Month: September 2020

2020-09-01T14:31:01

(BPT) – Each year, families all over the U.S. look forward to summer as a time when they can be with one another and enjoy the longer days of sunshine.

As the weather slowly cools, you might feel a sense of longing for the early days of summer. However, it’s not too late to enjoy the last golden moments of the season. Here are five ideas to help you and the family really savor the last mini moments that summer has to offer.

1. Make a summer playlist

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply soaking in the sun, the perfect summer playlist helps to set the mood. Put together a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs that remind you of sunny skies, warm weather and feeling good. You’ll be listening to it all year long.

2. Enjoy your favorite summer treats

Summer memories are only made sweeter with a delicious, refreshing treat. As the sun sets on the season, take some time to reflect on the moments of fun and relaxation with a treat worth savoring.

Looking for something to satisfy all your (and your family’s!) snacking needs? Look no further. Drumstick^®, America’s Favorite Sundae Cone, has an option for everyone!

Drumstick^® Mini Drums™ is now available in an anytime bite-size treat, with only 70 calories per cone. Each micro cone is mini but mighty, small but snackable and perfectly poppable. Each cone features the delicious taste you’ve come to love with Drumstick — like the crunchy chocolate outer coating, the luscious creamy vanilla center and the crispy waffle cone — but now miniaturized!

And if you need just a lil’ taste of summer, Lil’ Drums™ Cones are sure to be a household favorite no matter what time of year it is. We guarantee that Drumstick^® Mini Drums™ and Lil’ Drums™ will become your family’s favorite anytime snacks!

3. Backyard movie night

Set up a projector — or simply grab your laptop! — for a movie night under the stars. Create a relaxing and cozy environment with rugs and pillows — and of course, your favorite Drumstick^® Mini Drums™!

When the movie is over, kick back to stargaze and spend some quality time with the family before bed.

4. Read a good book outside

There’s still plenty of time to get through your summer reading list! Make reading a priority by choosing a good book and a comfy spot outdoors. You’ll feel productive while also taking time to relax and refresh. Reading is the perfect opportunity to really immerse yourself in another world and take a much-needed break while enjoying the summer weather.

5. Collect summer memories

Do you find yourself reminiscing over this or past summer adventures? Make those memories last by creating a digital photo album of your family travels, staycations and more. You’ll be able to treasure those memories for years to come. We promise, you’ll thank yourself later!

2020-09-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – When COVID-19 halted all non-essential health services, it begged the question — what types of care can’t be delayed? Treatment for chronic pain, for one. Not only is pain management essential care, it’s even more critical during stressful times.

The good news is the pandemic has inspired innovations, such as telehealth and minimally invasive treatments for long-lasting pain relief, to help suffering patients, says the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“The anxiety and isolation caused by COVID-19 adds to chronic pain, which is further compounded by reduced access to strategies, such as physical therapy, exercise and even visits with the grandkids or other loved ones, that help people manage their discomfort,” said David Dickerson, M.D., pain medicine specialist and vice chair of ASA’s Committee on Pain Medicine. “As a result, they may be more likely to turn to medications or alcohol, increasing the risk of misuse and abuse. Physician anesthesiologists who specialize in pain medicine have gotten creative to ensure their patients have access to the safest and most effective care.”

Here are three ways pain management changed due to COVID-19.

Greater access to providers through telehealth

When the COVID-19 pandemic suspended in-person visits, physician anesthesiologist pain medicine specialists turned to secure video meetings or telephone calls to consult with patients. Led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), health insurance companies revised their coverage to include telehealth to ensure this vital care. Using telehealth visits, pain medicine specialists see the patient face-to-face via video, ask and answer questions and formulate a plan. They can refer those struggling with stress from COVID-19 to psychologists who also can counsel them via telehealth.

Telehealth also removes some barriers to care during a pandemic. Patients don’t need to worry about getting to an appointment, or sitting for long periods in crowded waiting rooms. Via telehealth, they wait in a virtual waiting room in their own home. Specialists can easily access patients’ electronic medical records while talking to them virtually. As a result, 95% of people seeing pain medicine specialists have continued to do so, many of them via telehealth, which likely will remain an option for the foreseeable future.

Pain medicine specialists expand role to meet patients’ needs

During the pandemic, many patients have put off seeing their primary care physicians, so pain medicine specialists have been helping fill that role. They’re getting patients to understand the importance of seeking necessary treatment, such as visiting the emergency room if they are experiencing signs of stroke or angina, a symptom of heart disease.

As in-person medical appointments resume, many pain medicine specialists have revised their office visit practices, requiring masks and staggering appointments, to keep patients safe. Although telehealth remains an option, having the patient come into the office is preferred in some instances. For example, pain medicine specialists can more readily treat those with addiction issues in person. During this national health emergency, the number of patients needing treatment for pancreatitis — painful inflammation of the pancreas often due to excessive alcohol use — has increased dramatically. Early evidence suggests drug overdoses, including those from opioids, may be increasing as well.¹

Long-lasting, minimally invasive techniques reduce visits and hospitalizations

To reduce the frequency of visits while keeping patients out of the hospital, pain medicine specialists are focusing on office-based treatments that can ease pain for six months or more. For example, rather than giving patients a series of injections that require regular office visits, pain medicine specialists can perform procedures in one visit. Some of these treatments include a procedure called percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression (PILD), which reduces pain by removing excess tissue in people with spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves and cause pain in the back and legs); neurostimulation, in which a device implanted under the skin generates electrical impulses that disrupt pain signals; and radiofrequency ablation or neurolysis, which silences nerves that bring pain signals from inflamed joints or tissue.

“Treatment for debilitating pain is complex in any circumstance and even more so during this health crisis,” said Dr. Dickerson. “Physician anesthesiologists and other pain medicine specialists can ensure proper and effective approaches to care that improve quality of life during the pandemic and beyond.”

Learn more about how pain specialists can help you manage your chronic pain and download tips for relieving pain during the pandemic.

1. http://www.odmap.org/Content/docs/news/2020/ODMAP-Report-June-2020.pdf

2020-09-01T07:05:00

(BPT) – Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and debilitating disease that leads to scarring of the lungs, with no known cure. Yet, while more than 200,000 Americans are living with the disease, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding causes, treatments, diagnosis and more. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is here to set the record straight for September’s Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month.

Myth #1: Pulmonary fibrosis is a well-known lung disease.

Fact: While over 50,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, awareness of PF remains very low. According to a recent survey conducted by the PFF*, 86% of Americans do not know the symptoms of PF, which include shortness of breath, fatigue and a dry, persistent cough.

“Pulmonary fibrosis has been in the news more because, like COVID-19, it’s a disease that impacts lung performance,” said William Schmidt, president and CEO of the PFF. “By improving understanding of PF, patients will be better able to recognize the early signs and start conversations with their physician.”

Myth #2: Pulmonary fibrosis is easy to diagnose.

Fact: It can be difficult to diagnose PF because many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can appear mild or absent early in the disease process, which can lead to late-stage diagnoses. Other common symptoms of PF include:

• Weakness
• Discomfort in the chest
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

“It is important to track early warning signs and look for patterns in your symptoms, so doctors can identify appropriate treatments for your condition,” added Schmidt.

Myth #3: No one knows what causes pulmonary fibrosis.

Fact: While there are types of PF that don’t have a known cause, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), many do. PF with known causes include:

• Those related to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.
• Those related to occupational exposures, such as asbestos.
• Those related to environmental exposures, such as molds and birds, referred to as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
• Those directly related to smoking.
• Certain medications and radiation therapy can also cause PF.

Several other factors put thousands of Americans at higher risk for PF, such as those over age 60 and those with a family history of interstitial lung disease.

Myth #4: There are no effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.

Fact: While it is true that there is no known cure for PF, there are a number of effective treatments.

• Supportive care treatments, such as supplemental oxygen, medication and pulmonary rehabilitation, can lessen symptoms of cough, shortness of breath or fatigue.
• For some types of PF, there are medications called “antifibrotics” that can slow down disease progression by about 50% on average.
• Lung transplantation is a treatment option for advanced PF and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Myth #5: After diagnosis, patients have 3-5 years to live.

Fact: No one can predict exactly how long a person with PF will live. It’s also impossible to apply a population average such as this to an individual person. There are people with PF who live much longer than 5 years, and, unfortunately, those who don’t live long after a late-stage diagnosis.

Knowing the facts about PF will help promote understanding of the devastating disease, raise funds for vital research, lead to better treatments and ultimately to find a cure.

For more information about pulmonary fibrosis, please visit www.AboutPF.org.

*PFF National Awareness Survey 2020: https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/docs/default-source/marketing-brochures/pff-national-consumer-survey-report—for-review-updated-2-19-2020.pdf

2020-08-31T13:01:00

(BPT) – In the United States, there are an estimated 140,000 adults living with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, or ADPKD.

This is a rare, inherited, genetic disease that causes cysts to form in kidneys and progressively grow over time. As the cysts grow, a person’s kidney function gradually declines. This may eventually result in kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. In addition, complications from this disease can include high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, infected or bleeding cysts, abdominal pain or discomfort and chronic pain.

ADPKD is the most common form of polycystic kidney disease, making up about 90 percent of all cases. It is the leading cause of inherited kidney disease and fourth-leading cause overall of end-stage renal disease.

Increased risks related to warm weather

The kidneys play a unique role in protecting the body from dehydration. When warm weather is upon us, it is important to remember that higher temperatures can pose health risks for people with ADPKD.

As temperatures rise, so too does the risk of hospitalizations for people with kidney diseases, such as ADPKD, due to acute kidney injury — which can also be referred to as acute renal failure. One reason for this is that increased temperatures can make blood pressure rise. People with ADPKD are at an increased risk of having high blood pressure (hypertension) as compared to patients with other types of renal disease. This also puts them at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Five tips for managing ADPKD in warm weather

Meyeon Park, MD, MAS, Director of the UCSF Polycystic Kidney Disease Center of Excellence and Nephrologist, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, recommends the following strategies for managing ADPKD in warmer weather.

“I recommend that people with kidney diseases, such as ADPKD, have an informed conversation with their healthcare team,” says Meyeon Park, MD, MAS, Director of the UCSF Polycystic Kidney Disease Center of Excellence and Nephrologist, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. “I offer five tips for effective management strategies that are easy to remember and help people take a more active role in maintaining their health, while enjoying the warmer weather.”

1. Talk to a healthcare provider to establish a baseline for daily healthy fluid intake, based on individual needs and likely exposure to hotter temperatures, to avoid fluid overload or dehydration.
2. Keep cool during very hot days in air-conditioned spaces, if possible. It is important that patients with ADPKD limit their time outdoors and stay in the shade to avoid perspiring and increasing thirst. This recommendation should be tempered by concerns about COVID-19 and a priority in this unusual time is maintaining safety from exposure to this virus, which may be more easily transmitted in indoor environments.
3. Exercise regularly to continue to maintain overall health and well-being, which can help improve kidney health. A daily walk in the evening, especially after dinner, is a great option.
4. Eat a healthy and balanced diet in order to maintain a healthy weight. For patients with ADPKD, a diet low in salt and moderate in calories is recommended but patients should speak with their healthcare team about what is right for them.
5. Adhere to management strategies as recommended by a patient’s healthcare provider and care team.

For more information and resources about ADPKD, visit www.PKDInfo.com.

2020-08-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – A love of learning and a passion for children is what makes teachers special. As COVID-19 impacted schools across the country earlier this year, teachers proved their agility in shifting gears quickly to teach students as effectively as possible. Now schools begin the 2020-21 school year, and teachers again are critical in shaping children’s education during uncertain times.

Whether your community’s schools are welcoming students back in person, online or a mix of both, it’s the teachers who have the hard work of making school a positive experience no matter the circumstances. This year in particular, it’s critical to support teachers to position them for success so students can thrive. Consider these five steps in supporting teachers and showing you care.

Add extra supplies: Go beyond the supplies list and buy extras for the teacher. This might be adding extra glue sticks and pencils, or, making a teacher’s care basket with personal items like hand lotion, sanitizing wipes, tea and coffee, stickers, etc. What’s more, remember that supplies are needed all school year long. At the start of school the supply closet is bursting, but a few months later it might be sparse. A mid-year supply drop-off is sure to be appreciated. You might even consider running a supply drive to help teachers in need throughout the year.

Ask about volunteer opportunities: In-person volunteer opportunities may be limited or unavailable right now, so be proactive and ask teachers about virtual or distance volunteering options. You might be able to lead a virtual story time, organize a book club, help by checking digital papers, dropping off items at students’ homes and much more. Simply reach out to your teacher to show your willingness to help and you can discuss volunteer opportunities that match your skills and interests. Beyond the classroom, check out volunteer opportunities at libraries, study halls, community centers and more.

Vote to fund a cause: Whether it’s to support a local school teacher or to fund a cause close to your heart, a simple online vote can help make a difference. SONIC’s Limeades for Learning Fall Voting campaign takes place Sept. 28, 2020, through Oct. 25, 2020. During this four-week campaign, visit LimeadesforLearning.com to vote for teacher projects you want to support. You can search by keyword or category to choose projects that are meaningful to you. At the end of each week SONIC funds the winning projects, donating a total of $1 million.

Stay up to date: Being informed not only helps you understand what’s happening in your student’s world, it helps you be a more engaged partner in their education. Teachers appreciate parents and caregivers who stay up to date by reading grade newsletters promptly, checking emails from the school often and visiting classroom websites or social media pages regularly. Additionally, consider attending school board meetings, even if it’s virtually, so you know what’s happening in the district.

Practice patience and understanding: The 2020-21 school year contains a lot of unknowns. Whether it’s in-person, virtual or hybrid, remember to practice patience and understanding with educators as they navigate these new waters. Everyone is in this together and teachers are doing their best. Remember, the attitude you project about school is what your children will reflect, so make sure to stay positive and make the best of any situation as the year unfolds.