Month: September 2022

2022-09-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that roughly 3.5 million military veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? PTSD can severely affect a veteran’s life, but there is hope for those who are impacted. Research shows that veterans with properly trained service dogs show lower symptoms of PTSD, reduced depression and increased social participation compared to those who utilize more traditional clinical care for PTSD alone. However, only 1% of those in need who seek a service dog receive one each year. Purina^® Dog Chow^® is on a mission to ensure more veterans in need can experience the life-changing benefits that PTSD service dogs provide.

This year, to highlight and celebrate the remarkable impact these dogs have on the daily lives of veterans, Dog Chow launched its first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans.

Meet the five service dog finalists who are making life better for their veterans:

1. Bjorn

After U.S. Army Veteran Derek left his third inpatient treatment for attempted suicide, he knew he needed help to treat his complex PTSD. Everything changed when he met his service dog Bjorn, who helps him break out of negative thought spirals by interrupting flashbacks and thoughts of self-harm.

At night, Bjorn sleeps with or on top of Derek to help him sleep and wakes him if he’s experiencing night terrors. “I have pushed myself farther than I have in a long time,” said Derek. “I do so because I know that Bjorn will never quit on me. So, I can’t quit on myself.”

2. Ivy

U.S. Army Veteran Todd was on the brink of ending his life when a well-timed conversation with a fellow veteran inspired him to apply for a service dog to manage his PTSD. Ivy, a Great Pyrenees service dog, was the companion he needed. “Ivy has given me a second chance at life,” said Todd. “I now cherish every minute of every day since the day I chose not to leave this earth.”

Ivy can smell changes in Todd’s body chemistry when he gets hypervigilant, angry or anxious in crowded social situations. She quickly moves to bring him back to the present by interrupting his train of thought. When entering a room, Ivy will survey the environment, alleviating the feeling of threat before Todd enters a space, and if there is something in the room that could make Todd uncomfortable, Ivy will block him from entering.

3. Liberty

After an explosive went off under his Humvee outside Kirkuk, Iraq, Army Veteran Carlos’s life changed forever. Ten years after the incident, Carlos had trouble leaving his home and managing his PTSD symptoms. Since receiving his service dog, Liberty, Carlos has been able to enjoy everyday life again.

If Carlos is sitting down when he experiences anxiety, Liberty will perform deep pressure therapy by laying her two front legs and head down on Carlos’s lap until he releases her. Because of Liberty, Carlos was able to overcome his anxieties and attend a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Liberty kept Carlos calm as they stood on the field and received a standing ovation from over 50,000 people.

4. Raphael

Constant panic and anxiety attacks made life a daily struggle for U.S. Air Force Veteran Bernard. Even on medication, Bernard’s PTSD caused him to become withdrawn and depressed, making simple tasks intolerable. His life changed when Raphael, an eight-week-old English cream golden retriever, “picked” him as his forever person.

Like other PTSD service dogs, Raphael performs a “standing hug” to give Bernard compression therapy when he begins to experience an anxiety or panic attack. This hugging happens for a couple of minutes and works to place Bernard’s focus on Raphael instead of the anxiety trigger. Additionally, Raphael’s ability to create a protective buffer in public spaces has allowed Bernard to reenter society and do things like go to the grocery store and travel.

5. Trigger

After U.S. Navy Veteran Rebekah returned from service in 2011, she could not go out in public on her own. Luckily, her service dog, a rescued boxer mix named Trigger, helped reduce her PTSD symptoms.

When out in public, Trigger always remains by Rebekah’s side, standing between her legs and decreasing her hypervigilance. Trigger inspired Rebekah to start her own business, which works to support other veterans struggling with PTSD and raises awareness of the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Thanks to Trigger, Rebekah is now able to speak to large crowds about her experience and how her service dog has changed her life.

How you can help

To learn more about these veterans, their service dogs and how you can support Dog Chow’s mission, visit DogChow.com/Service.

2022-09-26T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you didn’t work from home before, chances are you are or have the ability to now. According to Forbes, remote work is here to stay, with projections that 25% of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022.

Whether you already work from home, have a hybrid work schedule or are contemplating switching to remote work, you’ll need to know how to do so successfully. Set yourself up for success using these three home office tips.

1. Create a dedicated workspace

One of the perks of working from home is the freedom to work from your bed, couch, kitchen or patio. However, without a dedicated workspace, you’ll constantly be hauling your laptop, notes, binders and other office supplies to a different spot every day, sometimes multiple times a day. After a while, what once felt like freedom can become another chore and can slow down your workday.

By having a dedicated home office, you can create a space that you step into every day and feel productive. Your laptop, monitor, printer, papers and other supplies are all in one place, so you can get to work as soon as you sit down. If you’d like a change of scenery, you can still move around and take calls or a meeting from other areas in your home, but you can always return to the security and convenience of your dedicated workspace.

If you have a hybrid schedule, set up your home workspace to mimic your office environment. This will make it easier to switch between spaces and continue your projects, whether at home or in the office.

2. Have the right tools

Now that you’ve set up a workspace, it’s time to fill it with the tools you’ll need to succeed. For example, if your work requires you to have several windows or programs open at once, set up two or more computer monitors. Multiple monitors allow you to look at a document, type up a report and attend a meeting simultaneously without juggling multiple minimized windows.

Similarly, having a home printer is incredibly convenient and can streamline your workflow. Even if your job doesn’t normally require you to print documents, your home printer will be useful on the rare occasions that you do. Also, to give your eyes a screen break, you can print your documents to read and markup with pen and paper.

To simplify the printing process, download Mopria Print Service. This mobile printing app for Android phones and tablets allows you to connect and print to more than 120 million Mopria certified printers without additional setup. It eliminates the need to install any additional software or drivers, allowing you to easily print regardless of the printer’s brand from anywhere in your home. To learn more, visit Mopria.org/Print-From-Android.

3. Identify and manage distractions

Your life is filled with distractions that can take your focus off a pending project. Whether it’s the dog asking to play or go outside or household chores hanging over your head, it can be difficult to stay on task. And once you’ve become distracted, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things.

To stay focused and productive while working from home, identify and manage distractions that will derail your workflow. When you take a break, let your dog out and play with them, so they’re less likely to ask for attention during a conference call. Set time aside before or after work to complete chores and errands, so you’re not thinking about them while trying to finish a budget report.

If you’re easily distracted by the social media apps on your phone, use a focus app to limit the hours in which you can use them outside work hours.

Working from home isn’t always easy, but you can set yourself up for success by tailoring your home office to your needs. Using these three tips, you can easily create a home working environment where you can feel productive and comfortable.

2022-09-26T13:59:20

(BPT) – Travel is back big time and whether you’re racking up the miles for work or planning a relaxing getaway, there’s one staple that travelers must have: luggage that can keep up with the journey. The right bag and approach to packing can make your trip a breeze, while the wrong luggage and poor planning can cause unnecessary frustration.

To uncover what luggage will last and still be easy to use, look to the advice of those who are always traveling for work and leisure — like Ofelia Silva and Ken Sosko, executives of Travelpro, the pilot-founded luggage brand used by airline professionals from more than 90 airlines globally.

From what to look for in quality and features, to how to effectively pack your suitcase, Silva and Sosko share their top four tips and tricks that every traveler should know.

1. Quality over trend

Before buying that trendy suitcase you’ve been eyeing, take the time to research the quality of the item and the brand. Look at the materials and check it has reinforced stitching, resilient zippers that stay on track and closed, and handles sturdy enough to not bend or buckle when in use.

With its professional and clean design, Travelpro’s best-selling Platinum Elite collection is Silva’s top pick for business travelers while the new Maxlite Air collection is ideal for leisure trips with its lightweight build, allowing you to pack everything you need and more. Both collections are rigorously tested for durability, while remaining sleek and stylish.

2. Softside vs. hardside luggage

The debate between softside and hardside luggage is red hot among travelers, but it really boils down to packing style and personal preference. Looking for a little extra packing space? Softside luggage easily expands, allowing travelers a bit more packing flexibility. Searching for a suitcase that is incredibly sleek in its design yet ultra-resilient to damage? A hardside suitcase with its clean lines and strong polycarbonate shell is the go-to option.

To make sure the brand’s luggage withstands the toughest travel conditions, Sosko’s testing team works hand-in-hand with airlines to go behind the scenes at airports, examining what luggage really goes through. This insight informs the brand’s 15 durability tests, including a rolling test, cold drop test and a handle strength test, which all result in luggage that is crack, scratch and moisture-resistant.

3. The art of packing

Even if you have lightweight luggage, overpacking is a common pitfall for travelers. Prior to each trip, take ample time to think about what you need and how you will pack everything. Think of a capsule wardrobe you can bring, meaning interchangeable clothes that complement each other. Keep in mind, shoes are often heavy and take up space, so either wear your heavy shoes on the plane or think of leaving them at home for something lighter.

As for the act of packing itself, some travelers opt to roll clothing to save space and eliminate wrinkles, while others swear by packing cubes, allowing you to divide your suitcase into specific compartments. No matter the strategy, consider doing a practice run in the week leading up to your trip to see how everything fits.

4. Luggage set advantages

Since you’ll probably need both a checked bag and a carry-on suitcase at some point, why not buy both as part of a set? Not only will your luggage match, but the price is usually less than buying two single bags. This also gives you the flexibility to choose the right-sized suitcase depending on your packing needs and destination.

If you’re traveling light, a carry-on suitcase will likely hold all of your items and spare you the hassle of checking a suitcase. You’ll also save time if flying with a carry-on because you’ll avoid waiting at the baggage carousel, not to mention it reduces the risk of lost luggage. Just make sure you know the size and weight limits for both checked and carry-on luggage before flying to avoid overweight fees.

2022-09-23T10:22:20

(BPT) – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) — part of RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive academic healthcare system in New Jersey — is completely reimagining cancer care.

The Livingston, New Jersey-based facility recently broke ground on a five-story, 137,000-square-foot cancer center on its hospital campus. The $225 million, freestanding outpatient facility, scheduled for 2025 completion, will serve as the northern hub for the integrated oncology services offered by RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This innovative care model is transforming the delivery of cancer services across New Jersey, bringing groundbreaking discoveries, clinical research and expertise from Rutgers Cancer Institute to patients close to home.

“The new Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center will be a regional destination for cancer care, building on the medical center’s longstanding legacy of clinical expertise and compassionate, patient-centered diagnosis and treatment,” said Richard L. Davis, the hospital’s President and CEO. “We are celebrating the dawn of a new era in world-class cancer care.”

In alignment with the theme of Reimagining Cancer Care, the new center will feature medical, surgical and radiation oncology services under one roof — with holistic support services that include a wig and prosthetic studio, teaching kitchen, and yoga, Reiki and music therapy. The facility will include private infusion rooms and a calming garden terrace. Other amenities will include short-term and extended-stay treatment spaces where patients can go for treatments that may prevent a visit to the Emergency Department.

The new center’s construction is part of the expansion of oncology services provided by RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, as well as an ongoing transformation of the medical campus. Playing a key role in the hospital’s continued growth is the generosity of Leon and Toby Cooperman, who in 2021 made a historic $100 million gift to the medical center.

“We applaud the Cooperman Family Foundation for their longstanding support of our hospital and our entire community,” said Bruce Schonbraun, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at CBMC. “Their extraordinary and selfless generosity has enabled this facility to expand its footprint and attract world-class physicians to bring the best healthcare available to northern New Jersey.”

“Breaking ground on a new Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is the latest example of how RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey are reimagining cancer care for the communities we serve,” added Steven K. Libutti, M.D., Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services at RWJBarnabas Health.

“Together, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, are transforming cancer services in the region — bringing the latest discoveries and extraordinary, comprehensive cancer care close to home,” Dr. Libutti added.

The medical center’s partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey gives patients access to the most advanced treatment options, including immunotherapy, blood and marrow transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy and clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere. Patients no longer need to travel far for the latest, most scientifically advanced treatments.

“A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and for many patients and their families, it is the beginning of a long and sometimes daunting journey,” said Michael Scoppetuolo, M.D., Medical Director of the Cancer Center at CBMC. “To that end, I am excited about the research and the top-quality patient care that will take place at this new center. We have an extraordinary medical staff and access to clinical trials and research which sets us apart from other institutions in the state and puts us at the leading edge.”

“Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center already offers exceptional cancer care with some of the most advanced and comprehensive care in the state,” said Alison Grann, M.D., Chair of the hospital’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “This new building will provide the physical environment to match the clinical excellence. This best-in-class, freestanding cancer center will provide the highest-quality science, treatment and psychosocial services available, distinguishing it from other centers in the region.”

Russell Langan, M.D., FACS, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, further emphasized the benefits of having one multidisciplinary location for patients to receive care. “When you have clinicians together under one roof to meet regularly and collaborate, along with integrated services, you are providing peace of mind, greater convenience and a better experience for the patient. Moreover, in addition to providing this improved peace of mind, the multi-team environment this cancer center will create will also result in better clinical outcomes.”

Beyond oncology, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center has a longstanding reputation for excellence. It operates one of the largest kidney transplant and living donor programs in the nation, New Jersey’s only certified Burn Center, and has received Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for Nursing Excellence. The 597-bed medical center was recently named Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report and high performing in treating Colon Cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, and Gastroenterology and GI Surgery.

“For well over a century, this medical center has been committed to providing compassionate care, healthcare excellence, and superior service to our patients and their families,” said Mr. Davis. “As we expand our services with facilities like this one, we remain unwaveringly focused on that mission.”

More information about the new center is available online, at rwjbh.org/cbmccancercenter.

2022-09-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – No place in your home has the potential to blend utility and luxury quite like the shower. When you step into that space, it’s about more than getting clean. It’s your own little oasis in a busy world where you can rejuvenate and focus on self-care.

If your current shower leaves something to be desired, it’s time to invest in your house and in yourself with an upgrade. Whether your budget allows a complete remodel or you simply want to enhance the current space, here are three elements to elevating the shower with touches of luxury and lasting appeal.

Timeless design

Design trends come and go, so when you’re deciding on the design components for your shower, consider a timeless aesthetic and high-quality materials that will last. For example, the Statement Showering Collection re-envisions showering at the most basic level and brings a range of unique shapes and sizes to the shower, breathing new life into well-loved standards and marrying the latest in technology with enduring craftsmanship.

Ultimately, if a shower looks beautiful but doesn’t perform, it’s a fail. Therefore, it’s important to upgrade features that elevate the shower in ways that matter. One of those fundamental elements is the showerhead and its functionality. When reviewing options, consider showerheads that provide innovative spray options that elevate the showering experience to truly create a feeling of retreat in your own home.

That might mean exploring oblong showerheads that provide enveloping water coverage for the whole body. The Statement collection features this as well as immersive spray experiences like Deep Massage spray composed of twisting jets that knead sore muscles and a Cloud spray that swathes the body in a warm mist. Other spray options include a Full Coverage Rain and a dense, wide Sweep.

Smart customization

When you step in the shower, you may want a different experience in the morning versus evening. You also may want to change it up depending on your mood or how your body feels. Furthermore, you probably want a different experience than anyone else using the shower. Putting complete control over the temperature, pressure and spray experiences in the hands of the user, Anthem shower systems provide customized options controlled by the KOHLER Konnect app.

How does this work? Anthem precision systems use digital valves to control up to six outlets and two temperature zones, allowing you to personalize any combination of different sprays. Each outlet can be independently adjusted: for example, a soft, warm spray from the overhead rain head along with a strong, hot massage from the hand shower. You can even set default or max temperatures as well as a warm-up mode that purges cold water from the pipes and puts a hold on the hot water for up to two minutes until you’re ready to get in the shower.

Your shower should be an oasis within your home that meets your changing needs. These three elements will transform your shower into a retreat you look forward to using every day.

2022-09-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Your home is your sanctuary, a place you want to feel safe. While you may rely on locks and security systems to keep your property secure, are you taking the same level of precautions when it comes to your digital security?

Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated every day, targeting and exploring your personal data. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2021, a record 847,376 complaints from the American public were reported, which was a 7% increase from 2020, with ransomware reports as a prevailing issue. Experts expect this number to increase in 2022 and beyond.

To protect your home and family from digital threats, make sure to take these three smart cybersecurity steps:

Update your networking devices

Households everywhere depend on wireless network devices for internet connectivity including modems, routers and Mesh Wi-Fi products for checking phones, streaming movies and video conferencing. However, as these systems age, so too do the security features, which impacts its ability to keep your network safe.

The Motorola Q14 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System is Motorola Network’s newest solution that keeps your home network safe and secure with support for cutting-edge WPA3 encryption, as well as unprecedented Wi-Fi speeds up to 5.4 Gbps for over 100 connected devices. This means your connected devices and online activity remain secure, without bottlenecking speeds, not to mention countless security features.

You can easily set up, manage and secure your home network using this system with the motosync app. When you set up your account, you can use parental controls to manage your children’s internet use, plus the app runs regular scans to block ads and detect and eliminate threats before they become a problem. This all happens in the background while your family connects wirelessly, providing instant peace of mind.

Use a VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network — more commonly referred to as VPN — helps provide a higher level of safety when you or family members go online. A VPN is highly effective against cybercriminals because it hides your computer’s IP address, which is a unique string of characters that identifies the device. It also hides your internet activity so cybercriminals are blocked from seeing what you’re doing online and where you’re doing it.

VPNs protect you from the dark side of the internet, but most do have a cost. Many plans’ monthly cost is about the same as a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee house, but it can vary. If cost is a concern, you can explore free and open-source options. Do your research and decide which is best for you based on your needs and budget, but no matter what, always choose a reputable provider.

Update antivirus software

Antivirus software is software that typically runs automatically on your digital devices to help scan, detect and eliminate any threats, including spiders, viruses and worms. Many devices come loaded with antivirus software that detects and removes malware, but it’s important to check that the devices you and your family use at home include updated versions of the software.

It’s common for people to skip antivirus updates or let their subscription expire. By doing this you make it easier for cybercriminals to penetrate your devices and connections — including your personal data and online activities. Keep your home’s digital activity secure by updating and running antivirus software at all times.

More people rely on their online connections to get things done and enjoy their life to the fullest. With these three steps, you can feel confident your family and your private information is protected.

2022-09-22T11:27:00

(BPT) – As new graduates head off for their first year at college, their excitement and anticipation about having new experiences can be amazing. But along with that comes the reality that all these experiences will require serious cash — to help cover the cost of textbooks, meals, transportation and other expenses — making it difficult for young adults to budget their money, much less save anything for future goals.

The good news is that new digital tools are available to help college students manage their money smartly while juggling their class schedules and learning their way around campus.

Here are a few tips and tools to help new college students start their year with good financial habits.

Keep Track Of Spending

In order to create a budget, students need to know where their money goes. Fortunately, there are several digital tools and apps available to help track their spending, like Chase’s budget worksheet. Your college-bound child can get started on the path to financial independence with Chase College Checking^SM — designed to help students (ages 17-24) take control of spending. There’s no minimum deposit to open the account and no monthly service fee for up to five years while in college. They can do everything from setting up account alerts and automatic savings to depositing checks easily with the Chase Mobile^® app.

Use Credit Wisely — And Sparingly

Advise the young adults in your family to primarily use credit cards for emergencies only, especially if they do not have enough cash to pay the card off in full at the end of the month. Make sure they understand what constitutes a real emergency and what doesn’t and know the hazards of overusing credit. Free for everyone, Chase offers Credit Journey, making it simple to keep track of your credit score with weekly updates. Plus, it provides educational features that show how certain financial decisions could affect your score. By using Credit Journey, you can reinforce the importance of tracking credit card usage with your student from the beginning, reiterating the importance of mindful spending.

How To Save? Set It And Forget It

The best way to save money toward a future goal (like a spring break trip or upgrading their laptop) is to make savings automatic. Chase offers Autosave, which can help students reach their goals faster by automating their transfers from their Chase checking to their Chase savings account. By setting aside a small amount each month, it becomes a habit and can add up to substantial savings for the future!

Learn Money-Saving Tips And Tricks

Whether you’re working to help your student build better money habits or looking for the best budgeting practices, Chase’s Student Resource Center is filled with helpful information and is a great starting point for important conversations about finances. Young adults can also learn how to avoid spending temptations, plus ways to recognize hidden budget-busters like unwanted or unused subscriptions and more. Setting good financial habits now can help them be even more responsible in the years to come.

To learn more about how to financially prepare your student for college, visit chase.com/studentbanking.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-09-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – Each year, 9 to 15 million Americans may unknowingly be affected by a silent, sometimes deadly attack on their liver. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, a serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the underlying cause of these attacks. An estimated 80-90 million Americans currently have diagnosed or undiagnosed NAFLD. Despite the grim statistics, the good news is there is a new test that makes it easier to identify patients at risk of disease progression to severe liver outcomes, which can create an opportunity to prevent further damage to the liver when combined with lifestyle changes.

What are NAFLD & NASH?

NAFLD — a disease that impacts up to 25 percent of the U.S. population — is an excessive fat buildup in the liver which often causes inflammation that may lead to liver damage and scarring (fibrosis). Over time, as fibrosis causes the loss of healthy liver tissue, it can progress to cirrhosis. This ‘silent killer,’ better known as NASH, can cause liver failure and liver cancer if untreated. In fact, by 2030 it is estimated NASH will be the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.

Risk Factors for NAFLD & NASH

Certain risk factors like obesity, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol make people more likely to develop NAFLD. With the rise of obesity across America, NAFLD prevalence continues to increase in men, women and children. However, some people have no known risk factors.

“It‘s very common for a person with early-stage NASH to be unaware their liver health is slowly declining because they may not feel sick or look unwell,” said Dr. Zobair Younossi. “Typically, we see people experience symptoms when fibrosis turns to cirrhosis but that can vary. This is why early-stage detection and intervention is so crucial.”

Tony Villiotti’s Story

Tony Villiotti was seeing his general practitioner every six months for routine diabetes care. “At one appointment after some blood work, he told me that my liver enzymes were elevated, and that I had a fatty liver. He didn’t make a big deal of it, so I didn’t think much of it,” said Villiotti. In 2014, nine years later, he asked Villiotti to have an ultrasound done in addition to normal blood work. “At the next appointment, he told me I had NASH, and I also might have cirrhosis. I was shocked. First, I had never heard of NASH, and second, I always thought cirrhosis was a disease associated with alcohol.”

In 2017, on St. Patrick’s Day, Villiotti visited his doctor, and she revealed he had liver cancer. “I went nine years between my fatty liver diagnosis and my cirrhosis diagnosis — nine years. That was 18 doctor’s visits. I’m no physician, but I know the cirrhosis didn’t occur between my 17th and 18th visit. It happened over time, but I was not aware of it. My experience has been, in some cases, that the patient needs to initiate those discussions. If you’re aware of it early, you can take action early, and hopefully stop the progression.”

Early Detection

Despite affecting millions of Americans, early detection of patients at increased risk of disease progression in NASH can be challenging. The current standard for assessing liver fibrosis is a liver biopsy which involves an in-hospital procedure where a needle is inserted into the liver to collect a sample. Although the first known liver biopsy was performed more than 100 years ago, patients still are subjected to this invasive procedure and can face extreme discomfort and pain.

NASH Symptoms:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Feel weak or lethargic
• Exhaustion
• Nausea and vomiting

“Early and accurate identification of patients at risk of progressing to cirrhosis and liver-related events (LREs) is crucial in helping the patient prevent additional inflammation and liver decline,” said Dr. Chuck Cooper, Chief Medical Officer, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers. “Over the last decade, non-invasive methods have made great strides. These tests will undoubtedly make detection easier for the patient and help shape how we evaluate indications for biopsy in the future.”[1]

Recently, a simple, effective blood test to assess the likelihood of progression of advanced liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and liver-related clinical events in patients with NASH became available in the U.S. The ELF Test is available at community laboratories and offers patients a minimally invasive tool for determining the risk of disease progression for earlier intervention.

Prepare a simple checklist of information to discuss with your doctor:

• List of medications – some may cause fat buildup in the liver
• Alcohol use
• Diet & exercise habits
• Known NAFLD risk factors

Non-Invasive Liver Disease Prognostic Tool

The ELF Test uses a routine blood sample and mathematical algorithm to generate a score that assesses the extent of liver damage. Clinicians can then utilize the score to understand the likelihood of progression to cirrhosis and other life-threatening liver-related clinical events.

“The ELF Test provides clinicians and patients a valuable prognostic tool to help catch severe liver damage before it reaches that point,” said Cooper. “We know that early intervention combined with lifestyle changes can positively impact patient outcomes, so this less invasive, easy-to-access test is a significant step in the right direction. Further, the ELF Test is strongly recommended in the 2022 American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) NAFLD Clinical Practice Guidelines. The guideline underscores the value of utilizing direct blood-based biomarkers in the NASH care continuum and also represents an opportunity to incorporate preventative care to address the anticipated tsunami of patients from developing cirrhosis or life-threatening liver-related events.”

With the ELF Test, your healthcare team has the tools to catch liver disease before it progresses and create a treatment plan that works for you. This may include lifestyle changes to prevent future damage to your liver. Speak with your doctor to know your liver health status today. Visit siemens-healthineers.us/elf for more information.

2022-09-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – Living with diabetes had always been manageable for Kent Apple by eating healthy and remaining active. However, he knew he needed to see his doctor when he started experiencing pain in his legs and feet.

“As a retired construction worker, I noticed the pain the last several years that I was working and thought it was from walking on concrete all day,” said Kent. “The pain felt like an electric shock in my feet and legs.”

Kent was suffering from painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) — a chronic pain condition that affects approximately 30% of diabetes patients.¹ High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, leading to pain. For some, the pain can become excruciating and negatively impact quality of life.

Those who suffer from DPN often experience chronic numbness, burning or stabbing pain in their legs and feet, making it difficult to walk, stand or even sleep.

There is no cure for DPN, and treatment is directed at slowing the worsening of symptoms, relieving pain and managing complications.

“In my practice, I always ask my patients if they have diabetes or symptoms of DPN because diabetes is a very common medical problem,” said Dr. G. Silky Patel, an interventional spine, sports and pain management physician in Houston, TX. “When a patient is referred to me for DPN, we start with treatments like gabapentin, compression socks, pain creams and physical therapy, but those don’t always work.”

While mild and moderate cases of DPN can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, some data suggests limited effectiveness. One study showed approximately 77% of patients prescribed an anticonvulsant (pregabalin) for DPN will discontinue the treatment within 1 year because of intolerable side effects or lack of efficacy.^2,3 More severe DPN cases may be treated with opioids, which have potentially severe side effects, including addiction and abuse.¹

To help treat Kent’s painful DPN, Dr. Patel first recommended gabapentin. While it helped, the relief didn’t last, and Dr. Patel had to increase the dose. Kent found himself back in her office just a few months later, complaining of the side effects of gabapentin. Kent felt he was at a loss until Dr. Patel gave him information on spinal cord stimulation.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a proven, non-opioid, FDA-approved way to manage chronic pain that is caused by DPN. The technology has been around for about 40 years, and works by disrupting the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain. Stimulation is delivered via a Medtronic Intellis™ or Vanta™ neurostimulator, implanted under the skin. These Medtronic spinal cord stimulators were recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pain caused by DPN.

“At first, I was a little hesitant. Being 73, the thought of having something implanted in my body was a little scary,” said Kent. “But now I know what a difference SCS has made for me, and it was no mistake at all.”

Studies show people with painful DPN are 17 times more likely to experience significant pain relief if treated with SCS compared to conventional treatment.^4,5,6 Additionally, 86% of patients experienced treatment success after receiving SCS therapy for one year and benefited from meaningful pain relief out to 5 years.⁷

“I’ve seen how DPN patients have benefitted greatly from SCS implants,” said Dr. Patel. “It’s important that my DPN patients, who have been told that there’s no hope for their pain symptoms, know that there are treatments out there that are proven to effectively provide therapeutic relief.”

SCS can offer proven long-term therapy for managing chronic pain, with the majority of patients experiencing meaningful pain relief through five years of treatment using the device.⁷

This treatment isn’t made for everyone, and these decisions should be made in consultation with a doctor. Spinal cord stimulation involves risks including infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site and loss of therapy effectiveness. Patients with diabetes may be at higher risk of complications when undergoing surgery. To learn more about spinal cord stimulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain, visit www.medtronic.com/dpnpain.

“Before getting an SCS implant, I was in so much pain that I almost gave up the activities I loved the most,” said Kent. “But now, I have very little pain, and I’m back to daily walks with my dog. I’m much more active now than I was.”