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World Mental Health Day: Understanding Bipolar-I Disorder (BP-I) and Information That May Help Those Living With BP-I

2021-10-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – This article is sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Lundbeck.

On October 10, World Mental Health Day will be observed to raise awareness for the variety of mental health illnesses that people across the globe are faced with daily. This day also provides an opportunity to educate the public on Bipolar-I Disorder (BP-I), and the importance of stability among BP-I patients.

In the United States alone, an estimated 4.8 million adults are or will be diagnosed with BP-I at some point in their life. BP-I is a serious, chronic mental illness that generally requires lifelong treatment and is characterized by the occurrence of manic episodes; patients can also experience mixed episodes which consist of both manic and depressive symptoms.

A manic episode can manifest itself as either euphoria or feeling “high,” or as irritability. For example, people with BP-I may have an inflated self-image and have increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes typically consist of symptoms like feeling very down or sad, trouble concentrating or making decisions, and a feeling of restlessness that can last one to two weeks, or sometimes longer.

“Consistency in care is a critical part of helping people living with BP-I remain stable,” said Dr. Greg Mattingly, a psychiatrist from Saint Charles, Missouri. “This includes providing hope and facilitating healthy conversations between patients and physicians, as research suggests that it’s important for patients with BP-I to keep up with regular medical and therapy appointments.”

World Mental Health Day shines an important light on mental health disorders, including BP-I, and can be used as a time to spread education and awareness about the variety of resources and options available for individuals living with mental health disorders.

While patients should always speak to their healthcare team before making changes to their current care plan, the Mayo Clinic has created guidance to help individuals living with BP-I continue to manage their mental health:

  • Keep days structured – Create a schedule and structure for work, free time, family and socializing.
  • Stick to healthy habits – Eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, spend time outside, and stay physically active (e.g., walking, yoga, or using other exercise options available), as appropriate based on a patient’s care plan determined by their doctor.
  • Engage in relaxing activities – Take time for hobbies and relaxing activities to stay grounded. This may include crafts, cooking, playing or listening to music or meditating.
  • Limit news and social media consumption – Worrisome news can exacerbate stress so it’s important to limit exposure to those information streams. It’s also good to curtail time on social media since those platforms can also heighten negative emotions.
  • Stay consistent with counseling or therapy sessions – For patients in therapy, keeping up with therapy sessions is an especially important aspect of their comprehensive treatment plan.
  • Keep up with medication regimens – It is important that patients stay current with their treatments and for stable patients to talk to their doctor about maintenance treatment options that may be appropriate for them.

For patients with BP-I who are currently stable on their oral medication, a long-acting injection may be appropriate for them.

One option is ABILIFY MAINTENA® (aripiprazole), a once monthly long acting injectable, given by injection by a healthcare professional for the maintenance treatment of BP-I in adults. Patients should continue to take their current antipsychotic medicine for two weeks after their first treatment with ABILIFY MAINTENA.

ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause serious side effects, including an increased risk of death in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis. The most common side effects with ABILIFY MAINTENA include weight gain, an inner sense of restlessness such as feeling like you need to move, injection site pain, and sleepiness. Please read the complete IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION below.

Learn more at abilifymaintena.com.

INDICATION and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for

ABILIFY MAINTENA® (aripiprazole)

INDICATION:

ABILIFY MAINTENA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional for:

  • maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults

It is not known if ABILIFY MAINTENA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

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

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

ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause serious side effects including:

  • Increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in clinical studies with oral aripiprazole of elderly people with dementia-related psychosis and can lead to death.
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of NMS: high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, or changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure.
  • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA.
  • Problems with your metabolism such as:
    • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Increases in blood sugar can happen in some people who receive ABILIFY MAINTENA. Extremely high blood sugar can lead to coma or death. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes), your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA and during your treatment.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar while receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA:
      • feel very thirsty
      • need to urinate more than usual
      • feel very hungry
      • feel weak or tired
      • feel sick to your stomach
      • feel confused, or your breath smells fruity
    • Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood.
    • Weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight regularly.
  • Unusual urges. Some people receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA have had unusual urges such as gambling, binge eating or eating that you cannot control (compulsive), compulsive shopping, and sexual urges.

If you or your family members notice that you are having unusual urges or behaviors, talk to your healthcare provider.

  • Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Seizures (convulsions)
  • Problems controlling your body temperature so that you feel too warm. Do not become too hot or dehydrated while you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA. Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
  • Difficulty swallowing

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how

ABILIFY MAINTENA affects you. ABILIFY MAINTENA may make you feel drowsy.

Do not drink alcohol while you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA.

Before receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have never taken aripiprazole before
  • have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA and during your treatment.
  • have or had seizures (convulsions)
  • have or had low or high blood pressure
  • have or had heart problems or a stroke
  • have or had a low white blood cell count
  • have problems that may affect you receiving an injection in your arm or buttocks
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ABILIFY MAINTENA will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or go to http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ABILIFY MAINTENA can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA.

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

ABILIFY MAINTENA and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines during treatment with ABILIFY MAINTENA without talking to your healthcare provider first.

The most common side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA include: weight gain, inner sense of restlessness such as feeling like you need to move (akathisia), injection site pain, or sleepiness (sedation).

It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasms or contractions, which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.

These are not all the possible side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA.

If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

You are encouraged to report side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole).

Please contact Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 1-800-438-9927 or FDA at

1-800-FDA-1088 (www.fda.gov/medwatch).

Please read U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including BOXED WARNING, and MEDICATION GUIDE.

Dr. Mattingly also advises patients to engage their health care team if they have any concerns or notice any changes in their mental health.

For more information about ABILIFY MAINTENA, visit www.abilifymaintena.com.

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4 Ways to Prioritize Your Well-being on World Mental Health Day

2021-10-08T10:27:00

(BPT) – A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body when it comes to achieving and maintaining wellness. Yet in the midst of navigating a global pandemic, while still having to juggle work deadlines and family obligations, it can be all too easy to neglect our mental health.

October 10, as it has been every year since 1992, is World Mental Health Day. Established to educate, raise awareness of and reduce social stigma around the subject of mental health, the annually observed day is also a great time for all of us to consider our own mental wellness and what we can do to improve it. Here are four simple ways to reset, recharge and bring a sense of balance to our busy lives.

Take time out to treat yourself to an extra dose of self-care with these easy, mood-boosting activities, and to take care of your mental well-being. Also, World Mental Health Day presents a golden opportunity for all of us to come together and support one another by sharing our journeys. Here are some suggestions for fostering a greater connection with yourself and creating a stronger sense of community.

Get in Touch with Nature. Spending time in nature offers myriad mental health benefits — and it’s completely free. Go for a quick walk outside and feel your stress levels go down as you bask in the glorious sunshine and let the fresh air enter your lungs. Being outdoors in the natural light can lift your mood no matter the time of year, and the physical activity will do wonders for both body and mind.

You can also bring nature into the home and try your hand at some indoor gardening. All you need is a nice, sunny spot with good ventilation and a few tips on how to get started — which are easy to find on the internet nowadays. Sustainability blogger and YouTuber Immy Lucas has great advice to offer on growing your own food, which she shares along with some delicious plant-based recipes in a new short film.

Do Something Creative. A creative hobby can help take your mind off the stresses of everyday life, and boost your confidence through the satisfying act of making something yourself. Hand-crafts like knitting and crochet let you apply and improve your own skills while producing practical items such as beanies and sweaters, or endearing keepsakes like teddy bears or Christmas decorations. If you don’t have any resources at hand, you can easily buy a DIY kit for a fun sewing or hand-tufting project.

Dancing to a catchy beat can also help lift your mood and ease anxiety. Plus, it’s an activity that’s even more fun when you share it with others; the combination of movement and music is a time-tested way to feel good and spread positivity. Join a dance class or showcase your moves online on popular platforms like TikTok. There are always a lot of fun, easy challenges, like LG’s Life’s Good global dance challenge, that anyone can join in and dance along to.

Reconnect with Loved Ones. Connecting with others and forming lasting social bonds is important for everyone’s mental well-being. In those times when we feel emotionally fragile, it’s so often the affection of friends and family that help to get us through. Stay in touch with the people you care for by writing a letter, crafting an email or just picking up the phone and making a quick call.

An even better way to catch up is to organize an in-person get-together, such as a barbecue cookout, or a picnic in the park. You’ll enjoy the company of those you love and hold dear, and come away with shared memories that you can reminisce and laugh about for years to come.

Perform an Act of Kindness. Helping someone in need not only uplifts and empowers them, but makes us feel good as well. Performing an act of kindness can help give you a sense of purpose and increase your connection with, and empathy for, those around you. Paying it forward also encourages others to do their part, forming a chain of ‘kind acts’ that can end up impacting the whole community in the most positive of ways.

Giving to a charity devoted to assisting those with mental health issues — or any worthy cause — is also an excellent way to practice kindness to others. Sign up at a local volunteer group to help out, or make a cash donation. You could also take action as a conscious consumer — companies like LG Russia and Rare Beauty have launched donation drives to support the wellness of the entire community. LG Russia’s annual blood donation also saw a fantastic turnout by the younger generations of Moscow and Rostov, who united as one to give selflessly in support of the nation’s blood banks. Rare Beauty’s Mental Health 101 campaign raised a hefty sum, providing mental-health resources to teens.

However you choose to mark World Mental Health Day, and whatever chores and tasks you need to get done, make sure to be kind to yourself and to those around you.

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It’s Headlight Savings Time: Upgrade your headlight bulbs today and see better tonight

2021-10-08T11:31:01

(BPT) – Did you know that headlight bulbs dim over time and if you wait until burnout you may lose up to 50 feet of visibility? That’s the length of three large SUVs. And losing this vital visibility after dark could mean the difference between getting into an accident and avoiding one.

That’s why making sure your headlights are working properly — and that you can see better at night — should be an essential part of your vehicle-safety checklist.

To remind all drivers of the importance of headlight bulb maintenance, Sylvania is embarking on its third annual Headlight Savings Time campaign. As part of Headlight Savings Time, the company is once again reminding drivers that headlight bulbs, just like brakes and tires, do wear down over time. And if you wait until your headlight bulbs burn out, you could lose those critical 50 feet of visibility.

Visibility is especially important as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end and nights arrive earlier. More drivers will find themselves on dark roads and at higher risk in the coming months. Indeed, fatal accidents are three times more likely to happen at night, according to the National Safety Council and Geico. Unfortunately, the vast majority of drivers are still unaware that vehicle headlights can dim considerably over time and they wait too long to replace them.

The #1 aftermarket automotive lighting brand with more than 100 years of industry experience, Sylvania knows that dimming headlight bulbs can be a real danger on the road. The company is working hard to educate consumers on the importance of making headlight bulb replacement a regular part of their vehicle maintenance program and to remind them to visit an auto parts professional for new headlight bulbs when replacement is necessary. Because ensuring that your headlights are replaced before they begin to dim is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your safety while driving.

The good news is that the Headlight Savings Time campaign is having a positive impact. After engaging with the campaign messaging, 56% of respondents said they were motivated to change their headlight bulbs within the next six months, with only the smallest portion of respondents planning to wait until burnout to make the change.

Headlight Savings Time is a reminder to you to replace your headlight bulbs if needed and add this simple step to your vehicle’s regular maintenance checklist. Don’t wait until burnout but instead replace your headlights regularly — and in pairs, to ensure even illumination. That’s how you can ensure nighttime visibility for you, your family and other drivers on the road around you.

Visit an auto parts professional at a leading retailer like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, or Walmart to find your new Sylvania bulbs today — and see better tonight. For more information, visit sylvania-automotive.com/see-better-tonight.html.

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3 tips for vacationing safely with your family

2021-10-08T07:01:01

(BPT) – While the pandemic caused many people to have to cancel or postpone their vacation plans over the past eighteen months, travel has resumed again across the country. If you’re considering taking a trip sometime soon, it’s a good idea to make sure everyone in your group knows the best ways to stay safe — and how to pack and plan your trip while keeping health top of mind.

Here are some tips for making sure your next adventure goes off without a hitch, and that you’re prepared for any changing conditions that may occur while you’re away from home.

1. Pack enough safety gear for everyone

No matter where you’re headed or what the state of travel may be right now, make sure you’re ready in case of any unforeseen changes that may occur.

Pack enough of these items for everyone:

  • Well-fitting, high-quality masks. Depending on your family’s situation, you may feel more comfortable wearing masks in crowded places — indoors or out. Public transportation services, as well as many public venues and private businesses, may also require that you wear masks, so you’ll want to be sure you have at least two per family member packed and ready to bring with you on your excursions.
  • Hand sanitizer. It’s a good idea to carry small bottles of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol with you, in case you won’t have access to soap and water when you need to wash your hands. Make sure to supervise children so they use it correctly, and keep out of reach of young children.
  • Cleansing wipes. To help keep your surroundings and personal belongings clean wherever you go, sanitizing wipes can give you peace of mind. Frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and objects including door handles, TV remotes and your phones can help improve hygiene for you and your family.

2. Research hotels and entertainment venues before you book

While planning your vacation, make sure to check the websites (or call) for any places you plan to stay — this includes airlines, tourist attractions or other businesses you plan to visit. Find out their current health and safety policies and procedures to be sure you are in compliance. It can also be reassuring to know that the places you’ll visit — and especially where you’ll be sleeping, whether overnight or for several days — are clean and following appropriate sanitation measures.

For example, at Innisfree Hotels in Florida, the national hotel management group has publicized its proactive approach to health and safety in its fifteen waterfront properties, including but not limited to:

  • Springhill Suites/Courtyard Amelia Island
  • Hilton Pensacola Beach
  • Beachside Hotel and Suites Cocoa Beach
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Panama City Beach
  • Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach

Innisfree’s strategies, which are used to ensure guest health and safety, include increased daily cleaning and sanitizing procedures. The company is also requiring that all of their approximately 2,000 team members (with approved exemptions) be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15 — and that new hires must have received their first COVID-19 vaccine prior to their first day of employment.

“From the onset of the pandemic, our decision-making process has been driven by health, safety and scientific evidence,” said Ted Ent, president and CEO, Innisfree Hotels. “This resolution comes as a response to the stark rise in cases among the unvaccinated and the spreading Delta variant. With this requirement, we intend to better protect our staff and guests from exposure to COVID, staying true to our core value of helping those who help us.”

Check out all the Florida locations where you can soak in the sun at InnisfreeHotels.com.

3. Practice social distancing

To lower your risk of infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding crowds, and staying at least six feet (about two arm lengths) away from anyone who is not traveling with you. Outdoor venues or activities are also considered to be lower risk than indoor activities. If you or a family member is feeling sick, it is recommended to stay home and avoid being around other people to stop the spread of any illness.

Keeping these tips in mind will not only help you feel good that you’re taking the proper health and safety precautions — but will ensure a more carefree travel experience as you set off to some of your favorite vacation spots this year.

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5 Simple Surface Makeovers That Can Transform Any Kitchen or Bath

2021-10-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – According to a recent report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, kitchen and bath remodels rank number one and two, respectively, for planned home improvement projects this year, and are not only a sure-fire way to update a home’s look but can also help improve resale value.

Here are five simple surface makeovers that can transform virtually any kitchen or bath and add value and allure to a home.

1. Make it Marble

The look of marble continues to reign supreme in kitchens and baths, and to achieve its beauty and drama, homeowners traditionally would need to turn to natural materials like quartz and stone. With the introduction of the Wilsonart® Solid Surface Collection, the look of authentic marble can be achieved in an ultra-durable acrylic surface, making design applications virtually limitless for the kitchen, bath and beyond.

2. Create a Spa-Worthy Retreat

The innovative Wetwall™ Water-Proof Wall Panel System makes it easy and affordable to transform any bathroom into a stylish oasis. With its simple tongue-and-groove design, Wetwall can be installed in as little as 2.5 hours and applies easily over gypsum board, green board and fiberboard. It can even be installed over existing tile. The single panel, grout-free surface is waterproof and features antimicrobial protection and scratch- and scuff-resistant technology for superior durability.

3. Refresh & Reseal

If the caulk around the edges of a bathtub or shower is wearing down, stained or harboring mold and mildew, it’s time for a refresh. For a crisp and clean appearance, use a caulk remover and utility knife to remove the old caulk, thoroughly clean the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or residue, then re-caulk with a sealant that offers a stain-free finish that repels water, dirt and soap scum.

4. Beautify with a Backsplash

Easily transform any kitchen or bathroom in just a few hours with the addition of a new backsplash. Look for acrylic sheets of on-trend subway tile or geometric patterns that are completely seamless and smooth to the touch as a quick, easy-to-install and affordable alternative to traditional tiles. The grout-free acrylic surface makes it easy to clean up spills and splashes, and practically eliminates the chance of mold and mildew build-up.

5. Bring the Outdoors In

Let the beauty of nature take center stage on your home’s surfaces. Wilsonart’s THINSCAPE® Performance Tops collection features two new sun-drenched designs that bring a sense of calm, comfort and cheer to any environment and offer a rare combination of attainable luxury with exceptional performance. All the designs within the European-inspired, ultra-thin countertop line bring the elegance of nature into the home and offer exceptional durability with resistance to impact, scratches and moisture and come with UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for indoor air quality.

For more kitchen and bath design inspiration, trends and engineered surfaces products, visit wilsonart.com/athome.

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How one patient’s unwavering determination led to heart disease diagnosis and treatment

2021-10-07T08:31:00

(BPT) – Imagine living with excruciating chest pain that is a consistent part of your life. Imagine being so fatigued and short of breath that you can’t even do the dishes or walk up the stairs. Imagine seeing multiple different doctors over an 11-year period, and being subjected to test after test, but still not receiving a correct diagnosis. Imagine feeling like it’s all in your head or worse, that your doctor thinks it’s all in your head.

This is exactly what a patient named Vicky Ventura experienced before she was finally diagnosed with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), a difficult-to-detect type of heart disease that is often misdiagnosed and disproportionately afflicts women. CMD affects the heart’s smallest blood vessels, so many CMD patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because traditional medical tests for heart disease, such as an angiogram, are designed to look for blockages in large vessels.1 After 11 years, Ms. Ventura finally received a correct diagnosis after undergoing a procedure known as coronary reactivity testing, which is an invasive procedure that looks at how the small vessels of the heart are functioning. After reviewing all test results, Vicky’s cardiologist diagnosed her with CMD.

In CMD patients, the larger coronary arteries are usually unobstructed. Instead, in CMD patients, the walls of small penetrating coronary arteries are damaged or diseased, causing a decreased flow of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.1 This decrease in blood flow leads to recurring, debilitating chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.1 Along with the physical symptoms, many patients also report poor quality of life, along with mental and emotional distress.3

“My kids saw how I deteriorated throughout the years, how I changed completely, how I was no longer active,” Ms. Ventura said of her experience living with CMD. “I wasn’t spending quality time with them anymore. I couldn’t drive anymore. I couldn’t walk long distances anymore. Even just getting out of bed was a challenge for me.”

Like Vicky, CMD patients often go years without proper diagnosis, during which time they are untreated or incorrectly treated and at high risk of heart attack and other serious cardiovascular-related events due to the underlying CMD condition.2,4

Limited treatment options

Once patients do finally receive an accurate CMD diagnosis, they are forced to come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for this disease and no approved treatments specifically indicated for CMD. To help relieve symptoms in patients with CMD, doctors generally turn to medications that are used to treat typical angina, including beta blockers, calcium antagonists and nitrates, that provide little relief.2

However, Caladrius Biosciences is evaluating a treatment for CMD called XOWNA® (formerly CLBS16) that it hopes will prove effective through clinical trials to alleviate CMD suffering. It is a type of cell therapy that uses a patient’s own cells to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in an effort to repair damage associated with the coronary arteries.

While XOWNA® is an investigative therapy that is currently being studied and is not yet approved by the FDA, investigators were encouraged by results from a Phase 2a open label trial that tested XOWNA®, the ESCaPE-CMD study, as reported in 2019 and 2020. Caladrius is currently enrolling new patients in a Phase 2b clinical trial (known as the “FREEDOM Trial”).

Results from the ESCaPE-CMD study showed that, in some cases, a single administration of XOWNA® durably improved heart function and significantly relieved symptoms in study participants for at least 6 months following treatment (the designed follow-up period for the study),5 including Vicky.

“I couldn’t take care of me anymore, and that was not the quality of life that I wanted,” Ms. Ventura said, of her decision to participate in the ESCaPE-CMD study.

During the study, doctors collected Vicky’s own cells from her bone marrow, specifically her blood vessel forming cells called CD34+ cells. A few days later, they administered a single concentrated infusion of those same cells back into the vessels of Vicky’s heart.

“My results with this treatment did amazing things for me,” Ms. Ventura said more than two years after participating in the study. “It gave me back my life. I am doing a lot of things that I couldn’t do before.”

More hope on the horizon

After the positive outcomes with the ESCaPE-CMD study, Caladrius Biosciences is actively enrolling patients in a new study called the FREEDOM Trial, which aims to further evaluate the effects of XOWNA®.

If you experience chest pain on a daily or weekly basis and have been told by a physician that your coronary arteries appear “normal,” then you may be a candidate for the FREEDOM Trial.

Ms. Ventura said she would highly recommend participating in the trial for anyone like her who has suffered with CMD.

“There’s finally a treatment that could help them feel better like it did with me,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting or hoping what I got in return. I am so glad that I did it.”

1 Diagnosis | Stanford Health Care. Retrieved from stanfordhealthcare.org website: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/microvascular-dysfunction/diagnosis.html

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

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

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

5 Caladrius Biosciences internal database for ESCaPE-CMD Study

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Trails & Tails: A Helpful Guide For Adventuring With Pets [Infographic]

2021-10-07T13:33:00

(BPT) – There are few things pets love more than an outdoor adventure with their humans. A walk around the block is great. However, exploring a new trail alongside their best friend — the smells, the critters, the views! — that’s nirvana. Go on and give your pet a real treat, and explore the great outdoors with these best practices for hiking with pets.

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3 ways to focus on fitness, no matter the season

2021-10-07T09:15:33

(BPT) – Many Americans may be rededicating themselves to getting outside and focusing on their fitness. This may be especially important after so much time spent inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to unwanted weight gain for 61% of Americans.

“Whether you are ready to return to public fitness centers or are pursuing an at-home workout routine, the same priorities may remain key: daily exercise, proper nutrition and sufficient sleep,” said Dr. Donna O’Shea, chief medical officer of population health, UnitedHealthcare.

To help with those efforts, here are three strategies to consider to help make health a priority year-round.

Round out your home workout routine. While public gyms and group exercise classes may have appeal for many people, working out at home may have several advantages. At-home exercise is typically less expensive than a gym membership, which may also help improve your financial fitness. Exercising at home may provide greater flexibility and convenience when incorporating a workout into a daily routine, while offering a more private experience. To help make the most of your at-home exercise efforts, consider investing in resistance bands, which generally are an inexpensive, space-saving option that may help with pre-workout warmups and options for strength training. A pair of adjustable-weight dumbbells may offer versatility, enabling scalable resistance to help improve your strength. Finally, heart rate monitors or activity trackers may help you evaluate performance during individual workouts and over time, while digital fitness apps may provide helpful instruction.

Make movement a priority. Even if you don’t have a limited or full gym setup at home, it is crucial to still stay active and not fall into the trap of participating only in sedentary activities, such as binge-watching the latest TV series or movies. Consider taking short walks frequently throughout the day, aiming for six separate “mini-walks” of at least 300 to 500 steps. To help enhance cardiovascular fitness, consider at least one 30-minute “brisk walk” of at least 2,000 to 3,000 steps each day. To help build endurance, consider working toward 8,000 to 10,000 aggregate steps per day. Moving more and sitting less may help boost the immune system, ease joint pain and curb cravings for high-sugar foods that may contribute to inflammation and disease, according to a recent study.

Identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. In general, people may be motivated by a combination of intrinsic factors, such as wanting to maintain a healthy weight, and extrinsic factors, such as financial rewards. Daily exercise may offer several intrinsic motivators, given research has shown consistent movement may help ward off depression and prevent issues like heart disease. To potentially earn incentives for pursuing healthier habits, it’s important to note that a majority of U.S. employers offer well-being programs, many of which include financial rewards for healthy activities such as walking, going to the gym or meeting certain health benchmarks (e.g., cholesterol levels, body mass index or non-nicotine use). Importantly, some health plans offer access to wearable devices that may enable people to earn more than $1,000 per year in financial incentives for meeting certain daily activity goals.

Following these tips may help you make well-being a priority, while encouraging healthier habits that may eventually translate to meaningful improvements.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, medical advice. Check with your doctor to determine what activity level is right for you.

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Health goals burning a hole in your wallet? 3 tips for personal and financial wellness success

2021-10-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – The key to improving your personal wellness might be as simple as a trip to your favorite store. According to a new national survey, two-thirds of Americans say they would be more motivated to pursue a healthy lifestyle if they were rewarded for doing so.

Most respondents (56%) agreed financial rewards, such as gift cards or significant discounts to their favorite store or website, would motivate them to make healthier choices. Free self-care/beauty products and treatments (48%), household essentials (45%), treats and snacks (42%) and cash (41%) rewards were also selected as highly incentivizing. Less motivating were concert tickets, medals, trophies and sporting event tickets (all less than 20%.)

The survey also found Americans have a hard time balancing wellness and financial priorities, and most worry that these goals are often at odds.

“The survey reinforces what we’ve heard directly from customers and patients — people want resources that benefit both their personal and financial well-being,” said Maria Smith, vice president of payments & financial services at Walgreens. “Walgreens strives to help those we serve save money and be well. For example, the new myWalgreens Credit Card provides up to 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on purchases that support personal wellness.”

3 tips to benefit your health and financial wellness:

  1. Plan to spend, save and splurge

Prepare for success by planning for splurges and surprise spending:

  • To Spend: Write down everyday expenses and plan on those dollars flowing in and out of your accounts. Examples are housing, transportation, groceries, healthcare and childcare.
  • To Save: Ideally, we save in three “buckets” — for emergencies (loss of work or unanticipated car repairs), for retirement and finally for splurges like a dream vacation, new piece of fitness equipment or down payment on a new home. When planned for, spending on “splurges” can be as beneficial to our well-being as anything else.
  1. Find and use tools that reward you for the life you live, and the life you want

No matter your goals, the path to success likely starts exactly where you are with small changes. With that in mind, look for tools that will benefit your life as it currently is, while also rewarding and incentivizing you to make daily decisions and help you achieve your goals. Walgreens launched the myWalgreens Credit Card with this strategy in mind. Cardholders can earn up to 10% back in Walgreens Cash rewards on better-for-you Walgreens branded purchases and everyday essentials that compare to national brands. The myWalgreens Credit Card also delivers rewards when shopping at the grocery store, on monthly gym memberships, pharmacy purchases and medical co-pays.

  1. Set goals and be prepared to modify

Acknowledge and accept that the path to personal and financial wellness won’t be a straight one. Identify your goal, plan your path and also be prepared to modify. Slow down when unforeseen challenges arise and ramp up your efforts when you have momentum. This might mean committing to a 15-minute walk around the block every night before signing on for a pricey gym membership, or starting a savings routine by packing your lunch each day for a month before booking your next vacation. By establishing good habits at the onset, you’ll be more equipped to face obstacles that may arise.

Survey data was collected by OnePoll on behalf of Walgreens from August 18 to August 19, 2021, with a panel of 2,000 general population Americans.

For more information on the myWalgreens Credit Card or to apply, visit Walgreens.com/creditcard.