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The simplest and least expensive way consumers can help the environment

2023-06-26T10:37:00

(BPT) – Recycling is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to help the environment. Although many people understand the significance of recycling, there is still room to improve participation and recycling rates. The Carton Council, which works to increase the recycling of food and beverage cartons, has several tips to help consumers become more diligent recyclers.

1. Make a game plan: Develop a strategy for hassle-free recycling by keeping containers within easy reach in areas where recyclable packages are consumed. Know your community’s collection schedule and have enough space to store your recyclables until the designated collection day.

2. Know what to recycle and what to throw: Keep in mind that acceptable materials vary based on the recycling program and community. Turn to your community’s website to determine what can and can’t be recycled where you live.

3. Stick it to your memory: To help stick to your recycling plan, create reminders throughout your home. Try placing notes in visible locations, such as on your refrigerator or where you place your keys, to keep recycling top of mind. Make sure to note your collection day.

4. Make a difference by being a recycling influencer: Be the change you wish to see by inspiring others to recycle. Share your recycling efforts on social media and tag your local recycling program, homeowner’s association, and even the Carton Council to inspire others to join the recycling movement.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover: Dirty, misshapen or dented packages can still be recycled. Unless the item is covered in food, such as peanut butter or melted cheese, place it in your recycling container.

6. Own your role in the power of recycling: Take pride in your efforts and recognize the positive impact your recycling makes. Without recycling, there would be no recycled materials available to create new products. For example, 30 food and beverage cartons can be recycled to produce a sustainable ceiling tile. A ton of paper made from recycled fiber conserves 7,000 gallons of water and 17-31 trees.

Recycling is an easy way everyone can play a role in helping the environment.

Not sure if food and beverage cartons can be recycled where you live? Check our address locator at RecycleCartons.com.

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Tire Safety: Protecting What Matters Most

2023-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tires are one of the most important, complex safety components of the car and the only part that touches the road. That’s why the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) kicked off its National Tire Safety Week (June 26 – July 3, 2023) to educate consumers, motorists and fleet operators about why tire safety and maintenance should be a top priority for all motorists.

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4 ways video game companies are giving back to communities, and how you can too

2023-06-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – The video game industry is often known for its high-quality games and the hours of entertainment it provides its community and players — but engaged, modern, video game studios accomplish more than that. Many studios in the video game space are improving their local communities, providing incredible opportunities through educational and philanthropic initiatives and making space for their players to give back.

One Texas-based example is Gearbox Entertainment, which recently announced Gearbox Gives — an effort to harness the power of entertainment to educate communities and future creatives, inspire change, and create programs and initiatives that help solve problems around the world.

These initiatives are more than just a promise, they are programs moving beyond entertainment to give back to the greater good. Gearbox’s Borderlands Science is one example of how companies, and their communities, are giving back. This mini-game within the critically acclaimed Borderlands 3 video game helps map the human gut microbiome, which is benefiting the real-world scientific community. Players have already solved tens of millions of DNA sequencing puzzles, aiding in the advancement of clinical research.

Here are several ways video game companies are working to empower communities and solve problems.

Donating proceeds from sales. Many video game companies partner with global and local organizations to support good causes. To support the fight against cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gearbox’s San Francisco team, Cryptic Studios, and ViacomCBS Consumer Products teamed up with Groupees.com to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During the launch of Star Trek Online: Awakening on consoles, players had the option to purchase limited-time in-game bundles and donate to the cause, which raised almost $60,000 in donations to the foundation.

Raising funds for good causes. Developers regularly partner with organizations to host annual fundraising events, like Gearbox’s annual 12-hour Twitch stream where gamers stream video game content in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in partnership with Extra Life. Video game developers also often have publisher sales on platforms like Steam, in which a portion, if not all, of proceeds from video game sales, are donated to a good cause.

Creating in-game items to support urgent community needs. Video game studios often tap their communities to support those in need. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gearbox Entertainment had thousands of its Borderlands 3 players purchase digital masks for their characters in response to the unprecedented need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals. All proceeds were donated to Direct Relief to support the acquisition of PPE for frontline healthcare workers.

Investing in STEM education. Supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a major focus of the video game industry. As rising students may be the next generation of creatives and leaders in the industry, organizations like Gearbox are partnering with school districts to create programs that help students build transferable skills and encourage STEM exploration. Longview Independent School District in Texas has partnered with Gearbox Gives to allow 2,000 students to learn coding languages, gain hands-on experience with both hardware and software, be introduced to assembly and machine code, and explore other STEM areas, such as robotics.

The video game industry expands far beyond the games its community plays. If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, take a look at the programs your favorite developers have in play — getting involved is simpler than you think. Adding an extra stop on your mission or buying an in-game purchase during an event can enhance your gameplay and support amazing causes.

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8 Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Improve Sperm Health

2023-06-23T15:53:00

(BPT) – Written by: Dr. Sina Abhari, Medical Director and board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility of Newport Beach

With studies reporting a significant decline in sperm counts across the globe, fertility health has been a top-of-mind concern for many men in recent years. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 men, ages 25-54, found that nearly 40% of men are currently concerned with their fertility health.

While some causes of male fertility are genetic or structural and require help from a fertility doctor, there are lifestyle considerations and changes you can factor into your everyday routine to improve your wellness and optimize reproductive health.

Here are some tips to help improve male fertility:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Having a higher body mass index (BMI) may have a negative impact on sperm production. Research suggests that if your BMI is on the higher side, you might be at a greater risk of experiencing fertility issues and sometimes pregnancy outcomes are negatively impacted. So, it’s worth keeping an eye on your BMI and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight if you’re planning to start a family. Focus on eating well-balanced meals, exercise three to four days a week, and aim for a BMI between 21 to 26.

2. Eat a nutritious diet

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fat and include foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, which can help protect sperm from damage. Certain vitamins and supplements can also affect sperm health. Taking a multivitamin can provide additional antioxidants such as zinc, selenium and vitamin C — all of which are used by the testes to support sperm production.

3. Avoid tobacco

Smoking tobacco can take a serious toll on your overall health and wellness, and this includes negatively impacting your fertility. A meta-analysis of 20 studies with 5,865 participants found that smoking tobacco reduces sperm count and motility (how the sperm move/swim). If you smoke and are trying to conceive, it is time to kick the habit. Here are some tips from the CDC on how to quit smoking.

4. Consume alcohol in moderation

Excessive alcohol consumption can lower sperm counts, lower testosterone, and can disrupt reproductive hormone balance. So, what amount of alcohol is considered okay? The results from studies are inconsistent and there is no one study that gives direction on how much alcohol you should drink before your fertility is negatively impacted. But generally, fertility specialists recommend consuming less than four to six glasses of wine (or the equivalent) a week.

5. Exercise regularly

Some studies show that getting regular physical activity can increase testosterone levels and better sperm quality. However, excessive exercise may have a negative impact, so strike a balance.

6. Limit heat exposure

Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as hot tubs, saunas, or tight-fitting underwear, as they can raise scrotal temperature and affect sperm production.

7. Minimize exposure to toxins

Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals that can harm sperm, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and certain workplace chemicals. Use protective clothing and follow safety guidelines if you work in a potentially hazardous environment.

8. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation has been correlated with a number of health concerns, including male fertility problems. Sufficient rest (aim for seven to eight hours each night) promotes hormonal balance and overall well-being.

If you’re concerned about your fertility, it is best to consult a fertility specialist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions based on your specific situation.

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How people with diabetes can access affordable insulin

2023-06-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you or someone you love has diabetes, you already know how essential insulin is for managing the disease every day. Today, 8.4 million Americans rely on insulin to manage their diabetes, making access to this crucial medication more important than ever.

In March of 2023, Lilly announced plans to reduce the cost of its most commonly prescribed insulins and automatically cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance, to help make it easier for people who use Lilly insulin — regardless of insurance status — to access this crucial medication.*

“Earlier this year, we further delivered on our commitment to provide affordable insulin for people with diabetes by making it easier for people to access Lilly insulin for $35 through an automated cap at the pharmacy for people with commercial insurance, so that people who use Lilly insulin can access it for no more than $35 per monthly prescription,” said Mike Mason, executive vice president and president, Lilly Diabetes and Obesity.

How the insulin cap works

Making insulin affordable for people living with diabetes has always been a top priority for Lilly. With this latest initiative, Lilly is automatically capping out-of-pocket costs for its insulin at $35 per monthly prescription for people with commercial insurance. This means that the $35 per month cap is implemented automatically at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance.

But even if you don’t have insurance, or do not use a participating pharmacy, you can still get Lilly insulin for $35 per month. Simply go to InsulinAffordability.com and download the Lilly Insulin Value Program savings card.

Through these actions, Lilly continues to make it easier for people with diabetes to access affordable insulin.

Spread the word with #TaptheCap and help kids with diabetes

To help ensure that people with diabetes know how to access affordable insulin, Lilly is teaming up with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and professional baseball player Adam Duvall to launch a nationwide effort called “Tap the Cap” to increase awareness of insulin affordability solutions for people living with diabetes.

“I know firsthand the physical and emotional burden that living with diabetes can have,” said Duvall, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2012. “The last thing a person should have to worry about is how to get affordable insulin, and that’s why I’m glad to be helping to make sure people know how easy it is to ‘Tap the Cap.'”

To encourage people to spread the word about how to access their insulin for $35 or less per month, Lilly invites everyone to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the #TaptheCap filter and the hashtag #TaptheCap.

For every post with this hashtag, Lilly will make a contribution to ADA’s summer camps across the U.S. These camps support the unique care needs of children living with diabetes, offering the opportunity to make lifelong memories while learning from others who can relate to their experiences. ADA camps provide a medically safe environment where children with diabetes can enjoy a fun-filled summer camp experience while learning how to better manage their diabetes.

For more information about #TaptheCap, visit Lilly.com/insulin. To learn more about the ADA’s insulin affordability work, visit Diabetes.org/insulincost.

*Terms and conditions apply. Automatically applied at the majority of retail pharmacies for those with commercial insurance. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from Lilly’s $35 solutions. But federal law provides that Medicare Part D beneficiaries also pay no more than $35 per month for insulin.

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Beauty e-commerce in 2023: These top trends are driving the future

2023-06-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Keeping your finger on the pulse of what consumers want can be a challenge, especially in the ever-evolving beauty industry. Social media and lifestyle trends often influence where beauty dollars are spent, and suppliers must take note of buyer purchasing patterns to meet demand.

Data from Alibaba.com, a leading B2B e-commerce marketplace for global trade, provides deep insights into current and emerging trends that are important for businesses in the beauty industry. Sourcing activities on the platform, comparing data from March 2023 to March 2022, point to the following five trends that are poised to define the beauty industry in the second half of 2023:

Vitamin C is in demand

Interest in and use of vitamin C in beauty products like serums, face masks and moisturizers has increased significantly. Alibaba.com saw a 107% year-over-year increase in global buyer inquiries for beauty products with vitamin C. What’s more, there has been a 35% increase in the number of beauty products including vitamin C sold on the marketplace over the same period.

Vitamin C offers a plethora of benefits for skin health and also appeals to eco-focused consumers because it is often sourced from renewable resources. These reasons and more are why many beauty insiders say vitamin C products are here to stay.

Sustainability is key

Using upcycled or recycled materials to create sustainable products is becoming commonplace in the beauty industry. Products like shampoo bars, lip balms and makeup palettes are increasingly featuring recycled plastic and paper packaging. Brands are also repurposing materials like coffee grounds and fruit waste to make exfoliants and face masks.

Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and brands and suppliers alike need to keep up. Alibaba.com saw 109% more inquiries for resource-saving products (eco-friendly and water-efficient products) year-over-year, and there was a 42% increase in the number of sustainable beauty products listed on the site.

Localization matters

As consumers are looking for increasingly personalized experiences from brands, the demand for localized products is growing. Many beauty brands are prioritizing localization efforts by using locally sourced ingredients in their products and tailoring them to the region, climate and culture of their customers.

This might mean a brand will create a skincare line for consumers living in a hot, humid climate using some ingredients that grow naturally in that area. For instance, a growing number of suppliers on Alibaba.com have started using local tropical plant and fruit ingredients in their cosmetics in response to demand from buyers in Southeast Asia.

Beauty routines go streamlined

All-in-one products are perfect for consumers with busy lifestyles. This includes products like BB creams that combine moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation; combination hair and body washes; and palettes that include lip colors, blush and eyeshadows.

Consumers are experiencing increasingly hectic lives and are looking to streamline their to-dos. They are seeking out these types of products to help simplify their beauty routine, saving time and space without sacrificing quality. Alibaba.com saw approximately 10,000 more all-in-one products listed on its platform in March 2023 compared to the same time last year, reflecting a growing demand for this category of products.

Anti-aging products turn back time

One of the fastest-growing segments in the beauty industry is anti-aging products. These often target skin rejuvenation and fine-line reduction, such as anti-wrinkle creams, serums, face masks and facial oils. Alibaba.com saw an increase of 180,000 anti-aging products on its platform year-over-year.

Social media has influenced the desire to slow the speed of aging, and this has heavily impacted consumer desire to purchase anti-aging products. Businesses are responding by stocking a variety of anti-aging products. For example, there was a 291% year-over-year growth in the number of businesses purchasing anti-aging serums on the platform.

Businesses in the beauty industry must be agile and keep pace with emerging trends like these. To learn more about industry trends or to stock up on the latest items to position your business for success, visit Alibaba.com.

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Empower yourself: Effective strategies for finding a high-quality therapist online

2023-06-21T13:01:00

(BPT) – “How are you?” When most people get asked this question, the default answer is “fine.” But often, when you really think about how you are feeling, you may be struggling with your mental health. If so, you’re not alone.

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.

While the stigma surrounding mental illness continues to diminish — about 47% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021 — most adults still have difficulty accessing appropriate treatment. Among the most significant hurdles to care are cost of care and time constraints.

Online therapy bridges gaps

With the growth of telehealth and virtual care options, many people are exploring ways to seek treatment online. Virtual care can make therapy and medicines available in a more flexible manner no matter where you are located in the U.S. Additionally, telehealth options are often more affordable than paying out of pocket in a traditional in-person environment.

If you are considering finding an online mental health care provider, consider the following:

Do your research: Look for reputable online therapy platforms that provide access to experienced, licensed therapists. For example, Cerebral.com thoroughly vets clinicians, inviting only qualified clinicians to join the platform. Plus, they provide continuous training so clinicians are continuously improving.

Consider your specific needs: Determine the specific areas or issues you’d like to address. This could include anxiety, depression, relationship problems or other mental health concerns. Ensure that the therapists you consider are licensed and experienced in those areas.

Explore diversity and cultural compatibility: If cultural or identity factors are important to you, look for a therapist who meets those needs. At Cerebral, close to 50% of clinicians come from minority backgrounds. Additionally, Cerebral clinicians are experienced in providing supportive and ethical care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Don’t take shortcuts: Be sure to read the fine print. Some websites provide cheaper counseling or coaching services, which are usually NOT therapy. These alternative services often do not match you with a licensed therapist. Furthermore, some services are text-based only, or depend solely on technology-based care. These newer treatments have less clinical evidence for effectiveness as compared with traditional teletherapy. When it comes to your mental well-being, do not take shortcuts.

Why commitment to therapy is critical

Remember that finding the right online therapist and embarking on your journey to mental wellness takes time and effort. “Mental health is complex and unique to each person. Therapy doesn’t work overnight. It’s important to be patient and give it time,” said Dr. David Mou, CEO of Cerebral.

That’s why Cerebral launched Strong Start, a clinically proven two-month plan aimed to provide clients with the time and flexibility to develop and strengthen client-therapist relationships, achieve consistent results, and commit to the journey to mental well-being.

Strong Start offers three affordable starter package options, including a therapy plan, a medication management plan, and a combined plan with both services. All Cerebral care plans are FSA and HSA eligible, making them even more budget friendly.

Why commit two months?

A two-month period is the minimum amount proven to deliver better clinical outcomes. Based on a study of more than 70,000 Cerebral clients with moderate to severe anxiety and depression, those who committed to therapy for two or more months were three times more likely to report feeling significantly better.

“With a two-month commitment, Strong Start gives you a solid foundation for reaching your mental health goals,” said Dr. Mou. “Everyone deserves the chance to feel their best.”

For more information and to get started, visit Cerebral.com.

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5 essential doctor-recommended nutrients to support your liver health

2023-06-21T18:31:00

(BPT) – Your liver works as hard as you do, processing the food you eat and performing several vital functions for your body, including cleaning toxins from your blood and metabolizing proteins, carbs and fat for your body to use every day. After exerting itself performing all these critical functions, the liver regenerates. Because it’s such a fundamental component of your overall health, it’s important to help support it by making sure you’re getting essential nutrients to keep regenerating and working for you, day after day.

“Nutrition is one of the most important factors to promote liver health, along with regular exercise, stress management and healthy weight management,” said Dr. David Kahana, board certified in pediatrics and gastroenterology through the American Board of Pediatrics as well as medical nutrition through the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists. “While the best way to aid your liver is with a balanced diet, you can benefit from supplements that provide nutrients that are hard to get enough of from food every day.”

To help ensure you’re supplying your liver with the support it needs, 1MD Nutrition’s LiverMD® has you covered. Here are the doctor-recommended nutrients contained in this supplement that help promote optimal liver function.

1. Milk thistle

An active compound in milk thistle called Silybin helps reduce occasional oxidative stress your liver experiences as it processes everything you ingest. It also supports liver cell strength, helping keep everyday environmental toxins from crossing into cells while promoting your liver’s natural detoxification process. For optimal liver function, the silybin in the patented Siliphos® extract used in LiverMD® is a great place to start. With higher bioavailability than traditional milk thistle extracts, you can be assured your liver is getting the support it needs.

2. Vitamin E

Tocotrienols found in vitamin E are powerful cleansing compounds known to help reduce everyday oxidative stress and support healthy liver cell division. You can find vitamin E in foods like spinach, almonds, pumpkin, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs and fruits. However, if you don’t get enough vitamin E from your food, a supplement can help ensure that your body gets what it needs. As you age, the ability to retain vitamin E diminishes, so it’s important to maintain healthy levels as part of your daily routine. LiverMD® contains patented TocoGaia™, a full-spectrum tocotrienol vitamin E extract.

3. Selenium

As a purifying mineral, selenium helps reduce typical oxidative stress to promote the liver’s natural detoxification process. It also supports liver cell and tissue elasticity to maintain proper shape and function. The most common food sources for selenium include seafood, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, poultry and eggs, but many Americans don’t get the recommended daily amounts through food.

4. Zinc

This mineral helps aid the body’s detoxification process to support both liver and digestive health. By helping reduce unwanted immune responses, zinc also supports healthy liver cell division and function. Zinc is found in foods like poultry, seafood, legumes, whole grains, avocados, berries, mushrooms and pumpkin seeds. You can also add a liver health supplement that contains an effective dose of zinc to your routine to enhance your overall well-being.

5. N-acetyl cysteine

When your diet is low in essential amino acids, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) becomes vital. You can find NAC in foods like poultry, eggs, cheese, sunflower seeds, lentils, yogurt and oatmeal. NAC helps to reduce occasional oxidative stress, allowing time for healthy liver cell production and regeneration when needed, and also promotes healthy detoxification.

In addition to providing the five crucial nutrients described above, LiverMD® also contains alpha-lipoic acid, which promotes antioxidant capacity in and around the liver, and helps liver enzymes create energy from the nutrients you consume.

While a well-balanced diet provides adequate nutrition for many, life can get in the way, and you don’t want your liver health to miss out on essential nutrients. Fortunately, 1MD Nutrition’s LiverMD® is a scientifically formulated liver health solution packed with naturally sourced ingredients to help nourish and support liver function.

Learn more about how to maintain your liver health at 1MD.org.

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How One Psoriasis Patient Finally Landed on a Dosing Schedule That Worked for Him

2023-06-21T23:01:00

(BPT) – Models used for illustrative purposes only

Psoriasis can appear at any age, but most people actually experience their first flare between the ages of 13 and 35.[1] Todd was only 16 when he first noticed red and flaky patches on parts of his body like his scalp. Shortly thereafter, his dermatologist diagnosed him with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This wasn’t the first time Todd heard of the condition, however. His mom, who also has moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, assured him that it wasn’t contagious and that he could find a way to manage his symptoms and carry on as a “normal” teen.

By age 18, Todd was balancing college applications, soccer, a social life and his symptoms. During this time, Todd struggled with feelings of hopelessness and frustration. This frustration would sometimes progress into anger, but he didn’t know where to direct this anger. “You can’t be angry at your skin, right?” Todd said.

Plaques on his knees and elbows were the most bothersome, and at that point Todd’s dermatologist recommended he try topical treatments. He started to see improvement on his skin clearance, but soon after noticed the same flakes and itchy patches return. “I was feeling frustrated seeing my symptoms worsen and spread across my body,” he reflected. Todd knew this type of treatment would not be suitable long term.

Todd’s journey to find an effective treatment for his moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis would take him and his dermatologist nearly two decades before Todd learned of a treatment called ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn). After doing some research and consulting his dermatologist, Todd was scheduled to receive his first two starter doses of ILUMYA®. After that, he only receives an injection four times a year.

ILUMYA® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections, pills (systemic therapy), or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light). ILUMYA® helps most adult patients achieve clear or almost clear skin in as little as 12 weeks and is proven to be effective for psoriasis of the scalp. The most common side effects include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea.

After a few months of treatment, Todd began to see improvement in his skin. While some patients might experience side effects such as upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea, he did not. Todd, who is now a high school teacher and soccer coach, can easily manage the quarterly dosing around his personal schedule and is relieved to have finally found the right treatment for him. “I am grateful to have found a treatment that allows me to keep teaching and coaching without worrying about missing a dose.”

Do you have an inspiring story to share about your experience with ILUMYA®? Join Todd and other ILUMYA® patients by sharing your story. Visit https://www.ilumya.com/your-story for more information.

What is ILUMYA®?

ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections, pills (systemic therapy), or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?

Do not use ILUMYA® if you have had a severe allergic reaction to ILUMYA® or any of its ingredients.

Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

  • feel faint
  • trouble breathing or throat tightness
  • swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • chest tightness
  • skin rash

ILUMYA® is a medicine that may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with ILUMYA® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with ILUMYA® if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with ILUMYA®.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweats, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • weight loss
  • cough
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • shortness of breath
  • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal
  • blood in your phlegm (mucus)

Before receiving ILUMYA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?”
  • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
  • recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine (immunization). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with ILUMYA®.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ILUMYA® can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ILUMYA® passes into your breast milk.

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

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

What are the possible side effects of ILUMYA®?

ILUMYA® may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?”

The most common side effects of ILUMYA® include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea. These are not all of the possible side effects of ILUMYA®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report any negative side effects of ILUMYA® to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You are also encouraged to report side effects or ADEs (adverse drug events) to our Drug Safety Department at 1-800-406-7984 or drug.safetyUSA@sunpharma.com (preferred) with as much information as available.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ILUMYA® and discuss any questions with your doctor.

ILUMYA® is a registered trademark of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2023 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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8 reasons to fall in love with Atlantic Canada this autumn

2023-06-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re longing for great travel experiences and you’re unfamiliar with Atlantic Canada, you’re about to meet your next travel crush. The four provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — offer an astonishing array of adventures to suit any traveler, from exploring the beauty of rugged coastlines to indulging in unique cultural and culinary experiences.

Even better, fall is the perfect time for your adventure, as the weather is moderate but even some of the most popular venues are less crowded. On top of that, there are many special events and festivals that you can only revel in during this time of year.

Here are just 8 of the many reasons to explore Atlantic Canada this fall.

New Brunswick

1. Get your toes tapping at the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton for Atlantic Canada’s premiere music festival.

You’ll hear 400-plus musicians — 150 performances — at 27 stages across six city blocks. Acclaimed international performers, top regional acts and emerging Canadian artists offer an unforgettable experience in the historic downtown of New Brunswick’s capital city. Dance all night at a Cajun party, absorb the raw sounds of electric blues, sway to smooth jazz or get your funk on — and much more, at a price that’s easy on the wallet. The festival runs from Sept 12-17, 2023.

2. Have a whale of a time whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides, during the best months for it — September and October.

While many species of whales visit the bay, the most commonly spotted are Humpback, Finback and Minke whales, as well as other marine wildlife including seals, porpoises, sharks, dolphins and sea birds. There’s a reason whale watching is on so many bucket lists — viewing these magnificent creatures is truly a memorable and humbling experience. Tours depart from St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island.

Newfoundland & Labrador

3. Join the feast at Roots, Rants and Roars, a festival celebrating local food and culture in Elliston on the island of Newfoundland.

You’ll enjoy a seven-course outdoor feast created through a collaboration of Newfoundland chefs and accompanied by live music from local musicians. Other activities include hiking the rugged coastline and dancing. Since its inaugural event in 2009, Roots, Rants and Roars has become the premier culinary event in Newfoundland and Labrador, recognized throughout Canada as one of the top culinary festivals. It will be held September 15-16, 2023.

4. Explore art in unique settings at the Bonavista Biennale.

What started as an idea among friends for an art event on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula has grown into an international exhibition held every two years. Visitors experience Canadian contemporary art at 20 unique sites along a rural 102-mile route. The Biennale includes artists from Newfoundland and Labrador working in all types of media, in unconventional outdoor and indoor locations across the peninsula. Since the Biennale began in 2017, it has exhibited works by over 75 artists. It runs August 19-September 17, 2023 and is free and open to all.

Nova Scotia

5. Film fans and foodies unite at Devour! The Food Film Festival in Wolfville, the epicenter of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential activities showcasing the largesse of this region. This year’s festival focuses on French culture, exploring how the roots of Acadian, Cajun, Creole and French cuisine intersect both on screen and on your plate. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-311-9090 and through Ticketpro’s website starting September 2023. The festival will be held October 23-29.

6. Autumn on Cape Breton Island is the most beautiful and magical time of year when cooler days are brightened by colorful foliage and hearts are warmed by the friendly people, food and music.

In particular, drive around the famous Cabot Trail that weaves in and out of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, when the already stunning scenery is enhanced with the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaf colors. The Hike the Highlands festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 — Sept 8-17 — when visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area on guided hikes during the day and through presentations and activities in the evenings.

Prince Edward Island

7. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge on Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Plan a mindful retreat at Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre to immerse yourself in nature and explore wooded trails at this peaceful, family-run 16-acre glamping resort. Or pamper yourself at Mysa Nordic Spa — PEI’s first and only Nordic spa. It’s a serene space designed for relieving stress and invigorating the senses. They offer many spa services including thermal baths, essential oil steam rooms, cold water plunges, a Finnish sauna, meditation sessions and massages.

8. Feed your inner foodie at the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival.

Islanders have a long tradition of celebrating food and inviting visitors to join the party, which inspired the first Prince Edward Island Fall Flavours Festival presented by Sobeys back in 2007.Canada’s “Food Island” offers culinary explorers opportunities to experience PEI’s incredible food scene during harvest season. You’ll enjoy seasonal food fresh from PEI’s fields and bays: succulent lobster, mussels and oysters, high-quality beef, potatoes and much more. The 15th anniversary celebration takes place the first two weeks of October at various events throughout the Island.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Get started at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.