Month: November 2020

2020-11-09T01:01:01

(BPT) – Tim is like any other 26-year-old — he lives on his own and has a job. He is also one of the 2.8 million adults living with schizophrenia in the United States.

For those in his small community, Tim may be the first person living with schizophrenia that they have ever met. According to Tim, it is important for him to talk to others to address any stigma and misconceptions they may have: “I want to help others learn what people with schizophrenia are like. I’m just a normal guy!”

For adults living with schizophrenia, a strong support system, often consisting of healthcare providers (HCPs) and loved ones, and the right treatment plan, can make the difference. For Tim, his mom and caregiver, Chrisa, plays an active role in his care.

“When people meet Tim and find out that he has schizophrenia, they are surprised because he’s not what they expected,” Chrisa remarked. “Sharing our story has helped other families feel less alone, and the community better understands schizophrenia and what people can do and accomplish with the right treatment plan.”

Like many adults living with schizophrenia, Tim’s treatment journey hasn’t been easy. When he was first diagnosed, Tim and his family had little knowledge about schizophrenia and the treatment options available to them. Tim has tried many different medications since he was first diagnosed, cycling through periods where his symptoms were well managed, before experiencing breakthrough symptoms or relapse.

Recently, Tim switched from an oral daily medication to a once-monthly injection because he did not like having to take his medication every day and was afraid that he would forget his treatment.

According to Chrisa, it is important for adults living with schizophrenia and their caregivers to learn about the different treatment choices available, including the side effects and benefits, and work with their HCP to find the right treatment for them. Individuals should also make sure they are prepared in advance of any potential treatment changes. “Before Tim transitioned to a once-monthly injection, we worked with his HCP to make sure that we had a plan in place to navigate any potential challenges,” Chrisa remarked.

Ultimately, Tim made the final decision regarding his treatment: “I learned about the different options from my doctors and my mom. I liked all the information they shared about the once-monthly injection, and decided that it was the right treatment option for me.” Tim noted, “When I was on an oral daily medication, I had to constantly carry my medication around with me. I wasn’t free to do things when I wanted, like taking a trip with my friends, and sometimes I forgot to take my medication. I knew that this wasn’t good and that I needed to make a change.”

The change to a once-monthly injection has helped Tim get closer to accomplishing his goals, including embarking on a cross-country road trip with friends. “I’m freer to do the things I want to because I don’t have to worry about taking my medication every day,” Tim said.

For Chrisa, knowing Tim will stay on track with his treatment plan while he’s traveling gives her more peace of mind: “With the long-acting injectable, that worry that he will forget to take his medication goes away completely. Now I can just worry like other moms about their son going on a guys’ road trip!”

Despite their clinical benefits, it can take some time for individuals like Tim to be prescribed a long-acting injectable (LAI) after their initial diagnosis. Mental health advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about treatment options, including LAIs, to help adults and their loved ones make informed treatment decisions and advocate for the use of LAIs earlier in their treatment journey. Recently, the American Psychiatric Association released its updated Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia and the National Council for Behavioral Health issued their Guide to Long-Acting Medications for Providers and Organizations, which both discuss how LAIs can be used.

“Having organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the National Council for Behavioral Health bring forward information on treatment options is so important,” Chrisa noted. “All patients deserve to be fully informed about their treatment options.”

If you or a loved one is an adult living with schizophrenia, ask your doctor if a change in treatment plan could make the difference for you. Learn more and take a quiz to find out if a once-monthly injection could be right for you at www.oncemonthlydifference.com.

Every story is unique. If you are an adult living with schizophrenia, talk to your doctor to figure out a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Chrisa and Tim have partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to share their story. They have been paid an honorarium for their time.

2020-11-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted people nationwide to live differently, including new challenges when it comes to navigating the health system and accessing care.

Whether people are enrolling in a health plan offered through an employer, state-based exchange or government-sponsored program such as Medicare or Medicaid, this fall’s open-enrollment season for health benefits will likely be different than in the past. In fact, a recent UnitedHealthcare survey found that 44% of respondents expect COVID-19 to influence the health plan they intend to select, including 16% opting for an option with lower out-of-pocket costs and 10% selecting more comprehensive coverage.

In most cases, the practice of gathering with coworkers or benefits consultants in a conference room to review health plan options may have been postponed. Even before COVID-19, technology was likely reshaping how people selected health benefits and obtained care, improving access to information and creating a more seamless and interactive health care experience. To help simplify the health care experience, promote well-being and potentially save money, here are five tips people may consider during open enrollment and year-round.

Focus on health care literacy: According to the survey, more than 78% of Americans say they are prepared for open enrollment, yet previous CDC research has shown that some people struggle to fully understand common health care terms and concepts, including plan premium, deductible and co-insurance. In fact, a recent UnitedHealth Group study concluded that improving health literacy could prevent nearly 1 million hospital visits and save over $25 billion a year. People may help improve “health care literacy” by accessing public resources such as JustPlainClear.com, which provides definitions for thousands of common health care terms in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Tap into technology: Given COVID-19 may have changed how and where people obtain health care services, it may be important to select a health plan that includes coverage for virtual care, ideally including options for telehealth visits with your own doctor and 24/7 access to a national provider network. In fact, the use of virtual care resources has surged more than 10-fold compared to 2019, according to a 2020 UnitedHealthcare internal analysis, enabling some people to connect with a health care provider via a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. Telehealth resources are designed to be a more convenient way to visit with a doctor about various health issues, ranging from urgent and routine care, ongoing chronic condition management, behavioral health and specialty care such as oral and eye health.

Watch out for wearables: Smartwatches and activity trackers are potential resources to help promote well-being and monitor various health measures, including daily steps, sleep patterns and blood sugar levels. Some health plans offer programs that may enable people to earn financial incentives for using wearables, such as fitness trackers to monitor daily steps or continuous glucose monitors to help members with type 2 diabetes. Other virtual programs may give people access to personalized, interactive online weight loss and exercise support. Using connected devices, it is possible to access near real-time data to help people modify daily behaviors and help care providers make more evidence-based recommendations.

Comparison shop for care: Health care quality and cost may vary widely within a city or neighborhood, even though there may often be little or no corresponding improvement in health outcomes performed by higher-priced care providers, according to a Families USA report, “Price Transparency in Health Care.” Given that, more than half (56%) of Americans said they have used the internet or mobile apps during the last year to comparison shop for health care. While recent national efforts have helped spur greater transparency around hospital prices, people may find more specific — and personalized — estimates through their health plan. In addition, there are public websites that enable people to access market averages for hundreds of health care costs, providing baseline estimates to help inform the research process.

Bundle benefits: While many people may focus on medical coverage during open enrollment, it may be important that people not overlook specialty benefits such as vision, dental, hearing and accident protection. In fact, the recent survey found that 84% of employees said having access to specialty benefits is “important.” Plus, people who combine medical coverage with specialty benefits through a single health care company may be able to benefit from services including clinical resources, which may help flag gaps in care, and preventive medical services, such as annual eye exams or teeth cleanings. That’s according to a recent UnitedHealthcare analysis of customers with integrated medical and specialty benefits.

“COVID-19 continues to reshape many aspects of our lives, including how people research health plan options and access medical care,” said Rebecca Madsen, chief consumer officer of UnitedHealthcare. “By considering these tips, people may make more informed decisions related to health care coverage and access, while promoting well-being and helping prevent disease before it starts.”

2020-11-06T22:05:00

(BPT) – As the weather cools down and winter looms closer, now is the perfect time to create more living space in your home. Whether you need a place to take a break from daily stressors, get some work done, or host friends and family, look no further than your own garage.

For many, the garage is simply a place to park the car, store tools and bikes, and hide old toys or off-season items that have no other place to go. But with a few easy upgrades, you can turn the garage into a productive, fun-filled place. Here are five tips to get you started.

Clean and organize

The first step is to look at the current state of your garage. To make the best of your space, you’ll need to start with a blank canvas. Do a deep clean, take stock of your tools and consider new ways to store and organize them. Building custom shelves to get your equipment up off the floor will not only give you a new project to take on, but it will help clear the way for a place where you can be productive and get jobs done. One key item to have in your upgraded garage shop is a Portable Electric Air Compressor, which can be used for power nailers, sanders, paint spray guns and much more — plus, at less powerful settings, it can even be used to quickly blow away dust and debris.

Heat it up

Creating a year-round garage to enjoy will mean you’ll have to take the extra step to ensure the walls and ceilings are insulated correctly. For extra warmth, use a workshop heater like the Mr. Heater Big Maxx Garage Heater from Northern Tool + Equipment. A heater this size can easily warm up a two- or three-car garage, allowing you to work and play comfortably in your space no matter the outside temperature.

Let in the light

Switching up the lighting is an easy and inexpensive way to update your garage. Most garages have just one or two light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, but you’ll want more than that for your new, useful space. Try an industrial-style light fixture or customizable, sleek track lighting to make the room feel more inviting to friends for casual hang-outs. Plus, it’ll be easier to see when you’re working on projects.

Bring on the entertainment

To get the most out of your new garage, make sure it is all about entertainment. Think about how you’ll be using the space. The garage is a great place to hang a TV for football Sundays and video games. Adding extra speakers can provide a complete experience, whether it’s watching the game or listening to music while you work on your latest project. If you plan on hosting regular game nights, fill the room with a poker or ping-pong table that can be easily folded up when not being used.

Get comfortable

One of the most important parts of your new garage space is seating. Whether you go with recliners, a sofa, stools or a combination of all three, look for furniture that fits your space. Find pieces that let you get comfortable, can stand being outdoors and are versatile. Leather is a classic material plus it’s easy to clean and maintain. For another way to add comfort — and more entertainment possibilities — set up a side bar with a refrigerator to keep cool drinks and snacks at hand.

With these ideas as your playbook, you’re now ready to achieve garage greatness.

2020-11-06T16:31:00

(BPT) – We hear a lot today about recognizing those people who have made a difference for our country and for our citizens. On Veterans Day, we recognize the many Americans who have made a profound impact on our nation and our future through their service in the U.S. military.

In 1918, at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year, World War I formally came to an end when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. That date, Nov. 11, would become known first as Armistice Day in recognition of those who fought and died in WWI. This celebration was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by President Eisenhower as an annual event recognizing all veterans, across all eras of service.

Every year, Veterans Day is an occasion to thank and celebrate all those who have fought and served with courage and honor to protect the values of the United States, and the lives of its citizens. “The immense sacrifice that each servicemember has made for our country is something we should honor as often as we can to show our appreciation as fellow Americans,” says Vickie Koutz, chairman of the national Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). “Every day should be Veterans Day.”

This year, with the spread of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions in effect in communities across the country, Veterans Day celebrations are going to look different in a year when veterans may need more support than ever before.

Even before the pandemic, loneliness was a common experience for veterans, with one survey showing that approximately 50% of veterans struggle with feelings of isolation. Now, through months of social distancing and quarantining, veterans of all ages are at increased risk of isolation, depression and suicide. And according to Military Times, even when the current health crisis winds down, experts believe veterans may experience long-term challenges with personal finances, lingering health issues and misplaced expectations about a return to “normalcy.”

We are living in a different time — but also at a time when we can truly make a difference. With the knowledge that veterans are more likely to be feeling these extreme stressors, the ALA has identified some key ways we can all take action this year and support our veterans in the ways they need:

Connect with veterans

• A phone call or personalized letter can let a veteran know how much you care about them, and how much you appreciate their service. If you’re not personally connected to a veteran, connect with the local ALA unit to see how you can volunteer to make a veteran feel special this Veterans Day.

Honor veterans you know

• Sharing pictures and inspiring stories of veterans you know on social media can be a great way to celebrate and uplift the veteran community. Many people are turning to digital spaces to feel a sense of community; let’s bring the Veterans Day celebration to them. Don’t forget to use hashtags like #veterans or #veteransday so others can find your posts.

Give your time and get involved

• American Legion posts regularly serve as locations for local blood drives, and with continued blood supply shortages as a result of COVID-19, donating blood in honor of our veterans is a powerful act of service you can make yourself.
• Many communities are hosting drive-by parades to recognize veterans. You can participate in these parades or even help lead an effort for your broader community.
• Display the American flag or other patriotic signage in your lawn, or partner with local organizations and businesses to put up displays and decorations. These symbols express communities’ solidarity with veterans, even when we can’t connect in person.

In an historic year of unprecedented change, we are reminded of the role our veterans play in seeing the nation through times of challenge — and what we can do to support them in return.

Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org to see how you can get involved and show your support.

2020-11-05T08:01:01

(BPT) – For more than four decades, the fight to end the HIV epidemic has raged on, ushering significant developments and innovations in treatment and care. However, progress has been uneven and fragile, illuminating major disparities in care and access to care that leave certain demographics disproportionately burdened by the impact of HIV and AIDS; highlighting a growing health crisis within the Latinx community.

New data shows that, while overall HIV diagnoses have decreased or plateaued in recent years, HIV diagnoses among Latinx gay and bisexual men have continued to increase, directly impacting more than 195,000 Hispanic/Latinx men in the U.S. and its territories, including Puerto Rico.^[i] This data shows the standard of care is not benefitting everyone equally.^[ii]

For many Latinx men living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, this disparity is rooted in a number of social and cultural factors outside of their control, including long-standing and systemic issues such as poverty and unequal access to education, housing and reliable, safe public transportation that impact health outcomes across the board.^[iii] Additionally, clinics and organizations often are unable to provide health education materials or translational services to the more than 37 million Spanish-speakers estimated to live in the U.S.^[iv] The lack of culturally responsive and language-appropriate healthcare providers and materials create both a practical and psychological barrier to care.

“When I first started working in the HIV space, I was the only LGBTQ person on staff – the only one who knew and understood what being gay and Latino in our community felt like and looked like. My being there shaped and changed the way we delivered our services,” says Elias Diaz, LMFT, Mental Health Clinician, Maverick County Hospital District. “The men we support tell stories about their experiences living with HIV that share common themes; stigma around their diagnosis and being LGBTQ, lack of emotional supports, in some instances, dependency on drugs. They struggled to find resources that reflected their experiences. What was being done with and for the LGBTQ Latinx community just wasn’t enough.”

Fear and stigma associated with a positive diagnosis are compounded by the dynamic forces of family, religion, culture, economics – all of which are further exacerbated by anti-immigrant sentiment toward the Latinx community. These factors contribute to discrepancies in services offered to Latinx men leaving them to shoulder a greater burden that extends beyond their diagnosis and medical care.^[v]

To address these needs, community leaders and advocates agree on the importance of maintaining a pulse on the evolving landscape for and needs of Latinx gay, bi and trans men of all ages from different neighborhoods, economic situations and immigration statuses. A new report, “Here As I Am/Tal Como Soy” from ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action for Latinx Men program, uses insights derived from a community-guided Listening Initiative to investigate how social, economic and political forces affect the health and well-being of Latinx men and influence access and adherence to care for those living with HIV. Conducted over the course of 10 months, the report features first-hand stories from members of the community that help to identify and fuel solutions that make a difference in the lives of Latinx men living with and affected by HIV.

“As HIV and AIDS diagnoses are continuing to rise within our communities, we [are] sounding alarms to demand change. I [have] seen too many people who are fearful of following up with their healthcare providers in HIV care because of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and lack of culturally responsive services. This, coupled with internalized fear and shame within our community, is creating an obvious barrier to care and is a threat to our survival,” says Miguel Ángel (former Advocacy Associate Manager at NMAC). “As leaders and advocates who have been working in this space for many years, [we are] taking the lead by bringing our voices and needs forward to engage providers and policymakers in solutions to improve our access to care through ensuring all prevention initiatives consider language justice and many other unique needs of the Latinx community.”

To learn more about Here As I Am/Tal Como Soy and ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to community-driven solutions through the Positive Action for Latinx Men initiative, and to read the report, available in both English and Spanish, visit: bit.ly/2Tbc2IU.

2020-11-05T10:01:00

(BPT) – The election season is a lot to handle no matter where you land on the political spectrum. It can be draining on many levels, which is why now is the perfect time to escape the political drama and make up your own political fun at home.

Idea 1: Embrace the household monarchy

Forget democratic decisions at home! Do your kids and roommates really deserve an equal vote anyway? Have fun and announce the start of the household monarchy, in which you will rule as king or queen.

For example, wondering what to have for dinner? No need to argue, your decision is what counts. Will it be pizza, spaghetti or that new recipe? Disagreements on music are instantly cast aside when the king and queen decide. Will ears delight to country, pop or alternative? From what movie to watch to who is stuck folding the socks, the monarchy rules the day’s activities.

Getting pushback from the peasants? Try this idea for a week and rotate days so everyone gets a taste of the royal life and can have fun making the decisions for the group. Being king or queen of the house is also a fun way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. Long live the king!

Idea 2: Escape as a fictional dictator!

Do you sometimes think you could do a better job than people in office? How about ruling your own tropical island? Take a break from real politics and become your ideal version of a leader of a fictional Caribbean island nation with Tropico 6 – Nintendo Switch™ Edition by Kalypso Media!

From the comfort of your home, you’ll embrace the role of El Presidente and rule the land as you choose — good, bad or a little bit of both! Prove yourself as a peace-loving statesman or feared dictator on the island state of Tropico and shape the nation through four distinctive eras. You’ll also face new challenges on the international stage while always keeping the needs of your people in mind.

Tropico 6 takes city building to the next level, with exclusive palace designs including the captivating flamingo pond, something every dictator craves to impress his neighboring states. Customize your palace at will and give election speeches from your balcony to win the favor of your subjects, featuring promises you may or may not keep.

Plus, for the first time in the series, you can manage extensive archipelagos, build bridges to connect your islands and use new means of transportation and infrastructure. Feeling sinister? Send your Tropicans on raids to steal the wonders of the world, including the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Tropico 6 features a revised research system focusing on all the political aspects of being the world’s greatest dictator.

How will you rule the islands? That is up to you, El Prez! Learn more in the Nintendo Game Store.

Idea 3: Decompress with fictional or historical movies and shows

From insane sound clips to crazy online theories, there are times you just want to turn off the news, shut off the computer and tune out of social media. Ditch the real political drama for fictional drama that you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch. Grab favorite snacks and munch away as you escape from life for a few glorious hours!

Want something lighthearted with laughable lines? Start a series like “Parks and Recreation” and “Veep,” or watch a movie like “Election” or “The Campaign.” Prefer something more serious with twists and turns? Check out “The West Wing,” “The Contender” and “Madam Secretary.” Like a little history mixed in with your movies? Check out “Lincoln,” “All the President’s Men” or “Milk.”

Give yourself a break from the stress of real politics by enjoying a political-themed TV show or movie. These are just a few examples with many more to explore and stream at any time. Plan a movie night or dive deep into a TV show over the weekend to enjoy the escape you crave.

2020-11-05T10:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re exercising, sneezing, laughing or simply going about your day, a leaky bladder can stop you in your tracks. Whether mild or severe, the physical and emotional burden of unexpected leaks can cause some women to feel embarrassed. This can lead to disruptive “hacks” to manage their condition — such as wearing only black pants, avoiding liquid intake, or skipping enjoyable activities with family and friends.

“We all know the feeling of surprise when a cough triggers a bladder leak or panic when you’ve waited too long to find a bathroom,” says Younger actress Debi Mazar. “Incontinence is much more common than you think, and it can be managed without compromising your life or confidence.”

As experts in health and wellness, Walgreens offers the following tips to manage the issue healthily, and encourages women to abandon the silly management hacks for good.

1. Track your triggers

Every person is different, and it’s important to discover what factors may encourage your bladder leaks. For some, certain spicy or acidic foods, alcohol, and carbonated or caffeinated beverages may be the culprit. Other factors like smoking, chronic coughing and body weight can also contribute. Consider keeping a food and behavior journal to figure out what could be setting off leaks.

2. Choose products wisely

It’s important that products work for your individual situation — function and comfort are key. Look for products that guarantee security, like Walgreens Certainty™ incontinence products. From liners and pads to protective underwear and briefs, a dry-lock core helps lock in moisture to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.

“As health and wellness experts, we know that not everyone is visiting the incontinence aisle with the same needs or at the same stage in life,” says Rina Shah, group vice president of Walgreens pharmacy operations & services. “Walgreens Certainty™ brand has the widest range of product offerings so customers don’t need to feel like their incontinence is being treated as ‘one size fits all.’”

3. Find your strength

Exercise can be a helpful way to reduce bladder leaks by strengthening the muscles of your pelvic floor. Try a low impact workout like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, walking or Kegel exercises.

4. Drink fluids

While you may be tempted to limit your water intake to avoid leaks, it can actually encourage leakage if you aren’t drinking enough. For a healthy bladder, you need at least 48 ounces of water each day, depending on your body type and activity level, according to the National Association for Continence. Drink continuously throughout the day to avoid over-filling your bladder at once, which is when accidents are more likely to happen. If leaks are more prevalent overnight, cut back on liquids in the evening before bed.

5. Create a schedule

Consider timing out your urges to use the bathroom and create a routine. Try setting timers on your phone as reminders. If you feel the urge every two hours, go to the bathroom every 90 minutes. Eventually, you may be able to train your bladder to go longer in between bathroom breaks.

6. Talk to an expert

If you’re struggling with a leaky bladder, your doctor or pharmacist can help. Incontinence is extremely common, and trained professionals can share advice on the right medications, products and procedures for your individual condition. Come prepared with a list of how frequently you experience leaks, the severity, and what triggers may be the cause. This will help an expert give specific advice for your unique situation.

Don’t spend another minute avoiding your favorite activities. Follow these bladder-health tips to safely manage incontinence and get back to living life with confidence.