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Making strides in GVHD patient care: The power behind a winning idea

2021-02-03T14:01:00

(BPT) – For individuals living with blood cancer, stem cell transplantation can offer a potential cure. Over the last decade, survival rates for patients who receive such transplants have been improving. However, for a small group of these patients, an allogenic stem cell transplantation may result in another disease called graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), a potentially fatal complication that can appear after stem cell transplantation.

GVHD, which can be an acute or chronic condition, marks the start of an unexpected journey for these patients and their caregivers. It is with this in mind that Incyte launched the Incyte Ingenuity Award, which funds innovative initiatives to address the unique needs of the US GVHD community.

The inaugural recipient of the Incyte Ingenuity Award is Dr Areej El-Jawahri, on behalf of Massachusetts General Cancer Center (MGCC). Dr El-Jawahri is an oncologist specializing in the care of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at MGCC, and director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivorship Program. Through her time as a practicing oncologist, Dr El-Jawahri has witnessed firsthand the challenging journey that patients often endure after being diagnosed with GVHD. Fueled by her passion for cancer research and care, and an in-depth understanding of GVHD, she saw an opportunity to create meaningful change and to support GVHD patients on a more holistic level through the Incyte Ingenuity Award.

Her winning proposal for the Incyte Ingenuity Award – The Horizon Mobile App – will help Dr El-Jawahri and her team further advocate for chronic GVHD patients and provide support beyond the walls of MGCC through a patient-centered, multicomponent mobile app that comprehensively address the specific needs of these patients. Over time, this app will teach patients the skills to identify and address symptoms and enrich self-management, all while sharing appropriate resources.

Dr El-Jawahri breaks down GVHD, the patient journey and how the Horizon Mobile App seeks to improve the patient and caregiver experience:

What is GVHD and how does it occur?

GVHD is a potentially fatal medical complication that can appear in a patient who has recently received a transplant from another person. It is most commonly triggered by bone marrow transplants, but it can also occur with solid organ transplants as well. The disease occurs when white blood cells that remain in the transplanted tissue begin to identify the host body as a foreign intruder and begin to attack the host’s cells. Many recipients of transplanted tissue have weakened immune systems, which means that their own bodies are often incapable of preventing the attack from beginning.

Symptoms of GVHD depend on the type (acute or chronic) and may include skin rashes, gastrointestinal, liver, and lung damage. Over time, the disease may spread to other areas of the body, such as the immune system, exocrine glands, and connective tissue. There are several treatments available for GVHD, including immunosuppressants, like steroids, and other targeted therapies.

Can you provide an overview of the award-winning Horizon Mobile App project? How does it seek to support the GVHD community?

Through our day-to-day work at MGCC, we recognize the great emotional and physical challenges that chronic GVHD patients face. Many of these patients do not live near a transplant center and therefore struggle to receive support. Also, it’s very hard for oncologists and primary care providers (PCPs) to recognize GVHD symptoms, and unfortunately, it can be even harder to empathize with and fully understand the journey of individuals with GVHD.

We proposed the creation of a patient-centered, multi-component mobile intervention app that addresses the quality of life and care of patients with chronic GVHD. This app, named the Horizon Mobile App, includes an educational game, which will allow a patient character to navigate through a journey as the patient character copes with the condition and monitors progress. The app also aims to provide chronic GVHD patients with strategies for self-management, including understanding when to contact their transplant center for more specialized care.

We also want to make patients aware of all resources that they have at their disposal. Our daily work at MGCC has taught us the importance of patient advocacy and empathetic, emotional support. With this in mind, the app helps connect new patients with the GVHD community to lean on those who truly understand what they are going through. Social support is important because patients are rarely able to return to normal soon after receiving a transplant. Lastly, the app will focus on addressing fatigue and will promote holistic wellbeing through the creation of healthy habits, and a comprehensive self-care plan.

What does receiving the inaugural Incyte Ingenuity Award mean to you and your team?

I speak for all of MGCC when I say that we are immensely proud to be the first recipient of the Incyte Ingenuity Award as our program was created to truly support those living with chronic GVHD. We are also pleased that Incyte recognizes the need to develop a patient-centered approach to caring for people with GVHD, and is helping creative solutions like ours get the support they need to move from an idea into actual execution. When you’re caring for someone with GVHD, you’re tasked with addressing not only their medical needs, but also their emotional needs—which often can be difficult to assess and quantify. We believe the Horizon Mobile App will help us provide more holistic care to our patients moving forward.

I’m grateful my team decided to apply for the Incyte Ingenuity Award, because it motivated us to come together to develop a novel and creative solution that addresses all aspects of GVHD patient care.

To learn more about this award-winning project, please visit https://www.incyteingenuityawards.com/recipients.

Sponsored by Incyte Corporation. MAT-INC-00989 01/21

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Newly self-employed? You may be a small business in the eyes of the IRS

2021-02-03T09:23:00

(BPT) – If, like so many others, you lost your job in 2020 and decided to turn your hobby into a money-making venture, congratulations! That’s what we call resilience. But did you know, you don’t need a brick-and-mortar store or even employees to be considered a small business by the IRS? If you’re self-employed as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you’ll likely need to report your income and expenses on the IRS Schedule C tax form, included with your personal income tax return this year.

“At one point in 2020, and any other year for that matter, someone’s hobby could have turned into a business,” said Ian Hardman, general manager and vice president of small business at H&R Block. “Maybe they haven’t registered their company name or rented a location to conduct business outside of their home. But, having an official name or separate location isn’t a litmus test for whether or not a business exists — the intent to make money is.”

If you made money from your business last year, you must pay taxes on that income on the 1040 tax form. And you will likely need to include a Schedule C to report your income and expenses and figure your net self-employment income. If you didn’t keep accurate records last year, now’s the time to reconcile everything so you’re not caught off-guard when April 15 rolls around. The penalties for not filing accurately can be serious and costly. In other words: Accurate tax filing will keep you out of trouble with the IRS.

The information Schedule C collects includes basic bookkeeping information, such as gross receipts/sales, cost of goods sold and business expenses. Without Schedule C, small business owners can’t deduct eligible business expenses, including supplies, advertising and vehicle costs. Schedule SE, which is the Self-Employment Tax form, must also be filed if net earnings exceeded $400; however, there is no minimum income requirement for filing Schedule C. The good news is that one-half of your self-employment tax is taken as an adjustment to income (aka above-the-line deduction) on your Form 1040.

“It’s important for self-employed individuals to see themselves as small businesses. Getting professional guidance about how to handle small business taxes instead of relying on gut instinct or assuming their situation is like a friend’s could help self-employed small business owners avoid costly mistakes,” Hardman said.

Help is available year-round, in-person and online

For good reason, many new and longtime small business owners who aren’t numbers experts have concerns about how to approach their 2020 tax returns. By working with Block Advisors, they can address this annual chore with confidence; with an average of 12 years of experience and focus on small business taxes, Block Advisors small business certified tax pros can meet the needs and expectations of self-employed small business clients.

Also, help from Block Advisors is available year-round, not just at tax time. And they can help with other small business financial tasks, including bookkeeping and payroll. Block Advisors will help you come up with a plan so you can get back to what you love. And when things change — and they always do — plans can be reviewed and revised at quarterly care checks or as the need arises. Clients can meet with their Block Advisors tax pros in person, virtually, via phone, chat or secure messaging.

To start working with the experts at Block Advisors on self-employed and small business tax returns, visit blockadvisors.com.

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Four tips on how to manage psoriasis during uncertain times

2021-02-03T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company

The past year has been challenging for nearly everyone. Many are suffering from stressors related to health care, the economy and the political climate. Not to mention, a global health crisis is changing the way most of us live, work and interact with others. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), stress is a common trigger for many people living with chronic, immune conditions including psoriasis. Psoriasis affects the skin and nearly 125 million people are impacted worldwide. The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells.

Perry, a husband, father and professional woodworker, is one of the millions of people who lives with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. As an active family man who is passionate about his work, he has dealt with discomfort and day-to-day challenges due to his skin plaques. With compounding stressors bringing unprecedented challenges to those living with any chronic health condition, Perry shares four things to consider when managing psoriasis during uncertain times:

1. Understand the signs and symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune disease that occurs when the immune system is overactive. This causes new skin cells to grow too quickly. The most common result is red, scaly patches that form on your body which may begin in childhood or adulthood.

For Perry, these symptoms began on his scalp during childhood. “My plaque psoriasis started out on my scalp, but by high school, many areas of my body were covered.”

Perry’s job is labor intensive and requires him to work with his hands. His plaques cause discomfort in his profession and in his everyday movements.

“I was frustrated by my plaques,” he said. “Even activities like tying my shoes seemed too hard at times because my skin was constantly cracking and bleeding, and that’s when I knew something wasn’t right.”

Understanding the signs and symptoms of your psoriasis can help you have a productive conversation with your healthcare provider so you can find appropriate care and treatment.

2. Lean on loved ones for support

Because stress can often make psoriasis symptoms worse, the NPF suggests coping mechanisms such as meditation, exercise at the direction of your healthcare provider and seeking help from external sources or loved ones. With stay-at-home orders making it difficult to see friends and family in person, finding ways to speak with a loved one about how your chronic illness is affecting you and leaning on them for support can make you feel heard and understood.

Perry describes the uncomfortable feeling during the early days before his diagnosis. “Nobody wants to be treated like they are an outcast because plaque psoriasis symptoms look contagious.”

“For me, my wife is my person – she’s my biggest advocate and supporter. As a retired nurse, she has been so helpful in navigating doctor’s appointments and my insurance. Now that I’ve found relief from my bothersome symptoms, I’m more comfortable going out and doing activities like fishing and spending more time with my wife outdoors.”

3. Stay in touch with your doctor

Whether you’re visiting your doctor or healthcare provider in person or virtually, be sure to talk to them about your symptoms and options to continue your treatment during this difficult time.

“Taking the time for extra follow-ups with my doctor has ensured that I am sticking to my treatment plan and receiving the care that I need,” said Perry. “Even during the pandemic, I haven’t had any issues accessing my doctor and getting the answers I need.”

It is important for patients to discuss continuing treatment with their doctor as appropriate.

4. Learn about available treatment options like Taltz® (ixekizumab) injection 80 mg/mL

There are approved treatment options for psoriasis, including Taltz, and it is important to talk with your doctor to find one that is right for you.

“I wish that more patients felt comfortable asking their doctors about options, because they could be missing out on something that could work really well for them, potentially helping them achieve complete skin clearance,” said Perry.

After starting treatment with Taltz, Perry has seen clearance in the areas of his skin that were bothering him the most. He’s finally been able to get relief from the cracking and bleeding plaques on his skin.

“I was looking for complete skin clearance and my physician recommended Taltz. With completely clear skin, I am even wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts again, something I haven’t felt comfortable doing in years. I’ve rediscovered the hobbies I used to love in a new way now that I can do them without the discomfort I was experiencing when my psoriasis plaques covered my hands.”

If you have moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, talk to your doctor about Taltz to see if it is the right treatment for you.

This article represents Perry’s personal experiences. While Perry saw complete clearance with Taltz, individual results may vary. In clinical trials, up to 90 percent of people saw significant improvement of their psoriasis plaques and four out of 10 people achieved completely clear skin at 12 weeks.

Perry was compensated for his time.

PURPOSE AND SAFETY SUMMARY

Important Facts About Taltz® (tol-ts). It is a prescription medicine also known as ixekizumab.

Taltz is an injectable medicine used to treat:

  • People six years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or treatment using ultraviolet or UV light (phototherapy).
  • Adults with active psoriatic arthritis.
  • Adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation.

It is not known if Taltz is safe and effective in children for conditions other than plaque psoriasis or in children under 6 years of age.

Warnings

  • Taltz affects the immune system. It may increase your risk of infections, which can be serious. Do not use Taltz if you have any symptoms of infection, unless your doctor tells you to. If you have a symptom after starting Taltz, call your doctor right away.
  • Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start Taltz, and watch you closely for signs of TB during and after treatment with Taltz.
  • If you have TB, or had it in the past, your doctor may treat you for it before you start Taltz.
  • Do not use Taltz if you have had a serious allergic reaction to ixekizumab or any other ingredient in Taltz, such as: swelling of your eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, feeling faint, throat or chest tightness, or skin rash. Get emergency help right away if you have any of these reactions. See the Medication Guide that comes with Taltz for a list of ingredients.
  • Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) can start or get worse with Taltz use. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms or if they get worse: stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • You should not get live vaccines while taking Taltz. You should get the vaccines you need before you start Taltz.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Taltz include:

  • Injection site reactions
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Nausea
  • Fungal skin infections

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Before you use Taltz, review these questions with your doctor:

  • Are you being treated for an infection?
  • Do you have an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back?
  • Do you have TB or have you been in close contact with someone with TB?
  • Do you have possible symptoms of an infection such as fever, cough, sores, diarrhea, or other symptoms? Ask your doctor about other possible symptoms.
  • Do you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?

Tell your doctor if:

  • You need any vaccines or have had one recently.
  • You take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Taltz can harm an unborn baby.
  • You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Taltz passes into breastmilk.

How to take

See the instructions for use that come with Taltz. There you will find information about how to store, prepare, and inject Taltz. Adults may self-inject after receiving training from a healthcare provider.

For people under 18 years of age:

  • Weighing less than 50 kg (i.e., 110 lb): Taltz must be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Weighing more than 50 kg (i.e., 110 lb): If your healthcare provider decides that your caregiver may give your injections of Taltz at home, your caregiver should ask and receive training from a healthcare provider on the right way to prepare and inject Taltz.

Learn more

For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to taltz.com.

This summary provides basic information about Taltz and is not comprehensive. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about Taltz and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if Taltz is right for you.

Taltz® is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

IX CON BS 29MAY2020

PP-IX-US-4558 12/2020 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2021. All rights reserved.

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5 tips to up your big game experience

2021-02-03T08:01:01

(BPT) – While you may be scaling down your festivities for the big game this year, there’s no reason you have to scale down the fun and excitement that comes with the big day. After all, you’ve only been waiting for this day for an entire year!

If you’re looking for ways to make this year’s party just as great as ever, here are some ideas to help make your game day super memorable.

1. Set the scene

Make sure everyone in your household is wearing their team jerseys, put up plenty of streamers and balloons in your team’s colors, and enlist the whole family in creating homemade signs to celebrate your team and cheer on your favorite players. Send your party over the top with football-themed (and shaped) napkins, bowls, cookies and cakes.

2. Host a virtual watch party

Your party can be even bigger than before if you host a virtual event. From your high school and college buddies to family members near and far, absolutely everyone on your friends list can participate — just like they’re right there watching with you.

Invite everyone in your virtual get-together to wear their team’s colors, decorate their viewing rooms to the max and keep the volume up high so you can all cheer together!

3. Elevate your home entertainment experience

If you want to enjoy the game even more this year, you’ll want to see it clearly from kickoff to the final touchdown. Now’s a great time to pick up an LG OLED TV, which are perfect for sports fans. LG OLED technology delivers perfect blacks, more than one billion rich colors and a sense of immersion that allows the consumer to have the best possible experience when watching sports and movies, playing video games and more, especially when paired with one of LG’s premium soundbars with Dolby Atmos.

LG is currently offering a special pricing promotion that includes the lowest price ever for an LG OLED TV (55-inch class LG OLED BX) and significant savings of up to $2,000 on larger-screen LG OLED TVs, now through Feb. 7 at LG-authorized retailers nationwide.

4. Don’t skimp on the snacks!

Even if your party is smaller this year, let all your game day favorites be just as abundant! Circulate the best recipes you can find for loaded nachos, spicy wings and other savory snacks and treats with all the members of your watch party so you can “share” them together.

Not a foodie? No problem! You can relax and enjoy the day while supporting one of your top neighborhood eateries by ordering your game day spread for takeout or delivery.

5. Add a surprise element

Did you know you can hire online entertainment for your virtual watch party? These days you can find musical entertainment — from solo performers to bands — of almost any kind, plus comedians, magic acts and even celebrities who will create recorded personalized messages you can use to surprise your party guests during your event. Search online for the type of entertainment you want and get ready to watch your guests’ jaws drop in amazement.

Following these tips, you’ll have a fantastic time with your friends and fam, no matter how you celebrate — and you’ll make this game day one to remember.

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Heart to Heart: How Staying Connected Helps Your Cardiac Health

2021-02-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – This February, heart health and cardiac care will receive special attention during American Heart Month, but it will look different than in years past. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, technology like apps and remote monitoring helped patients stay connected to their physicians no matter where they were, without having to leave their home. For patients with implanted heart devices, this means doctors can help manage their conditions even from miles away.

This rise in telemedicine and remote monitoring will likely continue through 2021, and possibly beyond, as more people are becoming comfortable with this type of care.

For people with atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) impacting more than 5.3 million Americans, and heart failure, which impacts more than 6.2 million Americans (AHA), staying connected is a key element to managing their condition.

Take Bobby Marr, a flight attendant, husband, and father of three whose specialized cardiac defibrillator helps keep his heartbeat synchronized and treats abnormal or dangerously fast heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Since his device, created by Medtronic, is paired with a smartphone app that sends alerts to his doctor, Bobby can stay closely connected with his healthcare providers. In fact, he recently received a call from his clinic after his smartphone app alerted his care team so they could take action on a clinically concerning event.

“After hearing from my cardiac care team, I am feeling better and have peace of mind that they can keep track of my changing condition or symptoms of heart failure, especially during COVID-19 surges when I am limiting my in-person clinic visits.”

It is critical for patients with abnormal heart rhythms or heart failure to stay in close communication with their cardiac team to ensure they are getting the care they need. Here are some topics to keep in mind about heart devices and care for these common conditions.

What You May Not Know About Staying Connected with Your Heart Health

1. Treatment Options for Irregular Heart Rhythms and Heart Failure

There are many treatment options for arrhythmias and heart failure, which may include medications, implantable devices, or surgical procedures, and it’s important to talk with your doctor, who may refer you to a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating abnormal heart rhythms.

Today, there are many different ways to help manage irregular rhythms and heart failure. For example, devices like implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) detect and treat dangerously fast heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-D) send unnoticeable electrical pulses to help the heart beat in more synchronized patterns, helping reduce symptoms for patients with heart failure. For Bobby’s condition, he has a CRT-D that adjusts to his body’s needs.

2. Implanted Heart Devices and Smartphone Compatibility

Millions of heart patients benefit from remote cardiac device monitoring, and the newest devices are compatible with smartphone apps that connect patients’ device data with their doctors. This remote technology linked via smartphones or tablets can reduce in-person clinic visits and hospitalizations and allows patients to receive telehealth care.

Bobby’s defibrillator is connected to his smartphone through an app that delivers alerts that can speed care response time for life-threatening symptoms. He says, “My device lets me feel connected through the smartphone I carry around every day. My doctor is alerted, so he can make adjustments — to the device or my medications — and I can focus on spending time with my wife, adult children and their families, or even just preparing to board my next flight.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of heart disease, don’t hesitate to speak to a doctor. Learn more about heart rhythm disorders and treatments, as well as remote monitoring options at Medtronic.com/followyourheart.

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3 top strategies to keep bones strong

2021-02-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – Healthy bodies need healthy bones. Bones support our weight, protect our internal organs and provide a platform for our muscles to work. Unfortunately, we don’t always treat our bones right. There are many common behaviors or attributes that weaken the skeletal structure, including:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol in excess
  • Lack of exercise / sedentary lifestyle
  • Too much exercise
  • Diets low in protein and high in salt
  • Genetics

While bad habits aren’t good for anyone’s bones, they are particularly concerning for people with osteoporosis or those who are at higher risk for the condition. Osteoporosis is a general weakening of bone structure that leaves a person at a much higher risk of fracture. It’s typically associated with postmenopausal women; however, osteoporosis can affect men as well. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 24.5% of women 65 and older have the disease, the same is true for 5.1% of men in that age bracket. Essentially, everyone reaches peak bone development around age 30, and bone mass slowly declines as you age.

“Healthy bones come from the right exercise and diet,” says Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian and consultant for the California Prune Board. “The good news is, the ‘right’ exercise can be fun, and a bone-friendly diet is loaded with delicious things to eat!”

Here are three simple strategies for keeping bones strong.

1. Moderate exercise

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a moderate regimen of weight-bearing exercise to support your bones. While the emphasis is on moderation, overdoing your exercise can lead to injuries that leave your bones in worse condition. Popular weight-bearing exercises include walking, hiking, jogging, stair climbing and dancing.

The NIH also recommends resistance exercises, or more often referred to as strength training. Every time you lift a weight, a small amount of stress is placed on your bones by your muscles. This stress essentially encourages bone-forming cells to hurry up and get to work.

2. Modify your diet

Even with the right exercise a bone-supporting diet is important. Calcium and Vitamin D are the most familiar essential nutrients, and they are certainly a powerful combination, but, other nutrients are also needed to effectively build bone density.

For starters, you need between 0.4 and 0.9 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. You also need plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in bone-forming minerals like boron, manganese, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It is important to focus on getting these minerals from veggies and fruits, as mineral supplements are generally less beneficial.

One fruit particularly rich in bone-building minerals is California Prunes. Not only do prunes provide boron and manganese, they’re also rich in Vitamin K — another nutrient fundamental for bone mineralization. In fact, California Prunes have been of interest to bone health researchers for several years.

“We’re seeing an exciting ‘prune effect’ on bones,” reports Dr. Bernard Halloran, bone health researcher and Professor Emeritus at the University of California San Francisco. “In a variety of unique research scenarios, California Prunes are consistently associated with a favorable bone response.”

Bonci agrees, explaining that prunes are a whole food approach to healthy eating, as well as being readily available, economical, safe and – by all indications – effective in supporting healthy bones. They’re also an easy-to-carry snack, and a versatile ingredient perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Keeping your weight at a healthy level is particularly important for bone health. A low body mass index score (BMI) is considered a significant risk factor for bone loss, particularly in older people. This is because when a person is underweight, their body has fewer available resources for repairing bone.

Conversely, a high BMI due to excess body fat has also been shown to be detrimental to your bones. The risks with high BMI are potential strain and fracture due to an over-taxed skeletal structure. To best determine what a healthy weight is for you, talk to your doctor.

Anyone’s bones can weaken over time, but, through healthy habits you can limit your risks of potential bone damage. So, the next time you go for a pleasant walk through your neighborhood or enjoy some sweet California Prunes, be proud of yourself. You’re on the right track for keeping your bones strong.

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4 ways to celebrate the power of love

2021-02-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – Love is what makes the world go round. And for that matter, it’s how everyone got here. And it’s how everyone gets up every morning. Love has been a big part of how people have made it through this year — together, even when they are apart. So here is a love letter to you: There are no limits to what love can do. There’s no distance it won’t go, and there’s no way it can keep you apart.

This Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to kiss more, fill their hearts more and remind everyone to share the love. This is an important time to put more love out there, however you express it, because there are #NoLimitsonLove and what it can do.

Here are just a few of the many ways that you can show the ones you love how much you care about and appreciate them.

A written message — Whether you send them an e-card or mail a handwritten note, writing out your feelings can sometimes be an easier way to express that you care. You can take the time to craft a message that goes straight to their heart — and that will be cherished by the person you’re sending it to. Don’t know what to say? How about telling the story of how you met from your point of view, or sharing a cherished memory with them?

Positive actions — Showing your love through a helpful action can speak volumes. Don’t wait to be asked. Run an errand for someone, help them do something around the house or take care of them in other concrete ways to let them know they’re on your mind.

Gifts from the heart — Send or give someone a special gift, just to let them know you much they mean to you. You can choose classic gifts like flowers or chocolates, or find something that speaks directly to your relationship or their unique personality.

Share your love with the world — Have an inspiring story about your own beloved family member, teacher, spouse or friend? Why not post your own love story so everyone knows how much that person means to you?

Join the celebration of love on 1800flowers.com/nolimitsonlove and share your story with the hashtag #nolimitsonlove. Then read about inspiring stories of love from people around the country to lift your spirits. No matter what kind of love you share, there truly are no limits to what this powerful emotion can do.

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Protein is essential to your well-being

2021-02-01T13:59:01

(BPT) – Protein is essential to well-being. The very origin of the word protein first appeared in scientific literature in 1838, derived from the Greek word “protos” — meaning “first rank or position,” in recognition of how important protein is to life. Every cell in the human body contains protein and it is needed to repair and make new cells.

“Protein in our diet is crucial because it is needed to support the health of your hair, nails, bones and muscles,” says dietitian Susan Bowerman, Herbalife Nutrition, senior director. “Protein also helps you feel full longer, which can help you avoid mindless eating and keep weight in check.”

Bowerman says it’s important to start the day off with protein in your breakfast in order to feel full and satisfied until lunchtime. However, she stresses that protein is a key element for all meals and snacks to ensure optimum nutrition.

Many people think of meat, like chicken and beef, when they think of foods that contain protein, but there are many more options for getting this critical nutrient throughout your day. In fact, Bowerman says many people are proactively seeking products that feature plant-based proteins to help maintain a healthy diet.

Plus, with shifting eating habits — where traditional meals are no longer the default and people are eating breakfast for lunch or breakfast for dinner — it’s the perfect time to get creative in your kitchen. According to research, half (46%) of consumers enjoy eating breakfast foods at non-traditional times, especially at dinner (56%).

“As a dietitian, one of the top questions I get from people is how to add more protein to their diet,” says Bowerman. “When I tell them some of my own favorite ways to eat protein throughout the day, they are often surprised at how simple it can be.”

Bowerman shares four of her favorite ways to increase protein intake:

Stock up on nuts

Nuts like almonds, pecans and walnuts are a great way to add protein to any meal. Try adding a handful of nuts on top of your salad, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowl or other dishes for a healthy crunch. Nuts are also great for a quick, filling snack that satisfies your cravings for crunchy food, but unlike chips, you can feel good about reaching for this food.

Swap in Greek yogurt

Swap in Greek yogurt for traditional yogurt for a tasty and versatile protein boost in your diet. One single-serve container of nonfat Greek yogurt has roughly 14 grams of protein. To maximize the versatility of Greek yogurt, consider buying the plain variety. That way you can use it whatever way you want, from adding fruit and a drizzle of honey for a wholesome snack, to using it as an ingredient for a delicious dressing or sauce.

Try microwaving protein muffins

Yes, you heard right. You can now make a quick, healthy high-protein muffin in the microwave with a few simple ingredients such as the new Herbalife Nutrition Protein Baked Goods Mix and your favorite Formula 1 shake mix. To make a protein muffin, just combine a serving of Protein Baked Goods Mix with a serving of Formula 1 Shake Mix in a mug, add water and microwave for 3 minutes. The result is a warm, filling muffin with 24 grams of protein, 190 calories, 21 vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber. No eggs or milk needed. This mix is also great to make high-protein pancakes, waffles and donuts.

Use beans in recipes

Beans and legumes are wonderfully filling because they are protein-packed, yet many people overlook their potential in daily nutrition. First, stock up on convenient canned varieties such as lentils, kidney beans, white beans and black beans. Then experiment using them in different ways. Adding to soup is easy, but beans are also great on salads and pasta. Make a healthy no-bake salsa by draining and mixing the contents of a can of beans, low-salt corn and diced tomatoes with chiles. You can even swap in beans and have a tasty and wholesome meatless taco night.

“Protein is an essential nutrient that can support your overall well-being and help you feel your best,” says Bowerman. “Taking a few simple and tasty steps every day will help you meet your protein needs so your body can function at its best.”

For more nutrition and fitness tips visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

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5 steps to help stop the rise in deaths from heart attack and stroke

2021-02-01T14:01:01

(BPT) – Permission granted by ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams.

At 42, ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams never saw herself as someone who had a heart problem. She was active, paid attention to what she ate and felt healthy.

But one day, while on her usual run, she felt her heart flutter and went to the doctor. Six years later, after several trips to the emergency room and misdiagnoses, she had a heart attack and a stroke. That’s when she learned she had cardiovascular disease, which can lead to both. She also was surprised to learn that it runs in her family — her mother had suffered a heart attack at a young age and hadn’t told her about it.

Carter-Williams’ story is not uncommon. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death each year in the US, and it is on the rise. Black Americans are 30% more likely to die of this disease than others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many reasons for these higher rates, such as family history, implicit bias within the medical community and unequal access to health care.

“Cardiovascular disease is not usually discussed in Black culture,” says Carter-Williams, “but we need to talk about these real issues — it could potentially save lives.”

Today, Carter-Williams is an advocate for women, especially Black women like herself and her mother. Her goal is to help others take charge of their cardiovascular health, so they don’t have to go through what she did.

Now is the perfect time to start this important conversation — February is both American Heart Month and Black History Month. There are changes you can make to help in the fight against this deadly disease.

Carter-Williams offers the following tips:

1) Put your health first

Making your health a priority can go a long way to curb the risk of cardiovascular disease. This can include getting regular check-ups and making lifestyle changes like a heart-healthy diet, daily exercise and reducing stress. For example, Carter-Williams scaled back her hours at work and made time for healthier habits such as exercising more and spending more quality time with her kids. A lower-stress lifestyle gives her more opportunities to teach her kids how to make healthy choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

2) Talk about your family history

Lasting change starts with education. Black Americans have a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular disease, in part due to genetic factors. Carter-Williams encourages everyone, especially Black women, to learn about their family health history and discuss it with their health care teams.

3) Find the right health care team for you

Bias can exist in the health care system, even if it’s not intended. These biases can affect the way patients with cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions are understood and treated. Carter-Williams now looks for doctors who “look like her.” “I need someone who understands me culturally,” she says. “To relate to my doctor in that way makes a difference.” It’s important that she trusts her health care team and feels comfortable talking with them. A good relationship with your doctor — with regular checkups and conversations about cardiovascular disease — can help you manage your risks over the long-term.

4) Take steps to know your cholesterol numbers and manage them

The majority of deaths from cardiovascular disease are a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which can cause stroke, heart attack or even death. ASCVD is caused by high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. But there are steps you can take to manage your bad cholesterol and lower your risk. Regular testing can help detect high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to have your cholesterol checked and what you can do to help lower high bad cholesterol and keep it low — including following a healthy diet and adding or adjusting medication, if needed.

5) Take the pledge

There are many more steps you can take to contribute to a healthier future for yourself and others. A great place to start is by taking The Legacy We Lead pledge to help lead a legacy of fewer lives lost to cardiovascular disease and signing up to receive resources that will help you turn your pledge into action.

The Legacy We Lead is a national effort led by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation dedicated to help stop the rise of cardiovascular-related deaths. With stories and inspiration from people like Carter-Williams, the program aims to inspire individuals to make a commitment to create a healthier future.

“My heart matters and so does yours,” says Carter-Williams. “The Legacy We Lead urges everyone to take care of their own heart health and to support others.”

Join the effort to create a healthier future and take the pledge at www.thelegacywelead.com.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080 © 2021 Novartis 1/21 XIN-1399548

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3 Things to Know About Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD): A Heart Condition You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

2021-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – In a time when health concerns are top of mind, it’s critical to be aware of underlying issues that may be impacting your overall health and quality of life. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. One type of heart disease in particular is often overlooked and underdiagnosed.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease that affects the heart’s smallest arteries causing decreased blood flow to the muscle tissue in the heart.1 This disease primarily affects younger women, beginning in their 40s1, with some patients reporting the onset of symptoms as early as their teens or 20s.2 Common symptoms include recurring and debilitating chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath.1

In February, American Heart Month, it’s vital to learn more about this lesser-known form of heart disease and speak to your doctor if you are experiencing frequent chest pain or other symptoms. He or she can discuss treatment options that may help.

Signs of ‘hidden’ disease

Traditional tests are unable to detect damage caused by CMD.1 In these patients, the walls of small coronary arteries are damaged or diseased, reducing the flow of blood to the heart muscle.1 They experience very similar symptoms to more typical coronary artery disease, such as frequent chest pain (also referred to as “angina”) and shortness of breath.1 The chest pain often occurs during normal daily activities, such as shopping, cooking or going to work.1

But since standard medical imaging tests are designed to look for blockages in large arteries, the damage to small vessels that characterizes CMD escapes notice.1 Physicians often assumed patients were instead experiencing an emotional or psychological disturbance.

The lack of effective diagnostic methods means that many patients, especially women, have gone untreated as their condition worsened.3,4 Proper education and better diagnostic tools are the first steps to improving outcomes in these patients — who are at high risk for serious cardiac events.

Lifestyle critical to symptom relief

Many women have chest pain, poor quality of life, and psychological distress related to CMD.5 CMD can also increase risk of cardiac events in the future, including heart failure, heart attack and stroke, similar to patients who have obstructions in large coronary arteries.6,7 Over 40% of patients are readmitted to the hospital for angina following a CMD diagnosis3 and 30% of them undergo a repeat coronary angiography — an invasive procedure to check for blocked or narrowed blood vessels in your heart.3

Doctors have noted that to improve CMD symptoms, lifestyle changes are critical. These include things like smoking cessation, exercise, stress relief and weight loss.5 It is also important to watch out for and control risk factors that can lead to an unhealthy heart, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.8

Treatments on the horizon

Treatment to help relieve CMD symptoms includes many of the standard drugs used to treat ischemia (the restriction of blood supply to tissues), such as beta blockers, calcium antagonists and nitrates.3 However, these treatments often fall short.2 Only half of patients typically respond to traditional anti-anginal drugs.3

There are no approved treatments specifically indicated for CMD at this time. However, Caladrius Biosciences, on the heels of very positive results from its Phase 2a, ESCaPE-CMD study, recently initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial (known as the “FREEDOM Trial”) to study a potentially effective treatment for CMD. The FREEDOM Trial is evaluating CLBS16, a type of cell therapy that uses your own cells, specifically, blood vessel forming cells called CD34+ cells, to repair damage to the coronary arteries and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

“Despite the latest advances and improvements in stents, surgeries and medicines for those with heart conditions, many patients struggle with debilitating chest pain, which takes a toll on the quality of many lives,” said Timothy Henry, M.D., cardiologist and director of the Lindner Center at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. “With the amount of misdiagnosis and the serious health effects caused by CMD, it is critical to speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing frequent chest pain. A doctor may direct you to new and unique options to potentially provide innovative and effective care when possible.”

1 Coronary microvascular dysfunction in women: an overview of diagnostic strategies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909446/

2 Caladrius Biosciences internal database for ESCaPE-CMD Study

3 Microvascular angina: angina that predominantly affects women https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4351318/

4 Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (INOCA): What Is the Risk? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6201435/

5 Coronary microvascular dysfunction: an update https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/17/1101/2465953

6 Syndrome X and Microvascular Coronary Dysfunction https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210740/

7 Prevalence of Coronary Endothelial and Microvascular Dysfunction in Women with Symptoms of Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease Is Confirmed by a New Cohort: The NHLBI-Sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation–Coronary Vascular Dysfunction (WISE-CVD) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6739787/

8 Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction – Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Risk Factors and Therapy https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/circj/81/1/81_CJ-16-1002/_html/-char/en