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Saving Babies’ Lives – The Importance of Newborn Screening in all 50 States for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Leading Genetic Cause of Infant Death

2020-07-12T23:01:00

(BPT) – Regina Philipps’ son, Shane, was born a happy, healthy and strong baby — holding his head up on his own, rolling, and pushing himself up on his arms. But at six months old, Regina noticed something might be wrong.

“He started moving less, and some of the strength he had seemed to be disappearing,” said Regina. “It was subtle at first — like when he stopped grabbing my hands and pulling himself up after I changed his diaper. He got to the point where he couldn’t really move his legs. When sitting, he would fall over. He could barely even lift his arms up to his mouth to eat.”

Shane was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 2 — a progressive, rare genetic disease caused by the lack of a functional survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Each year, one in every 11,000 babies is born with the disease. SMA is the leading genetic cause of infant death. SMA progresses quickly, meaning the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment is crucial. If left untreated in one of its most severe forms, Type 1, children often require permanent feeding and breathing support or pass away by their second birthday. While on average, babies with SMA Type 2 are diagnosed between six and 24 months of age, Shane received his diagnosis at 10 months old and he received treatment soon after.

Millions of babies across the country are routinely screened at birth for conditions that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. In 2018, SMA was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), a federal list of often devastating disorders that require intervention as early as possible and have treatment options available. Despite the fact there are now treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for SMA, only 31 states screen for SMA through permanent or pilot programs, leaving babies in 19 states, plus Washington D.C., unscreened for this devastating disease.

“We live in New Jersey, which is implementing their newborn screening for SMA this August. Although we wish we knew sooner, we feel very lucky that Shane’s symptoms were caught relatively early and before he declined even further, so we could pursue treatment as fast as possible,” Regina said. “For babies like Shane, early diagnosis can mean prevention of disease progression. For some babies — especially those with SMA Type 1 — early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why I’m so passionate about educating on the importance of newborn screening, advancing efforts in my state and sharing how people can get involved.”

Children living in states with newborn screening in place can benefit from the remarkable difference early detection and treatment can make — an issue Rory and Carolyn Philstrom know firsthand. It wasn’t long before their son Edan was born that they moved from North Dakota to Minnesota, where Rory was due to start a new job. Because Minnesota actively conducts newborn screening for SMA, Edan’s pediatrician called five days after his birth to tell them his newborn screening test resulted in a positive diagnosis for SMA Type 2. They were blindsided by the diagnosis — but given how quickly SMA progresses, grateful that they could quickly work with their physician on a treatment plan — without losing the precious time they wouldn’t have benefited from in North Dakota.

“Just the sooner you get the diagnosis — the sooner you get that phone call — can make a difference. Even days can make a difference,” said Carolyn.

Since Shane’s diagnosis, Regina has been an active member of the SMA community, helping to advocate for SMA to be added to her state’s newborn screening panel. Their efforts were successful and in January 2020, New Jersey passed a law to screen for SMA, which will be implemented in August. Other states are following, including California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington. By 2022, Regina along with patients, caregivers and the entire SMA community at large are hopeful every newborn in the United States will be screened for this devastating disease.

For more information about SMA and to inquire about what you can do to ensure that babies in your state are screened for this disease, visit CureSMA.org/ActionCenter.

US-ZOL-20-0203 06/2020


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Your eyes are a window to your health: Why you need regular exams

2020-07-13T01:01:00

(BPT) – Like many Americans, you may be putting off regular health appointments like eye exams because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, your optometrist may have been closed for some time, depending on where you live.

It may seem less urgent to have an eye exam if you’re not experiencing vision problems, but more than 270 serious conditions can be detected — which may affect the way you see and your overall health. Most are asymptomatic, so an annual eye exam by a doctor of optometry is recommended to keep you healthy.

For those working — or attending school — from home now, increased screen time can cause eye strain, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches and blurry vision.

Whether you’re experiencing digital eye strain or dry eyes, or if you have health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, comprehensive eye exams are vital. Anyone with risk factors for glaucoma such as being over age 60, having a family history of glaucoma or physical injuries to the eye should have regular appointments for eye pressure. And being checked for cataracts from age 60 can help prevent loss of sight.

For kids, spending each day looking at screens and less time outdoors could also increase their risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Scheduling an eye exam is a good idea before the start of every school year.

Doctors of optometry are reopening

Practices are open nationwide to provide the full range of comprehensive eye health and vision care. If you’re unsure about in-person appointments, your optometrist may offer telehealth consultations, but there is no substitute for an in-person comprehensive eye exam.

If you experience an emergency eye-related issue, like a painful scratch, contact your optometrist first rather than going to an emergency room. A 2017 study from the University of Michigan found that only about 6.7% of eye-related emergency room visits were for true eye emergencies, and the rest could likely have been treated by an eye care professional outside the ER. If there is an immediate threat to life or limb, patients should still go to the emergency department. Otherwise, call your optometrist first.

Preparing for an office visit

Plan ahead for any medical appointment. Offices may operate at reduced volume, giving priority to patients requiring urgent or emergency care. Practices have also adopted new sanitization protocols to ensure patient safety that may affect the timing of an appointment.

“Doctors of optometry, like all medical professionals, are adhering to guidance from the CDC as well as federal, state and local health directives to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. William T. Reynolds, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Procedures patients can anticipate include screening for symptoms of COVID-19 and taking each patient’s temperature upon arrival, limiting the number of people in waiting rooms and requiring everyone to wear face masks and/or gloves before entering.”

Here are tips from the AOA to prepare for your visit.

  • When scheduling your appointment, ask about health and safety protocols.
  • If you do not need someone with you, attend your appointment alone to help the office manage physical distancing and safety.
  • Wearing a face mask or cloth face covering and gloves is strongly recommended, and may be required by your state or your optometrist.
  • Follow staff instructions on how to maintain safe social distancing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth while in the office.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting public places or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Bring hand sanitizer in case you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Fill out paperwork in advance or online if possible to reduce time in the waiting room.

For insurance concerns

Check your current policy to determine what vision services are covered. Some health insurance plans cover eye exams, even if corrective lenses are not covered. Ask your employer about your benefits if they are unclear.

If you’ve just been laid off, you have until the end of the month to access your healthcare benefits. If you have no coverage, look into low-cost vision insurance at Healthcare.gov. Ask your doctor of optometry about out-of-pocket prices for services.

To find a doctor of optometry near you, check out AOA.org/doctor-locator-search.


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4 Ways to Boost Immunity Through the Gut Microbiome

2020-07-09T16:51:00

(BPT) – Everyone’s heard the phrase “trust your gut” but ever wonder where the saying comes from? One could argue that it comes from an age-old belief that the gut is a powerful human function with a mind of its own. It’s made up of trillions of microbes, more than 1,000 species of bacteria and millions of genes. What’s more, each person has a wholly unique gut microbiome, like a fingerprint.

The gut microbiome, like our bodies, requires regular maintenance and care. As we age, changes in our behaviors and environments impact our gut and we begin to lose the diversity of bacteria in our gut microbiome. This can result in the loss of certain normal body functions, including a healthy metabolism, glucose control and appropriate immune response. “Research has linked microbiome deficiencies to a range of diseases including diabetes, autism, depression, cardiovascular, cancer and Parkinson’s Disease,” said Jay Pasricha, MBBS, MD, Director of the John Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology.

But there is hope: new discoveries in microbiome science demonstrate that we can restore lost functionality in our bodies through new, targeted probiotic strains that are designed to repopulate and diversify the gut microbiome. Here are four reasons why you should nurture the diversity of your gut microbiome:

1. Your gut microbiome is your body’s immunity watchdog.

The gut microbiome helps regulate the immune system and maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, which are critical to your body’s natural health, while helping to resist invading pathogens. When your system defenses need to ramp up, a short-chain fatty acid in your gut called butyrate signals your immune system. When there is not enough butyrate production in your gut microbiome, your immune system is compromised. There is some research indicating that you can increase butyrate production through a diet high in fiber or an infusion of healthy microbes.

2. A strong gut helps reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is your body’s natural way of healing from injury and protecting itself from infection or illness. The inflammatory response triggers an increase in production of white blood cells, immune cells and substances that help fight infection. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, psoriasis and more. A strong gut lining ensures that small molecules don’t “leak” across the gut lining into the bloodstream, which can cause heightened inflammation. Many folks don’t realize you can improve your gut microbiome and reduce inflammation through what you eat. Incorporating probiotics with “live active cultures,” such as yogurt, sourdough bread, pickles, kefir, kimchi and miso, is a great way to start. You’ll also want to get plenty of prebiotics, or foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, like fiber. Flaxseed, garlic, asparagus and chicory root all contain lots of prebiotics. Dietary fiber that has been fermented by the gut microbiome into butyrate has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

3. A healthy gut microbiome can lower blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that people with a greater diversity and abundance of bacteria in their gut microbiome showed a more marked improvement in their blood sugar levels versus individuals that don’t. The findings led researchers to suggest that therapies directed at the gut microbiome, and focused on personalized nutrition, offered a new way to manage type 2 diabetes and other conditions. Recently, scientists have discovered safe and natural medical probiotics like Pendulum Glucose Control are clinically shown to lower A1C levels (by 0.6%) and blood sugar spikes (by 33%). This medical breakthrough contains targeted strains of probiotics and prebiotics to enable butyrate production and better fiber processing among people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

4. Your gut also influences mood, sleep and well-being.

Many scientists believe we have a “second brain” in our gut. This is known as the gut-brain axis, which refers to the chemical connections between your gut and your brain. The human gut actually has more than 100 million nerve cells, which is more than the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system. This explains why a disturbance in the gut microbial ecosystem could influence our mood. In fact, 90% of serotonin, or “the happy chemical,” is manufactured in the digestive tract, not the brain. There is also evidence to suggest the gut microbiome regulates sleep and circadian rhythm. We do know that sleep can affect your blood sugar levels and the reverse is also true — blood glucose control can affect overall sleep quality.

Fostering a wide variety of beneficial bacteria in your gut will not only enhance your immune system function but also lead to a variety of other health benefits. Find more information by clicking here.


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Making memories: 4 fun, simple summer outings for your whole family

2020-07-09T11:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is a time for making family memories, and that doesn’t need to be different this season even if some of the destinations on your agenda are now inaccessible due to social distancing guidelines.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of fun, joy and activity to be had this summer while still following health and safety regulations and recommendations. The shining sun, the warm weather, your favorite summertime foods and many of your most treasured summertime activities are still available for your enjoyment. And nearly any activity that involves laughter, a lighthearted mood and a sense of togetherness can create happy memories.

Let’s ride

These days bike riding can be enjoyed at most every age and stage of life, whether your group includes infants in bike trailers, toddlers on training wheels, teens on touring bikes or seniors cruising comfortably on recumbents. Most cities also offer a network of bike trails you can traverse at your leisure, usually marked by areas of natural beauty and/or fun destinations like ice cream stands. Check out a few maps of what your city has to offer and plan routes based on your available time, family members’ energy levels and weather forecasts.

Give yourself a break and leave the cooking to someone else

Noodles & Company is your ideal destination for tasty, nutritious, affordable and convenient meals this summer, and as the undeniable mac expert, it’s where you can find fan-favorite mac & cheese. Whether taking advantage of delivery, quick-pickup or curbside pick-up available at 382 locations, Noodles has the entire family’s fix covered. From lighter options like Zoodles, Caulifloodles, and gluten-sensitive pipette shells, to adding extra veggies or protein to any dish, there’s an endless supply of customizations and substitutions available. In celebration of National Mac & Cheese Day on July 14, Noodles is welcoming the latest mac variety to the menu: the deliciously savory Ham & Gruyere, which features Black Forest Ham paired with creamy Gruyere cheese, topped with fresh green onions and toasted-to-perfection breadcrumbs (simply remove the breadcrumbs and swap in Zoodles or the pipette shells for a gluten-friendly option!).

The whole family can get excited about this one. Noodles is inviting Rewards members to enjoy free mac & cheese dishes from July 14 to July 17. On Tuesday, July 14, Rewards members will receive a free small bowl of Noodles’ world-famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with the purchase of a regular entree. From Wednesday, July 15, to Friday, July 17, Rewards members will receive an offer for a free small bowl of a gourmet mac and cheese on their next visit with the purchase of any regular entree, starting with tender BBQ Pork Mac on Wednesday, spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac on Thursday and the new Ham & Gruyere on Friday. Plus, all guests can score free delivery on any order through Friday, July 17, making safe and convenient home dining easier than ever.

Water, water, everywhere

Nothing says summer like loading up your van for a trip to the local beach, water park, splash pad or public swimming pool. But if your favorite venues are closed for the season, there’s no reason you can’t play in the water in your own backyard, community space or even driveway. Encourage outdoor fun and mischief on your hottest summer days by filling up the kiddie pool, lining up the Slip ‘N Slide, setting up the sprinkler, investing in top-notch squirt guns and/or preparing a slew of water balloons for a good old-fashioned toss competition-turned-battle.

Get crafty

There’s a reason crafts are one of the most popular activities at summer camp, and that’s because they’re a low-pressure way of bringing out everyone’s creative side. Whip up your own craft studio from the comfort of home and lead fun activities like painting rocks, creating dioramas, making ice pop stick trinket boxes or braiding lanyards. You’re only limited by your imagination and the plethora of craft ideas you can find online!

The scope of places you can visit this summer may be limited, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating fun and safe times with your family. Take time now to plan a memorable family outing before the dog days of summer slip away.


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At-Home Acne Mistakes to Avoid

2020-07-09T05:01:00

(BPT) – Spending more time at home has shifted the way we solve our problems. More than ever, people are turning to online platforms and social media, like YouTube and Instagram LIVE, as primary resources for mastering new skills and finding solutions. However, some problems are more complicated than a quick fix how-to video, especially when it comes to treating acne.

If you have started to break out or noticed your acne has worsened over the past few months, there is a good chance that heightened stress levels are a factor. “Stress increases hormone levels to prepare our bodies for that environment. The same hormones can impact the skin, leading to an increase in oil production which causes breakouts,” explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It also could be from wearing a face mask, says Dr. Zeichner. “We know that wearing a face mask has several negative impacts on the skin. Direct friction can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even promote acne breakouts.”

With breakouts accelerating and in-office visits on pause, a DIY approach to treating acne has surged, with people testing solutions at home. “There’s a downside to experimenting with too many products because more often than not it leads to skin irritation. This can cause more harm than good in treating acne,” says Dr. Zeichner.

“If you develop skin irritation while using multiple products, it may not be easy to figure out which product is the culprit. Plus, you won’t know if one product is blocking penetration or breaking down the other one.”

To un-do the DIY damage, Dr. Zeichner shares the best tips to clearer skin:

  • Keep it simple: If you notice breakouts and irritation including flakiness, inflammation, redness or burning, it’s likely you’re over doing it with your skincare routine. Pare down the number of products you’re using to eliminate the cause of the irritation. Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. A cleanser, an Rx product if your dermatologist deems appropriate and a moisturizer is a simple and effective regimen. Also, remember to always wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Consistency is key: Once you’ve simplified your routine, be sure to stick with it for 6-8 weeks to allow time for the products to work.
  • Consider a prescription product: If you’re suffering with acne over an extended period of time and over the counter products aren’t getting the job done, you may need a prescription option from your dermatologist. One product I often prescribe is ALTRENO® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%. As a topical retinoid it increases collagen production and regulates skin cell turnover to help with the prevention and treatment of acne. This medication is an effective option for many patients to treat acne, which can result in long-lasting marks or even permanent scars on the face if left untreated. As an added bonus, ALTRENO is available via delivery through national in-store or online pharmacies. ALTRENO may cause irritation or other side effects. To learn more visit www.altreno.com.
  • Listen to the experts: If you can’t get an in-person appointment right now, you’ll find many board-certified dermatologists are sharing helpful tips, tricks and product recommendations daily on social media and through virtual appointments. Tutorials and peer forums are useful, but if you aren’t seeing the results you want, reach out to an expert—they’ll find a way to connect with you.


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Expert tips to maximize your victory garden

2020-07-08T14:55:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Miracle-Gro

Quarantine and social distancing have inspired renewed interest in gardening and home cooking. These two activities go hand-in-hand as people grow their own produce and herbs that can be plucked just steps from the kitchen where they can whip up tasty creations. In fact, this movement revived the concept of victory gardens, which help people become more self-reliant during challenging times.

What is a victory garden?

Victory gardens were common during World War I and II when people were encouraged to grow their own foods to supplement their household needs and open the food supply for the troops. People would grow fast-yield crops in virtually any open soil, whether that be on their properties or in community gardens.

Victory gardens are trending in summer 2020 because people want to positively utilize their space while spending time at home. In fact, more than half (55%) of American adults are gardening or caring for their lawn during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a survey of 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults by Wakefield Research for Miracle-Gro.

Growing a victory garden with your family is a wonderful way to bond, enjoy fresh air and lower your grocery bill. With the surge in cooking at home, many Americans are discovering the joy of using fresh items from their gardens. Two-thirds (67%) of adults are growing or plan to grow edible plants, including vegetables (52%), herbs (33%) and fruits (31%), according to the survey.

How to get the most out of your victory garden

Proper care will help ensure a bountiful harvest from your victory garden. Miracle-Gro’s Sara Eff, scientist in gardens at R&D, offers these helpful tips for getting the most out of some of the most popular garden plants:

Add supports: As garden plants grow, many need a little support. This helps keep leaves out of the dirt, prevents many diseases and strengthens against the elements. For example, pepper plants should be staked to help support the main stem. Tomatoes benefit from a cage to protect the fruit-bearing branches. Plants like peas, beans and cucumbers love to climb a trellis, plus it makes it easier to pick them.

Nourish well: Like a multivitamin for your garden, you may consider supercharging your plants with Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules made from a mix of natural and organic ingredients. Specially formulated for growing tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and fruits, you simply apply dry and water in to start feeding. This can help plants grow faster, stronger and promotes higher yields than unfed plants.

Water wisely: Be aware of precipitation and how much Mother Nature is providing. Use a water gauge to help if needed. Gardens need about 1 inch of water per week, but you may need to supply more depending on heat and drought conditions. Keep in mind, deeper watering every few days is ideal rather than quick sprinkles, with the early morning hours best to avoid evaporation.

To pinch or not to pinch: Small unnecessary stems and leaves can be pruned or hand pinched to stimulate growth upward. For example, tomato suckers are small leaves off the main stem. Any below the lowest set of flowers can be removed or pinched off. Be sure to research proper trimming per plant variety as each one is unique. For example, when a basil plant blooms at the top, you pinch it off so that the leaves stay intact. However, you would never pinch tomato flowers because that’s what turns into fruit.

Second harvests: With a bit of smart planning, you can enjoy multiple harvests that provide fresh foods into fall. Early maturing crops like lettuce, radishes and beets can be replanted mid to late summer and provide another round of produce. For second plantings, choose fast-maturing, disease-resistant varieties of plants. For example, some leafy greens, such as kale, prefer cooler weather and can even survive frosts.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to growing your own victory garden. For additional gardening tips and planting advice, visit www.miraclegro.com.


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Having Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? It Might Be Uterine Fibroids. Here’s What You Need to Know.

2020-07-08T11:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by AbbVie

“Normal” Versus Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

When does menstrual bleeding stop being “normal” and start being considered heavy? Doctors often use the following examples as signs of heavy bleeding: bleeding that lasts more than seven days, bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row, bleeding that requires wearing more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow, among others.1,2 On average, women normally lose about 25 to 45 milliliters (mL) of blood during their periods, while women with menstrual bleeding that’s considered “heavy” can experience a blood loss of twice that amount, and in some cases, more than 80 mL per cycle.3-5 It’s important to know that heavy menstrual bleeding is not considered part of a “normal period” and may be a sign of a more serious health problem, like uterine fibroids.1,6

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are estrogen and progesterone-dependent, non-cancerous tumors of the uterus.6 There are approximately six million women in the U.S. living with symptomatic uterine fibroids.7,8 In fact, they are the most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age and can occur in nearly 70 percent of Caucasian women and more than 80 percent of African American women by age 50, though it is unclear how many of these women will experience uterine fibroid symptoms.9-12

Some women with uterine fibroids can experience a variety of symptoms — including heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods and prolonged and/or frequent bleeding — while others may have no symptoms.10,11,13 Uterine fibroid-associated symptoms can also affect women’s work, family and social activities.14

Understanding Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

If you have uterine fibroids, but do not experience any symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if you have symptoms, there are options available to you.

“For women that require treatment, it’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider,” said Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, FACOG. “You should discuss your symptoms and their effect on your lifestyle. Medical management and surgical options are available, and treatment plans should be tailored to meet each patients’ individual needs.”

Here are the types of treatments that may be considered to help with uterine fibroid symptoms:

Medical management is available to address symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.10,13 While pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be effective in alleviating pain related to fibroids, other options typically work by targeting hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.13 These medications include: 6,10,13,15,16

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists work by blocking GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, which helps lower the production of estrogen in the body. This may lead to the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Hormonal birth control may help manage the symptoms of uterine fibroids. These medications can be administered in different forms, including low dose birth control pills (includes estrogen/progestin pills and progestin-only pills), hormonal IUDs (intrauterine devices), progestin injection and implants.
  • GnRH agonists work by suppressing the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Both minimally invasive procedures and traditional surgeries (such as hysterectomy) may also be considered for uterine fibroid-associated symptoms. Surgical options include: 6,10,13,15

  • Uterine fibroid embolization or uterine artery embolization is a procedure in which tiny plastic or gel particles are injected into the blood vessels connected to fibroids to shrink them by cutting off their blood flow.
  • Endometrial ablation is performed with a laser, wire loops, boiling water, and other methods to remove or destroy the lining of the uterus to help control heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Myomectomy is used to only remove uterine fibroids, and may be performed via an abdominal incision, hysteroscopic or laparoscopic procedure depending on the size and location of the fibroids.
  • Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is currently the only cure for uterine fibroids. A doctor may recommend a hysterectomy if the fibroids are large or symptoms have not been controlled by a less-invasive treatment option. Uterine fibroids are the leading reason for hysterectomies performed in the U.S.

Before making your decision on a treatment plan for uterine fibroids, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms, lifestyle and treatment goals.

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

1. ACOG. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Heavy-Menstrual-Bleeding. Accessed June 2020.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html. Accessed June 2020.

3. WomensHealth.gov. Your menstrual cycle. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrualcycle/your-menstrual-cycle#3. Accessed June 2020.

4. Bulun S. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. Williams Textbook. Chapter 17;590-663.

5. Apgar BS, Kaufman AH, George-Nwogu U, Kittendorf A. Treatment of menorrhagia. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 15;75(12):1813-9.

6. WomensHealth.gov. Uterine Fibroids. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed June 2020.

7. Fuldeore MJ, Soliman AM. Patient-reported prevalence and symptomatic burden of uterine fibroids among women in the United States: findings from a cross-sectional survey analysis. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:403-411.

8. United States Census Bureau website. American Community Survey (ACS) 2017 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables.

9. 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.

10. De La Cruz MS et al. Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(2):100-107.

11. Khan A et al. Uterine fibroids: current perspectives. Int J Women’s Health. 2014;6:95-114.

12. Wallach EE, Vlahos NF. Uterine myomas: an overview of development, clinical features, and management. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;104:393–406.

13. ACOG. Uterine Fibroids. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/uterine-fibroids. Accessed June 2020.

14. 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.

15. Mayo Clinic. Uterine Fibroids. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354294. Accessed June 2020.

16. Schlaff et al. Elagolix for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. NEJM. January 2020; 382(4):328.


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Summer’s Hidden Health Concern

2020-07-08T15:31:00

(BPT) – Face mask? Check. Hand sanitizer? Check. Sunscreen? Hmm. If you’re busy worrying about how to avoid the coronavirus, you may not have thought much about your skin health. And you’re not alone. Thirty-nine percent of Americans say they are so focused on handwashing and avoiding germs that they are not thinking about sunscreen application, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Neutrogena®.[i]

This news is cause for concern, according to experts like Sherry Pagoto, PhD, a prevention researcher and clinical psychologist who specializes in behavioral medicine. “While it’s understandable to let healthy habits slip temporarily in times of change, those slip-ups can have lasting effects,” she says. One example: Researchers studying Danish exercisers found that taking a gym break for just one week was associated with a steady decline in gym attendance that lasted more than two months.[ii] “If this were to hold true for sunscreen use, it could spell trouble,” she says. “Declining rates of sunscreen use at a time of the year when the UV index is climbing by the day, combined with reductions in nonessential healthcare visits like skin exams and mole removals, could be the perfect storm for more skin cancers in the future.”

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Protecting your skin from the sun has been shown to reduce your risk of developing early skin aging and skin cancer, according to The American Academy of Dermatology. One way to safeguard yourself is by minimizing your sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. But it can be hard to avoid the sun, even if you only spend time outdoors in short periods; multiple 20-minute walks or errands outside can quickly add up to an hour or more of sun exposure each day. That’s why it’s also important to wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection, such as Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch Lotion SPF 55.

To make a habit of applying, Pagoto suggests making small changes to your environment and routine that will reinforce the behavior. Place a bottle next to your hand soap, so you’re reminded to reapply after you wash your hands. Or store your everyday essentials, like face masks, hand sanitizer and sunscreen, in a basket near the front door so you can’t miss them.

And don’t forget to read the directions for use on the label and reapply regularly. “I advise my patients to reapply sunscreen every two hours or anytime immediately after swimming or sweating,” says Board Certified dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum. ”Most people don’t use enough to begin with, so reapplication helps ensure that you’re getting full UVA and UVB protection from your sunscreen.” If you find yourself out and about sans sunscreen, you can’t necessarily count on borrowing someone else’s like you did in the past; people may be less likely to share because of concerns about spreading germs. A simple fix? Store an easy-to-reapply sunscreen stick in your bag (Neutrogena Sheer Zinc® Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is great when you’re on the go).

“The pandemic has thrown off just about every aspect of life, and it may take a little extra effort to get our healthy habits back on track,” says Pagoto. “But there’s never been a time when taking care of our health has been more important.”

Dr. Bertha Baum and Dr. Sherry Pagoto are consultants for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health.


[i] Neutrogena survey conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll from April 2-6, 2020 among 1,843 U.S. adults ages 22+. This online survey is not based on probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Erica Sperling at RpR Marketing Communications: Erica.Sperling@rprmc.com

[ii] Fredslund EK, Leppin A. Can the Easter break induce a long-term break of exercise routines? An analysis of Danish gym data using a regression discontinuity design. BMJ Open 2019;9:e024043. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2018-024043