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Help Your Child Start Strong and Stay Strong This School Year

2019-09-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you take two weeks off from the gym, you’ll have some aches and pains when you return. The same goes for children returning to school after summer vacation. Not only does this break cause students to lose some of the progress they made during the previous school year — known as the “summer slide” — but it’s easy for them to forget the routine of being in a classroom. In fact, teachers spend much of the beginning of the school year on establishing and practicing classroom routines to set the stage for learning.

Parents can help their child start school strong by reintroducing routines before the year begins. If you ready your children for the school year, they can optimize time spent with teachers and hit the ground running.

Here are some tips parents can use to help set their children up for a successful school year:

Meet with the Teacher

Parents and teachers share the same goal: a child’s success. Being an ally with a teacher from the start helps make a positive impact on a child’s education. As a parent, you should start a dialogue with your child’s teacher early on. Ask him or her questions about supporting learning outside of the classroom and resources to use at home to help with your child’s progress. Also, determine how often you should be communicating about your child’s development.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Avoid gaps in your child’s academic knowledge by continuing the learning at home. Visit your app store for digital resources that help build a strong academic foundation and make it easy to learn, no matter where your family’s busy school year schedule takes you.

  • ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy, for children 2-8, is trusted by parents and used by teachers in over 70,000 classrooms each year. With just 45 minutes a week, children using ABCmouse at home have made significant gains in early literacy and math skills through fun learning activities — puzzles, games, traceables and more — that cover subjects including reading, math, science, social studies, art and music.
  • Adventure Academy is an educational multiplayer online game that elementary and middle school students will be excited to play after school! Learners will build knowledge that is essential for academic success, from fractions to essay structure, the scientific method, and other topics in language arts, math, science and social studies. The more children explore the virtual world, the more they learn by engaging with interactive quests, games, videos and other fun educational activities.
  • ReadingIQ is a digital library and literacy platform that helps children grow their reading skills by offering thousands of books curated by experts. With ReadingIQ’s new Reading Level Assessments, your child will be reading books that are just right for them. These short quizzes measure a child’s reading level and automatically recommend books best for developing his or her reading abilities.

Keep a Routine

Ever read the same bedtime story three times in a row? Younger kids thrive on routines because there is comfort in knowing what happens next. Routines teach children what they are responsible for, give them ownership over their time and habits, and let them rise to the occasion to accomplish a task.

Teachers set up their classroom and curriculum with routine in mind, and parents can do the same at home. Create a routine with your child to keep responsibilities and expectations consistent throughout the school year. For example, have him or her lay out clothes for the morning, wake up early for breakfast, and keep the same bedtime schedule.

Discuss the School Day

Talking with kids helps build oral language skills, and having them share about their day at school is a great way to do that! But instead of asking “How was your day at school?” which can lead to one-word answers, ask questions like “What was one thing you learned today?” Not only does it narrow the focus down, but it requires a clear answer that uses the child’s words, knowledge and opinions to craft a meaningful response.

Find the Hook

If you think your child is a reluctant learner, that probably isn’t the case! Kids love to learn and sometimes it’s all about finding the thing that appeals to their specific interests.

Reading and math can be challenging, but there are very few topics that don’t connect to those subjects. If your child enjoys baseball stats, look at those numbers together and talk about how batting average is a percentage. Let children pick out what they want to read at the library themselves. If chapter books are a struggle, see if graphic novels or magazines spark their interest!

A successful school year means keeping the momentum going and prepping kids for when school begins. By keeping learning and routines present throughout, your child will start strong and stay strong this school year.


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You’ve Bought A New Car Seat. Now What? [Infographic]

2019-09-16T09:17:00

(BPT) – Picking out the right car seat is the first step to ensuring your child is safe on the road, but it’s not the only one. Below you’ll find a few more actions you need to take to make sure your child remains safe. This Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15-21), you can also take advantage of National Seat Check Saturday on Sept. 21. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to find a seat check location near you and meet with a certified child passenger safety technician to ensure that your child’s car seat is properly installed.


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The country’s favorite fair foods, region by region

2019-09-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – Perhaps the main reason most people go to the fair is for the food — delicious, over-the-top savory and sweet items you just can’t get anywhere else, whether on a stick or not. In fact, most people are willing to put up with the heat, crowds, expense, and even long lines just for a taste of their favorite fair foods.

Here’s a look at some of the most renowned fair treats in the United States. Each region offers its own unique specialties.

Northeast

One of the biggest fairs in New England is The Big E, or the Eastern States Exposition. Though held in Massachusetts, The Big E also represents Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire. A favorite here is The Big E Cream Puff, a pastry adorned with heavy whipping cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They are known to sell over 40,000 each year.

A popular item at the Delaware State Fair is the Delaware Dog, a hot dog piled high with a mixture of seasonings, minced pork, cornmeal and flour known as “scrapple.”

At the Washington County Fair in Rhode Island, treat yourself to crispy deep-fried pickle slices, served chilled.

Southeast

In Nashville, the Tennessee State Fair’s claim to fame is Deep Fried Goo-Goo Clusters, made of roasted peanuts, marshmallow and caramel, covered in chocolate and deep fried before being sprinkled with powdered sugar.

While at the Alabama National Fair, visitors can enjoy both traditional and spicy versions of Boiled Peanuts.

At the Florida State Fair in Tampa, you can dig in to a Southern Catfish Sundae — French fries topped with fried catfish and served with a tartar sauce or spicy remoulade.

Midwest

Deep-Fried Buckeyes were created for the Ohio State Fair to resemble the state’s famed nut: peanut butter dough balls dipped in chocolate, then battered and fried.

The Minnesota State Fair is home to the Pickle Dog, which does not contain hot dogs at all. Instead, it consists of honey ham slices spread with cream cheese, then wrapped around dill pickle spears.

Where else could you get brats made from all sorts of game meat, including elk, buffalo, wild boar and rattlesnake, but at the South Dakota State Fair?

Southwest

Although you now see them at fairs nationwide, the popular corn dog — everybody’s favorite battered and fried hot dog on a stick — was invented for The State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas, back in 1942.

The Honey Pepper Bacon Dog is a specialty of the Oklahoma State Fair. Imagine a frankfurter split open, stuffed with cheese and garnished with bacon, then seasoned with pepper and honey, served on a toasted bun.

At the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, you can find Navajo Tacos made using traditional Navajo Fry Bread, piled high with ground beef and pinto beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and chili peppers.

West

For a real kick, try the battered and deep-fried locally grown Pueblo Chiles at the Colorado State Fair, which are served along with cheddar cheese and ranch dipping sauces.

At the Los Angeles County Fair in California, you can enjoy Deep-Fried OREO Cookies — the popular cookie fried in batter, which results in a cake-like consistency, sprinkled with powdered sugar.

For a sweet treat at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, try the Toffee Tumbler made from sweet dough rolled in sugar and baked, then topped with caramel sauce and toffee bits.

These are just a few of the specialties found at fairs around the country every year. What if you can’t get enough fair food? What do you do if you’re craving fair food, but don’t have five hours free to go to the fair? And where can you find these treats if your local fair has already passed you by?

Try the new lineup of Fair Faves at a SONIC® Drive-In near you. Enjoy the OREO® A La Mode for dessert: three perfectly battered and fried OREO cookies create a delightfully hot, gooey and dippable treat served with SONIC’s famous Real Ice Cream. Or enjoy a savory, golden Corn Dog followed by Ched ‘R’ Peppers, spicy jalapenos filled with melty cheddar cheese, breaded and fried, served with Ranch dipping sauce.


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4 steps to help you plan for wildfires

2019-09-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – Wildfires and other disasters can be challenging because you rarely get enough warning to develop a plan to protect your family and minimize property damage, much less execute that plan. Thinking ahead can make all the difference — increasing your family’s personal protection and minimizing property damage and financial impact.

Four steps that can help:

  1. Prepare your family, whether you are at home or traveling:
  • Establish a family communication and evacuation plan that includes a remote meeting place in case you’re separated.
  • Stock an emergency kit with essentials and must-haves.
  • Sign up your primary phone for Reverse 911 notifications so you can receive up-to-the-minute catastrophe bulletins and instructions. Contact your local police or fire department to inquire whether the service is available in your area.
  1. Protect your finances:
  • Review your insurance policies annually (or more frequently when major life changes occur) to ensure you have the right type and amount of coverage.
  • Establish an emergency fund. Try for three to six months of living expenses, if possible.
  • Store important documents on a secure Internet site or in a safe-deposit box that requires an ID and key.
  1. Ready your home:
  • Create a fire-free zone by trimming branches near the structure. Also clear leaves, debris and dead trees, and keep your grass mowed.
  • Properly store flammable materials and fuels.
  1. Access community help:

For more information on preparing for wildfires, visit USAA.com/WildfireHelp.


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Cool weather, cool looks: Tips and tricks for styling top accessory trends

2019-09-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – Cooler temperatures mean it’s time to change up your wardrobe. While cozy attire, like a great pair of jeans and a favorite sweater, will always be in style, you can keep any outfit on trend by using accessories strategically.

The experts at Jewelry Television (JTV) share the top trends and tricks for using jewelry to enhance your outfit and reflect your one-of-a-kind style:

Trend 1: Jewel tones

Elevate your cool weather wardrobe with designs in deep jewel tones. Rich and regal, jewel tone colors are saturated hues that resemble specific gemstones. These colors include sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, amethyst purple and citrine yellow.

Jewel tones look great against monochromatic materials such as leather and suede. Layer multiple jewel tones or focus on a single hue for your jewelry ensemble and you’ll get the perfect juxtaposition for standout style.

Trend 2: Overstated bling

Be the center of attention with larger-than-life looks, such as over-sized necklaces and bold rings. Statement jewelry is hot during the cool weather months, and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Have a minimalist outfit? Statement pieces are a simple way to add fabulous flair.

Keep in mind, with statement jewelry, a little goes a long way. To maximize your look, keep other jewelry to a minimum so your statement piece really pops. For example, a large bib necklace of woven crystals and pearls is the ideal way to enhance a basic blazer and can be complemented with simple stud earrings to complete your look.

Trend 3: Linear and lengthening

Show off your subtle style with elongated earrings and necklaces with Y-necks. The fastening technique for elongated necklaces is what makes them stand out from other necklaces. Unlike the traditional clasps, these are fastened by threading one end through the other or by simply tying a knot in the chain.

The versatility of these unique necklaces makes them the ideal complement for layered looks. As you put together an outfit, think thin to thick. For instance, start with a tank or basic tee and a Y-necklace. Then add a cardigan or jean jacket to keep the chill at bay. On those really cold days, focus on elongated earrings and finish with a pashmina or infinity scarf. Layering allows for versatility throughout the day as the temperature changes while still being stylish.

Trend 4: Nature inspired

Feel the spirit of Mother Nature and embrace your inner bohemian style with nature-inspired jewelry and accessories. Designs that feature dainty feathers and bold earth tones really reflect this trend. Wear them and you’ll quickly discover they become a conversation starter among friends and coworkers.

An easy way to try the nature trend is to add green crystal jewelry pieces to an outfit. For a boho-chic look, consider natural stones such as beautiful blue turquoise for necklaces, rings and more. Any accessory that reflects the environment is a great addition to your wardrobe, including designs featuring leaves, birds and butterflies.

To find jewelry featuring these trends and more online, visit www.jtv.com. For more ideas and live tips from their experts, visit the JTV Channel Finder at www.jtv.com/show/channel-finder to find your local Jewelry Television station.


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Ways to save at the start of the school year

2019-09-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – The new school year is officially here, and although it’s an exciting fresh start for students and parents alike, it may also cause you financial stress. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, the back-to-school season is the second largest shopping season of the year, after the holiday season. And for good reason — on top of the usual need for clothing and shoes that growing kids require at the start of every school year, parents and caregivers must also cope with lengthy school supply lists.

Fortunately, a one-stop online retailer like Amazon lets you conveniently shop for your child’s school needs without breaking the bank as it offers a wide selection of classroom supplies, clothing and other essentials at low prices. To save even more this school year, you can also sign up for a Prime membership, giving you exclusive deals and benefits on everything from shopping for last-minute must-haves, to streaming your favorite shows on the weekends.

Here are a few tips to ensure you and your children have a happy school year, filled with success and savings:

1. Sign up for Amazon’s discounted Prime membership. If you or your child are an EBT or Medicaid recipient, you could qualify for an Amazon Prime membership for the discounted price of just $5.99 per month. Members receive all standard Prime benefits, including exclusive deals, access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and music, plus over a thousand top Kindle e-books for adults and kids — to read on any device, as well free one-day delivery (or even faster) and much more. You can learn more, apply for the discount and try a 30-day free trial at amazon.com/qualify.

2. Shop later to score deals. Don’t fret if you have yet to do your back-to-school shopping — it’s actually beneficial to wait until after your child’s first week of school before you shop, as that’s when you can take advantage of more deals and savings. You can track the best deals on Amazon with Lightning Deals, with daily offers to help you save money. Lightning Deals allow you to find the best prices on items you need, want and love. You can also sign up for ‘watch a deal’ alerts, so you’ll never miss out on a discount!

3. Shop with cash. Making purchases with cash is a savvy way to stick to your budget, as it makes you more conscious of what you’re spending. If you find that this works well for you, you can use Amazon Cash instead of your debit or credit card when shopping online. Simply visit one of the more than 45,000 participating stores — including pharmacies like CVS, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven — to add cash to your Amazon balance.

4. Take advantage of discounts on frequent orders. From germ-fighting hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, to personal care items like toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo and more, there are countless everyday essentials you’ll need throughout the school year. With Amazon’s Subscribe & Save, you can subscribe to the items you frequently buy and have them shipped to you on a regular basis. You’ll not only save up to 15% on these purchases, but also save time and energy going back and forth to the store. Plus, Prime members can unlock up to 20% on purchases to save even more.

5. Be a bargain shopper. Everyone loves a deal, and now some incredible bargains are just one click away. Check out Amazon’s Bargain Finds for a wide selection of seasonally relevant products that are priced even lower. Items vary from school essentials like backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles and electronics, to clothing, household products and fun gifts — perfect for teachers. Before paying full price for an item, browse through these bargains to see if you can find what you need for a lower price.

With a little planning and preparation — and Amazon on your side — your family and your budget will both be set up for a successful school year.


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Aging with HIV: Evolving Challenges Impacting the Community

2019-09-12T14:57:00

(BPT) – When Jeff Taylor was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, he was told he had two years to live.

“The doctors suggested I start making arrangements because there were limited treatment options available then,” said Taylor, who is now the co-chair of the community advisory board of the amfAR Institute for HIV Cure Research, and the executive director of the HIV+Aging Research Project — Palm Springs. “In the 80s and into the 90s, there was a very narrow understanding of HIV. I began attending meetings with community advocates to share what little information there was, but we were all eager for more.”

Since those early days of the epidemic, society’s understanding of HIV and advances in scientific innovation have greatly evolved. HIV has essentially transformed into a chronic health condition that can be managed effectively with treatment. Today, the average life expectancy for most people living with HIV is about as long as that of the general population.1 Now, like everybody else, people living with HIV face a new challenge — aging.

Since 2000, the number of individuals over the age of 50 currently living with HIV has nearly tripled. In 2016, there were an estimated 5.7 million people over 50 living with HIV across the globe, and that number is projected to continually increase through 2020.2 In the U.S., an estimated 48% of people with diagnosed HIV were 50 or older.3

“For decades, I have struggled and watched others grapple with the challenges that come with aging with HIV, including the physical toll of a lifetime of treatment alongside having to manage age-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, inflammation and neurocognitive decline. Not to mention the psychological effects of living when so many were lost in the fight against this epidemic,” said Taylor.

Taylor also notes that aging well with HIV — specifically the long-term effects of antiretroviral therapy — is a concern that impacts all age groups. In 2017, the highest rate of HIV incidence in the U.S. was among people aged 25 to 29 years, and the second-highest rate was for people aged 20 to 24 years.4 People are now living longer with HIV, so those who are exposed in their 20s must think about what it means to be on antiretroviral therapy for their entire adult life.

Peter Shalit, M.D., Ph.D., an Internal Medicine physician in private practice and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, has treated people of all ages living with HIV throughout his nearly 30-year career. “Many people living with HIV worry about the long-term effects of HIV medicines; as the average age of my patients is over 60, I hear about these concerns firsthand.5 Working together, we can consider treatment options that will hopefully address their concerns, including therapies that allow them to take fewer drugs.”

As the HIV community ages, it’ll be important to focus efforts on helping individuals achieve their long-term health goals. ViiV Healthcare, a company that’s solely focused on HIV, runs and supports several studies and community programs that aim to build a deeper understanding of the clinical, scientific and societal effects of HIV on aging.

“Putting time, energy and resources into determining HIV treatments and care that will promote healthy aging is a worthwhile investment,” said Taylor. “Clinical trials were a lifeline for me and I’m incredibly grateful to the research community, as their advancements have allowed me to stay alive. I’m committed to seeing this virus end with me and my generation and believe continued research is the solution to stopping this once and for all.”

###

  1. Samji H, et al. Closing the Gap: Increases in Life Expectancy among Treated HIV-Positive Individuals in the United States and Canada. PLoS One. 2013; 8 doi: 10.1371. Accessed April 26, 2019. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24367482?dopt=Abstract.
  2. Autenrieth CS, et al. Global and regional trends of people living with HIV aged 50 and over: Estimates and projections for 2000-2020. PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0207005. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207005. Published November 29, 2018. Accessed April 26, 2019. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6264840/.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2017. HIV Surveillance Report, 2017; vol. 29. Table 22a, page 98-99. Published November 2018. Accessed April 26, 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/reports/surveillance/cdc-hiv-surveillance-report-2017-vol-29.pdf.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2017. HIV Surveillance Report, 2017; vol. 29. Table 1a, page 17. Published November 2018. Accessed April 26, 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/reports/surveillance/cdc-hiv-surveillance-report-2017-vol-29.pdf.
  5. Positive Perspective Survey, 2017. ViiV Data on File. Accessed on April 26, 2019. Available at: http://gskvideo.edgesuite.net/Viiv/viivhealthcare/pdf_files/master/main/positive-perspectives-survey-report-finalcompressed.pdf.


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My 5 Secrets to a Better Start to the Day

2019-09-12T17:29:00

(BPT) – With a new season, comes a new wellness routine. As vacations end and we go back to our daily lives with work and school, Karla Martinez offers a few “must-do” tips to ensure you’re ready for whatever the day brings.

1. Wake Up Early

It takes a lot to train the body to wake up early on its own, but there are many benefits to waking up earlier in the day. For one, you’re not racing against the clock. There is an opportunity to take your time and get yourself prepared, without the anxiety of being rushed.

2. Revamp your Oral Care Routine

A complete wellness routine also includes having a healthy routine for your mouth. Healthy teeth and gums are part of a fit body — so, yes, we need to floss. I also use Colgate Total. This toothpaste’s formula protects and fights to keep teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums healthy all day. You might even start noticing that you wake up with less morning breath.

3. Set Aside Some Personal Time

With the blessed craziness of being a working mom of two, I know I can forget to care for myself too! Having a small morning ritual that centers me mentally is so valuable. If it’s a short meditation session, having soft music on as you apply make-up, or having your cup of coffee while reading the news, I recommend doing something for yourself each morning to ease you into the day.

4. Showering with a Body Scrub

We might take a bath or have some wine in the evening after a long day; why not start with some pampering? At least once a week, I will treat myself to a morning body scrub during my shower. It’s a great way to invigorate and feel good right before I start to get ready. My skin always feels so nice and soft after I finish showering, and it’s a great motivator to get me out of bed during those difficult mornings!

5. Prep Your Outfits a Week Ahead

With busy schedules, work and kids, every minute counts! It’s a smart move to look at your closet and decide what outfits you will be styling yourself with for the week. Yes! Not just the next day. If I’m having a late evening the night before, there isn’t as much stress in the morning to make sure I’m looking and feeling my best the next day.

For more oral care information visit: Colgate.com.


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Simplify your kitchen with smart home gadgets

2019-09-12T09:15:00

(BPT) – As the heart of the home, the kitchen is often the busiest room of the house — a perfect space to install the latest smart home gadgets. With “smart” sidekicks, you can solve kitchen challenges and simplify the overall cooking process.

Increase cooking efficiency

Whether cooking for one or hosting an elaborate dinner party, smart kitchen solutions can lend a helpful hand in a busy kitchen. The faucet has evolved from a standard two-handle to a single handle that can be turned on and off with a simple touch. This necessary kitchen assistant can streamline cooking tasks for seasoned chefs and novices alike.

Today, Delta VoiceIQ Technology takes this to the next level dispensing exact measurements and filling custom containers like baby bottles, dog bowls or pasta pots, all with a simple voice command. To simplify everything from a quick breakfast on the go to a healthy family dinner, consider investing in devices like a smart oven and connected coffee maker to allow users to preheat and schedule brewing from a mobile device.

Track your kitchen inventory

Intuitive devices can help you shop smarter and reduce food waste. Instead of sniffing out mold and sour scents, apps help track pantry inventory. Simply take pictures of your groceries and input expiration dates. When the next shopping trip comes around, have a list of what items need to be tossed and which foods should remain on the shelf. If looking to make a substantial kitchen update, consider investing in a refrigerator that lets you view the inside of the fridge from your phone.

Avoid cooking messes

When cooking with raw meat or messy ingredients, otherwise mindless tasks like opening the trash and turning on the faucet can become a challenge. Home cooks risk spreading the mess — and germs — in the cooking process. Consider upgrading your Touch2O Delta faucet with VoiceIQ Technology to pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to turn the water on and off. Not only do you contain the mess, but you also practice cleanliness in the kitchen while keeping the faucet spotless. Voice-controlled trash cans are also handy investments, encouraging the rest of the family to join in on the cleaning process.

Next time you’re in the kitchen, consider the latest “smart” advances that can solve your kitchen hitches.


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Immunotherapy Gives Certain Patients Hope

2019-09-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – On Christmas morning 2017, while lugging his children’s new gift – a 16-foot trampoline – up the basement steps, Wayne hurt his back. He had a history of back problems due to osteoporosis, but this time the pain was worse. Wayne woke up the next morning to even more pain and knew he had to go to the hospital. X-rays detected five fractures, as well as a mass in Wayne’s left lung. Doctors ran additional tests, including a biopsy of the mass. The results confirmed a diagnosis of Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer.

“When I heard the news, I was really frightened. I thought it was the end of my life,” Wayne recalls. “I know that Stage 4 cancer is considered the most advanced stage, and here I was with Stage 3. I didn’t think I was going to make it.”

Wayne lives in Taylorsville, Kentucky, where he is a volunteer youth counselor and a pillar of the community. He works with teens as part of a motorcycle ministry that helps teach religion throughout the town – a position that he dearly loves. He couldn’t bear the thought of letting down all the people he supports through his ministry and swore to fight back against his lung cancer.

Understanding Stage 3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Treatment Options

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for most lung cancer diagnoses. Stage 3 NSCLC is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes within the chest but has not spread to other parts of the body. Most of the estimated 43,000 Americans who are diagnosed with Stage 3 NSCLC each year have unresectable tumors, meaning the cancer cannot be removed by surgery. This was the case for Wayne, who had already suffered permanent lung damage from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rendering the tumors medically inoperable.

Wayne met with his medical team to discuss treatment options. His doctors recommended that he start on radiation therapy and chemotherapy given at the same time – known as concurrent chemoradiation therapy, or cCRT. cCRT is typically the first choice of treatment for patients with Wayne’s type of cancer. One small study showed that up to 89 percent of patients progressed to Stage 4 lung cancer within a year of receiving cCRT. By then the disease has already spread outside the chest to other areas of the body, lowering the chances of long-term survival. In fact, only about 6 percent of patients survive five years at Stage 4.

Treatment Advances Raise Hope

IMFINZI® (durvalumab) is a prescription medicine approved for patients with unresectable Stage 3 NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following cCRT. In addition to fighting tumors, IMFINZI can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death. Side effects for IMFINZI include but not limited to chest pain, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, nausea, headache and irregular heartbeat. These side effects can be serious. See full safety information below.

“It was just about one decade ago that patients with unresectable Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer had very few meaningful options beyond chemotherapy and radiation,” said Kristin Higgins, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. “Fortunately, treatment options have improved significantly in recent years. I would encourage patients to ask their doctor or another member of the care team to help them better understand their lung cancer diagnosis and your treatment options.”

In addition to this survival benefit, the same trial previously showed that people receiving IMFINZI had a 48 percent lower chance of lung cancer growing or spreading than people receiving placebo (after a median* follow-up time of 14.5 months). It was also proven to give people 3 times more time without their lung cancer growing or spreading compared with people receiving placebo. The median amount of time that people lived without their tumors growing or spreading was 16.8 months for the patients receiving IMFINZI compared with 5.6 months for the patients receiving placebo.

Wayne Charts a New Course for Himself and His Family

Wayne has completed cCRT and IMFINZI treatment.

Having been treated with chemotherapy and radiation, and now with IMFINZI, Wayne’s outlook on life is completely different. Wayne says, “I’ve got a big family that still needs me. I’m grateful for the chance to live longer.”

Important Safety Information

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

IMFINZI is a medicine that may treat a type of lung cancer by working with your immune system.

IMFINZI can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death.

Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of the following problems or if these symptoms get worse:

Lung problems (pneumonitis). Signs and symptoms may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Liver problems (hepatitis). Signs and symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual.

Intestinal problems (colitis). Signs and symptoms may include diarrhea or more bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; and severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness.

Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, and pancreas). Signs and symptoms that your hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; dizziness or fainting; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; urinating more often than usual; nausea or vomiting; stomach-area (abdomen) pain; and changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness.

Kidney problems, including nephritis and kidney failure. Signs of kidney problems may include decrease in the amount of urine, blood in your urine, swelling of your ankles, and loss of appetite.

Skin problems. Signs may include rash, itching, and skin blistering.

Problems in other organs. Signs and symptoms may include neck stiffness; headache; confusion; fever; chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat (myocarditis); changes in mood or behavior; low red blood cells (anemia); excessive bleeding or bruising; muscle weakness or muscle pain; blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; and eye pain or redness.

Severe infections. Signs and symptoms may include fever, cough, frequent urination, pain when urinating, and flu-like symptoms.

Severe infusion reactions. Signs and symptoms may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, dizziness, fever, feeling like passing out, back or neck pain, and facial swelling.

Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during your treatment with IMFINZI. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment with IMFINZI if you have severe side effects.

Before you receive IMFINZI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus; have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; or are being treated for an infection.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. IMFINZI can harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of IMFINZI. Talk to your healthcare provider about which birth control methods to use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with IMFINZI.

If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, tell your healthcare provider. It is not known if IMFINZI passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with IMFINZI and for at least 3 months after the last dose of IMFINZI.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of IMFINZI?

IMFINZI can cause serious side effects (see above).

The most common side effects in people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include cough, feeling tired, inflammation in the lungs (pneumonitis), upper respiratory tract infections, shortness of breath, and rash.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of IMFINZI. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here.

Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information (Medication Guide).

Who is IMFINZI for?

IMFINZI® (durvalumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). IMFINZI may be used when your NSCLC has not spread outside your chest, cannot be removed by surgery, and has responded or stabilized with initial treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, given at the same time as radiation therapy.

It is not known if IMFINZI is safe and effective in children.

*The value at the midpoint of a frequency distribution

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