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Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Is Most Common Form [Infographic]

2019-10-24T11:01:01

(BPT) – –

INDICATION

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of advanced stage lung cancer (called non-small cell lung cancer) that has spread or grown and you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working. If your tumor has an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene, you should have also tried an FDA-approved therapy for tumors with these abnormal genes, and it did not work or is no longer working.

It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.

OPDIVO 10mg/ml is available as an injection for intravenous use.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR OPDIVO® (nivolumab)

OPDIVO is a medicine that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended.

Serious side effects may include:
• Lung problems (pneumonitis). Symptoms of pneumonitis may include: new or worsening cough; chest pain; and shortness of breath.
• Intestinal problems (colitis) that can lead to tears or holes in your intestine. Signs and symptoms of colitis may include: diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual; blood in your stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools; and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness.
• Liver problems (hepatitis). Signs and symptoms of hepatitis 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; feeling less hungry than usual; and decreased energy.
• Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, 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; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; voice gets deeper; and excessive thirst or lots of urine.
• Kidney problems, including nephritis and kidney failure. Signs of kidney problems may include: decrease in the amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; and loss of appetite.
• Skin Problems. Signs of these problems may include: rash; itching; skin blistering; and ulcers in the mouth or other mucous membranes.
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Signs and symptoms of encephalitis may include: headache; fever; tiredness or weakness; confusion; memory problems; sleepiness; seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations); seizures; and stiff neck.
• Problems in other organs. Signs of these problems may include: changes in eyesight; severe or persistent muscle or joint pains; severe muscle weakness; and chest pain.

Getting medical treatment right away may keep these problems from becoming more serious.

Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during treatment. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may also need to delay or completely stop treatment, if you have severe side effects.

OPDIVO can cause serious side effects, including:
• Severe infusion reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; difficulty breathing; dizziness; fever; and feeling like passing out.

Pregnancy and Nursing:
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control during and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Before receiving treatment, tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment.

Tell your healthcare provider about:
• Your health problems or concerns 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 have any other medical conditions.
• All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of OPDIVO when used alone include: feeling tired; rash; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; itchy skin; diarrhea; nausea; weakness; cough; vomiting; shortness of breath; constipation; decreased appetite; back pain; upper respiratory tract infection; fever; headache; and abdominal pain.

These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO.

Bristol-Myers Squibb

2019 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. All Rights Reserved.

1506US1900171-02-01 10/19


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Be prepared: 3 tips to help you get the care you need

2019-10-24T11:17:00

(BPT) – When a health issue comes up, it might be hard to know what to do, especially if you or someone you love isn’t feeling well. Your first impulse might be to go straight to the emergency room. However, with the potential for longer wait times, at times unnecessary tests and treatments, plus the possible added exposure to germs, the ER may not be the best option.

Additionally, visiting the emergency room for non-emergency health concerns may result in barriers to building a long-term relationship with a primary care physician (PCP). A PCP can provide preventative care, treat minor illnesses and injuries, connect you to specialists and fully understand your medical history for improved health outcomes.

Urgent care centers may also be a more appropriate and convenient way for you to get non-emergency medical care, if your primary care physician’s office is closed or unable to help with a same-day appointment.

It may be best to ask yourself: “Is it serious?” If there’s a heath issue you can’t control — like catching your breath or bleeding that won’t stop — it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room. Be sure to call 911 if you need immediate help and are unable to drive yourself. Tell a friend or family member your situation as it can be helpful to have someone check up on you later.

If you’re unsure of where to go, remember that it’s usually a good idea to go to the emergency room if:

  • You have major burns, cuts or breaks.
  • You can’t stop bleeding or catch your breath.
  • You lose consciousness or vision.
  • You suffer a bite with venom.
  • You have a back or neck injury.

Whether it’s going to the ER, urgent care or seeing your primary care physician, to help you get the right care before a possible health issue arises, it’s best to be prepared. Here are three tips to keep in mind:

  1. Get help to make your choice. Your insurance card may have a nurse line number that you can call. You can also try calling the number for your primary care doctor, who may connect you to a nurse line. Talking to a nurse might help you decide whether to go to an emergency room, urgent care clinic, your primary care physician or a virtual visit.
  2. Plan your visit. If you have access to a care coordinator or customer service representative for your plan, they might be able to help you figure out when an urgent care clinic or your primary care physician is available. They may even be able to schedule an appointment for you.
  3. Bring the essentials. Always have your photo ID and insurance card with you, along with a list of the medications you take. A mobile phone can also be helpful to jot down questions you might have — and don’t forget to bring a charger, too.

Find out more about where to go for care, including a quiz to help you decide and references you can download, at www.uhc.com/knowwheretogoforcare.


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Winter Weather Is Coming: Are Your Tires Ready?

2019-10-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Winter will be here before you know it, and it is never too early to start preparing your closets, homes and cars. Whether it’s icy roads, slushy highways or deep snow, cars during the winter need to be able to handle cold weather conditions, and that starts with your tires. The right winter tires can help you get to where you need to go, safely and reliably.


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Get hitched without a hitch!

2019-10-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life. To pull off the big day of your dreams, it is important to have a plan in place.

The average engagement in the United States lasts 16 months — this may seem like a lot of time, but with so many details to account for, it will fly by. Weddings have many moving parts, so couples need to prioritize and prepare for the unexpected in case their big day doesn’t go exactly as they’d hoped.

To ensure that your special day goes as smoothly as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Vet your vendors

Couples have to rely on many different vendors — from caterers and transportation companies to florists and venues. Depending on so many different people can leave room for error — just ask the couple whose DJ couldn’t make the reception because he was in jail.

To protect your investment, make sure trust is established between you and your vendors. Start by thoroughly researching potential vendors, including talking to past customers, to ensure they are reputable. Then follow up with them throughout the planning process to make sure you are still on the same page.

Don’t lose out on your deposits

According to the Brides American Wedding Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2018 was more than $44,000. Clearly, a wedding is a significant financial investment. To protect against potential losses, couples should use a credit card instead of a check or debit card whenever possible for deposits. In the event something happens, a credit card payment is easier to recoup than cash.

Say “I do” to expert help

Planning a wedding is no easy feat — it is quite literally a full-time job. Couples can make the process a lot easier by hiring a wedding planner to make sure everything is covered. These experts will use their experience and many talents — like communication and planning skills, negotiation and problem-solving — to help your wedding dreams become a reality.

Dealing with destinations

Destination weddings are definitely on trend as couples seek Instagrammable, unique locations around the world for their special day. If you’re taking this route, factor additional money into the budget to cover unforeseen expenses. Consider hiring a local wedding planner who will be familiar with reliable venues and vendors in the area. Additionally, many destination weddings take place outdoors, and unpredictable weather could roll in at any time. It is important to have a back-up plan when it comes to venues, photographers or any vendor that could face a problem and be unable to provide their contracted services.

Invest in peace of mind

Because you can’t guarantee that everything will go right on your big day, wedding insurance solution providers like WedSafe can help protect your investment with wedding insurance. Investing in wedding insurance, on average, costs less than half of your three-tiered wedding cake. Wedding insurance generally comes in two forms:

  • Wedding Cancellation Insurance. This coverage offers protection if a couple needs to cancel or reschedule their wedding in the event of issues like severe weather, a sudden illness or venue closure. In 2018, 43 percent of WedSafe’s claims came from the need to cancel or postpone a wedding. For example, the company saw a surge in claims in the Carolinas when Hurricane Florence hit, forcing cancellations for weeks following the storm as venues and vendors dealt with the impact to their business.
  • Wedding Liability Insurance. This type of coverage, which is now required by many venues, helps protect an insured if they are held liable for property damage or bodily injury. It can also offer host liquor liability to protect against alcohol-related accidents. And these things happen more often than you’d think. Twenty-three percent of WedSafe claims in 2018 stemmed from venue/property damage while 14 percent related to injury or accident.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized business, insurance or legal advice. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.


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4 Tips for Pain Relief Quick

2019-10-23T15:59:01

(BPT) – When you’re in pain, you have one thing on your mind — please make it stop. Luckily there are many pain management options out there, some work faster than others and some even have an immediate effect. That’s why therapeutic at-home massager manufacturer Wahl interviewed board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist Dr. Anita Gupta for tips on how to get pain relief quick.

“While opioids can serve an important function, my advice for patients is to try a non-medication approach first,” explains Dr. Gupta. “Simple non-medication remedies for pain relief are sustainable, and most importantly they’re oftentimes effective for many types of pain conditions when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan.” She offers the following four tips for prompt pain relief:

1. Go for a walk: Being active is great for your health as seen in many studies. It can help strengthen muscles and extend your life, when combined with a comprehensive pain management routine. Any physical activity should first be discussed with your doctor, and be adjusted based on your ability to tolerate your symptoms and function; however, there are plenty of low-impact exercises that can have a positive impact on your pain. Walking is one of them. It can be done anytime and almost anywhere, and the simple act of moving can work wonders on relieving certain symptoms, especially chronic back pain. Some ideas on how to incorporate walking into your daily routine could include: Take your dog for a quick stroll first thing in the morning when you may be feeling especially stiff, choose the farthest parking space, use the office restroom or the walking route that’s out of your way at work.

2. Take massage into your own hands: Massage is a popular pain-relief option due to its many pain-relieving benefits; however, making an appointment at the spa can be prohibitive due to time and cost. So if you are one of the many individuals whose day is filled with work, errands and other responsibilities, a handheld at-home massager can be a much needed relief. For example, the Wahl Deep Tissue Massager is one of the most powerful massagers currently available. It offers customized relief through a combination of interchangeable heads and variable intensity control.

One of the biggest advantages of incorporating at-home massage into a comprehensive pain-management regimen is convenience and the fact that it provides relief fast. Massage relieves muscle tension by enhancing blood flow, which causes muscles to relax. It also decreases inflammation by activating genes that naturally reduce swelling, it reduces pain intensity by diminishing bodily substances that create and prolong pain and it improves recovery by stimulating mitochondria, the “energy packs” driving cellular function and repair.

3. Stay hydrated: Water can be an easy way to stem pain at the source. Keeping water nearby and making sure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily can make all the difference when trying to combat pain. In general, your body needs water to work properly, to lubricate and cushion your joints, to protect your tissues, to keep your temperature normal and to get rid of wastes. A lack of water can lead to dehydration and drain your energy even further, leading to exhaustion and more painful symptoms. Water is a key element in keeping balance in your body and overall health.

4. Take a dip: I already covered the miraculous effect water can have on your body from the inside, but it has soothing powers from the outside too. Depending on the source of your chronic pain, a warm bath can offer respite from your discomfort. Being submerged in water reduces the stress of body weight and gives all-over support, easing pressure on your joints. What’s more, the warm and even temperature stimulates blood flow throughout your body, helping to loosen stiff, painful muscles.

To learn more about pain management tips and tools visit WahlUSA.com.

The foregoing does not create a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to replace any guidance from your own treating physicians.


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Lead by example for a healthier heart

2019-10-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women,i and the total numbers of deaths from heart disease are rising.ii Cardiovascular risk tends to accumulate over time — the roots of which can often be traced to lifestyle choices made in early adulthood.iii You can help change this trend by prioritizing and role modeling healthy behaviors for yourself and the people around you, including your family and friends.

It is important for adults to have an active lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends being physically active every day.iv However, even if you’re inactive now, you should start out slow — even a few minutes at a time may offer some health benefits. Exercise not only helps control weight, but also strengthens the bones and heart.v Consider including your family or friends in your physical activities. Please check with your doctor before starting or changing any exercise regimen.

Another critical lifestyle habit is healthy eating. As adults, a healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. The food you eat, as well as the amount, can affect other risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and overweight.iv Consider choosing nutrient-rich foods and limiting intake of sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages.iv The people you see regularly as well as those you share a meal with will notice your decisions for healthy eating and they may choose to join you with their food selections.

While physical activity and nutrition can dramatically impact heart health in the long term,v sometimes diet and exercise are just not enough. You may need to take medication, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or if accumulated risk factors become pronounced. It’s critical that your family members see you doing the right thing, like, for example, adhering to a treatment regimen recommended by your doctor.vi And, if your cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels are elevated above normal levels, get the facts and be proactive in addressing these concerns with your doctor.vii

When you live a healthy life, you may enjoy the benefits of a healthier heart. What’s more, when your friends and family see you prioritizing things like eating well and exercising, or taking medication if you need to, they are more likely to do so as well. Being heart smart is important for everyone. You can take the lead and be a living example of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Start today and look forward to a healthier tomorrow for the people you care about.

[i] “Leading Causes of Death.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm

[ii] Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A, Bittencourt MS, Callaway CW, Carson AP, Chamberlain AM, Chang AR, Cheng S, Das SR, Delling FN, Djousse L, Elkind MSV, Ferguson JF, Fornage M, Jordan LC, Khan SS, Kissela BM, Knutson KL, Kwan TW, Lackland DT, Lewis TT, Lichtman JH, Longenecker CT, Loop MS, Lutsey PL, Martin SS, Matsushita K, Moran AE, Mussolino ME, O’Flaherty M, Pandey A, Perak AM, Rosamond WD, Roth GA, Sampson UKA, Satou GM, Schroeder EB, Shah SH, Spartano NL, Stokes A, Tirschwell DL, Tsao CW, Turakhia MP, VanWagner LB, Wilkins JT, Wong SS, Virani SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;139:e1–e473. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659

[iii] Northwestern University. “Lifestyle choices made in your 20s can impact your heart health in your 40s.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 March 2012. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302132426.htm

[iv] “Lifestyle Changes for Heart Attack Prevention.” American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/life-after-a-heart-attack/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-attack-prevention

[v] “Physical Activity and Young People.” Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, World Health Organization, 19 June 2015, www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/

[vi] Brown, MT and Bussell JK. “Medication adherence: WHO cares?” Mayo Clinic proceedings vol. 86,4(2011):304-14. Doi:10.4065/mcp.2010.0575

[vii] Gulati M. “Very High Triglycerides.” Cardio Smart, American College of Cardiology, Mar. 2019, www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/High-Cholesterol/High-Cholesterol-Home/Very-High-Triglycerides


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AI in agriculture: Helping farmers and creating jobs

2019-10-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, and agriculture is certainly entering a new era thanks to these advancing technologies. AI has the power to help farmers do their jobs more effectively while also creating job opportunities.

A prime example is King Nelson, a formulations chemist for Syngenta, who recently helped develop a new herbicide. This required an in-depth series of tests that requires him to put together a list of all the products a grower might use with it in a tank mix.

“It’s not just other formulations,” Nelson says. “You have to consider surfactants, fertilizers and additives like crop oil, hard water and soft water. When you start thinking about all the possible combinations, you’re looking at more than 1,000 of them. It’s daunting.”

Even if Nelson and his team worked 24 hours a day, it would take months to determine whether their new herbicide formulation is field ready.

The solution? Greensboro, North Carolina-based Nelson depends on Syngenta’s research facility in Jealott’s Hill, England, to make these tests possible. ARTEMIS (Automated Robot to Evaluate Millions of Interesting Solutions) is a robot that can run 1,500 experiments in a week. Those experiments arm Nelson with the information he needs to answer growers’ questions on tank-mix compatibility.

The team behind AI

This type of AI employs a team of people, proving that technology can supplement human-based jobs rather than replace them.

From the Jealott’s Hill lab, Ian Tovey manages all of the experiments conducted on ARTEMIS. Tovey says that his job is to take the active ingredients that chemists have discovered and use them to create products farmers find useful. “ARTEMIS allows us to generate liquid-based formulations,” he says. “Anything that comes from a can, we can reproduce.”

In 2018, the facility acquired a second robot, ARES (Automated Robot Evaluating Solubility) that tests the solubility of active ingredients and products, giving valuable insights that speed new-product development timelines. A third robot to help test tank-mix compatibility is on the way.

Before ARTEMIS, Nelson says a lot of manpower was devoted to finding detailed information about new surfactant technologies.

“We can now devote that time and those resources elsewhere,” he says. “The great thing about the robot is that it doesn’t care; it can do the same thing over and over again and is fine with the repetition.”

That’s not to say robots will replace the need for humans in labs, Tovey insists. “It’s just another tool in our toolbox to give us extra data,” he says. “Ultimately, the process of developing a formulation is very much a human-driven project. People take the lead when it comes to using what comes out of an ARTEMIS experiment and turning it into a viable product.”

The future is bright for AI in agriculture

As Syngenta continues to build its automation capability, questions about the future are natural. Researchers have learned that it doesn’t pay to fixate too much on planning ahead. Instead, you should plan for the needs of today by utilizing tools like AI that rapidly decrease the time it takes to get new products to market so farmers can be more efficient and get their job done with less effort. Learn more at www.syngentathrive.com.


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Debunking Five Dishwasher Myths for Easier Holiday Clean-Up

2019-10-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – From homemade cookies to classic turkey dinners, the holiday season is a time to savor your favorite recipes with the ones you love. But, preparing these treasured dishes often leads to piles of dishware to be cleaned long after stories have been shared and guests have departed. And while you might rely on your dishwasher to help with the holiday clean-up, are you using your dishwasher the right way? Of course you are, right? Before you answer that question, it’s time to come clean about how to get the most out of your dishwasher by debunking five of the most common dishwasher myths.

Dishwasher Myth #1: Dishes must be pre-rinsed to come out clean

You shouldn’t have to wash your dishes before you wash your dishes. Although many Americans participate in the age-old practice of pre-washing before loading the dishwasher, the truth is that you simply need to scrape leftover food off of your dishes before loading. In fact, remaining particles of food actually provide a place for the dishwasher detergent to attach and do its job properly. This holiday season, simply load your dishes as is, knowing they’ll be sparkling clean and ready for the next memorable meal.

Dishwasher Myth #2: Dishes do not come out dry in the dishwasher

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Bosch home appliances found that 90 percent of Americans frequently dry their dishes post-cycle before putting them away. With drying techniques ranging from using a towel (37 percent), to air drying the entire load (20 percent), to cracking open the door of their dishwasher and allowing the load to air dry (15 percent), only 8 percent believe that their dishes come out perfectly dry every time. Re-drying your dishes post-cycle is a lengthy and unnecessary extra step that leaves you with less time to catch up with loved ones. From large platters to plastic to-go containers, you can skip the post-cycle drying step with the new Bosch CrystalDry technology, which delivers 60 percent drier dishes* even on tough-to-dry items, like plastics. This technology is a holiday hosting must-have, helping to make sure that your plastic bowls, serving utensils and glasses will be clean and dry when the dishwasher cycle is completed.

Dishwasher Myth #3: Dishwashers use more water than hand washing

A common myth is that dishwashers use more water than hand washing. But, Energy Star qualified dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. In fact, on average, hand washing uses about 27 gallons per load compared to the dishwasher, which uses roughly three to six gallons. Loading your favorite serving platters and holiday mugs into the dishwasher is good news for both you and the environment!

Dishwasher Myth #4: I can’t possibly fit everything in a dishwasher

Just as no two holiday gatherings are ever the same, no two loads of dishes are, either. While loading holiday serving items into a dishwasher might have required some creativity in the past, some dishwashers actually take the guesswork out of loading the dishwasher for you. Bosch Benchmark dishwashers, for instance, are equipped with a series of flexible loading features — an adjustable middle rack, folding tines, a special third rack for smaller items and more — to accommodate any load, from the items needed for a holiday wine and cheese night to Thanksgiving dinner.

Dishwasher Myth #5: Dishwashers are noisy

There’s nothing worse than the sound of a loud dishwasher cutting through a conversation at a festive gathering. That’s why Bosch has worked for years to develop technologies that have created the quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S.** Bosch dishwashers allow you to start a cycle right after dinner, while you’re still hosting, because sparkling clean and dry dishes shouldn’t have to interrupt an evening of celebration.

Armed with these simple dishwasher loading tips, your holiday season can be both merry and bright.

*Compared to Bosch Dishwashers with PureDry.

**Based on an average of sound ratings of 24” Full Size Stainless Steel Tub dishwashers contained in major brands’ websites. Major brands defined as TraQline Top 5 Market.


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4 DIY-friendly projects to get your house ready for winter

2019-10-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – The leaves have changed, temperatures are dropping and pumpkin spice treats abound, which means winter is coming. Now is the time to winterize your home, which can mean up to a 10% savings on your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

“Winter brings unpredictable weather and dropping temperatures, which can test the limits of your home and reveal weaknesses — like drafts — you didn’t realize were there,” said Cathy McHugh, director brand management at DAP. “Taking a few simple steps now to repair, prepare and protect your home through the harsh winter weather will help save on time, energy bills and costly repairs come spring.”

Help your home fight the cold, without breaking the bank, by tackling these four DIY-friendly preventative projects.

Seal windows and doors. Check for small cracks and gaps between window frames and doors. These are the spots that allow water, insects and cold air to creep inside. Do this yourself by holding a lit candle or incense stick near the potential leak; if the flame or smoke dances around then you know you have a leak. Protect your home and keep it warm by replacing worn exterior caulk with an exterior grade sealant, like DAP Dynaflex Ultra Advanced Exterior Sealant. Backed by a lifetime mold-, mildew- and algae-resistance guarantee, this sealant uses exclusive WeatherMax Technology for all-weather protection that provides a strong, weatherproof and crack-proof seal to keep out wind, snow, rain and cold air.

Check your furnace filter. Did you know the dirtier your furnace filters are, the harder your furnace has to work? In most homes, filters should be changed monthly throughout the heating season. You should also have your furnace serviced periodically to make sure it is working properly. Not only will regularly changing the filters in your central air and heating system give your wallet a break, but it can also significantly improve your furnace’s efficiency and longevity.

Defend against pests. Avoid issues with mice and other pests trying to stay warm this season by sealing up gaps and cracks inside your garage, attic, basement and under sinks or around pipe and electrical cutouts using Mouse Shield. Specially treated to block mice, birds, bats and tree squirrels, as well as ants, roaches, spiders and bees, the foam also works to seal and insulate to help save on energy costs.

Protect your pipes. Pipes can burst and cost a fortune to replace. Locate pipes in the home that pass through unheated areas, like crawlspaces or basements, and insulate them with foam rubber sleeves. Just cut the sleeve to fit the length of the pipe, wrap it around and secure with duct tape. In extreme cases, put heating tape on first to ensure that the pipe does not freeze. Also, be sure to locate your home’s water shut-off valve just in case a pipe does burst. Better safe than sorry.

For more ideas for your next project, check out DAP’s DIY videos on YouTube.


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Survey: Common infection leads to emotional trauma

2019-10-22T12:37:19

(BPT) – A new national survey reveals that women are desperate for solutions to their frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and they’re equally tired of the stigma that comes with them.

Key findings of “UTIs: The Burning Truth” by ellura, the urinary tract supplement, found that 76% of women feel they are judged from others. They deal with common misconceptions attached to UTIs that contribute to emotional trauma, often as frustrating as the physical pain UTIs cause. The truth? Sex is a common risk factor associated with UTIs, but estrogen loss from menopause and various medical conditions also increase risk.

Traditional over-the-counter remedies and behavioral changes like drinking more water, practicing better hygiene and urinating after sex are not sufficiently reducing the number of UTIs women experience, leaving them on a roller coaster of treat and repeat with antibiotics, according to the survey. Of respondents, 52% said they use “just in case” antibiotics as their go-to for UTI prevention, relying on these pharmaceuticals not just for treatment, but for prophylactic use an average of four times over the previous year.

Of 1,000 women surveyed, 31% have gone to more extreme measures and abstained from or limited sex entirely to prevent their UTIs, further highlighting that women will try everything to be rid of UTIs.

“This survey reflects what I hear from patients who feel frustrated that the cycle of UTIs is inevitable, mostly because they are trying many unproven products to reduce these infections with limited success,” notes urologist and ellura medical advisory board chair, Dr. Sophie Fletcher.

So, what do you need to know if you’re a woman with frequent UTIs? You’re far from alone. UTIs represent nearly 25% of all bacterial infections in women worldwide, and account for more than 10 million doctor visits annually.

A few other truths derived from the study:

  • Antibiotic overuse is not the answer. The cure is what ails you, according to the survey, as 80% of women admit having experienced a negative side effect from taking antibiotics, including yeast infections, digestive and skin issues and antibiotic resistance — when these drugs no longer work to fight off UTI-causing bacteria. The study found 24% of women have experienced antibiotic resistance issues. “Many women have a bad habit of calling their doctor and getting antibiotics before they even know if they have a true culture-proven UTI,” notes Fletcher. “Urinary symptoms, like pain and burning, can often be relieved without antibiotics, which are needed to treat infection, but also can kill the good bacteria in the body.”
  • Your emotions are real. Fifty-three percent of study respondents report anxiety related to their UTIs and 33% have experienced depression from this often stigmatized health issue. Women over 50 years of age specifically feel judged as having “old age” issues, according to the research.
  • More positive dialogue and education is needed. Forty-seven percent of respondents report leaving their doctor’s office with negative emotions, including a sense of hopelessness and a certainty that their UTIs will return, suggesting a need for more meaningful conversations about this stigmatized health issue. “As healthcare providers we can be a valuable resource for UTI prevention and antibiotic education to help women reduce UTIs with fewer antibiotics,” concluded Fletcher.

The nationally representative survey was conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by ellura, the medical-grade urinary tract supplement that identified and advanced the science of 36 mg PAC (proanthocyanidins) from cranberry juice concentrate and its role in UTI prevention.

For more information, visit www.UTIburningtruth.com.