Month: February 2019

2019-02-08T15:39:39

(BPT) – New results from the largest ever clinical study of early-stage breast cancer patients are changing the game when it comes to who should receive chemotherapy treatment.

The study, called TAILORx (Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx)), used the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score^® genomic test to determine exactly who will benefit from treatment with chemotherapy. Approximately 260,000 women are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer each year in the U.S., and each of them must decide if chemotherapy is necessary to treat their disease or if they can be effectively treated with hormone therapy alone.

Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the groundbreaking study clearly identified that 70 percent of women with early-stage breast cancer receive no benefit from chemotherapy and the minority of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving.

Dr. Ray Lin, co-director of the Breast Cancer Program at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center in San Diego and one of the principal investigators of the study, has been using the test to inform personalized treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients at his medical practice for several years. “The recent results, which studied more than 10,000 women, are changing the way that doctors around the world treat the disease by making regular use of the Oncotype DX test in breast cancer diagnosis and individualized treatment,” said Lin. With this new information, doctors can now provide patients with a clear yes or no recommendation about undergoing chemotherapy based on their genomic test score.

Used for early-stage breast cancer patients, the test assesses the level of activity of 21 cancer-related genes generating a Recurrence Score result — a number between 0 and 100.

A Recurrence Score result in the range of 0-25 means that cancer is less likely to come back if treated with hormonal therapy alone and that chemotherapy will not change the clinical outcomes in most patients over hormonal treatment. A Recurrence Score result in the range 26-100 suggests a greater risk that cancer will come back, and that chemotherapy is very likely to provide substantial benefit in reducing this risk in addition to hormone therapy.

At age 42, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer after her annual mammogram. Following a mastectomy, her doctor recommended hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. She was hesitant to pursue chemotherapy after learning about its immediate side effects and potential long-term effects. As a mother of four, she was worried that chemo would inhibit her ability to care for her family and her parents, who relied on her. Then, her friend suggested she ask her doctor about the test to help her make a more informed decision about whether or not to undergo chemotherapy.

“My Oncotype DX score was a 22 and provided me with information I could count on to create an optimal treatment plan for my cancer, giving me increased confidence to forgo chemotherapy,” said Angela. She recommends checking out www.mybreastcancertreatment.org to learn more about her story and for patient-friendly resources on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

While no two breast cancer patients — or their tumors — are alike, there is only one predictive genomic test to help doctors prescribe individualized treatment with definitive information about the benefit of chemotherapy. The test, which is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance providers, can help patients with early-stage breast cancer determine if they are among the approximately 70,000 women each year who can avoid chemotherapy and its unnecessary side effects while still receiving effective treatment.

Patients and caregivers can visit http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/ to determine if they are eligible for the test and for resources to help explain treatment options and prepare for appointments.

2019-02-08T15:56:42

(BPT) – Whether you’re expecting your first child or you’ve been around the baby block a few times before, there are always a lot of questions when preparing for parenthood. Questions about feeding often top that list.

Experts agree that breast milk and/or formula should be the primary sources of nutrition for infants 6 months and younger. While 92 percent of mothers plan on breastfeeding, more than two-thirds rely on using infant formula, according to the new “Feeding Realities” survey by Perrigo Nutrition.

Infant formula is used for a variety of reasons, including by mothers who have trouble breastfeeding, limited milk supply or opt to by personal choice. The survey of mothers of babies and toddlers uncovered common mistakes and misconceptions about formula feeding.

Using more water than necessary

Formula containers have specific measurements that typically call for mixing powder and water, yet 21 percent of those responding to the survey say they have used more water than required by the instructions when preparing formula. Nearly half stated their primary reason was to help save money or make formula last longer.

“Many new moms have the misconception that diluting formula with water will help save money or make it easier for baby to digest,” says Dr. Jennifer Gardner, family physician and co-author of The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. “Diluting critical nutrients in formula at a time of rapid growth can be dangerous for their baby. No cost savings is worth the risk of poor health and infant mortality. Parents should always follow preparation instructions on the product label and consult with their pediatrician to talk through infant-feeding options.”

Microwave bottle preparation

When warming infant formula, half of mothers said they always or sometimes use the microwave to make a bottle. The problem is microwaving formula bottles can affect ingredients and cause hot spots that might burn a baby’s mouth.

What many parents don’t realize is formula does not need to be warmed before it is given to baby. If your child happens to prefer a warm bottle, place it under warm running water and make sure that water isn’t getting into the bottle, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before feeding, test the temperature of the bottle by putting a few drops on the back of your hand to ensure it’s not too hot.

Reusing and storing formula

If baby doesn’t finish a bottle, it’s tempting to put it in the fridge for later, but this can be a mistake. The survey found 51 percent have thrown a partially used infant formula bottle back in the fridge to use for the next feeding time. This is dangerous because bacteria can grow and the nutritional profile of the formula can diminish.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), formula not fed to baby can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours if you are making it ahead of time. However, once you feed a bottle to baby, you must discard the remaining contents after one hour from the start of that feeding.

Store-brand formula confusion

According to the survey, 20 percent of respondents worried about what formula to purchase in the first few months of their baby’s life. Babies can be expensive, but one way to stretch budgets without sacrificing quality is to use store-brand formulas that meet the same FDA standards as nationally advertised brands. All formula brands — including store brands — offer complete nutrition for infants. Learn more at www.storebrandformula.com.

“New moms can feel confident that store-brand formula will provide complete nutrition for baby just like any brand-name formula,” says Gardner. “All infant formulas are required to meet the same FDA standards, which means store-brand formula has the same quality as other brand names but costs less. More importantly, there’s no need for parents to take unnecessary risks such as diluting formula to save money when they can trust that store-brand formula is a high-quality and affordable option.”

2019-02-07T14:03:01

(BPT) – In recent years, technology has changed every aspect of our daily life. We interact with friends and family on social media, use the GPS to guide us to our desired destination, and products we buy online are delivered right to our home.

One big change transforming how we receive health care services is home delivery of prescription medications. But is this option right for you? Susan Peppers, vice president of pharmacy practice at Express Scripts, answers the six most frequently asked questions about home delivery for prescription medications.

1. Is home delivery an option for the medications I take on a regular basis?

Home delivery is best used when you are on medications for a chronic condition because it removes the burden of remembering to get a prescription refilled by the patient and encourages adherence to the prescribed therapy. These drugs, which can also be referred to as maintenance medications, are the ones your doctor prescribes to manage long-term health conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.

2. Could I save money through home delivery?

Yes. When using home delivery for your prescription medications you will receive a 90-day supply. This could save up to approximately 66 percent in out-of-pocket expenses when compared to the cost of filling prescriptions at retail. With no-cost standard shipping, home delivery could be a great way to also save on gas costs associated with the trip to the pharmacy.

3. What if I have questions about my medications?

Home delivery pharmacies include 24/7 access to specialist pharmacists, trained in chronic and complex diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, available online or on the phone. A pharmacist can answer questions regarding your medication or a reaction you may be having to your medication all in the privacy and convenience of your home. These pharmacists are also at work behind the scenes reviewing prescriptions before they are dispensed to prevent the possibility of harmful interactions.

4. Will I get my next prescription on time?

Medications are automatically sent in advance of when your previous prescription will run out and usually delivered within four days. You can also call or go online to check on the status of your order. If you are traveling for an extended period within the U.S., you could request the medication be delivered to the address where you will be staying.

5. Why can home delivery be good for my health?

In addition to saving time and money, studies have shown that home delivery can improve adherence to medications. Adherence, or taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor, is one of the most important things you can do to manage chronic conditions and improve your health outcomes.

6. How do I make sure my temperature-sensitive medication is properly managed through home delivery?

Temperature-protective coolers can ensure medications stay within a safe temperature range — even if the package is sitting outside for several hours after delivery. At Express Scripts we use new technology that takes into consideration the acceptable temperature range for each medication and the entire forecasted weather patterns that the medication will pass through along its journey to the patient’s home to determine how and when to deliver the medication.

“A home delivery pharmacy is a great alternative for those wanting to save money on their prescription medications,” said Peppers. “With a dispensing accuracy rate that is greater than 99.9995 percent, and leading-edge systems and technology that carefully monitors each prescription, we are proud to continue forging new paths in healthcare.”

2019-02-06T13:01:00

(BPT) – Savvy travelers know Nanjing as a hidden treasure, offering an array of rich historical and cultural sites for visitors to explore. Located in Jiangsu Province just outside of Shanghai, this city of more than 8 million sits along the Yangtze River, with the majestic Purple Mountain rising in the east. One of China’s four ancient capital cities, Nanjing enjoys a relaxed pace compared to mega-cities like Beijing and is easy to navigate, with modern public transportation and plenty of taxis. Once you’ve enjoyed Nanjing’s cultural traditions and historical attractions, relax and enjoy the remarkable hospitality and incredible food.

Here are a few highlights of the perfect Nanjing travel itinerary.

1. Travel back in time.

Nanjing is one of China’s most significant cities, having served as the capital of 10 Chinese dynasties and regimes over 1,800 years. Located in the Purple Mountain scenic area, the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty is one of the largest imperial tomb complexes in China and mausoleum of the dynasty’s founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. When approaching the tomb, be sure to see the half-mile long Sacred Path, guarded by four pairs of stone warriors and 12 pairs of mythical creatures. Also constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Nanjing’s City Wall was once one of the longest city walls in the world. More than 15 miles of the wall are still intact, welcoming visitors from around the world. In Nanjing’s walkable downtown area, the Presidential Palace is a massive compound where Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen was declared the first provisional president of the Republic of China in 1912. It later served as headquarters for Chiang Kai-Shek’s Kuomintang government (1946-49).

2. Revel in the culture.

Nanjing Museum is one of the first museums established in China and is still one of the country’s largest. Visitors explore exhibits ranging from ancient civilization through the early days of the Republic. Nanjing is home to distinctive folk arts such as Nanjing Cloud Brocade, one of the most exquisite and sophisticated weaving methods in Chinese history, dating back 1,600 years. At the Cloud Brocade Museum, visitors watch expert craftsmen weave the intricate textiles, incorporating materials such as silk, gold, silver thread and peacock feathers. Visit the Nanjing Folk Museum to see traditional handicrafts such as Chinese puppet shoes, clay figurines and paper cuttings. Visitors can watch handicraft demonstrations or participate in workshops to learn the techniques. Explore the rich Buddhist traditions of China at Nanjing Niushoushan Cultural Park, a centuries-old sacred site that contains an opulent palace built into the side of the mountain.

3. Take part in a festival.

Plan your visit in February or March, and you may see countless red lanterns lighting up the streets near the Confucius Temple during the Qinhuai International Lantern Festival. Dates are based upon the lunar calendar and change annually. In late February through mid-March, enjoy the Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival, showcasing 35,000 beautiful plum trees scattered throughout a 250-acre park on Purple Mountain. In June, the Nanjing Dragon Boat Festival hosts dragon boat races, with festivities including traditional food such as zongzi — rice dumplings with nuts, wrapped in bamboo leaves. September and October mark the Hairy Crab Festival, celebrating the peak time to enjoy the delectable crustaceans from nearby Gucheng Lake.

4. Enjoy the beauty.

The Qinhauai Scenic Area is a must-see, including gardens, historic architecture, shops and the breathtaking Confucius Temple. Take a leisurely boat cruise on the Qinhuai River to admire the sights while you enjoy local snacks and listen to traditional music. Xuanwu Lake Park is a former imperial lake garden showcasing a distinct color for each season: pink cherry blossoms in spring, emerald lotus leaves in summer, golden ginkgoes and red maples in autumn and snow-covered pines in winter.

5. Satisfy your cravings.

Discover Nanjing’s culinary scene, known for refined dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients while balancing taste and color. Nanjing is famous for its duck, as well as river fish and shrimp. Nanjing salted duck is the city’s signature dish. Other popular choices include Peking duck, pan-fried beef dumplings, pidu noodles, soup buns and sesame pancakes. You’ll never run out of options to try when exploring Nanjing’s exciting, delicious cuisine.

Visiting Nanjing is easier than you can imagine. Nanjing Lukou International Airport is 40 miles from the city center, and nonstop flights are available from several North American gateways. Many visitors travel by bullet train to Nanjing, as it is 3 1/2 hours from Beijing and just 90 minutes from Shanghai. More than 100 hotels offer a variety of options, from budget to luxury accommodations, including international brands like Jumeirah, Fairmont, Shangri-La, Hilton, Sofitel, Renaissance and Westin. Make your trip to China memorable by exploring all it has to offer — through the vibrant, historic city of Nanjing.

Ready to plan your Nanjing experience? Visit gotonanjing.com for more information.

2019-02-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – After a long day, digging into a hearty pasta dish or a piping hot bowl of soup can fill you with warmth and coziness — especially on those chilly days.

The good news is that comfort foods don’t have to be unhealthy or take a lot of time to make. We can still enjoy the rich, flavorful options that feed your cravings with easy-to-make dishes that incorporate wholesome, nutritious ingredients (some taken directly from your grocery store’s chilled foods section). Here are some helpful tips to enjoy comforting meals without the guilt:

* Combine frozen and prepared foods with fresh produce. Frozen meals and pizzas, as well as chilled pasta, are the perfect bases for balanced meals and come in many varieties. Shop the refrigerator and freezer sections for your favorite dishes that you can simply pair with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy to create a balanced plate. It can be much easier and less time-consuming than cooking a full meal from scratch, and leave you more time to do other activities beyond cooking.

* Try recipes featuring a balance of protein, dairy and vegetables. Cozy up on the couch with a rich and tasty mug of minestrone soup loaded with seasonal vegetables. Adding refrigerated pasta like Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini helps make it a complete meal, cutting time spent on preparation, but not on taste. The blend of ricotta, Parmesan and romano cheeses in the tortellini perfectly complements veggies like sweet potatoes, kale and carrots in a steaming, herby broth. Try the sample recipe below!

* Strategically mix in vegetables. There are several ways to sneak veggies into your favorite comfort foods. Sprinkle greens into scrambled eggs and quiches, incorporate shredded zucchini and carrots into baked goods, add spinach or broccoli to spaghetti sauce, or make pumpkin waffles. The possibilities are endless.

* Use fruit to indulge your sweet tooth. For many people, comfort foods are all about desserts. Those striving to eat healthier can still enjoy their sweets in moderation, but may wish to incorporate ingredients like fresh fruits so they also offer greater nutritional value. Consider warm berry cobblers, baked apples, carrot cake and/or smoothies that make use of fruits and even veggies.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup with Ricotta Pesto Crostini

Ingredients:

For the minestrone:

4 ounces thick cut bacon, small dice

1 teaspoon each fresh or dried rosemary, thyme & sage

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 medium size carrots, medium dice

1 red bell pepper, medium cut

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium sweet potato, peeled & medium dice

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 bunch of kale, stems removed & chopped

28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

3 quarts beef stock or broth

1/2 cup dried white beans

Small rind of Parmesan cheese

1 dried bay leaf

9-ounce package of Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini

Olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh pepper

For the crostini:

1/4 cup Buitoni Pesto with Basil

1 small baguette

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes

Olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh pepper

Instructions:

Pre-heat instant pot to the sauté “normal” setting along with 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the bacon and cook for 5 minutes, then add the rosemary, thyme and sage. Cook for 3 more minutes or until the bacon is golden in color, then add the onions, carrots, bell peppers, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Mix well and turn the sauté setting to “more” on the instant pot and cook for 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 6 minutes, or until the veggies are soft and have wilted down by a good amount. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the kale, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, dried beans, Parmesan rind, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of pepper.

Make sure you don’t add liquid past the max line on the instant pot. Mix well and check for seasoning; you will likely need a bit more salt. Press cancel on the instant pot, put the lid on, and set to pressure cook on high for 40 minutes. Once the cook time is done, let the instant pot sit for 10 minutes, then carefully release the pressure manually. Make sure to remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind.

When the soup is ready, bring a 4-quart pot of water to boil and cook the Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini according to package instructions. Drain well and add the tortellini to the pot of soup and stir.

Make the crostini by seasoning the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon of oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a couple cracks of pepper, and roast in a 400 F oven for 15-20 minutes. Once the tomatoes start to burst they are ready. Toast the bread, schmear on some ricotta cheese, spread on the Buitoni Pesto with Basil and top with roasted tomatoes.

Serve the soup with the crostini and enjoy! Soup will keep for 3 days in the fridge or can be frozen for 3 months.

2019-02-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – “You’re sitting at home one night and get a phone call that your husband is being medevaced and he’s coming home. They said it was for spinal injuries,” recalled Mandy Spooneybarger, 36, caregiver to her husband, Charles, an Army veteran. “You have to live in your new normal. It’s stressful. It’s isolating. You have to let go of what you had. That is the hardest part. Sometimes it takes years. You can find strength from the person you are caring for. If you can, find other support.”

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, is among 13 groups nationwide that received a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, the spouses, parents and loved ones caring for servicemembers and veterans at home, helping to fill the gap that exists for this population.

“The ALA recognizes that many veterans depend daily on their dedicated caregivers,” said Kathy Dungan, national president of the organization. “We recognize how important it is to support caregivers and address the unique stresses they face to help ensure our nation’s heroes are supported for years to come.”

At the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) last fall, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation grant provided several opportunities to empower caregivers and provide social support. Respite bags were handed out to each caregiver at registration. Although the event is centered around veterans, the bags and warm welcomes from Auxiliary volunteers and staff made the caregivers feel special. Programs relevant to the needs of military caregivers are typically focused on the servicemember or veteran, and only incidentally related to the caregiver’s role. There are specific gaps in needed programs, which the grant helped to address. In addition, the funding provided the opportunity to build skills and confidence as caregivers.

“He was hurt in the service … He had some issues, but not like he does now. Now I consider myself really a caregiver,” said Dolores Kostiw, 71, caregiver to her husband, Steve, an Air Force veteran. “I retired two years ago. I’m around to help do what he needs to do, make sure he gets in and out of the shower OK. If he needs help with his shoes or dressing of any sort, I can try and help him with that. It’s very hard because he’s first — I have to make sure he’s OK and everything before I can take care of myself. It’s very, very hard. It’s a lot of work. You don’t think of yourself first, and you do let yourself go. I did that.”

According to a Rand Corp. study, there are more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States. They spend many hours tending to the visible and invisible injuries or illnesses of their loved ones. In the study, 17 percent of civilian caregivers reported spending more than 40 hours per week providing care; 12 percent of post-9/11 military caregivers and 10 percent of pre-9/11 military caregivers spent more than 40 hours per week.

“Anger is a big thing. Address that as soon as you can,” said Spooneybarger. “Because that’s the biggest reason I see why people leave their spouses — unresolved anger. They take it out on the only safe place they know — the person holding their hand through the whole process.”

For Kostiw, it’s about finding time for herself.

“More than once, you think, I can’t do this anymore, I want to get out of it, but then he needs something, and I have to be there for him to give it to him,” she said. “Do what you can and if you can’t do it, ask for help.”

Through the educational program and social support opportunities that were offered at the NVCAF, Kostiw and others learned it was OK to not be OK and to ask for help as a caregiver. They had the opportunity to show their emotions in a welcoming environment with others in similar situations. Some also offered suggestions on how to cope, based on their own experiences.

The work of the American Legion Auxiliary for caregivers has just begun, but can continue to be supported through the organization, which helps veterans, military and their families. To learn more about how to get involved or give back, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.