Posted on

5 ways to balance your cholesterol to help support your heart health

2023-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – If keeping your heart in tip-top shape is top of mind for you, taking steps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels should be first on your to-do list. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease that’s controllable, making it crucial to talk to your doctor about ways to keep your cholesterol levels in balance. This is even more important as you age.

“Without proper attention, age-related changes can throw off the balance of healthy cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and other essential components for optimal heart function,” said interventional cardiologist and nutritionist Dr. Heather Shenkman. “Understanding that your cardiovascular system changes over time will hopefully inspire you to take a proactive approach to support your heart health now.”

In honor of American Heart Month, start following these tips to help support your cholesterol and heart health.

1. Keep up with the check-ups

It’s vital to have regular annual wellness exams, including cholesterol screenings. Even if you’re healthy now, having a baseline understanding of your current health condition will help your doctor identify changes that occur in years to come.

“It’s also important to know your family health history, to better understand potential risk factors,” advised Shenkman. “Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.”

2. Stay active daily

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can help you manage your cholesterol and support your heart health. The CDC recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate activity divided throughout the week, with some activity each day.

“While you may think you don’t have time to exercise, as little as five minutes of exercise will provide heart health benefits,” said Shenkman. “Develop a morning routine that helps you stick to healthy habits. Do light yoga or take a quick walk every day.”

3. Reduce foods that don’t support cholesterol health

To help maintain healthy cholesterol levels for optimal cardiovascular functioning, it’s important to avoid too much processed food, reports the Cleveland Clinic, as this likely contains saturated and/or trans fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels. Check nutrition labels for saturated fat and try to reduce them to under 5-6% of your calorie intake — and eliminate trans fat altogether.

Saturated fat is found in processed meats such as hot dogs and bacon, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products like butter and cream cheese, plus coconut and palm oil. While some saturated fat is needed by your body, overdoing it is all too easy. On the other hand, trans fat — found in fast food, fried food and commercial baked goods — does not contain health benefits.

4. Enjoy foods that support healthy cholesterol levels

If you’re adding more plant-based foods to your diet, you’re probably already on track toward increasing the amount of nutrients, vitamins and fiber your body needs to function. The experts at Harvard Health recommend foods such as these to help round out a balanced diet to help maintain healthier cholesterol levels:

  • Oats
  • Barley/whole grains
  • Beans
  • Eggplant, okra
  • Vegetable oils
  • Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruit
  • Soy (soy milk, soy beans, tofu)
  • Fatty fish (like salmon or tuna)

5. Supplement to help maintain cholesterol levels

Most people have trouble getting enough nutrients and fiber from foods they eat. To help balance your cholesterol levels and support your cardiovascular and circulatory systems, 1MD Nutrition has created CholestMD®, which contains Bergavit® — a trademarked ingredient derived from bergamot oranges that supports cardiovascular health and healthy blood lipid levels already within the normal range; as well as niacin, which promotes healthy triglyceride levels. Its new improved formula now contains olive leaf extract, which supports healthy circulation and arterial health by aiding in blood lipid level equalization, plus garlic bulb extract, which supports maintenance of healthy blood lipid levels to aid arterial blood flow and cardiovascular health.

“I was drawn to cardiology because so many heart conditions in the world are avoidable,” said Shenkman. “I have a strong appreciation for the benefit a healthy lifestyle provides for cardiovascular conditions. But when it comes to proactive heart care, comprehensive cholesterol support such as that provided by the ingredients in CholestMD® is essential.”

Learn more about how to support your cholesterol and heart health at 1MD.org.

Posted on

5 things you need to know about eye health as you age

2023-02-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – As you age, it’s perfectly normal to notice changes in your body. You may not be able to move as fast or hear as well. Age also increases your risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in seniors.

February is AMD Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about ways you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy. Read on for the five facts you need to know about AMD.

1. AMD is the #1 cause of vision loss in seniors

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for those over 65 in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U.S., 20 million people are currently living with AMD and 1.7 million Americans have wet AMD. This advanced form of the disease may cause foggy or blurred central vision, which is crucial for reading and driving.

2. AMD progresses in stages

There are two forms of AMD: Dry and wet. Dry AMD accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. About 10% to 15% of people develop wet AMD. Wet AMD can result in sudden and severe central vision loss, and may cause permanent blindness if left untreated.

3. There are AMD symptoms – but they may not always be noticeable

In its early stages, AMD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Because AMD typically starts in just one eye, you may not notice any significant change in your vision.

If you experience blurred vision and have difficulty doing detailed work, sewing or reading fine print, you may have AMD. Blind spots may develop in the middle of your field of vision, and it may become hard for you to distinguish colors. Lines and edges may start to appear wavy — a hallmark for wet AMD.

4. There are multiple AMD risk factors besides age

While age is the main risk factor for AMD, there are others. Women tend to have a greater risk of developing AMD than men. White patients are more likely to lose vision from AMD than Black and Asian patients. You’re at higher risk of developing AMD if you’re a smoker, obese or have a family history of the disease.

5. Early diagnoses and treatment are key

There is good news: AMD-related vision loss can be significantly slowed if diagnosed and treated early on.

The best thing you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams. Make it a habit of regularly visiting your eye doctor so they can track any changes to your vision over time to keep your eyes as healthy as possible as you age.

Be on the lookout for any signs and symptoms of AMD. If you’ve already noticed vision changes, talk with your health care provider and get your eyes examined as soon as possible.

Your sight is so much more than just vision — it’s how you experience life, remain independent and connect with others. Help preserve it by staying on top of your eye health. To learn more about AMD, visit gene.com.

Posted on

American Heart Month: Why regular testing is critical for protecting women’s heart health

2023-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – JoAnne Foody, M.D., FACC, FAHA, Chief Medical Officer at Esperion

February marks the start of American Heart Month — a month dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 34 seconds, one person dies in the United States from cardiovascular disease (CVD). For women in particular, CVD is the number one killer, resulting in one in three deaths each year.

Despite these staggering statistics, few people recognize the impact of cardiovascular disease on women compared to other health issues that affect women such as breast cancer, reproductive disorders, mental health conditions and more.

As a cardiologist, physician researcher and advocate for women’s health, shedding light on these hard truths surrounding CVD is a mission that’s near and dear to me. Cardiovascular disease is one of the greatest health threats our communities face, and it has never been more important for individuals to understand their risk for CVD during this American Hearth Month and beyond.

Accordingly, I’d like to underscore the importance of regular testing for women and why heart health checkups should be added to your regular medical calendar.

The importance of regular cardiovascular testing

Cardiovascular health is impacted by several factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use and more, as stated by the CDC. Since these variables can impact an individual’s cholesterol levels, and in turn, one’s cardiovascular health, getting your cholesterol numbers checked regularly is one of the best ways to manage your cardiovascular risk.

Unfortunately, a survey by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that 76% of women don’t know what their cholesterol values are. With this in mind, the AHA recommends that adults over the age of 20 check their cholesterol levels (including total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c) every 4-6 years, as long as their risk remains low. For individuals who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol levels and other risk factors may need to be checked more regularly.

Knowing your numbers is key to understanding your individual risk levels and what changes — such as lifestyle choices or prescribed medicines — need to be made to reduce your risk for CVD. Because lifestyle choices that impact cholesterol levels change over time, regular checkups and testing are crucial.

As you embark on your journey toward better heart health, having baseline numbers to compare against can be helpful. Here’s an infographic that overviews the levels of total cholesterol, including HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides, and the ranges of each that we should strive for in pursuit of optimal heart health:

Today and every day, my hope is that we can spotlight heart health as a foundational women’s health issue, raising awareness of the risk factors that are contributing to rising levels of cardiac events in women. With this in mind, I’d like to encourage everyone to get their numbers checked if they haven’t done so recently, and to consider small changes to improve cholesterol levels, such as eating heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, losing weight and drinking alcohol in moderation. Even small changes can make a big impact on your heart health.

Our heart health is important 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Gradual changes in lifestyle choices paired with regular checkups and testing with doctors can make all the difference for our heart health.

Posted on

Keep your sweetheart safe from allergy and asthma triggers on Valentine’s Day

2023-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Flowers, food, fragrances and more — Valentine’s Day is a special time to show your sweetheart you care with gifts and gestures both grand and small. The goal is to make your valentine blush and take their breath away. But you want it to be from the love they feel, not an allergic reaction.

“Some traditional Valentine’s gifts can cause an allergic response, which can halt any romantic moment fast,” said allergist Dr. Kathleen May, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Hives, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing are a few reactions that can occur if you don’t think ahead about your loved one’s needs.”

May and the team of experts at ACAAI share some common romantic gifts that can cause an allergic response, along with safer alternatives to consider:

Foods

Thinking of gifting a sweet for your sweetie? That heart-shaped box of chocolates could contain traces of ingredients that may make your loved one ill. If you’re buying a treat, make sure to read all packaging carefully. Likewise, if you have a romantic meal at a restaurant in mind, ensure there are safe options and the kitchen can prepare dishes appropriately. Keep in mind, the most common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame.

Alternatives: Call ahead to the restaurant to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. When in doubt, cook and bake at home, and make sure your beloved approves the menu.

Perfumes

Whether it’s given as a gift or worn on a special night to impress another, certain scents can cause a reaction. While not technically an allergy, strong fragrances can be irritants and cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. In addition to their irritant effects on the upper airway, be aware that fragrances in perfumes and other scented products are a common trigger for allergic contact dermatitis. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and perhaps it’s a gift you should avoid this year. You should also be thoughtful and limit what you wear yourself.

Alternative: Look for fragrance-free soaps and lotions and place them in a self-care basket that includes other items like loofahs, slippers, a robe and an LED candle.

Flowers

A beautiful bouquet of flowers is a quintessential gesture of love, but it might send the wrong message if it causes your sweetheart to sneeze or break out in a rash. Some people experience nasal symptoms with scented flowers like lilies. There are flowers that are especially high-risk for people with skin allergies, so try to avoid daisies, goldenrod, sunflowers and chamomile.

Alternative: Skip flowers if you know allergies are an issue and go for an experience. Treat your sweetie to a show they’ve been wanting to see or concert they’d love to attend.

Jewelry

Rings, necklaces, earrings and more — jewelry can be an impressive gift for a loved one. However, if the metal irritates their skin, this gift will go unused. Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Keep in mind, chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that may irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Alternatives: Consider beaded jewelry. For example, pearls and glass beads are stunning and unlikely to trigger allergies. And if you’re unsure of which materials are safe, just ask. This way you’ll give a gift that will be cherished for years to come.

If your favorite valentine is having trouble finding relief for their allergy or asthma symptoms, a board-certified allergist can help. For more information about allergies — including the diagnosis and treatment of them — and to locate an allergist in your area, visit ACAAI.org.

Posted on

5 books to celebrate and learn about Black history and culture year-round

2023-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month, which honors the great contributions the Black community has made throughout history — in music, food, literature, and more.

If you’re looking for a way to educate yourself and expand your knowledge about the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in American history — or simply looking to discover and celebrate captivating new voices and story lines — we’ve rounded up five books by some of the most brilliant Black authors and public figures to read throughout the month and beyond.

1. The Catch Me If You Can

In this inspiring travelogue, Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world, shares the remarkable story of achieving the ultimate traveler’s bucket list. While taking in stories of high adventure, epic mishaps, and the extraordinary kindness of strangers, readers will marvel at Nabongo’s bravery and linger over more than 250 gorgeous full-color photos of her journey.

From ancient monuments in Peru to Carnival in Brazil to the daunting challenges of visiting North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, Nabongo’s open heart and spirit lead her from one adventure to the next. Her story inspires us all to set aside our fears, pack our bags, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

2. Rise of the Black Quarterback

Sports fans will enjoy this compulsively readable narrative by senior NFL writer Jason Reid chronicling the history of Black players in the NFL. The book expands on Reid’s 2019 season-long series of online articles on the emergence of Black quarterbacks in the NFL and his subsequent 2020 hourlong television program.

Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America dives into the shameful history of the treatment of Black players in the NFL. Readers will also learn about the recent careers of Colin Kaepernick, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Kyler Murray, as well as the careers and legacies of beloved former NFL players including Doug Williams, Marlin Briscoe, and Eldridge Dickey.

Fascinating and timely, this page-turning account will rivet fans of sports, cultural commentary, and Black history in America.

3. Love & Justice

In this inspirational memoir by WNBA star Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, the couple explores how Moore stepped away from her basketball career to help Irons overturn a wrongful conviction.

Irons was only 16 when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit. Moore, who had met Irons in 2007, sent him letters and books as he fought for his freedom. The book chronicles their journey for justice that ended in love. As readers learn how Irons’s conviction was overturned by a state judge in Jefferson City, Missouri, they’ll ask themselves, “Am I living out my purpose?”

4. BlackTold

In this collection of 33 dynamic essays, readers can explore the impact of race and identity on American culture. Selections cover current events like the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, popular culture, the NFL, and more.

The essays in this book include:

  • “George Floyd’s mother was not there, but he used her as a sacred invocation”
  • “How Black Utah Jazz players embraced Salt Lake City”
  • “Can a black heroine fix the racist stereotypes infecting ‘King Kong’?”

5. Cosmic Queries

Building on the rich material from Neil deGrasse Tyson’s beloved StarTalk podcast, Tyson and James Trefil offer their unique takes on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos. Science geeks and space and physics nerds who want to understand their place in the universe will fall in love with this enlightening book.

Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining work will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

These educational and inspiring books from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books are available wherever books are sold.

Posted on

6 surprising insights for parents of college-bound students

2023-02-01T07:03:00

(BPT) – As we move into 2023, many students will choose which college they’ll attend in the fall. For parents, there are plenty of questions and concerns about the college process, especially when it comes to cost, scholarships and financial aid.

College Ave Student Loans recently completed a survey to get some insights into parents’ stress, concerns and priorities for affording their child’s college education. Read on to see six surprising findings from this study to help parents set their students up for future success.

1. College costs are higher than parents expected

Three-quarters of parents said college costs are more difficult to cover than in previous years and 71% found the actual cost of college surprisingly high. Also, parents often felt that college tuition, fees and room and board were more than they initially expected. Perhaps this is why one-third of parents said their child attended a school outside their original budget. Starting conversations with parents whose children are currently in college can help set expectations about affordability.

2. Fill out the FAFSA and unlock free aid

While 9 in 10 parents did fill out the FAFSA this year, a majority (61%) found the form confusing to complete. To help cut through the confusion, have all your documentation ready, and talk to other parents who have recently completed theirs.

It’s free to apply for the FAFSA. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth filling it out. Your family may qualify for merit aid (money that does not need to be paid back), and at a minimum, federal student loans, which offer unique benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans, over private student loans.

3. How families find scholarships

There are several ways students and their parents can apply for scholarships, but they may not know about all their options. According to the survey, 30% of students received scholarships and grants as part of their school’s financial aid package.

Families have also found and received scholarships through the help of a college counselor or the financial aid office, an online scholarship search, a high school counselor, community or local organizations, friends and work. While these methods were used to a lesser extent, they do provide more ways to pay for college.

If you want to help your incoming first-year students search for scholarships, you can use online tools like Scholarships.com. College Ave also has several resources to help with the college selection process, including a college application checklist, instructions on how to apply for FAFSA and a monthly $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes.

4. Perceptions of financial aid award letters

When financial aid letters arrive in spring, many parents found the letters easy to compare. However, 74% of parents who received letters found that the expected family contribution to their children’s education was higher than expected.

It’s likely that because of this higher-than-expected contribution that families have to seek multiple ways to finance their student’s education, from income and savings to scholarships and student loans.

5. Preparing students with financial life skills

Before heading off to college, you should make sure they have the necessary life skills to live independently. According to the survey, parents confirmed that their students had accomplished several skills before college, such as cleaning, preparing meals and working a job. The most common was opening a checking and/or savings account (85%).

However, it seems that many students could practice other important financial skills. For example, only 48% had paid a bill, 26% had balanced a budget and 24% understood investments. For parents of soon-to-be college students, it’s critical that you help your children brush up on their financial skills before they start their classes in the fall.

6. Advice from parents to parents

Parents who have already sent their kids off to college have valuable insight into the process. They recommend parents of incoming freshmen encourage their children to apply for more scholarships, fill out a FAFSA application, and be prepared for unexpected college costs.

Make a plan to set up your student for success

Even after a combination of savings, scholarships, grants and financial aid, students and their parents may find that they can’t cover the full cost of tuition. To bridge the gap, you may need to consider student loans.

Using tools like the College Ave student loan calculator, you can estimate your future monthly payment and an easy-to-understand breakdown of the loan amount, repayment terms and interest rates.

If you already have children in college and took out student loans, see how much you can save by refinancing a student loan using their student loan refinance calculator. To learn more about private student loans and other college finance tools, visit CollegeAve.com.

Posted on

Ways to save money this year

2023-01-31T11:01:00

(BPT) – Home and auto owners are aware of the financial responsibilities associated with each, but those looking to save money understand it goes beyond only reducing mortgage or auto payments. Regular preventative maintenance will keep your property in good condition while helping you save money in the long run.

“People often think about maintenance when something needs to be repaired, but the truth is that taking care of your property before it breaks might save you even more money,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims at Mercury Insurance. “Policyholders who take care of necessary tasks in order to maintain their personal property may help prevent major problems from happening later on.”

There are routine measures you can take now that might help keep certain costs down when it comes to owning a home or vehicle.

Auto

One of the easiest ways to save money on auto expenses is to keep driving your vehicle for as long as possible. Most cars are built to last and the average age of a vehicle on the road today is at an all-time high of 12.3 years old. Keeping up with recommended maintenance such as regular tune-ups and repairs can save you from needing costly ones in the future, ultimately saving you more money.

Proper tire inflation. According to the Department of Energy, drivers can improve their fuel mileage up to 3% just by keeping their tires inflated to the proper pressure. The right amount of air contributes to increased gas mileage, a safer ride, and reduced tire wear. The appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker inside the driver side door or within your car owner’s manual.

Check your wheel alignment. Do not ignore the signs of a potential wheel alignment problem such as a vibrating steering wheel or a slight pull to one side when driving. Bad alignment can cost you by lowering your gas mileage or putting wear and tear on your tires which may necessitate replacing them sooner than normal.

Keep a maintenance log. Maintaining records of your vehicle’s service history can protect its value. If you decide to sell or trade in your car, you can demonstrate its reliability and dependability with documentation. A well-maintained vehicle with proof of service may be worth even more money.

Home

Check your home’s insulation. Opening up that first energy bill is often a surprise for new homeowners. Beyond trying to install energy-efficient appliances or lighting, new homeowners should check the adequacy of their insulation. Single-family homes, especially those built before 1960, may need an insulation refresh.

“Insulation is what helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Well-insulated homes provide year-round comfort while reducing heating and air-conditioning bills.”

Upgrade to smart home technology. A home equipped with a smart home system that monitors fire, water, and theft may qualify for a homeowners insurance discount.

“Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install smart-home devices because the technology is able to catch common problems early and can help prevent expensive claims,” said Lee. “By using devices that monitor your home’s safety and help with preventative maintenance, you may be able to save money on your insurance premiums over time.”

Increase your deductible. A deductible is the amount you would have to pay out-of-pocket for damages before your insurance would kick in if you make a claim. If your budget allows you to pay a higher deductible in the event of loss or damage, your insurance premium will most likely go down.

Bundle your insurance. Bundling your auto coverage with homeowners insurance will qualify you for a multi-policy discount and save you money on your premium. It will also help streamline the process should you need to make a claim on both your home and auto at the same time. Contact your insurance agent to review bundling policies and rates.

Posted on

How infrastructure will change around electric vehicles

2023-01-30T09:31:00

(BPT) –

Industry reports predict that by 2030, more than 50% of cars on the road will be electric. That’s good news for air quality and clean energy. But how will America’s transportation infrastructure evolve to support these electrified vehicles? It’s not just about setting up charging stations.

Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification works to pilot infrastructure projects that can support this electrified future, and they say we’ll see major shifts in our parking structures, and in the integration of different modes of transportation within communities and roadways.

Parking structures will become part of the clean energy grid.

Have you ever noticed an EV charging station inside a parking garage? It’s becoming increasingly common, and that has mobility experts like Kathryn Snorrason, managing director at the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, thinking about deeper electrification and reverse charging.

“Since cars are stationary 95% of the time, it makes sense to consider how EVs might contribute to the electric grid while idle, especially if parked near hospitals and schools during a power outage,” says Snorrason. “As grid technology evolves, so will parking structures, creating the opportunity for cars to not only put power into the grid, but maybe even turn into a revenue source.”

Already in Michigan, the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) is testing parking-related mobility, logistics and EV charging capabilities in real-world scenarios to make the energy grid more resilient and reliable for everyone. At the DSPL, mobility innovators are creating the potential for parking structures to have detachable cord EV charging abilities, run proactive diagnostics on cars, and gather insights to improve venue operations and visitor experiences.

Infrastructure will become more human- and experience-centric.

Our communities are becoming increasingly multimodal and automated, meaning there are several ways to get from point A to point B that no longer hinge on car ownership and fueling up at traditional gas stations. Now instead of owning a car as a sole mode of transit, people have the options to walk, rent an e-bike or e-scooter, hire a ride-share service, get an on-demand rental, take a bus, train or light-rail, or any combination of these.

Multimodal transportation offers greater flexibility for people, but presents new safety challenges, too. These vehicles, and the places which we operate them, must account for this expanded range of mobility.

In 1920, Michigan introduced the first three-color four-way traffic signal to make driving safer. By the 1930s, this infrastructure innovation had gained widespread adoption and saved countless lives.

Today, the state of Michigan, in partnership with Cavnue, is designing the infrastructure innovations of the future with a first-of-its-kind connected and automated corridor. This work will ultimately enhance safety and improve infrastructure for all, just like the three-color traffic signal did for early car owners and passengers a century ago.

Simultaneously, Electreon is working with Michigan to build the first-ever stretch of roadway in the U.S. that will wirelessly charge EVs while they’re driving. This technology has the potential to eliminate charging stops entirely for EV drivers, which will make the road trip experience that much more seamless.

When it’s all said and done, automated, on-demand and electric transportation are no longer a glimpse of the future, but real options emerging across the country now. America’s transportation infrastructure must keep pace with these changes, and you’re likely to start seeing them in your own community.

Posted on

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics, Oh My! Why Your Wellness Routine Isn’t Complete Without a Postbiotic

2023-01-31T08:15:00

(BPT) – The start of a new year has many people thinking about their health, reflecting on ways they can improve their overall well-being. At the top of that list, consumers are still prioritizing and highly attuned to the resiliency of their immune system — not just during the fall and winter months but year-round. However, more aware of how all aspects of health impact one another, consumers are taking a holistic approach to their health journey — augmenting a healthy lifestyle with preventive measures, like adding in wellness supplements and vitamins, to maximize overall wellness and keep immune health an everyday priority.

Since 70% of our immune system is in our gut, it’s no surprise that these two systems are so critically intertwined, but it can be hard to meet your immune system’s needs through conscious food choices alone. Over the years, probiotics and prebiotics have continued to skyrocket in popularity as consumers aim to bolster their bodies’ defenses. While this approach is a step in the right direction, it can be confusing to know where to start with these supplements, and consumers are also leaving out a key component that plays such a vital role in creating and maintaining a healthy immune system — postbiotics.

To help break it down, we spoke with Registered Dietitian Kelly Springer about the differences between probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, as well as the importance of utilizing all three in a multi-pronged approach to creating a well-balanced and complete immune-boosting routine:

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms that increase the amount of good bacteria in your gut. They aid in digestion, improve nutrient absorption and can help fight cells that cause disease. These are naturally occurring in the body and certain foods and drinks — like milk, yogurt, kefir, kombucha — are good sources of probiotics, but these can also be found as powder and pill supplements to help you meet your daily intake goals. The healthier your gut microbiome, the healthier you are.

How are prebiotics different from probiotics?

Prebiotics are compounds found in food — like fibers and starches from fruits and veggies — that you can’t digest. They provide the fuel needed for your gut’s good bacteria to grow. Essentially, probiotics and prebiotics work together — and are often most effective when taken together in what’s known as microbiome therapy. Prebiotics reinforce the work probiotics do in providing your body’s first line of defense against ailments, aiding in digestion and more.

So, then, what’s a postbiotic?

Postbiotics are particularly unique in that they are produced through a natural fermentation process, outside of the body. Derived from a natural ingredient such as yeast or bacteria, the fermentation process does not filter anything out. The resulting postbiotic is a rich combination of vitamins, nutrients, amino acids and antimicrobial peptides geared to provide a health benefit for your immune system.

It is important to note that not all postbiotics are created equal. In fact, each is unique based on the microorganism, the fermentation medium and method used, and the post fermentation process. EpiCor postbiotic, one of the most well-known postbiotic ingredients on the market, is derived from the fermentation process of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). EpiCor is rich with metabolites scientifically proven to strengthen the body’s defenses and activate the immune response within two hours. When taken daily, it acts like a vitamin for your immune system — which is why your wellness routine is never complete without it.

How to incorporate a postbiotic into your day-to-day

Today, a majority of consumers (69%) measure a strong immune system by how quickly they recover from illness and the ability to maintain high energy levels. My secret to ensuring I’m getting enough postbiotics every day to keep my immune system in peak condition? I always have Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey Lozenges with EpiCor on hand. They’re unlike anything I’ve ever tried. They deliver such a fast-acting and powerful immune boost thanks to EpiCor, Zinc, Vitamin C and the beneficial nature of genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey working together. They’re delicious little drops that I can take on the go, keep at my desk or sneak into my kids’ lunches for a midday pick-me-up — my family loves the Elderberry and Lemon Ginger flavors the most!

More than half the cells that create antibodies for fighting sickness are in the gut. By keeping up with your daily probiotics and prebiotics but also adding in a postbiotic, like EpiCor, as a part of your routine, you’re giving your immune system everything it needs to keep you healthy and ready to tackle whatever the year ahead brings.

Posted on

Physician Anesthesiologists Ensure the Highest-Quality Care for Our Nation’s Veterans

2023-01-31T11:33:00

(BPT) – Nine out of 10 Americans agree: the nation’s Veterans deserve nothing less than the highest-quality health care. Yet a proposal by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) risks lowering their standard of care by replacing highly trained physician anesthesiologists with nurses in surgery.

Surgery is inherently dangerous, and VA’s proposal could deny Veterans access to the same standard of care available for 95% of Americans, which requires the involvement of a physician in anesthesia care to ensure a patient’s health and safety.

During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 4, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is asking Americans to help protect Safe VA Care. Michael W. Champeau, M.D., FASA, ASA president, explains the proposal, and how it could put our Veterans at risk.

Q: How does VA’s proposed change to anesthesia care impact Veterans?

A: Physician anesthesiologists currently work shoulder to shoulder as peers with VA’s surgeons to keep Veterans safe in surgery and ensure the best outcomes from a procedure. VA’s new National Standards of Practice would eliminate physician anesthesiologists and the proven team-based model of anesthesia care — where physician anesthesiologists supervise nurse anesthetists — with a nurse-only model. Replacing highly trained physician anesthesiologists with nurses in surgery is potentially dangerous, especially for Veterans. Many Veterans may be older, sicker and have conditions associated with military service, such as Agent Orange and burn pit exposure, which puts them at greater risk for complications during surgery.

Q: Why is VA proposing this change?

A: According to ASA, “There are currently no anesthesiology workforce or access issues and absolutely no need to replace VA’s longstanding patient safety policy for anesthesia care. There is no reason to propose this change to advance a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, would harm the lives of Veterans and is not supported by research, since the data clearly shows that anesthesia is safest when a physician anesthesiologist is involved.”

VA also has provided anesthesia care under the team-based model for decades and in 2017 reaffirmed this standard of anesthesia care after an exhaustive, multiyear review. The review collected a record-breaking number of public comments — more than 200,000, including 25,000 comments from Veterans and their families — to the Federal Register to keep the physician-led anesthesia model.

Q: What is the difference between a physician anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist?

A: Physician anesthesiologists have twice the education and five times the hours of clinical training of nurse anesthetists. They receive 12 to 14 years of education, including medical school, and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training to specialize in anesthesia care and pain control, with the necessary knowledge to understand and treat the entire human body. Nurse anesthetists are qualified members in the Anesthesia Team Model, but they can’t replace a physician. They did not attend medical school and have only 2,500 hours of clinical training.

Q: How does VA’s proposed changes in anesthesia care compare to the standard of care available for most Americans?

A: All of the U.S. News and World Report top-rated hospitals in our country use the team model of anesthesia care with oversight by anesthesiologists, which also is the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO). This level of care also is required by laws in nearly every state.

Q: What research is available to support the importance of physician-led anesthesia care?

A: Independent research, including VA’s own research, supports the importance of physician oversight in Veterans’ anesthesia care. No independent studies show nurse anesthetists can ensure the same safety and outcomes in surgery as physician anesthesiologists. Research also shows that eliminating physician-led care does not improve access or save medical costs.

Q: How can Americans help protect Veterans’ health and safety?

A: Visit SafeVACare.org to submit a comment to the Federal Register on the importance of maintaining safe, high-quality physician-led anesthesia care for our nation’s Veterans.

“VA’s proposal unfairly lowers the standard of care for our veterans and it’s clear that no science or necessity supports a change,” said Dr. Champeau. “Our veterans deserve nothing but the best health care. That’s why we’re telling VA to stop this risky plan.”