2023-08-08T07:01:00
(BPT) – An A+ school year starts with Scotch™ Brand! Read on for the many uses for Scotch® Brand Tape.
Explore the many ways to stay on track and organized this school year
Focusing on outcomes in early childhood education leads to long-term success
2023-08-08T07:45:00
(BPT) – Being a parent means fostering the attributes children need to succeed in life. The aim is to create humans who will be a benefit to society, exemplifying strong character, morals, intelligence, confidence and more. That’s why it’s important to be intentional with what children are taught from a young age, beginning in early childhood education programs.
According to a survey of parents with children ages 0-6 conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, parents prioritize learning soft skills and social issues in early childhood education over subjects like math, history, geography and science. Parents are looking for a well-rounded experience that isn’t necessarily aimed at teaching the common subjects that come to mind when thinking about “school” in general.
Instead, parents are more likely to want to narrow in on “outcomes” that will propel their children forward in areas that will help them become successful adults.
So what are the key outcomes parents should look for when choosing an early childhood education program? Experts at Kiddie Academy say the outcomes of character, confidence, curiosity, connection, critical thinking and creative expression are the most important.
“When we concentrate on building skills to benefit children for life, especially at a young age, we aren’t solely focused on teaching domains of education that increase subject knowledge, but instead on building a developmental base that will form the foundation for future education,” said Ocie Watson-Thompson, Ed.D, at Towson University and Kiddie Academy curriculum advisory board member.
For children of preschool age, focusing on the outcomes of hands-on, play-based experiences is key. Social-emotional development is another result of early childhood education that should not be overlooked. Everything a child learns in a child care program should build a developmental foundation.
According to NAEYC, early math, for example, is not about the rote learning of discrete facts like how much 5 + 7 equals or worksheets with one correct answer. Rather, it’s about children actively making sense of the world around them and using open-ended playful exploration to encourage children to solve problems in real situations. In this case, the outcome of critical thinking is built around subtle mathematical principles, providing the foundation for learning more complex concepts as children grow.
Other outcomes like confidence, connection and creative expression are built by helping children recognize their strengths and abilities, fostering positive relationships with peers and adults, and through imaginative crafts and play. It’s a building-block concept. Each outcome is the first block in what will eventually grow into a fully developed and sturdy tower.
Parents today find it more important for children to learn practical life skills over traditional academics in the early childhood development years, according to the aforementioned survey. And it appears they’re on to something. Focusing on the practical outcomes a child can learn in their early years can make all the difference in kickstarting a lifetime of learning.
5 things that make for a successful school breakfast program
2023-08-08T08:01:00
(BPT) – Food insecurity is becoming more pervasive in the U.S. and globally, according to the World Food Programme, with a devastating effect on children. Children experiencing food insecurity find it much more difficult to focus on their studies and cope with the school environment. School breakfast programs are one of many efforts that help provide nourishing meals so children can grow and learn.
While school lunches are familiar to everyone, school breakfast programs are not as widely known, despite starting in the U.S. as a pilot program back in 1966 and continuing to grow, now serving millions of children each day. As part of Kellogg’s Better Days® Promise strategy to advance sustainable and equitable access to food, Kellogg Company has been dedicated to feeding people in need, including through school breakfast programs. In 2022, the company supported breakfast clubs in 27 countries worldwide; since 2015, it has reached more than 5 million children through feeding programs, including breakfast clubs.
Kellogg Company Fund has commissioned research to fully understand the impact of school breakfast programs. This year, it looked at their effects from the perspective of those who benefit from them most directly: kids. The study surveyed students in programs in the U.K., the U.S., South Africa, Brazil and India, the results showing that school breakfast programs are about much more than food — and can have ripple effects throughout their communities.
1. Food for thought
Providing adequate nutrition is the primary aim for any school breakfast program, so ensuring children have the food they need to help them stay alert and feel energized throughout the morning is paramount.
The report found that looking forward to a good breakfast at school helped increase children’s school attendance, and also reduced behavior issues and inattention during the school day which may have been due to hunger. In areas where food insecurity and poverty are higher, the impact of a nutritious meal at the beginning of the day cannot be overstated.
2. Breakfast feeds social development
Beyond the obvious impact nourishing meals have on children’s well-being, these programs also provided a much-needed social outlet.
Children felt a stronger sense of community due to the opportunities to interact in a more relaxed setting, sometimes having chances to socialize with children of varied backgrounds and even ages — allowing older children to be helpful role models and younger children the opportunity to learn from older peers. Since all children could participate, there was no differentiation between the “haves” and “have-nots,” making breakfast a positive experience for everyone.
The report found that schools with the most relaxed, welcoming environments, and which allowed mixed-age socializing, such as those in the U.K., saw the best results in terms of relationship-building and learning to communicate, share and cooperate.
3. Time for play and learning
Many schools participating in the breakfast program also provided a chance for children to learn while playing in a less structured setting, with games and activities offered that enhance cognitive stimulation while still being fun. The schools where extra playtime was built into the breakfast program appeared to be highly successful in improving children’s engagement and focus throughout the day.
4. Opportunities for academic support
In some schools, children used breakfast time to discuss academic studies and learn from their peers. In India, for example, where breakfast time was shorter, children primarily discussed upcoming academic tests which are a large focus of their school system. This gave children opportunities to discuss concerns and areas where they might need more support — and even start study groups.
5. Finding ways to build the community
Ripple effects of breakfast programs could be felt beyond the school in most communities. For families, it meant knowing their children would be well fed each morning — and many children insisted on their families sitting down to eat breakfast together on weekends as a result of this habit.
Some schools developed creative ways to meet the needs of their communities as part of the program. For example, in South Africa, one school started a vegetable patch to help provide more food for the program as well as their surrounding village, while another hired parents as school workers to help serve food — instilling a sense of pride and belonging while also supplementing those families’ income.
Overall, the research shows that school breakfast programs offer children much more than nutritious meals. They are vital in building a sense of community, giving children time to interact and build friendships. Children feel a sense of belonging and togetherness in a supportive environment where everyone is included. School breakfast programs help improve attendance rates, with children excited about going to school to eat breakfast with their friends. Children learn about diversity and develop empathy as they engage with classmates from different backgrounds and grades.
Ultimately, school breakfast programs become a cherished part of their day, creating lasting memories and nurturing a strong community bond.
To learn more about school breakfast programs and other ways Kellogg is helping create Better Days for children, visit betterdays.kelloggcompany.com.
5 tips for a seamless back-to-school transition
2023-08-08T08:03:00
(BPT) – From shopping for school supplies and new clothes to organizing schedules and carpooling to extracurricular activities, the back-to-school season can become a hectic time for parents and children alike. This can leave the entire family feeling overwhelmed.
Fortunately, with some strategic planning, families can ease the transition and create a smoother, happier back-to-school experience. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few tips and tricks to ensure you get an A+ on the school year ahead.
1. Prep early
Procrastination can be a significant source of stress during the back-to-school season. To avoid last-minute panic, plan ahead by creating a checklist or family calendar of all the essential tasks that need to be completed so you can stay organized. This can include making note of any needed school supplies, getting everyone back to a normal sleep schedule and building out a list of healthy school lunch and snack ideas.
2. Involve the kids
Getting the kids involved in the back-to-school preparations lightens your workload and makes them feel more responsible and excited about the academic year ahead. Take them along shopping for school supplies and encourage them to organize their study space. When kids feel a sense of ownership in the process, it can reduce stress for parents.
3. Implement good hygiene habits
Avoid unwanted sickness during the school year by teaching children the importance of good hygiene. Before heading back to school, you can teach children tips like handwashing before meals and after using the restroom, covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze and reinforcing the habit of carrying hand sanitizer in their backpacks.
4. Sign up for after-school activities
Whether it be sports, art or music classes, enrolling your kids in after-school activities is important for getting them structure, allowing them to socialize and burn off extra energy. Extracurriculars help kids to develop positive habits and promote emotional, physical and social development, according to WebMD. Plus, it gives parents more time to prepare dinner and other aspects of the nighttime routine!
5. Meal and snack prep
Healthy eating is vital for your family’s overall well-being and academic performance. To save time and ensure nutritious meals, plan ahead with weekly menus. Prepare lunchboxes the night before with a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein-rich items. Blatner recommends incorporating Eggland’s Best eggs into your meal prep, which have more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs and provide a natural energy boost throughout the day. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin B2, which helps manage stress — ideal for busy school days.
Try these Bacon-and-Egg Breakfast Tacos from Eggland’s Best! They’re a delicious and easy way to prep for the week ahead and are guaranteed to keep your family feeling happy and satisfied all day.
Ingredients:
4 large Eggland’s Best eggs
1/8 teaspoon table salt
Pinch pepper
1 slice bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 scallion, sliced thin
4 (6-inch) flour or corn tortillas
1/2 cup tomato salsa
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions:
1. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper until well combined and uniform yellow color, about 1 minute. Set aside.
2. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally with rubber spatula until crispy, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir scallion into skillet and cook until just softened, about 1 minute.
4. Add eggs to skillet and gently stir, scraping bottom of skillet, until eggs have clumped and are still slightly wet, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and slide skillet to cool burner.
5. Stack tortillas on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp dish towel, and heat in microwave until warm, about 20 seconds.
6. Divide egg mixture among warm tortillas. Serve with salsa, cheese and lime wedges.
3 Ways to Enhance Your Day with the Power of a Nutritious Breakfast
2023-08-07T23:01:00
(BPT) – We have all heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but have you ever wondered why? A nutritious breakfast can make a huge impact on your morning and the rest of your day.
To share insight on the importance of a balanced breakfast, Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company, delivers three facts about how a morning meal helps with starting the day on the right note.
Breakfast kick-starts the metabolism
Ever think of what “breakfast” means? It essentially means to “break” your fast from the night before. When fasting, the body responds to prolonged periods of not eating by slowing down, decreasing its metabolic rate and burning fewer calories to conserve energy.
However, having breakfast helps wake up the metabolism and gets your engine humming for the day ahead. According to Michigan State University, studies show that eating breakfast jump-starts the metabolism, which can help burn more calories between 8 a.m. and noon.
Breakfast is good for the brain
Breakfast helps wake up the brain so you can be your best. This is especially important for school-aged children.
According to the International Food Information Council, several studies suggest that eating breakfast may improve children’s memory, alertness, concentration, problem-solving skills and test scores. Adults who skip breakfast should take note, as they can gain the same brain-boosting benefits that may improve their job performance.
Of course, it can be easy to skip a morning meal when crunched for time. That’s why it’s important to keep breakfast bars like the new Atkins Vanilla Macadamia Nut Soft Baked Bar on hand. It packs 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of net carbs and less than 2 grams of sugar to help keep the brain alert. Simply grab one on the way out the door for a successful morning.
Breakfast boosts your mood
Don’t start the day off hangry. Skipping breakfast can make you grouchy and irritable, which can throw off your whole day. However, you can improve your mood with a good quality breakfast.
Studies show that eating first thing in the morning balances your blood sugar levels and keeps them steady throughout the day. Starting the day with a balanced breakfast sets the mood for the rest of the day and increases the likelihood of making better eating decisions for lunch and dinner.
If you find time to make a balanced breakfast, Heimowitz suggests making an Atkins Low Carb Berry Delicious Yogurt Parfait, as it takes less than five minutes to make, leaving more time for yourself each morning. If you need to head out the door quickly, you can store the parfait in a Mason jar and take it with you.
Keep these facts and tips in mind when you plan your morning meals. To find more breakfast recipes or meals for every occasion, visit Atkins.com.
How the Quality of Life Grants Program empowers people living with paralysis
2023-08-07T08:01:00
(BPT) – As a pillar of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center, the Quality of Life Grants Program, pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, impacts and empowers people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers by providing grants to nonprofit organizations whose projects and initiatives foster inclusion, involvement and community engagement, while promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Before lowering the thermostat, check the attic
2023-08-04T07:01:00
(BPT) – You’ve probably heard it said that what goes up, must come down. When it comes to the summer season, higher temperatures can prompt homeowners to turn down the setting on their home’s thermostat.
While lowering the thermostat may help take the heat off inside a home, this action may not get to the bottom of a comfort issue — especially if the problem resides in the attic. Issues in a home’s attic can lead to warmer temperatures in other parts of the home, potentially leading to another source of discomfort — higher energy bills.
Why insulation matters in the summer season
In both summer and winter, adequate levels of attic insulation are necessary to help regulate the temperature inside a home. As temperatures rise inside the attic, warm air will seek to escape into cooler air-conditioned parts of the home. Installing an adequate level of attic insulation can help defend against heat transferring from the attic into conditioned parts of the home. Attic insulation works to reduce heat transfer and helps keep the air-conditioned part of a home cool.
How much of a difference can attic insulation make when it comes to managing heat transfer? Every home is different and variables such as the size and design of the home and local energy rates will influence energy. The difference that attic insulation makes may be seen in lower energy bills and overall comfort throughout the home.
An attic inspection conducted by an Owens Corning AirCare® Certified Professional will measure a home’s insulation level and provide a recommendation on the appropriate amount of insulation to install. An AirCare® Certified Professional will take measurements and snap photos of insulation levels in the attic and then calculate the amount of insulation needed to achieve U.S. Department of Energy recommended insulation levels.
Ductwork’s influence on comfort and costs
Inadequate insulation is just one attic issue that can reduce comfort. The ducts inside the attic that transport air to each room of a home can also present problems. Holes and leaks in attic ductwork or poor connections can allow cooled air to escape into the attic before it ever reaches the intended room. When air exits ducts in the attic, the result is diminished comfort and wasted energy as the system works harder to replace the lost air. The additional workload can potentially shorten the life of the air conditioning equipment or result in service calls to inspect a properly operating cooling unit.
Inconsistent temperatures in different parts of the home may be a sign of a problem with leaky attic ducts. As the flow of air throughout a home is interrupted due to leaks or improperly sized ducts, the conditioned air may not travel to the air registers in each room. Thus, one room may consistently be chilly while another room feels too warm. An Owens Corning Certified AirCare® Professional can evaluate a home’s attic ductwork to uncover leaks and suggest strategies for properly sizing and sealing the ducts.
Dust levels and ductwork issues
Beyond reducing thermal comfort, improperly sized or faulty ductwork can also allow particulates in attic air to be blown into a home’s living space. “Any noticeable increase in dust levels may be a sign of a problem with attic ductwork,” says Tom Casey, Chief Visionary Officer of Griffin Service and an Owens Corning AirCare® Professional.
Of course, proper maintenance of a home’s HVAC equipment is essential to supporting its optimal performance and longevity. Air filters should be cleaned or changed regularly and equipment should be serviced as directed by the manufacturer.
As temperatures soar, utility bills can rise as well. Before simply turning down the thermostat and potentially increasing your energy bill, think about the “whole home” and how addressing issues in the attic can bring a more holistic approach to energy efficiency and comfort.
3 tips to practice responsible gambling to lessen risk of loss or addiction
2023-08-02T13:01:00
(BPT) – A majority of Minnesotans gambled last year and most lost money, underscoring the need-to-know tips for lower-risk and responsible gambling
For many Minnesotans, a trip to the casino has become a rite of passage for those coming of age. Meanwhile, pull-tabs are found at virtually every other bar, online gaming is surging, and big lottery jackpots continue to capture mass media attention. And while gambling can promise excitement and the possibility of big winnings, it also inherently holds high risks, and can quickly form into a serious addiction with severe consequences if it’s not approached with caution.
Emphasizing the issue, a new survey from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) says 65 percent of Minnesotans gambled in some form in the past year and more than half lost money. The findings, according to MNAPG, are a cautionary reminder to stick to a limit when gambling and to understand the signs if gambling is becoming an addiction.
“For many, making a friendly wager adds excitement to a game, but gambling can also take on a life of its own, especially given the ease of betting on smartphones,” says Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director of MNAPG, a gambling-neutral nonprofit organization. “Many Minnesotans enjoy gambling — whether it’s fantasy sports, pull-tabs, or trips to the casino — so therefore it’s critical people understand how to practice low-risk gambling to avoid serious, life-altering consequences.”
Three Tips for Safe and Responsible Gambling
Given the high risk of addictive behavior tied to gambling, it’s important to practice these low-risk tips to protect yourself and be responsible.
- Have a plan: Whether you’re going to a casino or opening a gambling app on your phone, set your time limits and keep to it.
- Have a budget: Don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.
- Monitor: Make sure to monitor spending to keep to your limit.
“Similar to more well-known substance addictions, gambling is an official behavioral addiction,” says Sheridan Tucker. “Behavioral addictions form in the brain in much the same way as alcohol or drug addiction, resulting in a person making riskier decisions to feed their brain’s reward hub. The signs can be harder to see, but you might notice the person becoming more withdrawn and evasive about questions related to money.”
To further educate Minnesotans about gambling addiction, and to emphasize that help is free in Minnesota, MNAPG partnered with Minneapolis advertising agency Preston Spire who created and produced a gripping public service announcement called “Just As Real” that MNAPG is encouraging people to view and share to help spread the message.
For anyone suffering or for those concerned about a loved one’s gambling habits, MNAPG stresses that addiction treatment is free in Minnesota, both for those who need help and their loved ones. People seeking help can call the Minnesota Helpline at 1-800-333-4673.
Our Virtual World Is Here to Stay. Give Your Eyes Some Relief
2023-08-04T12:15:00
(BPT) – For the past few decades, our dependence on digital devices has dramatically increased. Our eyes are now spending a considerable amount of time focused on screens ranging from smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs.
In fact, adults are now spending 13+ hours a day on digital devices, a 35% increase since 2019.1 All this time on screens has many wondering how it could impact our eyes, and what is blue-violet light?
Sources of blue-violet light are more numerous than you’d think, including digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets), fluorescent and LED lighting, and even the sun!2 Though light from electronic screens comes in all colors, the majority of these devices use LED technologies with high amounts of blue-violet light.
“We may not like to admit this, but most of us go from seeing a medium-sized screen (computer) at work, to a larger screen (TV) that is playing in the background as we scroll through our small screen (smartphones),” according to Luis Rojas, O.D., co-founder of DeNovo Eye. “It’s no surprise that our visual demands have increased, but without taking precautionary steps, your eyes may be impacted with increased screen time.”
Long days in an increasingly digital-dependent world also means we blink less, which can cause a destabilized tear film, leading to feelings of dryness and tired eyes.3-5 In fact, 71% of eye care professionals say patients are reporting issues with eye comfort due to screen time.6
Solutions to think about NOW to help keep your eyes feeling good
Give your eyes a rest by following the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Setting a timer or reminder on your phone to take regular breaks to look into the distance can help your eyes to relax.
For those that wear contact lenses, there is also a new option from ACUVUE® to help with our evolving digital lifestyle. ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY lenses are designed to maximize tear-film stability and lock in moisture.7,8 In fact, ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day lens wearers were 2X less likely to experience feelings of tired eyes at the end of the day and 2X more likely to have clear vision using digital devices.9,[*] These lenses also have the highest-level blue-violet light filter in the industry at up to 60%.8,10,[†],[‡]
The most important step is scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam to determine with your doctor the best options for you, depending on your lifestyle and needs.
How can you determine a suitable option for your eye health? It’s easy, says Dr. Rojas, “go talk to your eye doctor!”
“When visiting an eye care provider, one can expect a comprehensive assessment of your overall vision and ocular health which can help identify many ocular and systemic complications,” according to Dr. Rojas. “After checking your vision with several tests, your doctor will determine your prescription and tailor it to your visual needs to maintain clear and comfortable vision throughout the day. Our goal is to find solutions that will help you maintain healthy eyes, reduce fatigue, and maximize your vision potential to increase your productivity day-after-day.”
Visit the ACUVUE® eye care professional locator to find a doctor in your area and schedule an appointment today!
Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers:
ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guide (https://www.acuvue.ca/patient-instruction-guides).
References
1 COVID-19: Screen Time spikes to over 13 hours per day according to Eyesafe Nielsen estimates, published 3/28/20, https://eyesafe.com/covid-19-screen-time-spike-to-over-13-hours-per-day.
2 JJV Data on File 2022. Blue-Violet Filter Utilized in ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses.
3 Tsubota K, Nakamori K. Dry eyes and video display terminals. N Engl J Med. 1993;328(8):584. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199302253280817.
4 Patel S, Henderson R, Bradley L. et al. Effect of visual display unit use on blink rate and tear stability. Optom vis Sci. 1991; 68(11):888-892. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199111000-00010.
5 JJV data on file, 2021. ACUVUE® OASYS Brand Family Digital Device Claims (ACUVUE® OASYS, ACUVUE® OASYS 1-DAY, and ACUVUE® OASYS with TRANSITIONS™.
6 Jobson Optical Research, January 2021 n=503 ECPs.
7 JJV Data on File 2022. Effect on Tear Film and Evaluation of Visual Artifacts of ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day Family with TearStable™ Technology.
8 JJV Data on File 2022. TearStable™ Technology Definition.
9 JJV Data on File 2022. Comparative Subjective Claims for ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day lens vs DAILIES TOTAL1 and Additional Stand-Alone Claims.
10 JJV Data on File 2022. Material Properties: 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®, ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe® Technology and ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day with TearStable™ Technology Brand Contact Lenses and other daily disposable contact lens brands.
[*] Versus DAILES TOTAL
[†] Filtering of HEV light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any health benefit to the user, including but not limited to retinal protection, protection from cataract progression, reduced eye strain, improved contrast, improved acuity, reduced glare, improved low light vision, or improved circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. The Eye Care Professional should be consulted for more information.
[‡] Versus publicly available information for standard daily use contact lenses as of June 2023.
Four Questions You May Want to Ask Your Health Care Provider About Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
2023-08-04T16:01:00
(BPT) – Content Provided by Boston Scientific
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for American men, yet receiving a diagnosis can feel unexpected.[1] While some people experience symptoms like increased frequency of difficulty starting urination, trouble emptying the bladder, or weak or interrupted flow, some men are asymptomatic and feel fine before being diagnosed.[2]
Receiving a diagnosis can leave a person feeling overwhelmed, especially when navigating treatment options. Prostate cancer treatments can vary and include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer with blood and imaging tests), surgery to remove all or part of the prostate or radiation therapy.[3] It is important for patients to speak with a doctor to determine treatment options.
For those being treated with radiation therapy, which may be recommended for early or more advanced stages of prostate cancer, here are four questions that you may want to ask your doctor:[4]
1. How common is prostate cancer radiation therapy and how does it work?
Each year in the U.S., more than 60,000 men opt for radiation therapy to treat their prostate cancer.[5] Radiation therapy works by using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and is typically given five days a week in an outpatient center for several weeks at a time.[6]
2. What are the benefits and risks of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a commonly recommended treatment option that has contributed to a relative five-year survival rate of 98%, making it appealing to many doctors and patients.[7],[8] While the therapy can be effective, it can have unwanted side effects, including urinary leakage, bowel leakage and diminished erectile function. Due to the proximity of the prostate and the rectum, radiation therapy to the prostate can unintentionally cause damage to the rectum and other surrounding organs.[9]
3. Are there options to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer?
There are options that may help to reduce side effects of radiation therapy, including SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel. SpaceOAR Hydrogel is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel that temporarily creates space between the prostate and the rectum, designed to minimize radiation side effects.[10] By adding a small amount of space, SpaceOAR Hydrogel may help reduce radiation damage to the rectum.[11] SpaceOAR Hydrogel is clinically shown to minimize urinary, sexual and bowel side effects when compared to the control, and may help maintain quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.[11],[12],[13]
4. Where is a rectal spacer insertion procedure performed?
SpaceOAR Hydrogel can be implanted as an outpatient procedure in a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient clinic or surgery center prior to the start of radiation treatment.[10] It stays in place for about three months and is naturally absorbed into the body and removed through urine in about six months.[10]
Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you. Visit www.SpaceOAR.com/radiation for more information about SpaceOAR Hydrogel.
References
[1] Cancer Facts for Men. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-men.html. Accessed May 2023.
[2] What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed May 2023.
[3] How Is Prostate Cancer Treated? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/treatment.htm. Accessed May 2023.
[4] Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/radiation-therapy-for-prostate-cancer. Accessed May 2023.
[5] Treatment for Prostate Cancer: External-Beam Radiation Therapy. Prostate Cancer Foundation. Available at: https://www.pcf.org/c/treatment-for-prostate-cancer-external-beam-radiation-therapy/. Accessed May 2023.
[6] Radiation therapy. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy/about/pac-20385162. Accessed May 2023.
[7] Radiation Therapy: Effective for Prostate Cancer. Radiation Oncology Targeting Cancer. Available at: https://www.targetingcancer.com.au/2015/02/radiation-therapy-95-effective-prostate-cancer/. Accessed May 2023.
[8] Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed May 2023.
[9] Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed May 2023.
[10] Data on file with Boston Scientific.
[11] Mariados N, Sylvester J, Shah D, et al. Hydrogel spacer prospective multicenter randomized controlled pivotal trial: dosimetric and clinical effects of perirectal spacer application in men undergoing prostate image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015 Aug 1;92(5):971-7.
[12] Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Continued benefit to rectal separation for prostate radiation therapy: Final results of a phase III trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017 Apr 1;97(5):976-85.
[13] Karsh LI, Gross ET, Pieczonka CM, et al. Absorbable hydrogel spacer use in prostate radiotherapy: A comprehensive review of phase 3 clinical trial published data. Urology. 2018 May;115:39-44.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel is intended to temporarily move the rectal wall away from the prostate during the course of radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer, and in creating this space it is the intent of SpaceOAR Hydrogel to reduce the radiation dose affecting the rectum.
SpaceOAR Hydrogel contains polyethylene glycol (PEG). As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of SpaceOAR Hydrogel. Potential complications associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include, but are not limited to: pain associated with injection, pain or discomfort from the hydrogel, site inflammation, infection (including abscess), inability to urinate, urgent need to urinate, constipation, rectal muscle spasm, damage to lining of rectum, ulcers, fistula (a hole between rectum and bladder, urethra, or skin below the scrotum), perforation (hole in prostate, bladder, urethra, rectum), necrosis (dead tissue), allergic reaction (local reaction or more severe reaction, such as anaphylaxis), embolism (blood vessel blockage is possible and may happen outside of the pelvis, potentially impacting vital organs or legs), fainting, and bleeding. Please talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits related to using SpaceOAR Hydrogel. If one or more of these complications occur, you may need medical treatment or surgery. URO-1288805-AA
This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding potential medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.
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