Mental Health Awareness Month: What to Know About Schizophrenia

2023-05-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Mental health issues impact many families in the country. One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health event every year, and more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.1,2 In May, Mental Health Awareness Month focuses our attention on those affected by mental health challenges.

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and to support those living with mental illness. The month is also a time to highlight the need for new treatment options that are critical to lessen the personal, social and economic toll of these disorders.

May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day, when we recognize a mental health condition that impacts 24 million people globally.3 Schizophrenia is a serious and complex disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations; negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and an absence of emotions; and cognitive symptoms characterized by difficulties paying attention, processing information and making decisions.4 As one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, schizophrenia often results in significant emotional burden for those who experience symptoms, as well as their family and friends.3,5

One young man recalled that his “friends and family suddenly realized my behavior was off, but I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening.” After he was diagnosed with adult-onset schizophrenia and had begun taking medication, “I started to see for myself that what I was experiencing, the television talking to me or the radio referring to me by name, was not normal. For me, it had become normalized because I had been in psychosis for several months or years, if not longer.” Such situations are not uncommon, with only about 31 percent of people with psychosis receiving specialist mental health care.6

World Schizophrenia Day is dedicated to raising awareness about this serious disorder and the need for new treatments.

Traditional treatment options for schizophrenia include the use of antipsychotic medications that have been associated with metabolic syndrome as well as neurologic symptoms.7 However, approximately 30 percent of patients living with schizophrenia in the U.S. fail to respond to currently available antipsychotic therapies.8 Additionally, at least 40 percent of patients report bothersome side effects with their current antipsychotic medications.9,10

The young man went on to say, “I’m optimistic and hopeful that better treatments for schizophrenia are in the pipeline. My hope is that we have treatments that treat a broader swath of the population more safely and more effectively, and that treat the more difficult-to-alleviate symptoms such as the cognitive or negative symptoms.”

Neurocrine Biosciences is dedicated to developing potentially life-changing treatments for patients with unmet medical needs, including schizophrenia. It has multiple compounds that employ novel mechanisms that are in development targeting various aspects of this disorder. These include compounds currently in Phase 3 and Phase 2 clinical studies.

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience company that is dedicated to supporting people impacted by schizophrenia — on World Schizophrenia Day and every day. The company is investigating potential treatments to address the unmet needs of those living with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.

Learn more about schizophrenia, including advocacy resources, here.

REFERENCES

  1. Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Updated June 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
  2. Kessler RC, Angermeyer M, Anthony JC, et al. Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of mental disorders in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey Initiative. World Psychiatry. 2007;6(3):168-176.
  3. Schizophrenia. World Health Organization. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia
  4. What is Schizophrenia? American Psychiatric Association. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia
  5. Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia
  6. Jaeschke K et al. Global estimates of service coverage for severe mental disorders: findings from the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2017 Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021;8:e27. doi:10.1017/gmh.2021.19
  7. Schizophrenia: Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354449
  8. Quarantelli M, Palladino O, Prinster A, et al. Patients with poor response to antipsychotics have a more severe pattern of frontal atrophy: a voxel-based morphometry study of treatment resistance in schizophrenia. Biomed Res Int. 2014; 2014:325052. doi:10.1155/2014/325052
  9. Cascade E, Kalali AH, Mehra S, Meyer JM. Real-world data on atypical antipsychotic medication side effects. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(7):9-12.
  10. Conley RR, Kelly DL. Management of treatment resistance in schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2001;50(11):898-911. doi:10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01271-9

This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

©2023 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-PIP-US-0052 04/2023

Whether you’re looking for a new job or trying to set your career on a new trajectory, here’s where you need to start

2023-05-24T15:31:00

(BPT) – Anyone who has lived through the last few years knows how dramatically the world of work has changed — and how it continues to evolve in ways that are not always predictable. As advanced technology, business environments and the ways people work are all hurtling toward the future, it stands to reason that employees and employers alike are constantly reevaluating what’s next in terms of their needs, goals, and ambitions. If you’re one of the many professionals currently looking for the next great opportunity to advance your career during these complex times, you’ll want the right partner to help you develop and implement your career plan.

To help you get started, Dexian, a new enterprise brand built on the combined legacies of leaders in the staffing, IT, and workforce solutions industry — including DISYS, Signature Consultants, D2M, and others — is bringing together the best talent, technology and top businesses around the world to create trajectory-changing outcomes that help everyone fulfill their ambitions and achieve new levels of success.

“The launch of Dexian reflects a forever-changed world of work that requires new, focused solutions to new modes of work,” said Maruf Ahmed, DISYS president and COO. “It’s not just the way we work, where we work and how we work that has changed. If we can do right by our employees, our clients and our consultants, we are in the business for good.”

Dexian partners with hundreds of leading organizations every year to help modernize their workforce with scalable, specialized talent who bring ingenuity and experience and are ready to help support key programs, eliminate technology barriers, and accelerate digital transformation. If you’re looking to further your career and work with some of the most prestigious companies, here are some of the ways that Dexian can help you prepare for and accomplish your next great career move.

Train for the future of work

No matter where you currently are in your career, the fast-changing nature of technology means that there will always be more to learn. To help you stay up-to-date and to continue growing in your career, Dexian provides top-notch training opportunities including upskilling and reskilling through virtual learning, bootcamps and advanced workshops.

Develop a personalized career plan

To optimize your next career move, it’s best to have a concrete, well-thought-out plan, rather than simply bouncing from position to position. Your skills, your experiences, your talents and your ambitions are all unique to you, so your career path needs to reflect that, too. Specialist advisors at Dexian can help you with creating and executing your personal, bespoke career plan. You’ll receive agent-like support and career guidance every step of the way, whether you’re looking for consulting opportunities or a permanent position.

Find not just a job, but a position curated for you

To achieve success today, it’s not just about finding someone to fill a position — it’s about finding the right solution, curating the best talent and the best opportunities, to create the perfect fit. In order to reach your personal career goals, you’ll want to partner with a team that works with top-tier businesses as your trusted advisor — a team not only committed to finding you a job, but one that is also focused on delivering a bespoke fit for you, your career and for the company you’ll be working for.

Dexian puts their candidates first. One of the many benefits of working with Dexian is the access that you will have to clients working in all industries across the globe — and the opportunity to help leverage technology to address core challenges and drive innovation for Dexian clients. And, as Dexian partners with companies to deliver tailored staffing and IT solutions that help drive their business forward, its career advisors identify opportunities that help execute on your personal career plan, working with you as needed to continue to up-skill and train so you can achieve your goals in your unique career trajectory.

“As the company that is in business for good, Dexian believes the most critical way for us to deliver on this promise is through the advanced workforce solutions we are providing today and will continue to innovate as we move forward into the future,” added Ahmed. “We work with talent to find the best jobs, and we work with clients to find the best talent, bringing organizations and individuals together so each can fulfill their ambitions and succeed.”

Ready to get started? Visit Dexian.com to learn more.

5 ways for military families to stay safe online this PCS season

2023-05-24T20:01:00

(BPT) – Are you an active-duty service member or military spouse planning a permanent change of station? Now is the time to protect your family’s information online.

A third of the military — nearly half a million families — make a PCS move every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, active-duty service members are three times more likely to be victims of digital theft than the general public.

While financial and identity theft can happen any time of year, military families are especially vulnerable when moving for a permanent change of station. Anyone managing a move risks sensitive data being stolen. In fact, personal information is shuffled from one location to another, leaving it accessible to movers, family members, dumpster divers, real estate agents and home buyers, contractors, appraisers and more. That’s why it’s critical to be proactive and secure your digital lives before a move so you don’t leave yourself open to digital attacks. Here are five ways to keep your family safe before, during and after relocation.

1. Don’t overshare on social media.

You may be tempted to share the excitement of your move online, but doing so can make you vulnerable. Avoid sharing information about your family’s relocation, or any personal information for that matter, on social media.

You may think sharing your new neighborhood, children’s school or duty station is harmless, but cybercriminals can use these tidbits of information to steal your identity. Even when you’ve settled into your new home, stay vigilant. Use caution when sharing information like your location, favorite sports team, children’s birthdays or any details that could help hackers guess your passwords.

2. Update passwords.

Speaking of passwords, you should update your passwords as you prepare to move. Even better, create complex passphrases with multiple digits, special characters and letters in various cases. Don’t pick phrases a stranger could guess by looking at your social media or publicly available information.

Even if you have a strong passphrase, don’t reuse it across multiple accounts. If a cybercriminal successfully breaches one of your accounts, they could use it to access the others with the same passphrase.

Finally, don’t write your passwords or passphrases down digitally or on paper. To make it easier to remember your credentials and keep them secure, consider using a password manager, like Aura’s, which alerts you when you need to change your password, if there has been a data leak or breach.

3. Keep track of your credit.

It’s important to monitor your credit and bank statements for suspicious activity, especially if you’re in the military. The FTC found that active-duty service members report problems with debt collectors and credit bureaus at more than twice the rate of other adults.

If you haven’t already, set up active-duty credit alerts with any of the three credit bureaus. This encourages lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity, making it more difficult for bad actors to open new credit lines in your name.

If you want to be extra safe, freeze your credit when you move so you don’t have to worry about it as you navigate your permanent change of station. If you see anything unusual, take action immediately.

4. Have “the digital talk” with your children.

According to Ipsos research, 21% of parents surveyed have never started a conversation with their children about online safety. However, those same parents were concerned that their children would be tricked into sending money to someone online (30%), ordering or over-ordering food (22%), making unauthorized purchases (31%) or spending money on online games without their consent (35%).

If you haven’t talked with your children about online safety, or it’s been a while since your last conversation, make sure to discuss it with them before your move. Set an example and talk with your children about online safety. Highlight the importance of keeping personal information private and not sharing it with strangers or on social media. Beyond identity theft, sharing information like where they go to school or where they frequently hang out can allow predators to stalk them.

5. Explore digital security solutions.

Simplify your digital safety before your move and beyond by exploring digital security solutions. Consider signing up for an all-in-one online security platform like Aura. This easy-to-use security solution keeps your and your family’s personal information, devices and finances safe from online threats.

Aura offers everything you need to proactively control your digital life and keep your finances and identity safe and secure. This includes lost wallet recovery, antivirus, VPN, multi-device protection and monitoring for credit, bank accounts, Social Security numbers, home and title use, and criminal and court records.

To thank military members, Veterans and their families for their service, Aura offers up to 50% off its protection plans, starting with a two-week free trial. Learn more by visiting https://aura.com/military.

Don’t wait for cybercriminals to strike. Using these five tips, you can help your family stay safe online before, during and after your permanent change of station.

Travel Tips for Your Next Family Vacation

2023-05-23T09:31:00

(BPT) – Summer is the perfect time to travel as a family, and it’s never too early to think about your next trip. Between coordinating family activities with your work schedule, looking ahead to maximize hotel and flight deals, or researching the best excursions for the whole family, it’s always helpful to think ahead. As you plan your next family getaway, these tips will help ensure you—and your whole family—have the ultimate travel experience.

Pack Like a Pro

When traveling as a family, the necessities pile up quickly. Consider using packing cubes, doubling up children’s travel essentials into one bag, or vacuum sealing bags to help fit your things into a smaller carry-on. Be sure to check out airline baggage requirements ahead of time to ensure you don’t get hit with additional fees or costs when you get to the airport. For example, when flying Southwest®, bags fly free® (first and second checked bags, weight and size limits apply), so families have a little extra room for all their additional needs.

Leverage Credit Card Rewards and Benefits

Using a travel credit card is a great way to earn rewards on everyday spending throughout the year, as well as providing certain perks and benefits that can make future travel more convenient. If you choose the right credit card, you might even be able to optimize your travel from the second you leave home to when you touch back down from your trip, earning points all along the way.

Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cardmembers from Chase, for example, have access to opportunities to earn toward travel, like 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. If car rentals aren’t in your plans, Cardmembers also earn 2X points on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare. Either way, your transportation will earn you more Rapid Rewards points towards a future vacation.

Prepare and Plan Travels and Itineraries

Timing is everything when it comes to planning summer travel. Costs and availability can fluctuate regularly depending on your destination’s peak seasons, especially while everyone is trying to take advantage of summer break. Think about what you and your family love to do to determine your destination and timing in advance, easing the stress of last-minute scheduling.

On top of planning departures and travel itineraries, factoring in time to check-in to the flight and get to the airport on time is an important step, especially when adding family to the equation. To ease this stress, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus and Premier Credit Cards from Chase offer Cardmembers two EarlyBird Check-Ins® per year, providing the convenience of automatic check-in 36 hours ahead of the flight. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Cardmembers can receive four Upgraded Boardings per year when available, resulting in a preferred boarding position and earlier access to store their carry-on luggage.

Between May 23 and June 26, 2023, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority Credit Cardmembers can earn 60,000 points plus a 30% promotional code to use towards future travel (based on base fares when applied before taxes and fees) after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. The promotional code expires October 31, 2024. Offers like this can give you and the family a massive head start on booking your dream vacation.

We all deserve a little rest, relaxation, and time with our families. Although traveling with the whole family can seem daunting, using these tips can ease the burden and help you travel like a pro this upcoming summer season.

*Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.

5 home cleaning hacks to save time, energy and the planet

2023-05-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone loves a clean home, but as the weather gets nicer, many of us want to spend less time sprucing up and more time enjoying summer with family and friends. This is when a few good cleaning hacks can come in handy.

In a recent Bona/Harris Poll online survey, most Americans (92%) noted they’d like some type of cleaning “hack” to save time and energy. To help get the job done faster and easier, consider these home cleaning tips and tricks. Bonus: They all take a greener approach to cleaning so you can feel good about your home and your impact on the planet.

Use ice to clean your garbage disposal

A lot of crud goes down your kitchen sink drain. If you have a garbage disposal, it can get dirty and stinky over time. The blades of the disposal system are dangerous to clean directly, so instead, toss in a few ice cubes and run the system for a minute. Better yet, freeze a bit of lemon or orange rind into the cubes to clean the blades and leave behind a fresh scent.

Steam clean the microwave

Instead of scrubbing a grimy microwave, use the power of steam. Place a cup of water in a large microwave-safe bowl or container like a glass measuring cup and add a splash of lemon juice for a citrus scent. Run on high for 3-5 minutes so the water steams the microwave and softens the food and grime. Carefully remove the container and wipe down the inside with a soft cloth — no scrubbing required.

Use biobased cleaners and reusable cloths

Avoid bringing toxins into your home by using biobased products like the new USDA Certified Biobased Bona All-Purpose Cleaner. As one of only a few 99% biobased surface cleaners available, it’s safe for all the surfaces in the home while still being tough on grease and grime. In addition, skip the wasteful paper towel by using washable and reusable microfiber cloths, like the Bona Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. These new cloths are customized for every cleaning chore — from the kitchen cloth’s tight zig zag weaves to catch food particles, to the bathroom cloth’s looser zig zag design to help clean hair and soap scum. Made from 80% post-consumer recycled material, these cleaning cloths can be washed and reused up to 300 times.

Soak shower heads in vinegar

There’s nothing like jumping into a shower and looking forward to a warm cascade of droplets, only to be met with a frantic spray with unsatisfying pressure. Over time, minerals in the water can build up on the shower head and block the flow. An easy solution is to remove the head and place in a bowl of vinegar. A quick soak loosens buildup that you can easily clean off with a small brush so your shower flows again.

Use baking soda to deodorize carpet and more

Baking soda is one of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients. Known for its ability to absorb scents and deodorize, it’s great for cleaning tough spots around your home. Have a carpet that could use a refresh? Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let it sit for half an hour and then vacuum. You can also do this for other soft-surface areas of the home that are hard to deodorize, such as couches, chairs and mattresses.

These hacks help save time and energy cleaning, plus you can feel good that you’re being kind to the planet. The only thing left is to enjoy your summer time fun!

People Living with Severe Alopecia Areata, It’s Time to Talk to Your Doctor

2023-05-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Lilly USA, LLC

Understanding Alopecia Areata

For many people, alopecia areata presents as small, well-defined patches of hair loss on the scalp. But for others with severe cases, the unpredictable autoimmune disease can progress to a complete loss of scalp and body hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. While the causes of the disease are not fully understood, it is believed to be the result of complex immune signals that change the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for alopecia areata, which can affect people of all ages and ethnicities. It is estimated that about 300,000 people in the U.S. have alopecia areata involving more than 50% scalp hair loss.

Despite being a medical condition, alopecia areata is often mistakenly viewed as a cosmetic condition, camouflaged with wigs and fake eyelashes. This has left many people, especially those with severe disease, searching for an appropriate way to manage hair loss. In fact, in a 2016 U.S. study of 1,083 adults with alopecia areata, 8 in 10 patients were unsatisfied with existing medical treatment options for alopecia areata.

Dr. Brett King, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.D., has seen firsthand the frustration of patients with limited treatment options. “Working with so many alopecia areata patients, I recognize the need for treatment options for this condition that affects patients in so many ways,” Dr. King said. “My work has focused on helping those living with severe alopecia areata, with the goal of bringing effective treatments to them.”

First FDA-Approved, Oral Treatment for Adults with Severe Alopecia Areata

In June 2022, Olumiant® (baricitinib) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first and only oral treatment for adults with severe alopecia areata. Olumiant is available as 4 mg, 2 mg and 1 mg tablets.

Dr. King was the lead investigator of the Olumiant clinical trials conducted in adults with severe alopecia areata. He has been studying Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, like Olumiant, over the past decade. Seeing the need in the alopecia areata community, Dr. King worked tirelessly for his patients to advance the understanding of the disease to identify potential options for patients.

“The marriage of science and medicine has finally gotten us to the point of an FDA-approved oral medicine for adults living with severe alopecia areata,” said Dr. King.

In clinical studies, some adults with severe alopecia areata taking Olumiant saw 80% scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks.* For those taking Olumiant 4 mg once daily, some even saw 90% or greater scalp hair coverage at 36 weeks.** In people with substantial eyebrow and eyelash hair loss, some taking Olumiant 4 mg once daily saw an improvement in eyebrow and eyelash coverage at 36 weeks. The recommended dose is 2 mg once daily for most patients, but certain patients may be treated with 4 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the right dose for you.

Olumiant may cause serious side effects, including serious infections, increased risk of death, cancer and immune system problems, increased risk of major cardiovascular events, and blood clots. See below for more information.

*Up to 22% of people taking 2 mg once daily

**Up to 26% of people taking 4 mg once daily

Learning More About Your Options

Dr. King recommends having an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your hair loss, including what treatment options you can access through your insurance coverage. If your doctor has provided you with a prescription for Olumiant, Olumiant Together™ is a patient support program where a representative can thoroughly evaluate your insurance coverage status and share information on how to enroll in a customer support program.

For eligible commercially insured patients, financial support for Olumiant can be offered through the Olumiant savings card. You may be able to save on Olumiant even if your commercial insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your treatment. Find out if you’re eligible on Olumiant.com. Government beneficiaries excluded, terms and conditions apply.

If you are an adult with severe alopecia areata, talk to your doctor to see if Olumiant may be right for you. Visit Olumiant.com to learn more.

INDICATIONS AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS

Olumiant® (O-loo-me-ant) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat:

  • adults with severe alopecia areata.
  • adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis after treatment with 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well enough or could not be tolerated.

Warnings – Olumiant may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, and others caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Some people have died from these infections. Olumiant can make you more likely to get infections or make any infections that you have worse. Your doctor should test for TB before starting Olumiant and watch for TB symptoms during treatment. You should not start Olumiant if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor tells you it is okay. While taking Olumiant, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection, such as:
  • fever, sweating, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • blood in phlegm
  • weight loss
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • burning with urination or urinating more often
    than normal
  • feeling tired

If you get a serious infection, your doctor may stop Olumiant until your infection is controlled.

  • Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age or older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and are taking a medicine in a class of medicines called JAK inhibitors.
  • Cancer and immune system problems. Olumiant may increase your risk of lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers. People taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors have a higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Follow your doctor’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer while taking Olumiant.
  • Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease risk factor and taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking Olumiant, including:
    • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
    • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
    • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
    • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
    • breaking out in a cold sweat
    • nausea or vomiting
    • feeling lightheaded
    • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
    • slurred speech
  • Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs, and arteries. This may be life-threatening and cause death. Blood clots in the veins of legs and lungs have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age or older and with at least 1 heart disease risk factor taking a medicine in the class of medicines called JAK inhibitors. Stop taking Olumiant and tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots, including swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg, sudden chest pain, or shortness of breath, while taking Olumiant.
  • Allergic reactions. While taking Olumiant, if you have symptoms, such as rash (hives), trouble breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, stop taking Olumiant and get emergency help right away. Some of these reactions seen in people taking Olumiant were serious.
  • Tears in the stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. While taking Olumiant, tell your doctor right away if you have fever and stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in bowel habits.
  • Changes in laboratory test results. Your doctor should do blood tests before and while taking Olumiant. You should not take Olumiant if your white or red blood cell count is too low or your liver tests are too high. Your doctor may pause your treatment with Olumiant because of changes in these test results. Your doctor should also check your cholesterol levels approximately 12 weeks after you start Olumiant and as needed.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Olumiant in people treated for alopecia areata include:

  • upper respiratory tract infections (cold or
    sinus infections)
  • headache
  • acne
  • increased cholesterol levels
  • increased muscle enzyme levels
  • urinary tract infection
  • increased liver enzyme levels
  • inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis)
  • tiredness
  • lower respiratory tract infections
  • nausea
  • genital yeast infection
  • low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
  • stomach-area (abdominal) pain
  • shingles (herpes zoster)
  • increased weight

The most common side effects of Olumiant in people treated for rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • upper respiratory tract infections (cold or sinus infections)
  • nausea
  • herpes simplex virus infections, including cold sores
  • shingles (herpes zoster)

These are not all the possible side effects of Olumiant. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Before you use Olumiant, tell your doctor if you:

  • Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection.
  • Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
  • Have had shingles (herpes zoster).
  • Have had hepatitis B or C, cancer, or blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs.
  • Live, have lived, or have visited parts of the country that increase your risk of fungal infections. These may include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest. Ask your doctor if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.
  • Are a current or past smoker.
  • Have had a heart attack, other heart problems or stroke.
  • Have other medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, low blood cell counts, diabetes, lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system.
  • Have any stomach-area pain or have been diagnosed with inflammation in the large intestine (diverticulitis) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.
  • Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking Olumiant should not receive live vaccines.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Olumiant may harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Olumiant, call Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-545-5979 to report the pregnancy.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while taking Olumiant and for 4 days after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while taking Olumiant.
  • Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is especially important to tell your doctor, if you take:
    • a medicine called probenecid
    • medicines that affect your immune system, such biologic medications, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine or cyclosporine) since these may increase your risk of infection.
  • Are under age 18. It is not known if Olumiant is safe and effective in children.

How to take

  • Take Olumiant exactly as your doctor says.
  • Take Olumiant once a day by mouth with or without food.
  • Talk to your doctor if you cannot swallow tablets whole.
  • If you take too much Olumiant, call your doctor or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Learn more

Olumiant is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to www.olumiant.com.

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

BA CON BS 14SEP2022

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

PP-BA-US-1956 04/2023 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.

3 things you can do to take care of your well-being this Women’s Health Month

2023-05-22T11:23:00

(BPT) – There are some basic health practices that apply to everyone like eating well and getting exercise. Beyond these though, men and women actually have some distinct health considerations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women face many unique health concerns throughout their life that affect their overall well-being. May is Women’s Health Month, a time when women are encouraged to prioritize their health. From physical ailments to mental health and everything in between, there are many areas of women’s health that need special attention and care.

Taking care of your health and well-being doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are simple ways you can check in with yourself about your well-being. This Women’s Health Month, Amazon Clinic — a virtual health care service available on Amazon.com — encourages women to take the following steps to ensure they can continue to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

1. Take stock of your sexual health

Your reproductive system is responsible for more than just sexual intimacy and pregnancy. Other systems in the body — like your endocrine and urinary systems — are closely tied to your reproductive health.

If you haven’t been to a gynecologist in a while, consider scheduling an appointment. Regardless of sexual activity, if you’re 21 years and older you should visit a health care provider once a year to review your sexual health. If you experience gynecological health conditions like urinary tract infections, vaginal dryness or yeast infections, you should speak with a doctor sooner rather than later.

If you aren’t on birth control but want to be, this is the perfect time to discuss your options with a health care professional. Also, if you’re unhappy with your current birth control method, you can talk to a doctor about switching medications, changing your dosage, or getting an arm implant.

2. Get help for menstrual pain

Period cramps aren’t just annoying and inconvenient. For many women, it’s a painful experience that can complicate everyday tasks. Studies suggest that up to 91% of women of reproductive age experience some level of period pain. Worse still, nearly one in three women report severe period pain.

While period cramps are common, they don’t have to keep you from going to work, school or doing the things you love. You may find that self-care — like exercising and using heating pads — and taking over-the-counter pain medications are enough to manage your period pain. If not, though, you should talk with a health care provider so they can help you create a personalized period pain treatment plan. They may recommend specialized NSAIDs or hormonal contraception to help you weather menstrual pain.

3. Invest in healthy skin

Taking care of your skin can be a struggle for many women. Depending on the time of year, where you live, your diet, your menstrual cycle and your genes, your hair and skin can feel and look quite different. This requires personalized care to keep them healthy.

For example, while acne is commonly associated with youth, some adults continue to have acne into their 30s and beyond, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Some even experience acne for the first time in adulthood.

Also, throughout your life, your skin experiences everyday wear and tear like sun exposure that leads to aging and wrinkles. While there’s nothing wrong with aging naturally, too much sun without protection can prematurely age your skin and lead to other health conditions, including skin cancer.

Talk with your doctor about your skin concerns to create a personalized skincare routine that will keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Beyond wearing sunscreen, eating a balanced diet and washing your face with gentle products, they may recommend over-the-counter and prescription treatments to manage your skin health.

Prioritize your health this month and beyond

Making time for your health is hard when you’re busy living life. But you don’t have to do it alone. This Women’s Health Month, Amazon Clinic wants to help women get the care they need with the same level of convenience, affordability and speed people expect from Amazon.

Available 24/7 on Amazon.com, the service can connect you to clinicians for many common conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, allergies, birth control, menstrual pain, vaginal dryness, and skin health — within hours, not weeks. Best of all, you’ll know the price of the consultation upfront, and there’s no appointment needed.

To get started, visit clinic.amazon.com/womens-health and select your condition and provider. After you answer a few questions, a doctor will send a message with a treatment plan — including any necessary prescriptions — to your phone or computer.

Hook, line and sizzle: Save time and maximize flavor with these tips for grilled fish

2023-05-22T07:23:00

(BPT) – The sizzle, the scent, the satisfaction of that first bite — there’s nothing quite like grilled food on a beautiful summer day. This year, seafood is taking over grills across America, and everyone from casual foodies to professional chefs are getting hooked on grilled fish.

Catch the flavor of the season

Why is fish the hot dish for grilling this year? Fish is wonderfully versatile and can be prepared with different flavor profiles, including savory, spicy, fruity, citrusy and many more. It pairs nicely with other beloved flavors of summer, such as a crisp fresh salad, ripe fruit or grilled vegetables as a side. Plus, packed with omega-3s and other nutrients, fish is often a healthier alternative to other popular grilled foods, like red meat or processed sausage.

Make a splash at mealtime

Grilling fish might be intimidating to some people, but it doesn’t have to be. One time-saving tip is to look for Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood at your local grocery store. This family-owned company has been procuring high-quality fish and seafood products for over 80 years. With an emphasis on quality and flavor, you’ll find premium fillets paired with chef-inspired seasoning and marinades so you can make the most of grilling season — without the stress.

“Seas the day” with salmon

What options are best for summer grilling? While many fish are great for the grill, you can’t go wrong with salmon. This meaty-textured fish is ideal for the grill, whether you place it right on the hot grates or wrap it in foil for a delicate and delicious steam. Salmon is low in saturated fat and high in protein, which is good for maintaining bone and muscle strength.

Morey’s has several wild salmon options that make grilling a breeze:

  • Wild Salmon Seasoned Grill has a smoky blend of garlic, basil, salt and red pepper seasoning that becomes even more pronounced through grilling.
  • Wild Salmon Steakhouse features white and black pepper with notes of jalapeño and rosemary for a savory dish with a subtle kick.
  • Wild Salmon Lemon Herb has a citrus-style marinade for bright notes that balance this naturally buttery, rich fish.

Set taste buds adrift with new recipes

Grilled fish makes an amazing meal any time, but if you want to try new flavors and be inspired, check out the recipes at Moreys.com/Recipes. With a variety of mouth-watering recipes, you’ll find inspiration for any occasion.

For example, the Steakhouse Salmon Quinoa Bowl recipe puts two superfoods together — salmon and quinoa — to produce a nutritious and hearty meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. While the quinoa and salmon cook, mix up the aromatic and flavorful dressing made with lime, jalapeño, honey, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Set the table indoors or dine al fresco, and prepare for a relaxing meal at home.

Get ready to make waves at your next meal. With these tips for simple preparation and cooking, you’ll find grilled fish to be your new go-to for grilling this summer.

Helping teachers and students prepare as school supply costs surge

2023-05-21T23:01:00

(BPT) – Every summer, parents nationwide get ready for the upcoming school year by purchasing necessary school supplies. However, a whopping 92% of classrooms have students with families who can’t afford many of the basics, according to AdoptAClassroom.org. Families are feeling stretched by inflation, forcing some to choose between buying new clothing, putting food on the table, or paying rent and utilities. Many teachers are also being pinched, with 96% already spending money out of their own pockets (an average of $860 each year) to help their students by purchasing necessary classroom supplies.

Preparing for this coming school year may be even more challenging, due to the rising costs of goods that are required for any classroom. For example, the cost of pencils is up 40%, and the price of a ream of paper is up 60%. These expenses — for families and teachers — are likely to reach an all-time high this summer. With the financial burden on teachers growing, even more students may enter classrooms without the items they need.

Mission-driven partnerships working to help

Nonprofit organizations and corporations are recognizing these challenges and working together to help make a difference for teachers and students. Over the last two years, for example, Subaru of America, Inc. has focused their Subaru Loves Learning® initiative on a partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, which will support more than 470,000 students nationwide with school supply donations by this summer. This ongoing collaboration has been able to provide teachers across the country with flexible funding to purchase more of the supplies they need to help their students thrive. Students and educators are requiring even more support in face of today’s unprecedented challenges, and the Subaru Loves Learning initiative helps pave the way toward childhood success and academic innovation.

“As families begin preparing for each new school year, not every student has the same opportunities to make the most of their education,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “Together with AdoptAClassroom.org, our retailers are helping to relieve some of the financial burden from teachers while helping all students secure the resources they need to learn and succeed in the classroom.”

Recognizing the impact of social good across the country

The success of this initiative and many more are being recognized by Engage for Good’s annual Halo Awards, North America’s highest honors for corporate social impact initiatives engaging consumers or employees. The prestigious awards celebrate programs that blend brand purpose and social impact to build a better world and bottom line.

The Subaru Loves Learning initiative in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org was recently recognized with the Gold Halo Award in the “Best Education Initiative” category. Their efforts have so far equipped 167,943 students with necessary school supplies, funding 5,699 classrooms across the U.S., with 100% of the funding going to high-needs schools. High need is defined as a school that has a Title I Schoolwide Program and/or a school where 40% of the student population qualifies for the free or reduced-price lunch program.

The initiative not only provides tangible items, but it also helps to make teachers feel appreciated and supported as professionals, boosting their morale — which can help make the difference between a teacher continuing to teach or leaving the profession. It also gives students equitable opportunities to succeed in school, regardless of their family’s financial means.

“When you give under-resourced children new supplies, you make them feel valued, build their confidence and ease the mind of their parents,” added Bethke. “Education is foundational for strong, healthy communities and gives children a pathway out of generational poverty.”

An ‘Urgent Need’ For Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Is Clear: Empowering People Living With Crohn’s Disease And Ulcerative Colitis To Follow The Science

2023-05-19T14:25:00

(BPT) – Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), can be extremely frustrating to people living with the conditions and significantly affect their quality of life.

Moreover, the 1.6 million Americans that live with IBD often feel misunderstood by friends and family members who often minimalize their conditions, as well as offer medical guidance based on their preconceived notions.

People living with IBD express that life with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can be challenging – particularly when they have to run to the bathroom in the middle of a work meeting or dinner date. Friends and family often tell them that they look healthy and should give themselves a cheat day to eat the foods they used to love.

World IBD Day is observed on May 19 every year, and Crohn’s and UC are the two most common kinds of IBD. During the last 20 years, an increasing number of people have been diagnosed with IBD, which is a serious, chronic digestive disease with no cure, no recognized cause, and a lack of awareness of the pain and suffering that people living with IBD endure. World IBD Day creates awareness of the struggles of such people.

Central to this mission, Janssen Pharmaceuticals recently launched Together, We Know IBD, a campaign designed to break through the misconceptions surrounding IBD, as well as motivate people living with the condition and Health Care Providers (HCPs) to talk about their condition, continued research in the field and treatment options on the horizon.

Together, We Know IBD personifies common situations that people with IBD encounter from friends and family who don’t fully understand this disease. The campaign’s caricatures of “the uninformed” is the initial focal point of the campaign, intending to evoke a strong emotional reaction from people with IBD that deeply empathizes with their day-to-day struggles.

The Together, We Know IBD website is a vital resource to help raise awareness and education of Janssen’s IBD clinical trials and support conversations between doctors and people living with IBD about potential participation in active clinical trials.

Between the triggers, the carousel of medications, and the fatigue, those living with IBD have a lot to deal with, and most people just don’t know about IBD. Janssen does know IBD and appreciates that better treatment options start with clinical research. Together with leading HCPs and people affected by the condition, Janssen hopes to advance the science of IBD treatment so that one day, long-lasting remission can be a possibility.

Remember: Together, We Can Drive Research; Together, We Know IBD.

To learn more about the Together, We Know IBD Campaign visit: www.weknowibd.com