.¹

Adults should talk to their healthcare providers about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of recommended adult vaccines. The best way to protect yourself and those closest to you is to vaccinate for life. So, ask your doctor if you are up to date on all your vaccines. It’s a simple step that can help protect you, your family and your community.

Nearly half of adults consider themselves to be “very” or “quite” knowledgeable about vaccines,² yet fewer than three in ten Americans are aware of the vaccines recommended for adults their age.¹

Most of us are familiar with the importance of vaccination during childhood; however, vaccination is equally important throughout adulthood, as the immune system begins to decline with age.³ Immunosenescence, also known as age-related decline in immunity, significantly contributes to the susceptibility of older adults to serious, yet preventable conditions including: influenza, pneumonia and shingles.³ Despite this, 65 percent of adults are not fully up to date on their vaccines.¹

Six million deaths are prevented globally each year as a result of vaccination. If global vaccination rates increased, even more deaths could be prevented.⁴

Vaccine-preventable diseases can cause long-term illness and even death. In fact, 99 percent of the more than 50,000 deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases that occur every year in the U.S. are in adults.⁵

Vaccination can also protect against other health problems. In fact, vaccinating against the flu can also help protect people against heart attacks and stroke.⁶

Despite longstanding recommendations for the use of many vaccines, adult vaccination rates remain low. In 2015, the flu vaccination rate for adults aged 19 and older was less than 45 percent, Tdap (Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccination rate for adults was only about 23 percent, and shingles vaccination rate for adults 60 and older was just about 31 percent.⁷

Medical costs related to vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults are high and are expected to grow substantially in the coming years. One study forecasts U.S. medical costs for Americans 65 and older in the Medicare population to be $4.74 billion annually by 2030 for just one vaccine-preventable disease.⁸

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¹ Vaccinate for Life consumer survey. Exploration based on Q9. Which of the following statements best describes how up-to-date you consider yourself to be on vaccinations. I am aware of the vaccines recommended to adults of my age and have received all of these recommended vaccinations. Total base all respondents n=1000.

2018-02-08T10:32:00

(BPT) – Think of South Africa, and images of majestic savannas and roaming wildlife come to mind. A South African safari is an unforgettable experience, but no visit to the country is truly complete without a cultural immersion. The vibrant city of Durban combines the best of both worlds. Located along the Indian Ocean coast an hour from Johannesburg by air, Durban offers an eclectic array of activities where you can explore the city’s significant role in world history, the rich heritage of its Zulu people, and innumerable natural wonders — from the beach to the bush.

Experience authentic Zulu culture

Named for its dramatic surrounding landscape, the Valley of 1,000 Hills has been home to the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, for centuries.

Visitors can take an organized tour deep into tribal lands to experience Zulu culture with its exuberant ceremonies, traditional music and dancing. You’ll learn about Zulu beliefs and healing practices, break bread with local families and learn the hidden meanings behind their colorful beadwork. You can even arrange one-on-one sessions with the village healer or spend the night with a Zulu family in their home.

Walk in Gandhi’s and Mandela’s footsteps

Not everyone is aware that Mahatma Gandhi’s life work was inspired by his experiences in Durban. In 1893, he arrived as a young lawyer, and the discrimination he witnessed personally and against his fellow Indians drove him to start his worldwide movement of passive resistance fighting for the rights of the Indian population. At the Phoenix Settlement, you will see Gandhi’s house and the printing press he used to publish his newspaper, The Indian Opinion. Many of the more than one million Indians living in the city make the pilgrimage to this historical site alongside visitors from around the world.

Five years after his death, Nelson Mandela remains South Africa’s most revered public figure. 2018 marks a year-long celebration of his life and what would have been his 100th birthday on July 18. Honor his work when you’re in Durban by visiting the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, at the exact spot where he began his “Long Walk to Freedom” after being arrested for anti-Apartheid activism in 1952. Visit the striking monument and educational exhibition walking you through Mandela’s life and role in establishing a democratic South Africa.

Hit the beach at Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks, Durban’s laidback beach village, is on a picturesque stretch of the Indian Ocean. It beckons visitors with a scenic promenade passing by local landmarks including Umhlanga Lighthouse and Whale Bone Pier. A walkable downtown makes dining and nightlife easily accessible from the area’s many boutique hotels and guesthouses, and opportunities to get on the water abound — from surfing to deep sea fishing, scuba diving, whale watching and kiteboarding.

Discover an underwater wonderland

Consistently rated one of the top warm water diving and snorkeling sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal is also the spot to get up close and personal with blacktip reef sharks. Those brave enough can swim or dive alongside these mysterious creatures in the open ocean, but viewing from inside a cage is always an option.

Experience a Big Five safari

Back on land, the South African bush is less than four hours away by car. Private game reserves offer high-end safari lodge accommodations, minimal crowds and optimal chances for getting the perfect photos of the “Big Five” — elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, lions and leopards. In iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos roam Lake St. Lucia, while elephants, giraffes and leopards inhabit the adjacent grasslands.

Visit www.durbanexperience.co.za to learn more.

2018-02-08T16:01:00

(BPT) – The ability to see is one of our most precious gifts. Like most things in life, our vision may be impacted as we age. That’s why it’s important to learn about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Prevalent among older Americans, it affects one in five adults age 65 and older, and is the leading cause of blindness for this population. While there is no cure for this condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression, including:

1) Schedule routine eye exams. As early stages of AMD may not present any symptoms, you may not think to consult your eye doctor. Keeping routine eye exams that include eye dilation may help to identify the condition early, as well as help maintain overall eye health.

2) Address symptoms immediately. See your eye care professional right away if you experience sudden or gradual changes in vision quality. As AMD progresses, straight lines may appear distorted, central vision may look dark, blurry or white, or changes in color perception may become noticeable. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you should also regularly check your eyes with an Amsler grid tool that helps track incremental vision changes.

3) Lead a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. Regular exercise can also help to maintain eye health and minimize the risk of progression. Other risk factors for AMD include obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

4) Eat right. A diet rich in green, leafy vegetables as well as healthy fatty acids may also help reduce the risk of progression. Foods that contain these nutrients include: spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, romaine and chard, and fatty fish such as salmon, sea bass, herring, whitefish, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

5) Consider supplements recommended by the National Eye Institute. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to advanced AMD, The National Eye Institute recommends taking a specific nutrient formula based on the AREDS 2 study, that may help reduce your risk of progression. Talk with your doctor to see if an AREDS 2 formula eye vitamin is right for you.

To raise awareness of this public health issue, Bausch + Lomb, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has launched the Why Eye Fight campaign.

To learn more about AMD, what steps you can take to help fight for your sight or to watch the patient stories or PSA, visit www.WhyEyeFight.com. You can also join the online conversation and share your story using #WhyEyeFight on Facebook and Twitter.