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5 Things To Know About Small Cell Lung Cancer, The Lesser Known Type Of The Disease

2020-12-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 228,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year.1

The majority of people diagnosed with lung cancer have a type called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which represents 80-85% of all cases.2 However, lung cancer is not just one disease, and 10-15% of people will be diagnosed with a type called small cell lung cancer (SCLC).2

Small cell lung cancer is known for being particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.

While there have been many advances in the treatment of NSCLC due to the identification of genetic drivers that can be targeted with medicine, this has not been the case with SCLC.

Because of how quickly SCLC spreads to distant parts of the body, roughly 70% of people are diagnosed when their disease is in its most advanced stage, known as extensive-stage SCLC.3

Smoking is the leading risk factor for most types of lung cancer, especially SCLC, which is almost exclusively associated with tobacco use. Other major risk factors include:4

  • Advanced age
  • Environmental exposure to radon gas
  • Asbestos or other cancer-causing substances in the workplace
  • Air pollution
  • Arsenic in drinking water
  • Radiation therapy to the lungs
  • A personal or family history of lung cancer.

In some cases, people with small cell lung cancer may not show symptoms.

Because people with SCLC may not always show symptoms, it’s especially important for people with exposure to risk factors to be especially vigilant.

In later stages, small cell lung cancer symptoms include:5

  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Coughing up phlegm or mucus
  • Coughing up blood
  • Swelling of the neck or face

It’s important for people to contact their doctor when they first recognize symptoms, as treatment is more likely to be effective when lung cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage.

Stigma is one of the main barriers for people with SCLC from receiving the medical care they need.

Since the 1950s, attitudes around lung cancer have played a role in shaping perceptions of people with the disease. Due to an association with smoking, people with lung cancer often face stigma from both the general public and healthcare providers, which can impact ability to seek treatment.6

In 2019, the national average of those who did not receive treatment for lung cancer was 15.2%.7

“During my time as an oncologist, I’ve treated many people with lung cancer who have delayed seeing a doctor due to feelings of shame and guilt associated with the disease. It’s so important that we overcome this stigma that prevents people with lung cancer from receiving appropriate treatment and medical care,” commented Dr. Joan Schiller, a professor in the Department of Medicine at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.

The first FDA-approved treatment for 1L ES-SCLC in 20 years:

For years, the standard treatment for people with SCLC has been chemotherapy, but last year the FDA approved a new type of treatment for the disease called immunotherapy, which works with a person’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy may also affect normal cells.

Tecentriq, in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide), is the first FDA-approved immunotherapy medicine for the initial treatment of ES-SCLC. In the clinical trial, Tecentriq has been shown to improve outcomes for people with this form of lung cancer.8

Dr. Balazs Halmos, Director, Thoracic Oncology and Clinical Cancer Genomics at Montefiore Albert Einstein Cancer Center noted, “The approval of Tecentriq marked exciting progress for people with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, offering the first approved treatment in decades that may help them live longer.”

1. American Cancer Society, Key Statistics for Lung Cancer. [Internet] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed October 2020

2. American Cancer Society, What Is Lung Cancer? [Internet] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed October 2020

3. American Cancer Society, Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages. [Internet]: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/small-cell-lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html. Accessed October 2020

4. American Cancer Society; Small Cell Lung Cancer Risk Factors. [Internet]: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/small-cell-lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed October 2020

5. Cancer.Net, Lung Cancer – Small Cell: Symptoms and Signs. [Internet] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-small-cell/symptoms-and-signs. Accessed October 2020

6. Schiller J, Kolkey H, Cox M, Smith CT. Changing Attitudes Regarding Lung Cancer: Shame, Embarrassment, and Hope. Poster presentation at the 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer on September 8.

7. American Lung Association, State of Lung Cancer 2020. [Internet]: https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer. Accessed November 2020.

8. Genentech. Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) – USPI

Tecentriq U.S. Indications
Tecentriq is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:

A type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

  • Tecentriq may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and etoposide as their first treatment when their lung cancer:
    • is a type called “extensive-stage small cell lung cancer,” which means that it has spread or grown.

It is not known if Tecentriq is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information
What is the most important information about Tecentriq?
Tecentriq can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death.

Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away if they get any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse.

Tecentriq can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Lung problems (pneumonitis)–signs and symptoms of pneumonitis may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
  • Liver problems (hepatitis)–signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual
  • Intestinal problems (colitis)–signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, blood or mucus in stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools, and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
  • Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary)–signs and symptoms that the hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness), feeling cold, constipation, voice gets deeper, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, and stomach area (abdomen) pain
  • Problems in other organs–signs and symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, confusion, blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems, changes in mood or behavior, extreme sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, eye pain or redness, skin blisters or peeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles
  • Severe infections–signs and symptoms of infection may include fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, and frequent urination or back pain
  • Severe infusion reactions–signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness, fever, feeling like passing out, and back or neck pain

Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. A healthcare provider may treat patients with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. A healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment with Tecentriq if patients have severe side effects.

Before receiving Tecentriq, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:

  • have immune system problems (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus); have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have a condition that affects the nervous system (such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome); or are being treated for an infection
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tecentriq can harm an unborn baby. Patients should tell their healthcare provider right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with Tecentriq. Females who are able to become pregnant:
    • a healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before they start treatment with Tecentriq
    • they should use an effective method of birth control during their treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tecentriq passes into the breast milk. Patients should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of Tecentriq when used in lung cancer with other anti-cancer medicines include:

  • feeling tired or weak
  • nausea
  • hair loss
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • decreased appetite

Tecentriq may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about fertility.

These are not all the possible side effects of Tecentriq. Patients should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the benefits and side effects of Tecentriq.

Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please visit http://www.Tecentriq.com for the Tecentriq full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.


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Bioelectric Medicine Helps to Treat Air Force Veteran’s Essential Tremor

2020-12-07T16:13:01

(BPT) – Air Force veteran of 21 years, Ben Duncan of Buda, TX, found out that he had Essential Tremor (ET) after his hand tremors became progressively worse over the years, to the point where his wife needed to help spoon-feed him on bad tremor days. He did not know what each day would bring with this condition and even considered his right arm utterly useless due to the constant tremors — “a dead arm.” Even while on the maximum dosage of pharmaceutical medications for essential tremor, he could only use his right arm … on a good day.

Ben was born in a small town called Pittsburg, TX, and initially joined the Air Force to use the GI Bill to complete his college degree. While stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX, he met his wife, to whom he has been married for 43 years. They share a cat named Sassy that he says lives up to her name. Ben has had a prosperous working career and has moved around the United States while in the military.

In January of 2020, Ben’s neurologist read about a new neuromodulation therapy for essential tremor that was available within the VA system. The treatment, Cala Trio™, is the first non-invasive targeted therapy that reduces hand tremors for adults living with ET — a simple, wrist-worn device that is calibrated to treat a patient’s unique tremor symptoms. When activated, Cala Trio gently stimulates the nerves in the wrist. This stimulation disrupts the tremor network in the brain and provides meaningful tremor reduction without the need for invasive brain surgery or medication. Ben did a lot of research and digging — particularly during the early months of COVID-19 — but found out that Central Texas Veterans Health Care System had patients already using Cala Trio and connected with his neurologist for a prescription.

Since Ben started using Cala Trio therapy to treat his essential tremor, he has said, “I have experienced great results! I keep a timesheet to track the duration of my tremors, and at first, the duration for treatment lasted about an hour and a half, but now a single treatment can last me up to twelve hours in a single day.” Now, with Cala Trio, Ben’s “dead arm” has come back to life.

Facts About Essential Tremor (ET):

  • ET is the most prevalent tremor disorder and one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting an estimated seven million people in the United States.
  • It is a chronic condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking that typically worsens over time and can affect almost any part of the body, but the trembling most often occurs in the hands, making everyday activities such as eating, writing or getting dressed extremely difficult.
  • According to data published in Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression were the most common psychiatric diagnoses in veteran patients who have ET.

As COVID-19 rages on, vulnerable populations are being heavily affected by the pandemic. Veterans are among the most hard-hit groups of people, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has turned to telemedicine services and online resources to provide veterans with additional options to help them address their critical medical needs. With telemedicine services widely available, vulnerable populations, such as those living with ET, can maintain their independence at home.

To learn more, please visit: CalaTrio.com/veteransB.


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Medicare: 3 ways to advocate for lower costs

2020-12-07T17:01:36

(BPT) – Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs that save and extend lives for millions of older adults and people with disabilities, many of whom would otherwise struggle to afford their treatments.

However, despite the important purpose it serves, some people on Medicare, especially those taking expensive medications, still struggle to fill their prescriptions and maintain their health.

Two key challenges face Medicare beneficiaries:

  • Medicare Part D insurance does not have an annual cap on out-of-pocket costs, so people sometimes have to pay thousands of dollars for their life-saving prescriptions.
  • For people taking expensive prescription drugs, there are high out-of-pocket costs at the beginning of each calendar year, due to the way the Part D benefit is structured.

The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, a national charity dedicated to increasing access to healthcare, is advocating for reforms to the program and is encouraging action. Here are three ways to help promote reforms to Medicare Part D that could help lower out-of-pocket costs:

1. Learn more about the issues

The PAN Foundation offers many resources on www.panfoundation.org/advocate to help you learn more about Medicare Part D and potential reforms to help people pay less at the pharmacy counter for prescription medications.

Additionally, signing up for healthcare newsletters, like the PAN Foundation newsletter, National Council on Aging newsletter or the Medicare Rights Center newsletter, will help you stay involved and informed.

2. Write to your members of Congress

Constituents can send a letter directly to their representatives and senators to ask them to pass legislation to lower out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part D, such as setting an annual limit and evenly distributing these costs throughout the year.

By using PAN’s “contact Congress” tool, you can quickly contact your elected officials and can even use a pre-written letter so that you don’t have to start from scratch.

Before hitting send, consider adding your own story to the letter. Real-life examples can explain why reforms are necessary, and the impact that lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs would have on your financial security and quality of life. Personal stories leave a lasting impression on legislators.

3. Share your story on social media

Another easy way to advocate for reforms to Medicare Part D is to share information on social media. This can help you stay informed while also spreading important information to your network.

Sharing your story about how you are impacted by high out-of-pocket costs and tagging your elected officials will help inform your friends and family about the changes needed to lower out-of-pocket costs for people on Medicare. The PAN Foundation has helpful resources for you to start advocating for changes to Medicare Part D on social media and encourage more people to contact their elected officials.

Take action

Without a limit on out-of-pocket costs, 45 million people on Medicare Part D will continue to struggle to fill their prescriptions and maintain their health.

When the community raises its voices and collectively calls on elected officials, it could help people living with serious illnesses afford their life-saving medications.

For more information, visit www.panfoundation.org/advocate.


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A novel early detection blood test could soon change how cancer is found

2020-12-07T09:49:31

(BPT) – Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, whether it’s a friend or family member facing a diagnosis, or their own worry about susceptibility to the disease. This year alone, roughly 1.8 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nearly 1,700 lives are lost to cancer every day.

Despite numerous advances in oncology — the field of medicine that treats cancer — cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is projected to become the first. That’s in large part because most cancers go undetected until it is too late because there is no early screening available today for the majority of deadly cancers. The current guideline-recommended screenings in the U.S., while critical, test for just five cancers and screen for a single cancer at a time. In fact, cancers without available screening tests account for 71% of all cancer deaths in the U.S.

The importance of early detection

Medical experts agree that early detection of cancer saves lives and directly correlates with the ability to treat the disease successfully. Because screenings exist for only five types of cancer when there are more than 100 types in total, the most pressing unmet need in cancer early detection is to identify cancers for which there are no existing recommended screening tests.

“Late stage cancer detection is deadly,” says Joshua Ofman, MD, MSHS, chief medical officer and external affairs at GRAIL, a company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. “The five-year survival rate of a person diagnosed with cancer once it has already spread is just 21%, compared to an 89% survival rate of someone whose cancer is found in early stages. There is a significant opportunity to reduce cancer deaths through early detection.”

Potentially game-changing technology expected in 2021

Fortunately, medical advances are poised to change how cancer can be detected in the near future. Researchers have been working hard on a single blood test capable of finding many cancers.

The novel multi-cancer early detection blood test, called Galleri, is developed by GRAIL and expected to be commercially available for the first time in 2021. In a clinical validation study, an earlier version of the test demonstrated the ability to detect more than 50 types of cancers — over 45 of which have no recommended screening today — including at early stages, with a very low false positive rate of less than 1%. When a cancer signal is detected, Galleri is able to determine where in the body the cancer signal is located with high accuracy.

“A simple blood test capable of detecting more than 50 types of cancer is a ground-breaking and potentially life-saving advancement that could have a tremendous human and economic benefit,” explains Minetta Liu, MD, research chair and professor, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic. “Recent modeling data suggests if all cancers currently diagnosed at stage IV could be detected earlier, evenly distributed across stages I-III, cancer deaths could fall by 24%.”

A new era in early cancer detection

“With the introduction of Galleri, we are approaching a long-awaited and pivotal moment in cancer care, and we are dedicated to bringing this potentially life-saving technology into the hands of patients, providers, and communities,” Ofman says. “We are thrilled to be making a blood test that can detect multiple deadly cancers early a reality.”

Biomedical innovation is evolving, and this new breakthrough blood test has the potential to save many lives through early detection. To learn more about this technology, visit grail.com/galleri.


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Beware of harsh chemicals: Everyday cleaning & health during the pandemic and beyond

2020-12-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – The coronavirus pandemic has shed light on the dangers of rampant overuse of harsh chemicals in products we use every day to clean our skin, homes, offices and public spaces — making natural and skin-friendly cleaning solutions more important than ever. A recent CDC study, “Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19,” warns Americans to be vigilant when using harsh cleaning products (including sprays, wipes and hand sanitizers), citing a dramatic increase in accidental poisonings compared to the last two years. For example, in 2020 alone, U.S. poison control centers responded to 18,292 exposure cases from hand sanitizer in children 12 years and under. Additionally, the FDA recalled 178 alcohol hand sanitizer products that contained dangerous and toxic ingredients for humans, pets and plants — like methanol and 1-propanol.

So, what is safe? Here’s a short list:

1. The base for most disinfectants contains toxic chemicals like alcohol, bleach and acid, which quickly lose their effectiveness. In contrast, Disinfect & Shield Surface Cleaner kills on contact and protects for 28 days against viruses, bacteria, molds and fungi, such as strains of SARS, H1N1, E. Coli, and harmful microbes, including the coronavirus. Extensive third party and university testing has proven the product’s effectiveness as none of these organisms were able to penetrate or survive contact with the protective coating. Disinfect & Shield is both eco-friendly and safe for use around humans, animals and plants — including crops. Any place where people gather to work or play should be kept free from harmful elements, which is why airports, airlines, hospitals, bars, night clubs and fitness facilities are all reconsidering their cleaning protocols, especially around food preparation. Disinfect & Shield is safe to use on personal protective equipment to provide additional safety and confidence to first responders and medical professionals. Additionally, the FDA-listed Disinfect & Shield 8-Hour Hand Sanitizer has been proven effective against SARS-Cov-2, harmful bacteria and viruses for up to 8 hours and 10 hand washings. It lasts 700x longer than leading alcohol-based hand sanitizers. While the Laundry Complete sanitizes, deodorizes, and softens all fabrics during washing cycle providing virus, bacteria, and germ protection for up to 200 days after cycle.

2. With as many as 45% of Americans reporting sensitive skin, it is important to take into account how many commonly used household items contain allergens or irritants that might cause skin irritation and discomfort. Many laundry detergents include chemicals and ingredients like surfactants, parabens, dyes and artificial fragrances. Instead, choose skin-friendly substitutions to ensure the health and well-being of your family is protected. Hypoallergenic Arm and Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is a preservative-free and safe detergent to clean everything from clothing to household linens to protect skin from harsh, reaction-producing allergens.

3. The harsh chemicals suggested to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other dangerous viruses, bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staph and MRSA also kill the good bacteria. Our environments and bodies need these good bacteria to fight infections and protect our immune systems, making it critical to add environmental probiotics to our cleaning regimens at home, in office buildings and in public places. Chemical-free P2 Probiotic Power products offer external probiotic technology to deliver a stronger defense barrier than antibacterial products, disinfectants and bleach. Our environment, just like our body, has an immune system that plays a key role in our overall health. The best way to boost and balance the environmental immune system is to use P2 probiotics to replenish and correct the balance of good bacteria on surfaces, in the air, on your skin and in/on your pets. If we continue to use cleaning products with harsh chemicals that kill good bacteria, we will see more virulent strains of superbug bacteria, mold, fungus and mildew — because microbes always have the last word.

Remember: take caution when using traditional household cleaners containing alcohol, bleach, and acid as they quickly lose their effectiveness, destroy surfaces, and harm skin. Instead opt for external probiotics that replenish the good bacteria that help us stay healthy and protected. In addition, look for products that not only kill viruses and bacteria, but also offer long-term protection against them and prevent dangerous organisms from attaching. Now more than ever, make sure to choose skin-friendly surface cleaners, laundry detergents, and hand sanitizers to keep your loved ones healthy, comfortable, and safe.


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How to help address chronic conditions amid COVID-19

2020-12-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – While some people with a COVID-19 infection may experience relatively mild symptoms (or no symptoms at all), the disease is of greater concern for the 56% of Americans who may have at least one risk factor linked to an increased chance of complications.

Two increasingly common risk factors for COVID-19 are obesity and type 2 diabetes, which in some cases may be improved or even reversed with appropriate lifestyle modifications. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, it is important to recognize that daily decisions related to diet and activity may make a difference in the severity of infection. Research shows people with existing diabetes whose blood sugar is well controlled may require fewer medical interventions and are more likely to recover from COVID-19.

With health now top of mind for many Americans, hopefully these challenging times can serve as a spark to help our nation address its long-standing chronic disease epidemic, which affects more than 196 million people and accounts for over $3 trillion in annual health care costs.

Here are tips to consider related to obesity and type 2 diabetes amid the COVID-19 pandemic:

Monitor your body mass. While body mass index (BMI) has potential shortcomings, especially for athletes such as weightlifters, this calculation of height compared to weight may provide a helpful measure to monitor. In fact, people with even moderately elevated BMI levels may have an increased risk of developing complications related to diabetes. To monitor your BMI, check with your primary care physician or use an online calculator.

Use interval eating. The cliché “you are what you eat” may ring true when it comes to preventing or managing obesity and diabetes, but when and how you eat also may be relevant. Also called intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating, this approach alternates periods of fasting and non-fasting during the day or across the week. Lifestyle changes to consider include waiting at least an hour after waking up before eating breakfast and avoiding food within three hours of sleep. In addition, people may consider the order in which they eat food, starting each meal with a lean protein (chicken, fish or turkey), followed by a vegetable (asparagus, broccoli or carrots) and ending with a carbohydrate (beans, brown rice or sweet potato). This ordered approach may lead to lower post-meal glucose and insulin levels for people with type 2 diabetes. People interested in this approach to eating should discuss it with their health care provider, as medication regimens may need to be adjusted.

After-meal walks. People seeking to better control their blood sugar levels and weight should also consider short walks after eating meals or snacks, especially those with added sugars that may be contained in juice or desserts. Post-meal walks may help the body move sugar from the blood into muscle cells, helping normalize blood sugar levels. Whenever possible, make time for a 15-minute walk after each meal to help reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes.

Take advantage of technology. Smartwatches and activity trackers are potential resources to help monitor various health measures, including daily steps, sleep patterns and blood sugar levels. Recently, some people with diabetes have started using continuous glucose monitors. This technology, which uses a sensor often worn on the abdomen, continuously reads glucose levels and transmits the data to a smartphone. This may give users and health care providers important information in real time, helping reveal relationships between eating, exercise and blood sugar that may be difficult to observe with only test strips and a glucose meter. While these devices may cost $500 or more and require a prescription, health plans such as UnitedHealthcare are starting to provide these at no additional cost to members as part of diabetes management programs.

“Connected devices such as continuous glucose monitors and activity trackers may be game changers for the approximately 30 million people nationwide living with type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Donna O’Shea, chief medical officer of population health management, UnitedHealthcare. “By considering these tips, these challenging times may serve as a catalyst for people to help improve their health and reduce the possible risk of complications from COVID-19.”

Information provided is for general purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice; people should consult an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for them.


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6 creative ways hotels are adapting to the pandemic

2020-12-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – The hotel industry has always been on the forefront of finding innovative ways to accommodate and take care of guests. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has led to canceled or rescheduled plans, many hotels are focused on developing long-term strategies to give their guests the safest and best possible experience. If you’re looking to travel right now, consider booking with a hotel implementing one or all of these six strategies.

1. Employing digital assistants

Imagine being able to interact closely with a hotel worker who delivers towels and snacks straight to your room, controls elevators and accommodates your needs while keeping safety at the forefront. Hotel attendants like this might sound like a thing of the past, but at The Mercantile Hotel in New Orleans, it’s a reality. The hotel takes contactless service to the next level with their robot Suga, a three-foot tall, automated butler designed to accommodate guest needs in record-breaking time. Suga goes above and beyond to ensure all guests and employees can practice social distancing while still enjoying the comforts and amenities of hands-on hotel services.

Digital concierges also make hotel stays more convenient. The Mercantile Hotel is also home to Angie, an interactive digital concierge stationed in each guest room. Available 24 hours a day, this interactive virtual assistant has voice control and touch-screen capabilities. You can customize your stay, check in, play music, make hands-free calls, access hotel amenities, charge mobile devices and more with Angie.

2. Offering micro-wedding services

With wedding postponements a common practice due to group gathering limitations, many hotels like The Hilton at Pensacola Beach have begun offering “micro-wedding” or “minimony” packages. These are exactly what they sound like: smaller, more intimate ceremonies that give couples the ability to celebrate their special day amidst the backdrop of the pandemic. Many micro-wedding and upgraded elopement providers still offer most of what you’d expect at a full-fledged ceremony — bouquets and flower packages, staff like an officiant and a photographer, and more — at a fraction of the price.

Some couples who picked their special date a year or more in advance have opted for a small ceremony in honor of their chosen wedding day, leaving the option for a larger, future celebration open for when we can all happily gather together again.

3. Renovating for the future

Some hotels took advantage of a slower travel season to make headway on exciting new renovations designed with the pandemic era in mind. For example, Beachside Hotel & Suites in Cocoa Beach, Florida, returned to its ‘60s glory in May 2020 after a $5.9 million renovation. The hotel offers a relaxed, retro vibe and showcases unique features including individually ventilated rooms and pet-friendly amenities. Beachside also ramped up its outdoor services to accommodate current guest preferences, including a luxury lazy river pool, an outdoor mural for social media photo-ops and rocket-launch viewing locations.

4. Giving back to the community

Doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, serving selflessly on the frontlines. In the spirit of hospitality, Innisfree Hotels opened up their rooms to essential workers who need to isolate from their families for safety, allowing them to fully rest and recharge. Additionally, the hotels were staffed with team members who received supplemental training on critical health and safety measures to ensure the safety of all guests.

5. Pivoting to take-out

Amidst the backdrop of this year’s public health crisis, H20 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach not only switched to curbside pickup, but they also fully redesigned their pantry into a butcher shop. The hotel’s butcher shop offered high-quality proteins to locals and visitors alike for low prices. Menu items included New York steak, filet mignon, rib-eye, veal chops, salmon, snapper, sushi and more. Guests who shared photos of their homecooked meals with H20 via Instagram were entered for a chance to win a free dinner for two at the award-winning restaurant once normal operations resumed.

6. Creating an essentials drive-thru

Early on in the pandemic, SpringHill Suites in Panama City Beach, Florida, created an “essentials” drive-thru as a safe way to get much-needed quarantine supplies, like food, personal care items and cleaning supplies, into the community. Here, customers could drive up to the hotel’s parking garage to purchase affordable essentials for their families.

While the pandemic continues to affect the travel industry, many hotels’ resilient and creative strategies are helping them provide safe options for guests passing through.


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Home for the Holidays: Nothing But the Best in the Kitchen

2020-12-07T05:05:00

(BPT) – There are many ways to celebrate the holidays, but one tradition is universal: sharing a special meal. Here are kitchen tools that can help bring comfort and joy to the table, making it a meal to savor and remember.

Made in Sweden, the Ankarsrum is the aspirational choice in stand mixers — easier to use, more efficient, more versatile and quieter. Its unique design simulates kneading by hand, with a rotating bowl rather than something rotating in a bowl. Spectacular baked goods are just the beginning: it is designed for whisking, mixing, kneading, pasta making, blending, pressing, grinding, shredding, sausage stuffing and straining, with over 15 additional attachments available.

Elevate the cooking experience with the Fissler Pure-Profi Collection of 18/10 stainless steel cookware, made in Germany. The Cookstar all-stove base performs on all stovetops, including induction, is ovenproof up to 450°F, and has large stay-cool ergonomic handles and extra wide pouring rim. Laser-etched measurement markings inside pans show quarts and liters. The look is striking, combining polished and matte features, with a subtle dot design that adds personality.

Ensure perfectly prepared meat, poultry and fish using the CDN Waterproof Folding Thermocouple Thermometer (TCTW572). NSF certified to professional standards, it offers a fast 2-3 second response, a 1.5 mm thin tip for sliding easily into the thickest part of food and one-button calibration. The backlit display rotates in four directions, so it’s always easy to read.

Available in beautiful Nordic White, the JURA ENA 8 brews 10 different coffee specialties at the touch of a button — always freshly ground, not capsuled. Small, stunning and simple, it features Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.®) to optimize aroma, and fine foam technology to create airy, feather-like milk foam for cappuccino and more. The striking, compact design includes a cylindrical water tank inspired by premium crystal carafes.

Froth up hot chocolate with your chocolate of choice with the Capresso froth Select. This countertop automatic milk frother can make frothy hot chocolate using chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, syrup or powdered cocoa. There are four settings to choose from — cold froth, hot froth, hot milk or hot chocolate — for a variety of options including flavored steamers, matcha latte, hot apple cider and iced fruit lattes.


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Finding confidence in quarantine: Survey shows how COVID-19 influences makeup usage

2020-12-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – As being in quarantine and weathering the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put a damper on things, American women are turning to their makeup routines to feel a sense of control and comfort, according to new research.

In September, marketing firm OnePoll asked 2,000 American women about how they’re staying positive and confident as their time in quarantine and social distancing drags on. According to the findings, 51% said wearing makeup and changing up their looks turned out to be a small way to help them escape the stress of current affairs.

If you’re feeling the need to switch things up, you’re not alone. Read on to discover more survey findings to inspire ideas to help you feel your best.

Going for natural beauty: Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve seen a palpable shift in mood to a more low-key, understated aesthetic. After all, when video meetings and intimate (but open-air) gatherings continue to define our interactions, we may be less focused on going for glam and more on dressing for warmth and casual comfort. For that reason, respondents identified a rise in more natural makeup looks as a key trend of 2021.

Leveraging makeup with benefits: A flawless look always starts with healthy-looking radiant skin, no matter how much we’re social distancing. And that’s why for a majority of respondents (60%), products that multi-task get top billing. For example, products that contain vitamin E in the ingredients or improve the skin’s appearance, such as skin smoothing or eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are always a win, quarantine or not. To help you achieve that naturally beautiful look you’re after, try Neutrogena Makeup — it’s “makeup fueled by skincare,” and delivers lasting makeup benefits, packed with skin healthy ingredients.

The eyes have it: For now, going out means masking up, whether we’re hanging out with friends (while social distancing), eating at a restaurant outdoors, running errands or going on a social-distancing compliant date. Not surprisingly, nearly half of respondents (48%) admit that face masks have transformed their makeup routine. That means the eyes are now pulling focus. (Raise your hand if you’ve attempted smiling with your eyes, or “smizing.”) Sixty percent say they want their eyes to be a standout feature while wearing a face covering. In 2021, watch for the rise of dramatic eye makeup to give the peepers some serious pop.

Ready for your screening: Being in quarantine and staying home doesn’t necessarily mean makeup falls by the wayside. When it’s time to make an appearance, say, right before a video meeting, many found a reason to pick up their makeup looks. During our time in, mascara, eyeliner and foundation were the top three products respondents found they couldn’t live without — especially when they were due for a video call for class or work.

Getting a mood boost: Being in quarantine and missing out on the things we love doing most can be a downer. While nearly half of respondents (49%) admit to ditching their normal makeup routine, just over a third (36%) say that wearing at least some makeup actually gives their mood a lift. One in four (24%) have gone as far as trying new cosmetics, while just over half (51%) say that using makeup to change up their appearance — perhaps to compensate for the face-covering — lets them feel a sense of control and comfort during a stressful time.

During quarantine, making small changes has the power to give you a sense of control and boost your mood. For inspiration, visit neutrogena.com

This online survey of 2,000 American women was commissioned by Neutrogena and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected in Sept. 2020. All participants are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team, who are members of the MRS and have corporate membership to ESOMAR and AAPOR.


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Winter is coming, but there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu!

2020-12-07T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you are living with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, like pneumonia, bronchitis and other illnesses that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Even if your chronic condition is well-controlled, flu can make your condition worse — it can trigger asthma attacks, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and make your blood sugar harder to manage. Flu vaccination is recommended to protect you from severe flu-related illness and help keep your chronic condition under control.

Every year, flu is responsible for millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. Last flu season, 9 out of 10 adults hospitalized with flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition. The most commonly reported underlying medical conditions in patients hospitalized for flu include heart disease, diabetes, obesity and chronic lung disease. A flu shot reduces your risk of getting sick with flu, but even if getting a flu shot does not completely prevent flu infection, some studies show that it can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent complications that can result in hospitalization and death.

Getting vaccinated against flu is always extra important for people with certain chronic conditions, but as the U.S. battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever. Flu and COVID-19 together could overwhelm our medical systems. A flu shot this season can help protect you from flu and reduce your risk of needing medical care for flu-related complications. We can all do our part to reduce the spread of flu and protect our loved ones and our community from flu, saving medical resources to care for COVID-19 patients.

There’s still time to get a flu shot. “Flu activity is still low right now, which means it’s a good time to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Dan Jernigan, Influenza Division Director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We don’t know what this season will bring, but we know that a flu vaccine can reduce the risk from flu. Part of our preparedness strategy this winter is to take flu out of the equation as much as possible. Getting a flu vaccine can help do that so there is one less thing to worry about.” Hundreds of millions of flu shots have been safely given in the United States for decades. Data show that getting a flu shot is the best way to protect against flu.

Reduce your risks from flu this season. Get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from flu. We can all fight flu. Make it your priority today — go to VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccination location near you.