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Don’t fumble the appetizers for the big game

2021-01-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – This year’s big game day may be quite different than previous ones, but that shouldn’t stop you from going all-out with your appetizers. Tasty snacks and sports go hand in hand, so use this event to score a touchdown using bite-sized finger foods!

Huddle up and try something new

Special occasions — especially iconic annual sporting events — are a great time to try new foods. The key is finding delicious snacks that please your home audience without having to spend overtime in the kitchen.

So, where do you start? The food aisle is packed with unexpected on-trend options, including SeaPak Lobster & Shrimp Bites — the perfect crowd-pleaser for your significant other, kids or roommates.

The biggest advantage to frozen foods is they’re usually light on prep. SeaPak Lobster & Shrimp Bites can be quickly cooked up in your air fryer or oven, giving you plenty of time to catch the game in real time. In fact, frozen foods often cost less and can be stored for a longer amount of time, giving you lots of versatility and a great price point so you can choose several types of food without busting your budget.

Create a football food-fest to remember

In these unprecedented times, it’s important to know that while we can’t all be together in person, the game day spirit is just as fun, exciting and spirited as it is any other year. The key to a good time is getting creative about how you huddle.

Zoom and other video conferencing platforms provide an easy way to see loved ones’ faces (and also show off your significant food prep skills). So why not host an appetizer competition with your sports-loving family, friends and colleagues?

Start things off by making your own dipping sauces for your game day spread. SeaPak Butterfly Shrimp and a homemade cocktail sauce is one perfect pairing, while lobster bites and a lemon- or mustard-based dip are also sure to score points. Find the right dipping sauce to enhance your crunchy, savory seafood bites, and whip up something kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy.

Top everything off with football-inspired decor, plates and napkins to add an extra layer of fun to the festivities.

Charcuterie boards for the win

The charcuterie board, a huge spread of meats, cheeses and even sauces on one big plate or platter, has been popular for centuries. More recently, however, foodies have taken the traditional charcuterie board and created their own versions, using everything from pancakes to desserts to — you guessed it — seafood.

A charcuterie board featuring popcorn shrimp works as an instant fan favorite for adults and kids alike, and a dipping board jam-packed with other crunchy finger foods makes an all-day snack that runs out the clock. Make your seafood-themed charcuterie board the culinary centerpiece of your sporting celebration.

On the big game day, the sky’s the limit for food-focused creativity. Gather with the people in your household, and make this year’s football extravaganza the one everyone loves and remembers!

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Girls in Sports: Laurie Hernandez’s Tips on Why It’s Important to Keep Her Playing

2021-01-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know millions of girls are stepping off the field and leaving sports during puberty? Participating in sports helps girls develop the confidence and skills they need to do whatever they are passionate about.

Supporting female athletes at the age of puberty is essential because this is when more than half of them experience a drop in confidence — and even more so now, as more than 1 in 3 young people feel less confident because they’ve missed after-school activities, like sports, since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether she has bigger dreams or simply sees sports as a fun hobby, showing her your support and keeping her motivated will ensure she gains skills that will help her succeed beyond the court, field or anywhere she chooses to play. Check out Olympic Gold Medalist Laurie Hernandez’s tips to stay motivated in sports below, to share with a girl in your life.

Hernandez shares her 4 top tips to help keep her motivated, even when the going gets tough!

1. Positive Mindset: As you become more involved in sports, you may face some tough challenges along the way. It’s important to remind yourself to stay positive and never give up after a bad day.

Example: If you are feeling down after a game, make a list of the top three things that you feel went well, and three things you can learn from the parts that were challenging.

2. Stay Open to New Adventures: Keeping an open mind to learn new skills, positions and strategies to the sport can make you even better, and help you find new things to love about the way you play.

Example: Branching out can help you grow. Work on setting both small and large goals when trying new skills! This can help make trying something different less intimidating.

3. Keep Yourself Inspired: Sometimes it helps to take a step back from your own practice, so that you can really appreciate the best parts of your sport. Connecting with others in the community can remind you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place and keep you playing.

Example: Watching female sporting events to see other players in action, or volunteering to show someone else the ropes, not only can be fun but can also provide you with inspiration and motivation!

4. Be A Good Teammate: Being a good teammate can make you feel part of something greater and can remind you of the reasons you play sports beyond the competition — sisterhood and friendship!

Example: Remember that the mission of your team is bigger than one person. Being loyal and supportive to your teammates can help accomplish great things on and off the field. When one of your teammates is feeling down after a game, be the first to encourage them and remind them that everyone has been there.

To help girls all over the country stay in sports, Always and Walmart have donated $250,000 to Women’s Sports Foundation, and you and everyone you know can help them do more. For every view of the brand-new Always #KeepHerPlaying video on www.walmart.com/always between 12/28/2020 and 1/31/2021, they’ll donate a further $1 to Women’s Sports Foundation, up to a total of an additional $250,000 — that’s a grand total of half a million dollars!

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5 ways to create a healthy indoor environment this season

2021-01-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors where the air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Homes contain a number of unwanted particles such as dust, dander and mold. While invisible to the naked eye, indoor air can also contain viruses and bacteria, which can live on surfaces and become airborne. When coupled with the contaminated outdoor air that creeps its way inside through ventilation, your home can be floating with pollutants.

Luckily, there are simple measures you can take to improve and maintain a healthy indoor environment.

1. Invest in a high-performing air purifier – Poor indoor air quality can worsen underlying health issues, and long-term exposure has also been associated with new-onset asthma as well as with exacerbation of pre-existing asthma.*

As you prepare to spend more time inside this winter, adding an air purifier is a simple, yet effective way to help ensure cleaner indoor air. Consider a high-grade air purifier like Blueair’s HealthProtect 7470i™ which is the only air purifier to provide 24/7 protection against viruses and bacteria.**

“I don’t think many people realize that indoor air can actually be more polluted than outdoor air,” said Dr. Taz Bhatia, M.D. “In my household, we deal with allergies and have a shedding dog, so when I discovered Blueair’s HealthProtect™ air purifier earlier this year it was a total game changer for us. I love knowing our HealthProtect™ is constantly working to protect me and my family against harmful pollutants and that I have one less thing to worry about.”

2. Opt for natural home cleaners – Pollutants like dust, pet dander and mold can easily build up in a home and worsen indoor air quality. Consider using household cleaners with natural solutions that can still clean effectively without the same impact as harsh chemicals.

3. Eliminate individual sources of pollution – Activities like cooking without proper ventilation, using a wood-burning fireplace and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) let off from personal care products are all forms of pollution. Take inventory of your household and determine what may be negatively affecting your indoor environment.

4. Keep pets groomed and clean – Not only do our furry friends often cause noticeable odors in our homes, they also shed pet dander which can linger in the air and bring in harmful particles from the outdoors. Simple things like keeping your pet groomed and cleaned regularly will help with excess shedding and dander.

5. Maintain a healthy sleep space – Mattresses and pillows can be a big source of contamination in the home. Taking simple measures such as washing your bedding each week in hot water and using mattress and pillow protectors can help prevent the spread of allergens and pollutants.

Not only will keeping a clean home help your physical health, it will grant you peace of mind knowing you and your family are spending time in a clean, safe place.

References:

* Unicef Clean the Air for Children: https://www.unicef.org/publications/index_92957.html

**HealthProtect™ is the only air purifier with GermShield™ technology where 24/7 protection refers to the key function of GermShield technology, activated when the unit is in standby mode to deactivate germs/prevent growth of germs caught on the filter. Tested on Staphylococcus albus and MS2 bacteriophage. Blueair air purifiers have not been tested against Coronavirus, and Blueair does not claim to capture, remove, or kill SARS-CoV-2.

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A simple guide for planning a DIY bathroom project

2021-01-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Spending more time at home has put increased focus on bathrooms for homeowners, which is why one of the top home improvement trends of 2021 is adding or updating these spaces. Fortunately, remodeling or adding a bathroom DIY-style can be much easier than you may think with some planning and expert tips.

From the inspiration stage to layout planning and beyond, there are many important factors to keep in mind. DIY expert Sammy Pampani shares simple guidance and easy advice for a successful DIY bathroom project.

Discover inspiration

If you want an update but are undecided on the design, begin your search for inspiration online. For example, explore Pinterest and follow fellow DIYers, so you can create boards based on bathroom trends that interest you. Searching hashtags on other social media apps, like Instagram, will be helpful as well. Some example hashtags to search could be #diybathroom, #diyflooring and #bathroomremodel.

Research inexpensive alternatives

Explore inexpensive solutions that are simple enough for a DIYer to install. For example, macerating systems are options in places with no below-floor drainage that’s typically required in bathrooms and/or if drainage is far away or not close by. One of these smart solutions is Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3, an above-floor plumbing system with the ability to not only discharge wastewater from a toilet, but also a variety of other sanitary fixtures, such as a sink, a bathtub or a shower. The simple installation process avoids breaking through walls or flooring, making it possible to add a bathroom nearly anywhere you’d like.

Know technical terms

As you explore inexpensive DIY solutions for the bathroom, make sure to understand technical terminology. You don’t need to be a plumbing or electrical expert to be successful, but you want to be knowledgeable so you make the right choices and take the correct steps. What’s more, having a basic knowledge of technical aspects will help you describe any issues accurately and get potential problems solved if you need to contact the company’s help center or call in a pro.

Lay out your bathroom design

Utilize basic tools to help plan the layout of your bathroom. For example, spreadsheets can provide a clear view of how designs will come together. Keep in mind, just because something looks good on paper does not necessarily mean it will be perfect in reality. It’s important to be flexible and make necessary adjustments as you go. Having a layout to guide you will be essential to keeping track of what does and does not work.

Create a timeline

How long would this project take a professional to do? Research the amount of time it would take a professional to complete your project online through online articles and videos. Then take this number and add about 2 additional weeks since you’re going the DIY route. If you’re trying to hit a specific deadline, make sure to give yourself some wiggle room to account for unexpected delays as well.

Save materials

If you have a little extra material or a product that went untouched, save it. This could include flooring, tile, paint and more. These items can come in handy in the future if you need to make a repair or can be repurposed for another aspect of your bathroom remodel.

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Expert tips for maintaining your pet’s healthy weight

2021-01-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – While many loving pet owners are unaware their pet may not be at their healthiest weight, the fact is that more than half of cats and dogs in the U.S. are indeed overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Overweight pets tend to be less active, experience joint pain, groom less and develop more health conditions, so it’s important to take a proactive approach to help your pets live a long, healthy life.

Two of Purina’s pet experts, behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris, help by answering frequently asked questions about pet weight concerns:

How can you tell if your pet is a healthy weight?

“A great way to start is to give your pet a ‘healthy hug,’” advises Dr. Harris. This involves three steps:

1. Evaluate the ribs: Place your hands gently on your pet’s sides. You should be able to run your hands down their chest and feel their ribs without having to “press” or “dig” in.

2. Evaluate the waist: Stand above your pet. You should be able to see a waistline or an “hourglass” shape.

3. Evaluate the abdomen: Stand to the side of your pet. Your pet should have a nice abdominal tuck.

“If you suspect your pets are overweight, consider switching to a weight management food for adult dogs and cats to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight,” she says. “A few Purina formulas I’d recommend include: Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Adult Dog Food, which uses calorie-smart nutrition to help dogs maintain a healthy weight, Pro Plan Adult Weight Management for cats and dogs, which maintains muscle mass during weight loss, Purina ONE Ideal Weight High Protein for adult cats that helps spayed and neutered cats burn fat and maintain a healthy weight and Purina ONE Healthy Weight High Protein for adult dogs, which promotes lean body mass in your dog and helps maintain a healthy body condition even after a healthy weight is achieved.”

Dr. Harris adds, “It’s also always good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out potential medical problems that could cause weight gain.”

How much should you feed your pet?

Dr. Harris says, “Be sure to feed your pet with the amount instructed on your pet’s food labels. You can find specific directions for Purina products on each bag of food. However, if you are still concerned about over or under feeding, discuss with your veterinarian so they can evaluate your pet and make nutritional recommendations.”

Dr. Valuska adds, “No matter how much your pets try to convince you otherwise, feeding them table scraps is never a good idea. Remove the temptation to give them a bite of your dinner by training them to spend meal time away from the table — in a crate, for example — and reward their good manners with pet-appropriate treats and praise.”

What do you do when your pet begs like they’re still hungry?

Dr. Valuska asks, “Are you sure your pet is hungry? Our first impulse when pets start pestering us is to assume they want food, but pets may actually be asking for attention, exercise or playtime. Next time you think your pet is begging for food, try offering some ear scratches, a fun play session with a favorite toy or a walk outside instead.

“If your pet is still hungry, one way you may be able to help your pet feel fuller longer is to extend their mealtime. Try using slow feed bowls or puzzle feeders.”

How do you incorporate exercise into your pet’s routine?

Dr. Harris says, “One easy way for pet owners with dogs to exercise is to take them on daily walks. However, if outdoor walks are not obtainable due to weather, consider creating activities in the home with your dogs such as ‘find the treat’ using treat mats. You can even be strategic about where you place your food and water bowls to encourage your dog to get up and move.”

Dr. Valuska adds, “Cats need exercise, too! Engage their instincts with a game of chase — this can be with a laser pointer, a ball or a toy on the end of a wand. Some cats prefer to ‘hunt’ toys along the ground, while others are more excited by trying to catch toys out of the air. Try different combinations with your cat and see what they like best. If you do use a laser pointer, make sure you always end the game with the laser on a toy that your cat can catch to ensure your cat doesn’t end up feeling frustrated or anxious.”

Helping your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight is important to their overall well-being. For more resources and to see Purina’s full portfolio of healthy weight formulas, visit www.purina.com/healthypets.

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Finding community-driven solutions for a growing health crisis in the Latinx community

2021-01-27T08:58:21

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

New data shows that, while overall HIV diagnoses have decreased or plateaued in recent years, HIV diagnoses among Latinx gay and bisexual men have continued to increase, directly impacting more than 195,000 Hispanic/Latinx men in the U.S. and its territories, including Puerto Rico, according to a 2018 CDC report. Data from MPact Global Action shows the standard of care is not benefitting everyone equally.

For many Latinx men living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, this disparity is rooted in a number of social and cultural factors outside of their control, including long-standing and systemic issues such as poverty and unequal access to education, housing and reliable, safe public transportation that impact health outcomes across the board, according to a 2019 study. Additionally, clinics and organizations often are unable to provide health education materials or translational services to the more than 37 million Spanish-speakers estimated to live in the U.S., according to a 2017 Pew Research Center report. The lack of culturally responsive and language-appropriate healthcare providers and materials create both a practical and psychological barrier to care.

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

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

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

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

To learn more about Here As I Am/Tal Como Soy and ViiV Healthcare’s community-driven solutions through the Positive Action for Latinx Men initiative, and to read the report, available in English and Spanish, visit: https://viivhealthcare.com/en-us/positive-action-for-latinx-men/.

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Trending Valentine’s Day gifts that show love and support self-care

2021-01-26T08:05:00

(BPT) – This year, wellness is top of mind for everyone, and with the hustle and bustle of so many life changes, self-care has never been more important. You can encourage loved ones to enjoy some “me time” with Valentine’s gifts that show you care and help them feel their best. Here are some ideas that are sure to delight and encourage wellness in 2021 and beyond:

Gifts for a squeaky-clean wellness routine

Fundamental to any good wellness routine is feeling clean and fresh, so gifts for the shower or bath can be perfect for Valentine’s Day. When shopping, it’s important to remember that plant-based ingredients are better for your body, so give the gift of a nourishing clean with a variety of amazing smelling products from Buff City Soap. Handmade, plant-based soaps are made daily in each store’s Soap Makery at locations across the country, so you know a lot of love is put into each bar. You can even make your own Buff City soap gifts at a Soap Makery near you for a personal touch that is sure to be appreciated.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, below are top gift ideas from Buff City Soap to make that special someone in your life feel loved:

Soap Bars: These colorful soap bars are as pretty to look at as they are beautifully scented, featuring ingredients you can pronounce, like gardenia petals, lemon zest, hemp seed oil, shea butter, charcoal and tea tree oil. Buff City Soap never uses artificial detergents, dyes or other harsh chemicals, so you can feel even better about gifting these to loved ones. Consider the All Hail The Queen soap bar that’s perfect for the queens in your life. Let’s be honest, self-love is also important, so you can splurge on a little something for yourself, too!

Soap Whip: For something unique, consider gifting Soap Whip, a lovely combination of magic and moisturization for a cloud-like soap that moisturizes, cleans and smooths. Most importantly, it leaves a wonderful scent for an indulgent clean all day long. Soap Whip is available in four best-selling scents: Narcissist, Island Nectar, Magnolia and Breathe.

Bath Bombs: Just drop a deliciously smelling bath bomb into the tub and watch (and feel) as worries bubble away. A long soak can be good for physical and mental health, so gift a variety of scents so each bath is a different adventure. Loved ones will adore trying different scents as stress melts away, leaving their bodies moisturized and smelling great.

Rest and relaxation gifts encourage personalized self-care

While Buff City Soap products are a great stand-alone gift, if you want to gift a little extra or create a customized gift basket, there are additional ways to encourage self-care through your gifting choices. Spa-inspired gifts are sure to please, such as neck wraps, cozy blankets, sleep masks, robes and slippers. These gifts will be used time and time again to help your loved one feel their best.

Another smart idea is to think about what the person enjoys in their free time and how you can encourage them to indulge in those favorite hobbies and activities. For example, with everyone spending more time at home, it’s fun to get mail that matters. Consider a magazine subscription for a loved one so they can enjoy something new to read the whole year through. For the digitally minded, a subscription to a mobile app is another idea, such as a meditation or yoga app that encourages self-care.

Shop now to show you care

Shop now to help make Valentine’s Day 2021 the most thoughtful and memorable yet, with gifts that support wellness and self-care. Remember, you don’t need a holiday to give gifts that matter, so make loved ones smile any time of year with these gift ideas. Be inspired at www.buffcitysoap.com or visit your local store.

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Experiencing Sleep Challenges? It Could Be Insomnia Disorder.

2021-01-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many people have experienced the negative impact of a poor night’s sleep, often referred to as “waking up on the wrong side of the bed.” In fact, studies show that as many as 30% of adults worldwide have experienced insomnia symptoms and 10% of patients have insomnia disorder.[1] Insomnia is on the rise due to the pandemic and the massive upheavals people are experiencing to their everyday routines.[2]

“Based on my experience, the myriad of shifts in our day-to-day lives as a perfect storm for sleep challenges,” said Russell Rosenberg, Ph.D., D.ABSM, sleep specialist and former chair of the Board of the National Sleep Foundation.

What factors contribute to insomnia?

Insomnia, an inability to fall and/or stay asleep, can be influenced by many things, including lifestyle habits (i.e. caffeine intake and lack of a wind-down routine), as well as a person’s sleeping environment (i.e. bedroom temperature).[3]

Certain types of brain functioning may also impact sleep, such as the inability to turn down wake signals in the brain. These wake signals are regulated by a neuropeptide in the brain called orexin.

“Orexin signaling is believed to promote periods of wakefulness. For people who frequently struggle with sleep, it is possible that orexin signaling is not functioning normally,”[4] said Rosenberg.

How do medical experts diagnose insomnia disorder?

For adults who have insomnia disorder, obtaining the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night may seem like an impossible task.[5]

A healthcare provider might diagnose you with insomnia disorder if you:

  • Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for three out of seven nights each week for a period of at least three months.[6]
  • Struggle socially, at work, in school or in other important areas of functioning due to your insomnia.6

What are the options for treating insomnia disorder?

“We must continue to give sleep the attention it deserves as we seek to combat the negative effects of the COVID-19 environment on our health and wellbeing,” said Rosenberg. “People struggling with sleep consistently should take it seriously and make an appointment with a doctor or healthcare professional to see if they may be struggling with insomnia disorder. Once this initial step is taken, the conversation can begin about what treatment options may be best.”

Doctors have several options when treating patients with insomnia disorder, but often start with the least invasive treatment approach.[7] Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, known as CBT-I, typically includes “sleep restriction” (i.e. limiting the amount of time people spend in bed when they are unable to sleep) and “stimulus control” (i.e. keeping the bedroom dedicated to sleep and sex, as well as getting out of bed when you can’t sleep).7

For people who cannot manage their symptoms through behavioral and/or environmental changes, there are several prescription treatment options which may be considered when discussing your symptoms with a doctor.

Four main classes of prescription medications are used to treat sleep issues: sedatives, antidepressants, melatonin agonists and orexin receptor antagonists.[8] Each class has a different mechanism of action that affects the central nervous system in a specific way.8

Orexin receptor antagonists (blockers) belong to a class of medications that inhibit the effect of orexin, a chemical in the brain that plays an important role in keeping people awake.4 In people with normal daily sleep-wake rhythms, orexin signaling is believed to promote periods of wakefulness.4

DAYVIGO® (lemborexant) CIV 5mg and 10mg tablets, a prescription medication, is part of this class of orexin receptor antagonists and is a prescription medicine for adults age 18 years and older who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia).[9] In a clinical trial, patients reported falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer with DAYVIGO.9

“It is crucial to offer patients treatment options that may help them fall asleep and stay asleep,” said Dr. Rosenberg.

Do not take DAYVIGO if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). Please see additional Important Safety Information below. To learn more about DAYVIGO visit https://www.dayvigo.com/.

As we continue to deal with the pandemic, adequate sleep is an important aspect of health and wellbeing that many will struggle with handling. It’s important for patients to speak with their doctor to determine which treatment approach is best for them. All prescription medications should be used as directed by the prescribing doctor.

Important Safety Information

DAYVIGO may cause serious side effects including:

  • decreased awareness and alertness. The morning after you take DAYVIGO, your ability to drive safely and think clearly may be decreased. You may also have sleepiness during the day. Do not take more DAYVIGO than prescribed. Do not take DAYVIGO unless you are able to stay in bed for a full night (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. Take DAYVIGO right before going to bed.

Do not take DAYVIGO if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy).

DAYVIGO is a federally controlled substance because it can be abused or cause dependence.

Before taking DAYVIGO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; drug or alcohol abuse or addiction; a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy); daytime sleepiness
  • have lung problems or breathing problems, including sleep apnea
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

  • Taking DAYVIGO with certain other medicines can cause serious side effects. DAYVIGO may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect the way DAYVIGO works.
  • Do not take DAYVIGO with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

What should I avoid while taking DAYVIGO?

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking DAYVIGO. It can increase your chances of getting serious side effects.
  • Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, do anything dangerous, or other activities that require clear thinking if you take DAYVIGO and have had less than a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) or if you have taken more DAYVIGO than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  • You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking DAYVIGO. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you feel fully awake.

DAYVIGO may cause serious side effects, including:

  • temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up
  • temporary weakness in your legs that can happen during the day or at night
  • complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex or doing other activities while not fully awake that you may not remember the next morning.
  • worsening depression and suicidal thoughts have happened during treatment with DAYVIGO.

The most common side effect of DAYVIGO is sleepiness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of DAYVIGO. Call your doctor for medical advice and if you have any new or worsening side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about DAYVIGO, see full Prescribing Information.

Price disclosure information for prescribers is available here.

References

[1] Ferrie JE, et al. Sleep epidemiology – a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(6):1431–1437.

[2] America’s State of Mind: U.S. trends in medication use for depression, anxiety and insomnia. Express Scripts. April 2020.

[3] National Sleep Foundation. Sleep Hygiene. Updated August 14, 2020. Accessed at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene.

[4] Scammell TE, Winrow CJ. Orexin Receptors: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Opportunities. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2011; 51: 243–266.

[5] Cappuccio FP, et al. Sleep duration and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sleep. 2010;33(5):585-592.

[6] American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.

[7] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). SAMHSA. March 2018.

[8] Lie JD, Tu KN, Shen DD, Wong BM. Pharmacological treatment of insomnia. P T. 2015 Nov;40(11):759-768, 771.

[9] Eisai Inc. DAYVIGO Full Prescribing Information. 2019.

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When You Can’t Stomach Your Migraine Medication, Make Sure Your Migraine Toolkit Has You Covered

2021-01-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – How do you prepare for a migraine that threatens to derail your day? Many health care professionals recommend assembling a migraine toolkit, one stocked with essentials for easing migraine symptoms on the go, such as bottled water, instant hot and cold packs, ear plugs and sunglasses. Most importantly, however, health professionals agree that your toolkit should include proven medications that meet your specific needs, ones that can help you stop a migraine in its tracks, before it stops you.

Your migraine toolkit need not be limited to one type of medication. Many people find oral medications to be the most portable; however, nearly three-quarters of all migraine sufferers have experienced migraine-related nausea (with or without vomiting), making oral medications more difficult to take.1 Fortunately, other options exist for those who (literally) can’t stomach their medication. Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg, for example, is a fast-acting, ready-to-use non-oral option. Tosymra’s novel nasal spray formulation may be easier to take when you are nauseated, and it has the added benefit of working as quickly as an injection. In fact, Tosymra can provide migraine pain relief in as little as 10 minutes for some patients with just one spray (13% vs 5% for placebo; 57% of patients had pain relief at 2 hours vs. 21% for placebo).2-4

So what should you do? Health experts agree: Patients with migraine need to be prepared with toolkit options for those times when nausea makes it difficult to take oral medication. Talk to your doctor today about what your fully stocked migraine toolkit might look like, and whether Tosymra would be a good addition.

Tosymra is not for everyone. Do not use Tosymra if you have heart problems, narrowing of blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease), or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
These are not all the reasons you should not take Tosymra.
For more information about acute migraine and Tosymra, including a link to full prescribing and patient information, visit www.tosymra.com or talk to your healthcare provider.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for Tosymra®

Tosymra® can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop Tosymra and get emergency medical help if you have any signs of heart attack:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded

Tosymra is not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam is done and shows no problem.

Do not use Tosymra if you have:

  • history of heart problems
  • narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease)
  • uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • severe liver problems
  • hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your healthcare provider.
  • had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation
  • taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask your provider if you are not sure if your medicine is listed above.
  • are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
  • an allergy to sumatriptan or any ingredient in Tosymra

Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.

Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert.

Tosymra may cause serious side effects including:

  • changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes
  • sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever
  • cramping and pain in your legs or hips, feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles, burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet
  • increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure
  • medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider.
  • serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking.
  • hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • seizures even in people who have never had seizures before

The most common side effects of Tosymra include: tingling, dizziness, feeling warm or hot, burning feeling, feeling of heaviness, feeling of pressure, flushing, feeling of tightness, numbness, application site (nasal) reactions, abnormal taste, and throat irritation.

Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider.

This is the most important information to know about Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit www.upsher-smith.com or call 1-888-650-3789.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tosymra is a prescription medicine used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults.

Tosymra is not used to treat other types of headaches such as hemiplegic or basilar migraines or cluster headaches.

Tosymra is not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Tosymra is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Tosymra is a registered trademark of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC.

References

  1. Newman LC. Why triptan treatment can fail: focus on gastrointestinal manifestations of migraine. Headache. 2013;53 Suppl 1:11-16.
  2. Tosymra [package insert]. Maple Grove, MN: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC: 2019.
  3. Mathew NT, et al. Dose ranging efficacy and safety of subcutaneous sumatriptan in the acute treatment of migraine. US Sumatriptan Research Group. Arch Neurol. 1992;49(12):1271-1276.
  4. Wendt J, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and tolerability of a 4-mg dose of subcutaneous sumatriptan for the treatment of acute migraine attacks in adults. Clinical Therapeutics. 2006;28(4):517-526.

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Navigating your health from home is just a call, click or doorbell away

2021-01-25T09:37:00

(BPT) – You feel it again — that nagging back pain. Or maybe it’s an earache that won’t go away. With COVID-19 restrictions making many of us reluctant to leave the comforts of home, it’s good to know there are other ways to see your health care provider and get your medical questions answered.

Making digital connections with your health care provider has become more common — and many older adults are taking advantage of this option. In the first three months of the pandemic, 1 in 4 older Americans completed a telehealth visit. That far exceeds the 4% of people over 50 who reported they had ever had a virtual visit with a physician in a 2019 survey.

Most health plans now offer choices on how and where to access medical information and care. That convenience is important — but knowing we may be able to lower our risk of infection by avoiding public places may be even more valuable now.

Consider these alternatives for getting the answers you need for health concerns:

Phone lines staffed by nurses

Many health plans offer access to a telephone-based support line staffed 24/7 by registered nurses — often referred to as “24/7 nurse lines” or “nursing hotlines.” The nurses take note of your symptoms, and together, you can discuss next steps. There is typically no additional charge to use this service.

Online or virtual office visits

Some Medicare plans allow you to visit with your doctor without leaving your living room; in fact, Medicare has expanded coverage of telehealth services for the duration of the pandemic. During a virtual visit, the clinician can see and talk with you via your cell phone, computer or tablet. These visits sometimes even allow physicians to bring in specialists, also virtually, if needed.

While in-office visits may still be the best option when it comes to serious illnesses, virtual visits may work well for follow-ups and for more common illnesses and injuries like colds, sprains, rashes, and so on. In some states, online doctors can write and submit prescriptions after a virtual consultation. If covered, these visits may be subject to a copay or coinsurance.

In-home visits by a health care practitioner

Gone are the days when doctors routinely made home visits, but some providers still do offer this convenient service. Today’s in-home clinicians are often nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) who spend 45 to 60 minutes with each patient. They review your health history and current medications, perform a physical exam, offer health education and coordinate care with your primary care provider. The visit allows the health practitioner to spend a great deal of time with you in an environment where you are comfortable. These appointments are so popular that UnitedHealthcare’s HouseCalls program completed more than 1.6 million visits for its members in 2020.

The right care in the right place at the right time

Staying on top of your health has never been more critical, and the options available to us today can help make that more convenient than ever.

Of course, if you have a serious illness or injury, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room or urgent care, where care teams are working to ensure your continued health and safety. And whatever you do, don’t delay or skip critical in-person preventive visits and screenings, like colonoscopies or mammograms, which may have unintended consequences — especially for older adults.

But the next time you want to speak with someone about a medical issue from the safety of your home, pick up your phone or tablet, get comfortable and dial up the personalized support you want.

To find a UnitedHealthcare plan that offers these services, visit UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.