Month: September 2022

2022-09-09T14:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges and altered ways of living across the globe. Now, more than two years later, the effects are still felt widely. Many non-emergent clinical services were limited or suspended during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which may have adversely impacted epidemics of public health importance, such as HIV, and access to testing, which is a cornerstone of prevention efforts.^[1] While adjusting to a new normal, it’s time to reprioritize making routine HIV screening a normal and important part of self-care.

In 2019, an estimated one in eight people living with HIV in the US were unaware of their status,^[2] and in 2016 nearly 80 percent of new HIV infections were transmitted by people who didn’t know they had HIV or were not in care.^[3] Further, HIV diagnoses have greatly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[4] According to a recent analysis, the number of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded HIV tests conducted by the country’s health departments plunged by nearly half from 2019 to 2020.^[5] Another report indicates that HIV diagnoses dropped by 17% from 2019 to 2020, after declining by no more than 3% annually since 2016, likely due to disruptions to HIV-related services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.⁴

To help normalize HIV testing, Gilead launched Press Play, a resource to encourage routine testing as a regular part of self-care and help deter negative emotions or stigma associated with HIV screenings. HIV testing is for everyone – the CDC recommends people between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and some people may benefit from getting tested more often.^[6] Press Play provides information about what you can expect during an HIV test, next steps to take after a test, and other tools – including options for finding an HIV testing site or ordering a free at-home test – to help make test taking easier.

“With Press Play, our goal is to normalize routine HIV screening as an important part of self-care by providing resources to help you get tested and information on your options once you have your test results – no matter the outcome,” said David Malebranche, MD, MPH, Senior Director of Global HIV Medical Affairs at Gilead. “Once you know your HIV status, you’re on your way to moving forward. You can connect with your HCP to understand options to help prevent or treat HIV.”

While it’s natural to feel nervous about getting tested for HIV, no matter the test result, there is power in knowing your HIV status. By knowing your status, you are better equipped to discuss prevention or treatment options with a health care provider. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, there are several options available to help prevent or treat HIV.

The only way to know your HIV status is through testing. It’s time to reintroduce testing into self-care routines and work together to help put an end to the HIV epidemic. To learn more about HIV testing, find HIV testing sites, or order a free at-home test, visit Press Play’s website at hivtestnow.com.

2022-09-09T12:01:00

(BPT) – For U.S. Air Force Veteran and father, Juan Reyes, being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was a “devastating blow.” Reyes, who had just adopted three children, knew his diagnosis would redefine their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, ALS — more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease — is an incurable, progressive disease of the nervous system that leads to muscle weakness and eventual loss of function including walking, speaking, swallowing, eating and breathing. Veterans, like Reyes, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS than those who have not served in the military. Despite the difficult news, Reyes and his family made a conscious choice to “embrace their now” and live each day with purpose and happiness.

“We had a choice to make — allow ALS to consume us, or live our lives boldly,” says Reyes. “We could have lost control of our future had we decided to let ALS be our compass. This disease infiltrates many aspects of our lives, yet we simply don’t let it consume us.”

To fully “embrace their now,” Reyes and his family have decided to create unforgettable memories together by traveling and going on adventures with each other. In fact, together with his wife and caregiver, Meg, Reyes is taking a series of RV trips across the U.S. this year to help spread awareness of ALS and meet others living with the disease. Acting as an advocate and mentor, Reyes is open about his experience with ALS, sharing what he’s learned along his journey, to help encourage others to “embrace their now.”

Reyes and his family are focused on making the most of every moment they have with each other, and they encourage others living with this fatal disease to do the same. Here are five tips from Reyes that help him cope:

1. Live in the present

“Embrace your now,” without worrying too much about the future. This mindset can help you “take life by the horns” and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones.

“Everything else takes a back seat to being present. This is not complicated, but it can be difficult for some,” Reyes says. “Being present means exactly that, nothing more: visiting, helping, learning. Enjoy your life the best you can.”

2. Be open about ALS

Don’t avoid difficult topics when it comes to ALS, but instead, have very honest, real conversations with your family — even with children.

“Our family is very pragmatic — we just say that ALS is something Dad has,” Reyes explains. “My wife and I choose to remain in control by talking about and communicating all aspects of this disease with our children.”

3. Accept support from others

ALS brings a multitude of changes for the person living with the disease and their families. Willing to be open and accept help and support from others can make a huge difference.

“ALS impacts your physical, emotional and mental health,” Reyes says. “But there is one aspect that can impact all of the above: self-imposed isolation. Accepting support from family, friends and my community has helped reduce my feelings of isolation.”

4. Partner with healthcare providers

Stay actively engaged with your healthcare team. Communicate frequently and discuss treatment options with your providers so they can help to find the best treatment options for you.

“Once the gravity of ALS settles in, allow yourself to catch your breath, then start planning with your healthcare team,” advises Reyes. “Your plan should encompass solutions for daily living, long-term arrangements, and treatment options.”

“When the prescription drug RADICAVA^® (edaravone) came up, we discussed pursuing this course. My doctor and I reviewed the benefits and risks of treatment, and while RADICAVA is not a cure, it has been shown to help slow the decline of physical function in a medical study,” says Reyes. “I felt comfortable moving forward with this option, but I encourage anyone diagnosed with ALS to actively work with their doctor on a treatment plan that’s right for them.”

RADICAVA^® and RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone) are indicated for the treatment of ALS. Do not receive RADICAVA^® or RADICAVA^® ORS if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS. See IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION below.

5. Share Your ALS Story

People in the ALS community have a lot to share. Questions and fears, as well as stories of courage and hope. Whether someone living with ALS is searching for more answers about the disease, or for new ways to live each day with purpose, hearing from others with similar experiences may make a world of difference. The Share Your Story program allows real people living with ALS and/or their caregivers to share their own experiences of living with ALS and why treatment with RADICAVA^® (edaravone) matters to them.

Sharing your story could help you cope with ALS through self-expression. “Releasing my thoughts, feelings and emotions about the disease has given me a sense of relief,” Reyes noted.

Whether you Share Your Story by video or post, you could help others who live with ALS feel like they’re part of a larger community of support and understanding.

“I share my story because I want more people living with ALS to feel inspired and to understand they are not alone,” says Reyes. “By sharing your story, you could make an impact on how others live with ALS, too.”

Interested in sharing your experience with others? Call a JourneyMate^TM Resource Specialist toll-free 1-855-457-6968 or visit www.ShareYourALSStory.com to sign-up for a chance to share your story.

In addition to sharing his experiences online, Reyes will continue to share his story with others as he travels around the country. “I try to be as optimistic as possible. ‘How?’ you may ask? My answer is, ‘Why the heck not!’” said Reyes. “Let me be clear though, it is immensely difficult to maintain a healthy outlook with such a relentless disease. Just know you are not alone on this journey.”

This content is sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and is intended for U.S. audiences only. Juan Reyes is an actual patient and is being compensated by MTPA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS.

Before you take RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma
• are allergic to other medicines.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS passes into your breastmilk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS or breastfeed.

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

What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS?

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS may cause serious side effects, including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

• Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA or taking RADICAVA ORS and can happen after your medicine has been given.
• RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects and allergic reactions.

The most common side effects include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch or Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058.

INDICATION

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

For more information, including full Prescribing Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com.

2022-09-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is a rare, inherited and debilitating condition characterized by the buildup of amyloid deposits throughout multiple parts of the body, including the nerves, digestive system and heart.

While there are an estimated 50,000 people worldwide who live with hATTR amyloidosis, there could be more. This is because symptoms can be easily overlooked as they often mirror those of more common conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis. But, as symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can worsen over time, timely diagnosis and management are critical.

Below, learn about some of the signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with hATTR amyloidosis:

1. Nerve symptoms

Numbness, tingling and/or a burning sensation in the hands or feet, commonly referred to as sensory neuropathy, often impacts people living with hATTR amyloidosis. Sensory neuropathy can spread throughout the body; for example, pain may escalate from the foot to the thigh or back over time.

2. History of carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands

Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands is another common sign of hATTR amyloidosis and is characterized by numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger, as well as discomfort in the wrist and palm of the hand. It is often an early, potential red-flag sign of the disease. For many, carpal tunnel syndrome may be diagnosed earlier in life without suspicion of a deeper root cause.

3. Loss of movement control

Another symptom of hATTR amyloidosis is impaired balance and difficulty walking due to motor neuropathy. As the disease worsens, many people with hATTR amyloidosis may require walking aids, such as a cane, or a wheelchair.

4. Gastrointestinal issues

People living with hATTR amyloidosis may experience symptoms associated with autonomic neuropathy as well, such as alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, or unintentional weight loss. These symptoms may occur at earlier stages of the disease, and often have a significant effect on quality of life. Like some of the other symptoms of the disease, they are often not recognized or diagnosed as being caused by hATTR amyloidosis when they first present.

5. Symptoms related to the heart

hATTR amyloidosis is also associated with heart-related issues, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and leg swelling (edema). Damage to the heart muscle may eventually lead to heart failure.

6. Ethnic background

Although anyone can be at risk for hATTR amyloidosis, it is more common for certain ethnicities, such as people of African, Brazilian, French, Irish, Japanese, Portuguese and Swedish descent.

7. Family history

Because hATTR amyloidosis is an inherited condition, genetic testing can determine whether a person carries one of the more than 120 variants in the TTR (transthyretin) gene associated with hATTR amyloidosis. However, even though someone may inherit a TTR gene variant, it does not necessarily mean that they will develop symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis.

This is not a complete list of symptoms that may be experienced in people living with hATTR amyloidosis. The symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can vary widely among people with the condition, and different symptoms may appear at different times for each person. To learn more about hATTR amyloidosis, speak with your doctor or visit hATTRbridge.com where you can access additional information, resources and support.

A message from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TTR-USA-00114

2022-09-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – The start of the new school year is the perfect time to renew habits that keep students happy and healthy — including sleep. Unfortunately, many children and teens don’t get the amount of sleep they need to thrive at school. One culprit robbing many of their much-needed sleep is right on their phones — a recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that 93% of Gen Z said they’ve lost sleep because they stayed up “past their bedtime” to view or participate in social media.

“Sufficient, healthy sleep is critical for students to excel in schoolwork, sports and extracurricular activities,” said AASM President Jennifer Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist. “When students get proper sleep, they are more optimistic, feel their best, and are better able to concentrate on their studies, while insufficient sleep can leave students exhausted and unprepared for school, making it harder to learn and pay attention.”

The need for sleep extends even beyond the years in school — a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine discovered that poor sleep habits in adolescence contributed to poor health outcomes in adulthood.

How much sleep do kids really need?

For optimal health the AASM recommends that children 6-12 years old should sleep 9-12 hours on a regular basis, while teenagers 13-18 years of age should obtain 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For help figuring out the best bedtime for any age, use the bedtime calculator at: SleepEducation.org/healthy-sleep/bedtime-calculator.

Tips for helping kids fall and stay asleep at night

The sleep experts at AASM recommend following these practices to help your children (and their parents!) get the sleep they need.

1. Prepare ahead for schedule changes

Gradually shift bedtime and waking times by at least 15 minutes earlier every day until your child is on the right schedule. Aim for your child to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends or during school breaks.

3. Create a cool, quiet sleep environment

Keep the thermostat lower at night, and don’t overdo it with the blankets. If it’s hard for your child to fall asleep, try a fan or white noise machine to block out intermittent sounds.

4. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine

Find something that helps your child wind down and relax, like taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book or journaling to help them feel ready to go to sleep.

5. Restrict screen time before bed

These tips can help people of any age get to sleep easier:

• Disconnect from devices and wind down for sleep by turning electronics off at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
• Leave phones outside of bedrooms to avoid the temptation to use them. Use an alarm clock instead of a phone for waking up in the morning.

Want to learn more about how to help you and your children sleep better at night? Sleep providers from the AASM Public Awareness Advisory Committee will answer questions about establishing healthy student sleep routines for the school year during a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) discussion at Reddit.com/r/AMA on Monday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. ET.

For more information about Student Sleep Health Week, additional events and tips, visit SleepEducation.org.

2022-09-08T11:29:00

(BPT) – Are you looking to revamp your habits and focus on your wellness? You don’t have to follow a strict program or completely change your schedule to have a balanced lifestyle that benefits your physical, mental and emotional health. Small, simple changes can make a big difference. Before you know it, these changes will become habits and you’ll start to see the health benefits.

Not sure where to start? Check out these five simple tips for incorporating wellness into your everyday lifestyle.

1. Start the day with drinking water

Hydration is incredibly important to your health and metabolism, so start your morning off right with a tall glass of water. Overnight, your body loses about 1 liter of water while you sleep. As soon as you wake up, drink at least 16 ounces of water to rehydrate as soon as possible. Give it an even higher priority than your morning coffee. Forgetful? Consider setting an alarm or use a water tracker app on your phone to measure your intake.

To make this habit easier to incorporate into your life, jumpstart your day by jazzing up your water with fresh slices of lemon or cucumbers.

2. Keep snacks on hand

Who doesn’t love a good snack? If you feel sluggish and hungry between meals, keep better-for-you snacks on hand at home and on the go. A guilt-free snack can be something to look forward to after a workout or an indulgent pick-me-up during a stressful workday. Planning ahead keeps you in control of your snacking behaviors and less likely to reach for something you don’t really want.

Consider Voortman^® Sugar Free Wafers and Cookies as a delectable snacking choice. Aside from being tasty, these snacks contain 0 grams of sugar and are made without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors or trans-fats, so you can satisfy your cravings without sacrificing wellness.

“Consumers want great-tasting snacks that help them achieve a balance between health and indulgence,” said Adam Lisook, general manager of Voortman Cookies Limited. “We want to make it easier for people to choose a delicious snack anytime, anywhere that they can feel good about.”

With nearly 20 varieties of sugar-free cookies and wafers, you’re sure to find one (or even a few) Voortman favorites to keep at home, in the office and in the car for snacking.

3. Move more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. That number may sound daunting, but you don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, it’s beneficial to get some physical activity every day, so you can easily meet this goal by doing 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

You don’t need to sign up for an exercise class or start training for a marathon. Start with a simple walk every day. Take a loop around your neighborhood in the morning before work or in the evening after dinner. Ask a work buddy to take a walk with you after lunch or invest in an under-desk treadmill if you don’t have time to leave the office. Over time, you may find that you want to extend your walks or take more than one a day.

4. Put down your phone and unwind

Stress can negatively impact your wellness. From your mood to productivity to health, stress can lead to serious burnout and even cause physical symptoms. It’s also important to spend less time staring at screens and create healthy boundaries with our devices.

To manage stress, make sure you incorporate moments of relaxation throughout the day. Silencing your phone and implementing practices like yoga and meditation into your routine can help you feel grounded and centered even on hectic days. During a busy day, find a few minutes to do some breathing exercises so you can restore some tranquility to a frantic morning or afternoon. If you’ve had a particularly tough week, consider planning an at-home spa day to unwind from the week’s stresses. You can start by lighting your favorite candles, listening to some calming music and taking a relaxing bubble bath.

5. Refresh your home and get organized

Believe it or not, your overall wellness is tied back to the organization in your life. Tidying up also can help you de-stress, give you energy to focus and improve your state of mind in various ways. Try taking inventory of items in your home and purging of things that are no longer necessary or needed.

A little effort to declutter can go a long way. Spending just a few minutes each day can help make your life healthier and happier!

Start small by building on good habits and practices and you’ll be surprised at how much your life can transform. Using these five simple wellness tips, you can be one step closer to creating a sustainable and balanced lifestyle.

2022-09-08T13:29:00

(BPT) – For many people, the transition to working from home demands spending endless hours in front of a computer screen. In fact, according to a study from Nature Human Behavior, remote workers are now spending 10% longer logged in each week — that’s the equivalent of an additional four or more hours weekly for someone with a 40-hour work week.

Normally, you blink around 15 times per minute, however, focusing your eyes on computer screens or other digital displays has been shown to reduce your blink rate up to 60%. Less blinking can destabilize your eyes’ tear film, causing dry, tired eyes, and blurred vision, which can impact your visual clarity.

For the millions of people who wear contact lenses and glasses the impact can be even greater. The number one thing people can do to preserve their eye health is make regular, annual visits to their optometrist and wear a quality FDA-approved contact lens, like ACUVUE^®.

There are still further steps you can take to manage all that extra screen time and the toll on your eyes.

“Most of us blink without noticing, but if you’ve ever taken part in a staring contest, you’ll know how quickly your eyes become uncomfortable. That’s because the surface of your eyes needs constant lubrication to remove tiny specks of dirt and prevent the surface of your eye from feeling dry,” according to Luis Rojas, O.D., co-founder of DeNovo Eye.

How to care for your eyes while working from home

Limiting screen time is the easiest way to prevent dry, tired eyes — which is easier said than done when working from home! Instead, try to adapt your workspace or incorporate the below habits that can help preserve your vision.

1. Minimize dry eye with the latest contact lens innovations

“Severe dry eyes can be life changing for many of my patients,” added Dr. Rojas. “One of the biggest things is ensuring that we treat the ocular surface to ensure it’s not inflamed prior to putting patients in a new contact lens, for example.” Products like ACUVUE^® contact lenses are expertly designed to prevent dry eyes no matter how long you wear them. Switching to smarter contact lenses is one of the simplest ways to mitigate this concern.

2. Adjust your screen position and reduce reflection glare

According to eye experts, your computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 to 5 inches) and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes, according to the AOA.

“It’s not natural for our eyes to look straight ahead for long periods of time,” says Dr. Rojas. “Our eyes work in a specific pattern; it’s easier on our eyes to look up close when our screens are slightly lowered.”

3. Take breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Setting a timer or reminder on your phone for these regular eye breaks can make a huge difference in your eye health. Looking into the distance can help your eyes to relax.

“This is something that every office should talk about with their patients and I’m seeing more people take this rule seriously,” says Dr. Rojas.

4. Schedule yearly eye exams

Why visit an eye doctor when you have good eyesight, right? Wrong! There are many eye-related problems that aren’t often noticeable to us right away. An annual comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do. Visit the ACUVUE^® eye care professional locator to find a doctor in your area and schedule your appointment today!