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At the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, physician anesthesiologists are saving lives

2021-01-31T08:01:01

(BPT) – When COVID-19 reached the U.S. a year ago, physician anesthesiologists rose to the challenge, providing critical frontline care to seriously ill patients, while at the same time developing guidelines for safe care based on ever-evolving knowledge about the deadly virus. Now, as vaccine distribution ramps up and the virus surges again, physician anesthesiologists continue to lead the way to ensure patients receive vital health care such as elective and essential surgery safely — even if patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Physician Anesthesiologists Week provides an opportunity to reflect back on a year like no other,” said Beverly Philip, M.D., FACA, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Nationwide, we have put our lives on hold to care for critically ill patients, while renewing our commitment to transforming health care for the better.”

Providing expert guidance to improve care

Since March, the ASA has released more than 20 COVID-19-related statements or recommendations, from guidance on wearing facemasks in public and the most efficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to minimizing medication waste and COVID-19 testing before surgery. For example, ASA has joined with other organizations to strongly encourage the public to wear masks — which is vital as we fight the latest surge — as well as continually revised guidelines to ensure elective and essential surgeries are safe.

Inevitably, people who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need elective surgery and ASA’s latest guidance recommends how to proceed safely. The ASA and Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) note that elective and essential surgeries can safely proceed in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection when the physician anesthesiologist and surgeon or proceduralist agree jointly to proceed, using the following wait times:

  • Four weeks if a patient had no symptoms or has recovered from only mild, non-breathing-related symptoms.
  • Six weeks for a patient who had symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, but who was not hospitalized.
  • Eight to 10 weeks for a patient who had symptoms and has diabetes or is immunocompromised, or hospitalized.
  • Twelve weeks for a patient who was admitted to an intensive care unit for COVID-19 infection.

Delivering life-saving care during a challenging year

Highly skilled to provide safe anesthesia care during surgery and make critical decisions in emergency situations, physician anesthesiologists are made for moments like when the pandemic hit, stepping up to provide critical care for the sickest patients, from performing intubations to directing ventilation strategies.

Physician anesthesiologists, from hospitals that weren’t experiencing a surge, volunteered as critical care physicians in areas hardest hit last spring, such as New York City and New Orleans. Thousands stepped up, such as Scott Roethle, M.D., FASA, who took three weeks “vacation” from his Missouri hospital to volunteer in New York City and Dennis Gray, M.D., who took a leave from his Atlanta hospital to work nights on a COVID-19 unit in Brooklyn, recalling the nightly cheers of encouragement from city dwellers that would get him through his exhaustion as he walked home in the morning.

Now, as the pandemic surges again throughout the country, physician anesthesiologists continue to lead their health care centers and institutions in developing best practices and collaborate with one another across the country to find solutions to help patients win the battle against the virus. As leaders in the operating room, and partners in leading critical care, the actions of physician anesthesiologists in U.S. health care have helped save hundreds of thousands of lives.

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Easy and Safe Ways to Elevate Your Big Game Experience

2021-01-29T12:01:02

(BPT) – While this year’s Big Game celebrations may be confined to immediate families or smaller, pandemic pods, there are still ways to maximize enjoyment while minimizing risk and celebrate this annual event of football and feasting. Sure, you’ll have to come together from measured (or digital) distances, but you can still have fun and go big with your favorite game-day foods. Read up on how to elevate your experience while also keeping safe.

Photo courtesy iStock

1. Don’t fumble with avocados

Since the biggest weekend in football is one of the biggest days for avocado consumption, it also means the highest potential for avocado-related knife injuries, aka “Avocado Hand.” Avoid putting yourself at risk for the serious hand injury by opting for prepared guacamole. WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE, America’s #1 selling refrigerated guacamole brand made with hand-scooped Haas avocados, comes in convenient, ready-to-serve bowls for a tasty and safe bet that’s essentially “Avocado Hand Insurance1,” protecting your precious hands at a time when safety matters most.

According to a recent survey2 conducted by the makers of WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE, 85% of respondents believe the way their hands look is important and 62% say a hand injury would affect their daily productivity. So, for the second consecutive year, the company is bringing back its “Avocado Hand Insurance” in order to protect fans’ precious hands at a time when safety matters most.

To underscore its positioning, the makers of WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE will award one grand prize winner $4,000 to use for a luxurious, VIP pampering session typically reserved for hand models, or whatever they choose, as well as a chance to become the brand’s next hand model. Additionally, fans will enjoy an opportunity to enter for one of two chances to win free “Avocado Hand Insurance3” — in the form of a year’s supply of its convenient, ready-to-serve WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE products.

Now through Feb. 7, guacamole fans across the U.S. who upload a video of their best dip on Instagram and tag @eatwholly will be entered in the contest.

Photo courtesy Wholly Guacamole

2. Think about drinks

Beer has been a dominant game-day drink for decades but with local bars shut down, coupled with a heightened interest in health and wellness, chances are you might be gravitating toward alternative beverages. For folks coming off the heels of Dry January or that don’t want to derail their New Year’s resolutions, sparkling water is key. Fizzy waters in delectable flavors like Lemon Lime, Watermelon and Black Cherry have exploded in popularity the last couple of years. Elevate the game-day experience while helping keep waistlines in check by serving up a signature mocktail, such as a Waterloo Paloma. This tasty combination of Waterloo Grapefruit, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice and a few slices of jalapeno makes for an alcohol-free touchdown.

Photo courtesy Waterloo

3. Salsa safely

As the quarterback of every game-day snack table, salsa always scores big. According to a recent survey conducted by CHI-CHI’S® salsa, over 72% of people plan to eat salsa this game day. With a heightened focus on food safety this year, be the MVP and encourage friends and family to “Salsa Safely” alongside the makers of the CHI-CHI’S® brand — known for tasty salsa, chips and tortillas. In a playful reminder to stay safe, the company is inviting fans to join in a lighthearted pledge to “Salsa Safely” and avoid the social faux pas of unsanitary salsa consumption like double dipping and the unwelcomed handling of chips or salsa from the group bowl. Now through Feb. 6, the first 100 people who make a pledge to “Salsa Safely” by visiting chichis.com/salsasafely will win a “How To Salsa Safely” kit including free salsa and chips, and indispensable tools like tongs, salsa holders and fun, zippered masks. For every fan that joins CHI-CHI’S® pledge to “Salsa Safely,” the company will make a donation of $50 to World Central Kitchen4 to assist nationwide community feeding efforts in the wake of natural disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy CHI-CHI’S

4. Stick to skewers

Pandemic season isn’t the time to be passing around a bucket of wings. Instead of serving family style, dish out single portions into individualized dishes or size-appropriate ware. The same survey found that nearly 80% of respondents would prefer small plates and/or individual servings. Skewers can be made with a variety of ingredients including grilled chicken or steak, veggies or even shrimp, and can be plated individually. For menu inspiration, try these easy-to-prepare Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers made with Lee Kum Kee Lime Cilantro Flavored Hoisin Sauce or these Citrus Chicken Skewers that taste like your favorite takeout.

Photo courtesy UnSplash Artem Beliaiki

5. Don’t overlook food allergies or special diets

On top of preventing germ exposure, food allergies and special diets like keto and vegetarian, present an additional layer of concern when it comes to entertaining. Always play it safe by offering several options, including gluten-free, dairy-free alternatives. Thankfully, several brands now make allergy-friendly foods that deliver high on taste. Daiya offers a line of plant-based, soy-free and meat-free pizzas with savory flavors that nearly mimic the taste and texture of traditional pizza in flavors such as Meatless Meat Lover’s, Supreme, Meatless Pepperoni Style with Jalapeno and more. For other quick, heat-and-eat options, Atlantic Natural Foods has a complete line of 100% plant-based meal solutions including Loma Linda Ultimate Vegetarian Chili that can be prepared in the microwave in 60 seconds and are perfect for nachos or topping potatoes, burgers or dogs.

Photo courtesy UnSplash Claudio Schwarz

1 While it is not an insurance company, the makers of WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE products make it hassle-free for people to enjoy tasty guacamole anytime, anywhere while keeping their hands in tip top shape.

2 According to Pollfish survey data, January 2021

3 The makers of WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE aren’t an insurance company but encourage fans to buy WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE as insurance against avocado hand injuries

4 The makers of CHI-CHI’S® products will donate up to $10,000 to World Central Kitchen

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4 simple tips to feel your best in the new year

2021-01-29T15:19:01

(BPT) – As we kick off the new year, many people are experiencing high levels of stress due to ongoing uncertainty and countless new demands. While you may think you don’t have time for wellness and self-care, experts say it only takes a few minutes a day and the benefits are plentiful.

Check out these four small, but thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine that will have you feeling your very best in 2021:

Set realistic goals

Read more books, exercise twice a week, or spend more time unplugged from technology outdoors — it’s important to set realistic goals that you can easily keep track of. Consider creating daily, weekly and monthly goals rather than yearly ones to get in the right mindset. Maybe you start with the target of running 10 minutes straight without a break or reading a couple of chapters each day. It’s also important to be specific in your goals. Instead of trying to run a marathon overnight, schedule two runs for the week. This way, you are honoring where you’re starting and making it easy to measure your progress. These bite-size goals are easier to focus on and achieve, so they can really help you move forward and build positive momentum.

Connect with loved ones

Many people have struggled with feelings of isolation during the pandemic, so it’s important to make time to connect with others. This might be scheduling a video call with your parent or sibling. It could be sending out a blast of positive text messages to friends. You might try planning a virtual game night or cooking night with a group of people. Even writing cards or letters provides a special connection and is a delightful surprise for the recipient. Try these ideas regularly and you’ll be surprised by the positive emotional impact it can have.

Make mindful food swaps

“People often think they need to overhaul their entire diet to eat healthy, but that isn’t always the case,” says Marissa Meshulam, Dietitian Nutritionist, and founder of MPM Nutrition. “There are many simple food swaps that can give the foods you already enjoy a nutrient-packed boost.”

For example, Meshulam recommends you stock your fridge with Eggland’s Best eggs. Compared to ordinary eggs, EB eggs contain more micronutrients that support a healthy immune system such as six times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E, and double the omega-3s and vitamin B12. Most micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from your diet, so it’s important to incorporate nutrient-dense foods daily.

Explore new recipes once a week

Good nutrition goes beyond just eating plenty of superfood ingredients, fruits and vegetables. To expand your palate and try new foods, consider better-for-you recipes when meal planning. Set a goal to cook a new recipe every week like this Poached Quinoa Bowl that features wholesome ingredients such as tomatoes, carrot, nutritionally superior EB eggs and more:

Poached Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients:

1 Eggland’s Best Egg (Large), poached

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced

1/2 cup carrot, grated

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup quinoa

Directions:

Combine 1/2 cup quinoa with 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet at medium to high heat. When the skillet is hot, add in the carrots and mushrooms with a splash of water, cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become tender.

In a small bowl mix together the spices and salt and pepper.

Reduce skillet heat to medium and add in the cherry tomatoes and spice mix, continue sauteing and adding splashes of water as needed so the vegetables do not stick/burn.

Bring another small pot of water to a simmer.

Crack egg into a ramekin or cup and gently create a whirlpool in the water.

Slowly tip egg into the water and let cook for 3 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.

While your poached egg is draining, assemble bowls — quinoa, vegetables, eggs.

For additional recipe inspiration visit www.egglandsbest.com/recipes.

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Piecing together your emotional wellness routine in 2021

2021-01-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – 2020 was a tough year for everyone, so it’s more important than ever to develop positive physical, mental and emotional wellness routines as you tackle a new year and new challenges. As Americans continue to spend an increased amount of time in front of screens, these new routines can help reduce stress and anxiety by finding ways to stay grounded in your physical environment.

One simple and effective way to incorporate more wellness and relaxation into your daily home life is through doing jigsaw puzzles. With COVID restrictions still in place this winter, puzzles can bring comfort and stress relief straight to your living room or dining room table. In fact, a recent Ipsos study conducted by renowned puzzle maker Ravensburger found that almost 60% of people sampled puzzles to relax, and 45% of people rely on puzzles for stress relief.

If you’re new to puzzling, National Puzzle Month is the perfect time to check out this beloved pastime. Due to the sheer variety of puzzle images and piece counts — ranging from fewer than 100 to thousands of pieces — there’s something for people of all ages to enjoy. Your choice of puzzle theme can enhance your experience, bring a sense of fun and exploration as well as satisfaction and peace of mind with every piece you put together. Plus, working toward the same goal provides a feeling of togetherness with family members who puzzle with you.

Here are just some of the wellness benefits offered through puzzling:

Pictures that are worth a thousand words

Piecing together a beautiful or comforting image can invoke nostalgic memories and intrigue the imagination about what’s to come. The Cozy Bathroom puzzle from Ravensburger may even inspire a real-life at-home spa experience to unwind and unplug. Some puzzlers find their completed puzzles so attractive to look at that they are glued and framed to be admired as a decorative piece of art for years to come.

Themed puzzles to match any puzzler’s interest

Adults can find puzzles that are centered around their particular interests or hobbies or picture a favorite place to increase the joy of assembling it. The younger ones in the family can have fun putting together pictures of some of their favorite characters, such as Ravensburger’s Disney Princess Heartsong puzzle that brings beloved princesses to life designed with a piece count that’s just for them. Creating images that represent something you enjoy can provide a great sense of tangible satisfaction and pleasure.

The family that puzzles together has fun together

A 300-piece puzzle takes approximately two to three hours to complete, so it’s the perfect activity for enjoying cozy winter evenings indoors as a family. Puzzling not only gets your kids away from their screens and gadgets, it also creates a collaborative atmosphere that can inspire lively conversation while you all puzzle together.

Challenge your brain

A challenging puzzle can keep your brain happily occupied for hours as you focus on your task — and away from potentially distressing news and endless doom scrolling. A single-color puzzle like Ravensburger’s Krypt series can be the perfect brain-buster for a winter afternoon.

In fact, according to a CBS report, jigsaw puzzles were originally designed to be an educational tool — they were first invented in the 1760s as a way to teach British children geography, then gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression for both entertainment and employment purposes.

Whether you are a long-time puzzler or just starting out, there is an endless variety of puzzles to enjoy on your own or with your family that are sure to become a part of your relaxation and stress-relief strategy this year.

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The urge to purge: How to make way for the New Year

2021-01-29T10:01:00

(BPT) – In many cultures worldwide, it’s traditional to clean out your home at the beginning of a new year. It’s understandable — New Year’s brings with it the urge for a clean slate and a fresh start. And as you’ve been spending more time in your home this year, you’re probably more aware of the need to clear out than ever before.

Here are some easy ways you can declutter this season — or any time you feel the need — that will help your home feel refreshed and be good for the environment, too.

Start with trouble spots

Take note of areas in your house that are in serious need of purging. Is your pantry overcrowded? Your fridge stuffed to the gills? Or maybe your garage no longer has room for one car inside, much less two? Starting with an area that bugs you the most can give you the most satisfaction when you clear it out.

While you sort through the trouble spot, use sturdy bins or boxes to sort items to donate or recycle as well as to discard items that are no longer useful. Check your local authorities for guidelines about proper recycling as well as how to discard potentially hazardous materials.

Time for a cupboard de-clutter

Kitchens are a prime source of clutter frustration. How many times have you opened a cupboard to have items literally falling out on you, or had to rummage through several drawers to find just the one utensil you need?

Assemble all your food storage containers to see which have duplicate or missing lids. This is a great time to upgrade to newer products that will serve your needs better. Consider, for example, stackable EasyFindLids™ food storage containers from Rubbermaid, where the lids snap onto the container bases and other same size lids for easy organization — eliminating the need to ever hunt for a matching lid again.

Make way for new food storage containers by recycling all your older (or lidless!) ones. Rubbermaid® has partnered with TerraCycle® to provide a convenient recycling solution for well-used plastic and glass food storage containers. All you do is sign up on terracycle.com and download a prepaid shipping label. Pack up your old food storage containers, ship them to TerraCycle at no cost, and they take care of the rest. You’ll know your containers will be correctly recycled, helping protect the environment — and your kitchen sanity.

Go through your pots and pans, considering which ones you really don’t use, and donate the excess. If there are some items you only use once a year, consider finding a new home for them in a closet that won’t take up valuable real estate needed by your daily-use items.

Clear your closets

This can be a whole-family project — trying on old clothes and seeing what you and your family can’t or don’t want to wear anymore. If kids are reluctant, make it into a game! See what silly outfits you can conjure up when you mix and match old tops and pants in creative new ways. Then challenge kids to find methods to organize their shirts or socks that make sense to them. Color-coded? Long-sleeved to short-sleeved?

Donate any clean, gently used items so others can make good use of them. You’ll love all the space in your closets — and how much easier it is for everyone to find things.

Clearing out your home for the new year can be extremely satisfying and reinvigorating — leaving you and your home feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the next year brings.

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5 ways to up your Big Game viewing experience at home

2021-01-29T06:01:00

(BPT) –

The Big Game is here! Whether your team is playing, you love football or you’re just in it for the snacks and halftime show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We know the celebration will look a little different this year. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways you can have as much fun watching the game at home as you do your favorite restaurant or a friend’s house — and the right tech can help.

Here are five tips from Best Buy to help you enhance your game-watching experience right from your couch.

1. Take your home theater game to the pro level

Your TV can make or break your Big Game viewing experience. You need a good TV so you don’t miss any part of your team winning, but with so many options nowadays finding the right one can be overwhelming.

One of the most important aspects to consider is picture quality. The latest TV technology (4K, HDR or OLED) helps you get the clearest picture, so you’ll feel like you’re actually at the game. Without the newest technology, you’ll miss out on details your old TV won’t show.

Next, you’ll want to think about size. Remember: TVs are sleeker than ever nowadays because of the decreased size of the bezel (the frame that wraps around your screen). So, a larger screen is going to take up less space than you think. A great way to help you see how big of a TV you can have in your room is by using Best Buy’s AR Viewer on the Best Buy Mobile app. This will show you exactly how a TV will look in your room, so you can get the perfect size. After all, the Big Game deserves a big screen.

Don’t forget factors beyond the TV itself, too. The room’s lighting can affect the TV’s picture (too much light, for example, can cause a lot of glare), and your furniture’s angle can affect how you see the screen. Finding the perfect TV will help you create the best at-home viewing experience for the Big Game, and with options at every price point, you’ll be sure to find one you love.

2. Don’t sleep on sound

If you can’t watch the game in person, you can at least make it sound like you’re in the stadium. Being able to hear the refs, the play calls and the trash talk among players are integral parts of the game-watching experience.

TVs nowadays are thinner than ever before, so there’s less room for built-in, high-quality speakers. That’s why adding an audio component — like a sound bar or surround sound system — is almost as essential as the TV itself for taking your viewing experience to the next level, especially for sports.

3. Connect your tech

Work smarter, not harder. Don’t let minor inconveniences, like turning up the volume on the TV or adjusting your thermostat, interrupt your Big Game watching experience. Smart home technology can elevate your home entertainment setup and let you focus more on the action.

Smart speakers and displays can be linked to other tech in your home so you can control everything without even getting up. Many newer TVs have built-in voice assistants, too, so you can control your TV with your voice, without having to set up another device. Small kitchen appliances can also be linked to apps on your phone, so you don’t have to miss any plays while cooking. The Big Game should be at the center of your attention, and smart technology makes that happen.

Keep in mind that smart technology doesn’t work well unless it’s running on a strong network, so make sure you have a solid Wi-Fi connection. The more devices you have in your entertainment space (and entire home), the more bandwidth you need. Powerful routers or mesh Wi-Fi systems ensure your technology will work flawlessly, so you don’t need to worry about any outages or lagging during the Big Game.

4. Make your favorite game-time snacks

What’s a great game-day experience without great food? One of the best parts of the Big Game is the tailgating and snacks that come with it. Whatever your favorite football food is, there’s probably a small kitchen appliance that can help you make it.

You can safely prepare your favorite appetizers inside your house with a pressure cooker, air fryer or indoor grill. Plus, you can use adjustable cooking time functions to ensure your snacks and dips are ready by kickoff. These appliances are easy to use, and the different features ensure you won’t miss a single play while stuck in the kitchen. Some appliances can even be connected to your phone, so you can help prepare your homemade tailgating feast without getting off the couch.

If your favorite part about the tailgate is the drinks, there’s tech for that, too. Programmable drink makers let you make your favorite bar cocktails at home, as well as café-quality coffee, smoothies or other specialty drinks. With these devices, you can have a drink in your hand for the entire game with just the push of a button. While these handy appliances can’t help you win your favorite tailgate games, they take the stress of food and drink prep off your hands so you can focus on rooting for your favorite team to win.

5. Watch the game (virtually) together

Cheering on your team with your friends and fellow fans makes watching the game so much better, regardless of how your team is doing. However, this year, large gatherings with friends and family to watch the game won’t be happening. Thankfully, there’s tech that lets you safely enjoy the game with your friends (or rivals) so you don’t have to miss out on that aspect of the Big Game, even if it looks a little different.

Scheduling a video call is one of the easiest ways you can watch the game together since you can join using technology you likely already have, like your phone, laptop or tablet. If you’re watching the game on a streaming service, check to see if they have a “watch party” extension so you can all watch at the same time and chat while you do. With so many video calling options, you’ll be able to safely host a Big Game party with all your friends and family, no matter how far apart you are.

If you want to take things one step further, you can use a smart display with a camera to make your video calls, so holding your device doesn’t distract you from the game. Some devices also have “drop-in” capabilities, like a walkie-talkie, so you can instantly connect to someone’s smart speaker either to say hi, cheer together or playfully taunt their team.

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Caring for a Loved One During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021-01-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Alkermes

In the midst of a global pandemic, Ashley and Kim, a Texas-based mother-daughter duo working together to treat Kim’s schizophrenia, have seen one surprising emotion rise to the surface: pride.

“She’s had some down days, but honestly I’m really proud of her. She’s handling the pandemic the best she can,” said Ashley, a caregiver for her mother Kim, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 30 years old.

While experts say that mental health challenges have become more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic,1 Ashley has seen some positive changes in her mother who lives with schizophrenia.

During this time, Ashley has seen her mom take positive steps to foster personal growth. With decreased outside pressures and commitments, her mother has taken time to focus on other aspects of her life, such as building and strengthening relationships and exploring her hobbies and interests. Spending more time at home has also allowed Kim the opportunity to fine-tune her daily routine, creating a calm, stable environment.

While Kim has experienced some improvement in her schizophrenia symptoms, for Ashley, the experience of caregiving has, at times, been challenging.

“Over the years, my mom has changed healthcare providers several times and tried different treatment options to help treat her schizophrenia symptoms,” said Ashley. “It’s challenging when you’re helping care for someone, especially a parent, while also being a young mom with three kids. We’ve really had to work together to treat her illness and we are trying to help her become more independent. For example, I’ve made certain that my mother has found a healthcare provider who was the right fit and who she could feel comfortable reaching out to whenever she needed. I’ve also encouraged her to be more social.”

About a year ago, Kim’s doctor suggested she may be a candidate for a long acting injectable since she had been able to tolerate oral aripiprazole. Her doctor prescribed a long-acting treatment option called ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil). ARISTADA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional and used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It is not known if ARISTADA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. It is important to know that elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA. ARISTADA is not for the treatment of people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).2 The most common side effect of ARISTADA includes restlessness or feeling like you need to move (akathisia). There are other side effects, some of them serious. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Kim now receives ARISTADA 882 mg every 6 weeks and it has worked well for her. Since receiving ARISTADA, Kim has experienced an improvement in her schizophrenia symptoms. It’s important to note that this is only Kim’s experience and the experiences and treatment responses of others may vary.

Kim and Ashley live about an hour apart, and prior to the pandemic, Ashley was driving to see her mother a few times each week. With Kim’s progress over the last year, and with the need for social distancing during the pandemic, Ashley has extended the time between visits and now sees her mother in person every 2 to 3 weeks, although they continue to stay in close touch with daily phone calls. She says that frequent communication with a loved one can make all the difference. She also makes time for her kids to talk with their grandmother on the phone as often as possible.

“While the pandemic has been challenging because we maintain our distance in an effort to keep ourselves healthy, we’ve learned that physical distance does not have to mean emotional distance,” Ashley said. “My mom knows that I’m always here for her—even if you can’t physically be with your loved one, you can be there emotionally, and that’s critical.”

Ashley and Kim have worked together to deal with new restrictions on in-person office visits. Heightened safety measures for in-person visits, home healthcare aides, a weekly therapist (via video conferencing) and telehealth services have enabled Kim to continue seeing her health care team and stay on track with treatment, despite navigating a global pandemic.

“As an adult, I’ve realized that mental health care takes a village. You have to be willing to do your part as a family member, but also advocate for your loved one and be open to helpful resources,” Ashley said.

During these uncertain times, if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, there are numerous resources that may be helpful. Consider joining peer or social support groups that can encourage empathy, productive discussions and a sense of community.3,4 Additionally, telepsychiatry platforms allow people to continue to engage in therapy/counseling while complying with social distancing guidelines.5,6 Educational guides and resources are available online from several organizations, including Mental Health America (MHA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).7

Caring for someone living with serious mental illness can be especially difficult during this time of social distancing. But it is important to remember that you are not alone and there can be a lot to learn from others’ experiences to help ourselves and our loved ones.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical and/or mental health condition.

Please read the Important Safety Information for ARISTADA below. Discuss all benefits and risks with a healthcare provider. See Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARISTADA INITIO AND ARISTADA8

INDICATION

ARISTADA INITIO® (aripiprazole lauroxil) is a prescription medicine given as a one-time injection and is used in combination with oral aripiprazole to start ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil) treatment, or re-start ARISTADA treatment after a missed dose, when ARISTADA is used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

ARISTADA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional and used to treat schizophrenia in adults.

It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA are safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA are not for the treatment of people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).

Contraindication: Do not receive ARISTADA INITIO or ARISTADA if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ARISTADA. Allergic reactions to aripiprazole have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA may cause serious side effects including:

  • Cerebrovascular problems (including stroke) in elderly people with dementia- related psychosis that can lead to death.
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have some or all of the following signs and symptoms of NMS:
    • high fever
    • stiff muscles
    • confusion
    • sweating
    • changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop receiving ARISTADA. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving ARISTADA.
  • Problems with your metabolism such as:
    • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Increases in blood sugar can happen in some people who receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA. Extremely high blood sugar can lead to coma or death. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes), your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA and during your treatment with ARISTADA.
      • Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar:
        • feel very thirsty
        • need to urinate more than usual
        • feel very hungry
        • feel weak or tired
        • feel sick to your stomach
        • feel confused, or your breath smells fruity
    • Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood
    • Weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight regularly.
  • Unusual and uncontrollable (compulsive) urges. Some people taking aripiprazole have had strong unusual urges such as gambling that cannot be controlled (compulsive gambling). Other compulsive urges include sexual urges, shopping, and eating or binge eating. If you or your family members notice that you are having unusual strong urges, talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
  • Falls. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may make you sleepy or dizzy when standing which may make you at risk for falls and related injuries.
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Seizures (convulsions)
  • Problems controlling your body temperature. Avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
  • Difficulty swallowing

The most common side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA include restlessness or feeling like you need to move (akathisia). These are not all the possible side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA. You should tell your healthcare provider about any side- effects you have.

Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA affect you. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may affect your judgment, thinking or motor skills.

Before receiving ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have not taken Abilify®, Abilify Maintena®, or any aripiprazole product before
  • have or had heart problems or a stroke
  • have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA and during your treatment with ARISTADA
  • have or had low or high blood pressure
  • have or had seizures (convulsions)
  • have or had a low white blood cell count
  • have problems that may affect you receiving an injection in your buttocks or your arm
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388, or visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and- research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA can pass into your breast milk. It is not known if it may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines after you receive ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA without talking to your healthcare provider first.

If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report all side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guides for ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA.

References

1 Panchal, N., Kamal, R., K. O., C. C., Garfield, R., Hamel, L., . . . Chidambaram, P. The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/ Published August 21, 2020. Accessed October 16, 2020

2 Alkermes Inc. ARISTADA® (Aripiprazole Lauroxil) [Prescribing Information]. Waltham, MA:2021.

3 Find Support Groups. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups. Published 2020. Accessed October 16, 2020

4 Support & Education: NAMI Connection. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Connection. Published 2020. Accessed October 16, 2020

5 Serious mental illness and COVID-19: How to help your patients right now. American Psychological Association. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/legal/technology/serious-mental-illness-covid-19. Published May 1, 2020. Accessed October 16, 2020

6 Weigel G., Ramaswamy A., Sobel L., Salganicoff A., Cubanski J., & Freed M. Opportunities and Barriers for Telemedicine in the U.S. During the COVID-19 Emergency and Beyond. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/opportunities-andbarriersfor-telemedicine-in-the-u-s-during-the-covid-19-emergency-and-beyond/. Published May 11, 2020. Accessed September 22, 2020

7 About Mental Illness Treatments. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments. Published 2020. Accessed October 16, 2020

8 Alkermes Inc. ARISTADA INITIO® (Aripiprazole Lauroxil) [Prescribing Information]. Waltham, MA:2021.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ARISTADA is a registered trademark of Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited, used by Alkermes, Inc. under license.

©2021 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved. ARI-004449

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Easy ways to save energy and money during cold months

2021-01-28T12:01:01

(BPT) – It’s an unfortunate case of cause and effect: As temperatures drop, thermostats go up, along with your utility bill. Homeowners nationwide know that it can be expensive to keep a home comfortable during cold weather. What’s more, with the whole family at home working and studying remotely, you’re probably using more energy than ever.

Staying comfortable and productive doesn’t have to mean a sky-high utility bill. There are some simple steps you can take to heat your home efficiently to save money, energy and resources.

Step 1: Eliminate drafts and zone heat as needed

Even small leaks from windows and doors can let out a large amount of heat, causing your furnace to work harder to keep spaces comfortable. For old or drafty windows, you can get affordable window insulation kits at your local home improvement store. For doors, foam or rubber weather stripping can make a big difference.

Not sure where the leak is? Safely hold a flame near the window or door frame. If it moves in one direction, this is an indication of the area of concern. If it doesn’t move, the area is sealed appropriately. Another option is to hold incense around seams as a draft will pull the smoke in its direction.

By eliminating heat loss, you save energy and money. Now, consider the best ways to heat your home to eliminate waste. Zone heating means heating in the areas of the home that are being used. For example, if you have a spare bedroom not currently being occupied, close the door and the vents to that space so the heat is pushed through the ventilation system elsewhere.

Step 2: Go beyond programmable and get a smart thermostat

Saving energy is the biggest reason people consider upgrading from a programmable thermostat, and the new Nest Thermostat can help find ways to save that aren’t possible with your traditional one. Plus, the Nest Thermostat is easy to install, making it a simple weekend DIY project that adds sleek design to any space.

Using the Google Home app, you can access Quick Schedule to set custom temperatures at different times and on different days. It even offers suggested pre-set temperatures that balance comfort and energy savings. Additionally, the smart technology through the Savings Finder feature looks for small optimizations that can help you save energy in your home. For example, it may suggest a small change to your temperature setting at night to help aid sleep while saving on energy.

In addition to helping maximize comfort and efficiency, the Nest Thermostat helps provide peace of mind by monitoring eligible heating and ventilation systems and alerting you to potential issues via the app or email so you can take action and potentially avoid big energy waste or expensive problems. Learn more, including which HVAC systems are compatible, at store.google.com and check out energy rebates from your energy provider to save even more.

Step 3: Use daylight strategies and the power of the sun

Sunny days can be a source of natural — and free — supplemental heat for your home, even when temperatures are chilly outside. This is because radiant heat enters through the windows and helps warm your home. Daylighting is a strategy that takes advantage of the sun to help light your home and keep interior spaces comfortable, helping you reduce energy use and reliance on artificial light.

You can start enjoying the benefits of daylighting by starting some simple strategies immediately. During cold months when it’s dark outside, keep shades closed to help better insulate your home. During the day when the sun is out, open your window treatments to allow the light to flood interior spaces. This will brighten your home and provide some radiant heat as well.

You can use daylight strategies for all windows, but keep in mind that east-facing windows provide good daylight during the morning while west-facing windows receive more light in the evening.

By taking a few proactive steps, you can reduce your energy bill and keep your home comfortable no matter how low temperatures go.