Month: February 2020

2020-02-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Prioritizing your health and wellness all year long is important and easier than you’d think. Adopting a few simple habits can have a big impact. These five easy lifestyle changes will help you to look and feel your best no matter the season.

Step 1: Start with sound sleep

A good night’s sleep is critical to good health, but many Americans aren’t getting enough Z’s every night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, younger adults (18-25) and adults (26-64) need 7-9 hours every night and older adults (65+) need 7-8 hours. For better sleep, try going to bed and waking at the same time every day and avoid screens (like the one on your mobile phone) before bedtime.

Step 2: Drink to digestive health

Digestive health is an important part of one’s overall well-being and one way to support your digestive system is by getting plenty of fiber, a critical component of the microbiome in your gut. Keep in mind, fiber isn’t just in what you eat, it’s also in what you drink! One awesome source is Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice, a natural source of 3 grams of fiber plus five essential vitamins and minerals in every serving. Amaz!n Prune Juice helps to balance and maintain your digestive health to help you feel your best.

Athletes and nutrition experts agree that digestive health is important to overall body performance. Three-time Gold Medalist and one-time Bronze Medalist beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings starts off her morning by sipping on Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice to support her digestive system. “I know I perform my best on the court when I feel my best, so giving my body the fuel it needs to help support my digestive health on the go is a priority,” says Walsh Jennings.

Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, recommends supercharging your morning smoothies by putting in a little prune juice for an easy way to add fiber and natural sweetness!

Step 3: Move and groove by walking often

Walking helps increase blood circulation and boost your daily exercise quotient. Taking breaks to walk for even 5-10 minutes is a wonderful way to stretch your body, especially at work if you have a sedentary job. What’s more, make walking a frame of mind by always choosing the stairs over the elevator and parking in the back of the parking lot. A little walking here and there throughout the day adds up fast and helps support fitness goals.

Step 4: Seek tasty sugar alternatives

Learn to check nutrition labels and you might be surprised to find how much sugar is in your favorite foods, particularly beverages. Seek alternatives such as PlumSmart Light from Sunsweet that has 3 grams of fiber, with just 60 calories per serving and 60% less calories and sugar than other leading juice cocktails. Less sugar and carbohydrates per serving means these juices have great flavor without having as large of an impact on blood glucose levels.

Step 5: Discover stress-relief activities

Stress is a natural part of life, but when there’s too much it can negatively impact you physically and mentally. When you feel stressed, try different activities to discover what helps provide relief. Some people find exercise is a good way to manage stress, whether it’s going for a swim or doing yoga. Others find that calming activities like meditation, stretching or reading can help during hectic times. Even taking 10 minutes of quiet time can do wonders! Make time for these activities to regularly reduce stress and feel your best.

2020-02-10T14:43:12

(BPT) – Sponsored by AbbVie

In general, a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days long, and the average woman loses about 2-3 tablespoons of blood during her period, but each woman is different and your period may be lighter or heavier than the average amount.^1-3 However, did you know that what’s considered “normal” and what’s “normal” for you might not be the same thing? Some women might be surprised to learn that their heavy, prolonged and painful periods could actually be a sign of a medical condition called uterine fibroids.⁴

“Every woman’s experience with uterine fibroids is different. Some may experience a number of symptoms like prolonged or frequent bleeding through pads or tampons, or severe pelvic pain and bloating that impacts daily activities such as work, family and social activities,” says Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen. “While others may have no symptoms at all, it’s important for women to have a conversation about their symptoms with their health care providers so that they can help with a diagnosis and together come up with a plan to help manage their condition.”

So what are uterine fibroids? They’re non-cancerous tumors found in the uterus that based on one U.S. study^† may occur in nearly 70 percent of Caucasian women and more than 80 percent of African American women by age 50.^5-8 Despite being prevalent, a recent online survey* found that less than half of women are aware of some of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids: heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain and pain in the abdomen or lower back. The online survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of AbbVie in partnership with HealthyWomen and included:⁹

• 1,192 women in the United States
• Aged 18-65+

Not sure if what you’re experiencing is considered normal? Talk Fibroids, sponsored by AbbVie, was recently launched to help share information about the symptoms of uterine fibroids, including information to help you better understand if your period is heavy and the impact uterine fibroids could be having on daily life.

Here are five things you should know about uterine fibroids and one of the primary symptoms — heavy menstrual bleeding:

1. Fibroids can range in size, shape, number and location. Depending on where a fibroid is located, it can lead to different symptoms.^4,5,10
2. Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding may have to change their pads or tampons more frequently than those who don’t. Bleeding is considered heavy when:^11,12

• • Bleeding lasts more than 7 days.
  • Bleeding soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row.
  • You need to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow.
  • You need to change pads or tampons during the night.
  • You have a menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger.

3. Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to feelings of exhaustion. Uterine fibroid-associated symptoms can affect women’s work, family and social activities⁺.4-6,12,13

4. Fibroids can be found during a routine pelvic or abdominal exam. In some instances, your doctor may confirm a diagnosis by asking about your period related symptoms and medical history, followed by lab tests or imaging, if appropriate.4,5,10

5. Results from a recent online survey* suggest the majority of women (77 percent) didn’t know or thought uterine fibroids must be surgically removed (48 and 28 percent, respectively)⁹, when in fact treatment approaches for symptomatic uterine fibroids may also include other procedures and medical options, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control, hormone releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormone modifying medications.^5,10

If you’re experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, you may have uterine fibroids, a medical condition that requires diagnosis by a healthcare provider. There are other causes for heavy menstrual bleeding, so talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms.^5,10,11,14 “Talk Fibroids is helping to arm women with the information they need to better understand their uterine fibroid-related symptoms and to advocate for themselves when it comes to visiting a health care provider,” explains Battaglino.

For more information on understanding uterine fibroids and how to talk to a doctor about heavy menstrual bleeding, visit www.TalkFibroids.com.

^†Based on a U.S. study of medical records and self reports published in 2003 of 1,364 women aged 35-49 years who were randomly selected from an urban health plan.

* This online survey was conducted within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AbbVie in partnership with HealthyWomen. It was conducted from October 17-21, 2019 among 1,192 women ages 18-65+. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, and education where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity weighting was used to help account for individuals who may have been unable to participate in the online survey.

⁺ Based on a U.S. cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2011/2012 of 968 women aged 29-59 years with self-reported symptomatic uterine fibroids.

References

1. WomensHealth.gov. Your menstrual cycle. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle#3 Accessed January 2020.
2. Bulun S. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. Williams Textbook. Chapter 17;590-663.
3. Apgar BS, Kaufman AH, George-Nwogu U, Kittendorf A. Treatment of menorrhagia. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 15;75(12):1813-9
4. ACOG. Uterine Fibroids. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Uterine-Fibroids?IsMobileSet=false. Accessed January 2020.
5. De La Cruz MS, Buchanan EM. Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jan 15;95(2):100-107.
6. Khan A, Shehmar M, Gupta J. Uterine fibroids: current perspectives. International Journal of Women’s Health. 2014; 6: 95-114.
7. Baird D et al. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: Ultrasound evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003; 188: 100-107.
8. Wallach EE, Vlahos NF. Uterine myomas: an overview of development, clinical features, and management. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;104:393–406
9. Data on File, AbbVie Inc.
10. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Aug;112(2 Pt 1):387-400.
11. ACOG. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Heavy-Menstrual-Bleeding. Accessed January 2020.
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed January 2020.
13. Borah BJ, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Stewart EA. The impact of uterine leiomyomas: a national survey of affected women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013;209(4): 319.e1–319.e20
14. Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Practice bulletin no. 128: Diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive-aged Women. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Jul;120(1):197-206.

2020-02-10T06:01:00

(BPT) – With a new year comes a new wave of health and wellness trends, and 2020 kicks off the decade with a plethora of possibilities. Most notably, the trend toward mindful eating has many people asking meaningful questions about the origins of their food. From veggie-packed products, to healthy hybrids, to grain-filled goods, here are five top nutrition trends to keep tabs on this year and beyond.

1. Vegetables are taking on double duty.

While a diet rich in fresh variety is nothing new, the new year will see more products incorporating “hidden” vegetables in place of added sugars and other less healthy ingredients. Many sauces are opting to include kale, white beans and chickpeas for increased nutritional benefits, while beets and sweet potatoes are having a major moment — showing up in various crackers, wraps, chips, cooking condiments and in “superfood” protein powders and supplements. Veggies can even be seen taking over the comfort food category, with several plant-based pastas and mac-and-cheeses hitting the shelves. If this triumphant takeover is any indication, vegetable-packed products are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

2. Healthy hybrids are all the rage.

Snacks are undoubtedly a major part of the American diet, which is why several brands are competing for the title of most health-conscious choice. From chocolate-covered quinoa, to sea salt-caramel pumpkin seeds, this delicious mix of flavors is permeating the market, providing food lovers everywhere with plenty of healthy options to choose from when the need to indulge strikes. No matter your preference, there is likely something to satisfy your taste buds; if protein-rich picks are your poison, antibiotic-free lean jerky is a popular selection, as are easy-to-cook egg bites, which are popping up not only in grocery stores but our favorite coffee houses and restaurants. Seed-based granolas are another top-of-mind trend, with dark chocolate and cinnamon providing a sweet touch to this savory spin on cereal.

3. Make room for alternative baking essentials.

When taking a stroll down the baking aisle, you may have noticed the fruity, fresh take. From flour to butter, fruit is taking center stage in 2020, showing up in a bevy of baking products — from apple flour made from whole apples, to green banana flour, to pomegranate powder. Flours made from fruits and vegetables are steadily climbing as well in packaged foods, including tortilla chips, doughnuts and other goods — and it doesn’t end there. With Americans’ obsession with toast seemingly ever-growing, consumers are readily seeking new spreadable options. Rich and creamy with a savory flavor, fruit-based butters are the next big thing, with watermelon seed butter primed as the top pick to take over for avocados and nutritious nut butters this year.

4. Grain-inclusive goods are having a moment.

Grains are going for gold in 2020, with alternative and ancient varieties popping up in an assortment of foods — and for good reason. With a host of health benefits, from increasing fiber intake, to managing digestive distress, to improving heart health, grains are an essential element to a well-balanced diet. And, while it may not come as a surprise, people aren’t the only ones benefitting from these foods that boast whole, fresh and less processed ingredients. Pets are the latest to get in on the trend with ACANA Wholesome Grains. With protein-rich recipes that contain farm-grown oats, one of the healthiest grains on earth, ACANA Wholesome Grains formulas are rich in fiber and highly nutritious. For pet lovers looking for a delicious way to make sure their dogs are getting the nutrients they require for peak health, ACANA Wholesome Grains provides a hearty solution. A proprietary heart-healthy vitamin pack and a unique blend of B vitamins, E vitamins, taurine and choline work together to promote the proper function of nervous and circulatory systems to ensure optimal functionality. The next time you reach for that flavorful Ancient Grains bowl, don’t forget to let Fido join in on the fun.

5. Feel-good foods are taking over.

The new decade is all about mindfulness — from making meaningful choices about what we put into our bodies, to ensuring we’re taking that much-needed mental health break from the day-to-day. With a rise in plant-based diets and healthy on-the-go foods, companies are focusing on options that make consumers feel good. Holistic, stress-reducing foods are a major player in 2020, showing up everywhere from ice creams to sleep supplements, and feature classic relaxation herbs like lavender and chamomile. Melatonin-rich dried cherries and herb-infused dark chocolate are also shaping up to be favorite finds for the wellness-inclined individual.