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Asthma in Winter: Navigating Symptoms During the Colder Months

2025-01-09T13:01:00

(BPT) – For many, winter is a time for ice skating, cozy family gatherings, and hitting the slopes, but for the 28 million people in the U.S. living with asthma, winter can pose unique challenges. Colder weather can mean airway irritation and tightening, increasing the risk of asthma attacks and making this season much trickier to navigate.

We recently spoke with Linda, whose daughter Elle lives with severe asthma, and Dr. Andrea Espinoza, a board-certified pulmonologist, who shared their experiences and tips for navigating asthma during this frosty season.

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1. Prepare for winter’s dry spell
Young boy wearing winter gear and hiking in the woods

We’ve all experienced dry hands and lips in the winter, but seasonal dry air can also cause airways in the lungs to narrow, making it harder to breathe and potentially triggering an asthma attack. For Elle, both the winter air inside and outside are irritants. “Elle loves playing outside but the cold air can trigger her asthma, and the dry air caused by central heating does too, which can be tough to avoid,” Linda shared. To prepare for the drier weather, Dr. Espinoza urges those with asthma to “remember to have a rescue inhaler handy.”

2. Say hello to increased hand washing

Dad helping little girl wash her hands in the bathroom sink.

As the weather cools, seasonal artwork isn’t the only thing that children are bringing home from school. For people with asthma, respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19 or the common cold can make breathing even more difficult or trigger an attack. Linda recalled a time when Elle caught a cold during the winter season: “It was a very frightening experience because she was having trouble breathing, her lips turned blue and she was having difficulty speaking, and this time her rescue inhaler was not alleviating her symptoms.”

When it comes to combating winter viruses, Dr. Espinoza recommends practicing good hygiene and remembering that “certain common cold symptoms, such as coughing, should not be taken lightly for those with asthma. Cough, fatigue, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in your chest, or dizziness can be early signs of the airway tightening and should be communicated with a healthcare specialist, especially if symptoms don’t resolve on their own.”

3. Stay safe on (and off) the slopes

Dad and daughter wearing ski gear on a snowy hill.

Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or just enjoy sitting by the fire, it’s important to remember that winter vacation destinations are often at much higher elevations, where the air is thinner. When traveling to the mountains, Dr. Espinoza recommends “having an extra rescue inhaler on hand in your carry-on.” She also recommends “keeping a peak flow meter handy, so if there is a decline in peak flow, you know to seek urgent care.” Knowing where to find the nearest urgent care or ER is also helpful when traveling. Most importantly, be sure to talk to your doctor to have the appropriate preparations and treatments in place before traveling.

4. Stay ahead of the chill with an asthma management plan

Doctor smiling and talking with female patient

Some people with moderate-to-severe asthma are living with symptoms that are difficult to control, especially in response to winter-time triggers, so it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that you may need a new or different treatment. According to Dr. Espinoza, considerations for treatment plan changes or additions to treatment would be: increased use of a rescue inhaler more than two times per week, nighttime symptoms of asthma (such as coughing or wheezing) waking you from your sleep or limiting your physical activities due to symptoms. For Elle, Linda said that “her previous treatment regimen wasn’t enough,” so she reached out to a pediatric asthma specialist, who recommended DUPIXENT® (dupilumab), which is an add-on maintenance treatment for moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral corticosteroid dependent asthma that can help prevent attacks.

It targets two of the key sources of airway inflammation in asthma, and can improve lung function, so that you can breathe better in as little as two weeks. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of treatment with Dupixent, including the most common side effects such as injection site reactions, and some serious side effects including allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe, inflammation of your blood vessels, and joint aches and pain.

“Enjoying wintertime while being prepared may allow both patients and caregivers to do more during the season,” Dr. Espinoza told us. Visit MoreYouLessAsthma.com to learn more about a treatment option and explore educational resources.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®.

Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a parasitic (helminth) infection
  • are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” right before and during treatment with DUPIXENT.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT 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.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines or use an asthma medicine. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back.

DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fast pulse, fever, hives, joint pain, general ill feeling, itching, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, or cramps in your stomach-area.
  • Inflammation of your blood vessels. Rarely, this can happen in people with asthma who receive DUPIXENT. This may happen in people who also take a steroid medicine by mouth that is being stopped or the dose is being lowered. It is not known whether this is caused by DUPIXENT. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have: rash, chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of your arms or legs, or persistent fever.
  • Joint aches and pain. Some people who use DUPIXENT have had trouble walking or moving due to their joint symptoms, and in some cases needed to be hospitalized. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening joint symptoms. Your healthcare provider may stop DUPIXENT if you develop joint symptoms.

The most common side effects in patients with asthma include injection site reactions, high count of a certain white blood cell (eosinophilia), pain in the throat (oropharyngeal pain), and parasitic (helminth) infections.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it’s recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children 6 to less than 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.

Indication

DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid dependent asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. DUPIXENT is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems and will not replace an inhaled rescue medicine. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with asthma under 6 years of age.

US.DUP.24.11.0207

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Small Business, Big Impact: Expert Advice to Help Your Business Thrive in 2025

2025-01-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They are at the heart of communities, creating jobs, driving innovation, and cultivating local pride. In fact, small businesses make up 99.9% of all companies and employ nearly half of the private workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

From the Main Street auto shop to the neighborhood dentist, these businesses embody the entrepreneurial spirit that fuel our nation. Their success is vital to our collective prosperity and the U.S. economy.

That’s why Synchrony partners with hundreds of thousands of small businesses and health and wellness providers, offering flexible financing solutions to help them better serve their customers and communities as well as smart tools and resources to help them grow.

To thrive in today’s competitive and ever-changing market, here’s key proven advice from Synchrony’s small business partners who have successfully adapted to change and bolstered their resilience.

Tip #1: Take Personalization to the Next Level

In a marketplace saturated with choices, small businesses must offer more than great products. Creating a personalized customer experience is essential. This means going above and beyond to provide hyper-personalized experiences that resonate with each customer’s unique needs and preferences.

Data analytics is a powerful tool that can help you understand what your customers like, tailor your offerings and discover new opportunities for growth. Like hospitality and retail businesses use data for personalized rewards, you can use data in your industry to better understand your customers, identify high-value new customer segments, optimize marketing and sales strategies, and deepen customer loyalty.

And the post-purchase experience is also key to building lasting customer relationships. For instance, a first-time ATV buyer who is an aspiring powersports enthusiast needs more than just the vehicle. They need gear, training, licensing information, trail recommendations, and maintenance tips. For dealers, this is your chance to introduce the many service offerings that are available to them before they walk out the door and create a rewarding, enduring experience.

Tip #2: Flex to the Way Customers Want to Pay

Dr. Peter Drews smiling in an office with x-rays of teeth on a television behind him.
Dr. Peter Drews, DDS, MAGD, Drews Dental Services

Offering flexible financing benefits both your business and your customers. It gives customers access to the products and services they want, while providing small businesses with a steady stream of revenue and working capital to grow and serve more people. This is especially important in sectors like health and wellness, where insurance may not cover all the costs.

Dr. Peter Drews of Drews Dental Services in Maine uses financing to better serve his patients’ needs and streamline his business. By offering CareCredit, a Synchrony financing solution, his patients have the option to pay for the care they want over time and within their budget. This approach not only helps customers manage their finances, but also streamlines the practice’s operations and allows more time and focus for patient care.

Consider introducing financing options that fit your business and help your customers make purchase decisions with confidence.

Tip #3: Invest in Your Employees’ Tech Skills

Muffadal Simba standing against a white backdrop.
Muffadal Simba, Owner, Merlin Complete Auto Care

Your employees are your greatest asset. Investing in their technical skills is a crucial investment in the future success of your business. Providing training and development opportunities that will empower your employees will help deliver exceptional service and enhance their job satisfaction.

Muffadal Simba of Merlin Complete Auto Care in Chicago understands this principle. By investing in new technology, including digital vehicle inspections and upgrading his team’s technical skills, he ensures his staff can provide top-notch, personalized service to every customer. “Teaming up with Synchrony has helped us better reach our customers and grow our business,” said Simba. “We’ve been able to significantly increase sales by investing in new technology using a Synchrony small business grant.”

Explore setting up training workshops, online courses, or mentorship programs to keep your employees’ skills sharp and relevant.

Tip #4: Engage the Community

Jolene Fitch smiling while holding bedsheets in front of a banner reading
Jolene Fitch, Owner, Finger Lakes Fabrics

Getting involved in your community can help your small business build strong connections with people and contribute to the well-being of your local neighborhood. By actively participating in community events, supporting local initiatives, or addressing area needs, you build goodwill, strengthen your relationship with potential customers, and create a lasting impact.

Take Jolene Fitch from Finger Lakes Fabrics as an example. Her quilt shop in Skaneateles, New York, brings the local crafting community together to collaborate with nonprofits and host fundraisers, blanket drives, and hat drives. When Fitch first opened her shop, she distributed 115 free fabric and pattern kits to the community, giving people a chance to handmake and design pillows that were then donated to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a charity that supplies beds to children in need.

Tip #5: The Best Small Businesses Lift Up Other Small Businesses

Collaboration and mutual support are vital within the small business ecosystem. By supporting other local businesses, you create a network of shared success. This could involve recommending their services, collaborating on projects, or simply offering advice and mentorship.

Ben Stowe of NLFX Professional in Minnesota exemplifies this collaborative spirit. By partnering with manufacturers to offer symposiums and seminars, in addition to selling lighting, audio, and video equipment, he’s not only supporting his own business but also empowering other entrepreneurs with valuable skills and knowledge.

Adopting these strategies is key for small business owners to forge a path toward long-lasting success, contributing to both their bottom line and the vibrancy of their communities. By investing in your business and your community, you’re investing in a brighter, stronger future.

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2025 interior design predictions: Cool tones, organic textures and soft geometries

2025-01-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Style is an expression of one’s individuality, rooted in the confidence to trust personal instincts and create a world of beauty, rather than pursuing fleeting trends. It’s about celebrating all the nuances that define uniqueness — from the fashion one wears and the food they savor, to the way they design their home. True style is singular, impossible to replicate, and utterly incomparable. Brizo® Kitchen & Bath Company exemplifies this credo, setting the standard for style and innovation through every collection.

“At Brizo®, we encourage everyone to embrace their respective style and infuse their space with that same individuality. We’re always drawing inspiration from the everyday — from bold designs found in fashion to the organic patterns found in nature. We look to transform these familiar elements into artful and innovative designs that enrich the home and stand the test of time,” says Celine Kwok Garland, Brizo® Lead Industrial Designer.

According to the Brizo Industrial Design team, 2025 will be defined by trends that transform interiors, emphasizing bold design schemes, rich textures in various forms, and modern industrial aesthetics. These elements come together to help build a space that feels purposefully crafted, effortlessly stylized, and uniquely personal.

Design’s Cool Turn

The runways of top designers influence more than just fashion — they shape how individuals express themselves. From the clothes they are drawn to, to the choices made when designing a space, it all reflects personal style. Building on this influence, upcoming collections that have graced the Spring/Summer 2025 runways show that bold, cool tones are taking over. This can translate into the home by combining cool tones and metal finishes, such as the distinctive Brilliance® Black Onyx finish by Brizo, with warm stone veining or natural wood accents. This approach creates a harmonious blend of contrast and cohesion, infusing the home with runway-inspired sophistication.

Textured Renaissance

Connecting the indoors to nature is a timeless design philosophy, but 2025 will take this concept to a new level through the incorporation of texture-rich elements. Think irregularities in patterns that evoke topography, like a burl wood side table, or raw, earthen stone pieces. These varied textures and organic design elements create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, offering a space that mirrors the unparalleled beauty of nature.

Modern Industrial Flair

To add an industrial flair to modern design, blend soft geometrical influences with raw elements and mixed finishes. The Litze® Semi-Professional Faucet by Brizo, featuring intricate knurling and expanded finishes, including the split Matte Black / Brilliance® Luxe Steel, exemplifies this trend by adding dimension to minimalist spaces. Similarly, the Brilliance® Polished Nickel handle found on Jason Wu for Brizo™ Kitchen faucets draws inspiration from the base of Jason Wu’s mannequins, while the Matte White finish exemplifies a timeless quality. This design approach balances simplicity with bold industrial touches, empowering homeowners to express their character through modern design and style.

Regardless of the choices made when designing a space, the cornerstone of success is remaining authentic to one’s individual style and self-expression. Just like in the world of fashion, interior design offers the freedom to exercise creative license and personal choices, allowing homeowners to reimage spaces with confidence.

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Make a New Year’s resolution to prepare your home

2025-01-08T10:59:00

(BPT) – When it comes to goal setting for the new year ahead, why not put prepping your home for unexpected life moments top of the list? After all, your home is the center of your life, and the place you most want to feel safe and secure — especially during severe weather. Take time to think about ways you can be sure your home is better prepared — which is also the best way to protect yourself and your family — as you look forward to the new year.

Keep calm and power on

No matter what Mother Nature throws at your neighborhood, there will be times the power goes out. Be prepared for these events with a reliable, sustainable source of energy — the Jackery 1000 V2 Solar Generator, named an Amazon best seller (and for good reason). The powerful yet compact 1000 V2 Solar Generator uses a 1,500W AC output and a 3,000W surge peak to power multiple appliances smoothly, including AC units, fridges, fan heaters and electric pots. And because of its lightweight build and foldable handle, you can use it for camping, road trips or tailgating as well as many emergencies when you need quick access to power.

The Jackery 1000 V2 charges quickly, featuring two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one DC car port and three pure sine wave AC ports, along with LED lights — so it can even charge multiple devices simultaneously. Using LiFePO4 battery cells, the 1000 v2 boasts 4,000 life cycles, lasting up to 10 years with daily usage. Its UL-listed safety, shock and fire resistance make it ideal for outdoor use including camping, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing modern conveniences. Best yet, its advanced technology and eco-friendly design provides reliable, sustainable power solutions for adventurers and homeowners alike. You can also find this best-selling home prep essential at Jackery.com.

Prioritize communication

In an age when everyone uses their phones to communicate, it’s more important than ever to have access to contact information for people you may need to contact in an emergency — even when phones aren’t working — which can include close neighbors, friends and family members. Make sure everyone in your household has access to both digital and printed lists of the most essential contacts, including your area’s emergency services numbers.

Make a plan

For the most common weather events that occur where you live, as well as household emergencies that can happen anywhere such as home fires, be sure to have a plan in place so everyone knows what to do and where to go if you need to leave your home. Setting up a neighbor’s home or other safe location nearby to wait during a crisis can make a huge difference and relieve worry. Regularly practice your plan so even younger children will remember what to do if the time comes.

Keep your docs safe

Ensure that your vital documents such as passports, birth certificates, deeds, insurance and other financial info are stored in a waterproof, fireproof safe in your home, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of replacing them — which could slow down access to services your family needs during an emergency. Keep copies of documents in a secondary location such as a trusted family member’s home or a bank safe deposit box for an extra layer of protection.

Be ready with a water supply

Many weather emergencies and natural disasters can interrupt the accessibility of clean, drinkable water to your home. To help give you peace of mind that you can stay hydrated no matter what, the CDC recommends having on hand at least one gallon of commercially bottled water per person in your household per day — up to about two weeks if possible — so you would have enough for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene if your tap water is compromised.

Know your home’s systems

There may be many instances when your local authorities recommend shutting off power to your home (due to the threat of a gas leak, fire or flooding), or times you may need to shut off the water (such as for a burst pipe). Make sure you and every other adult (or older child) knows how and where to turn off the power and water if necessary. Understanding your home’s basic and most crucial systems can help prevent greater calamities from happening, so put this item on your New Year’s to-do list along with these other preparedness steps.

You’ll breathe a lot easier heading into the new year, and you’ll feel more safe and secure if you take concrete steps to prepare your home and family.

Visit Jackery.com to find several best-selling, award-winning solutions for your backup power needs.

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Expert tips from a dietitian: 3 keys to staying healthy on GLP-1s

2025-01-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Satya Jonnalagadda, PhD, MBA, RDN

With obesity rates tripling over the past 60 years, anti-obesity medications have become a game-changing tool in a persistent public health crisis. But they are just that: a tool, not a standalone solution.

The excitement over GLP-1 medications has led to some misconceptions. Many view them as a “miracle shot” for weight loss, but the truth is, there is no single solution for weight loss. Healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle changes are the foundation of every weight loss journey, and new research emphasizes the importance of all three when taking a GLP-1.

One challenge with GLP-1 medications is that while you certainly lose weight fast, it also impacts your muscle. A recent study found that up to 50% of weight lost while taking a GLP-1 medication can come from muscle*. Over the course of 12-18 months, the muscle lost is comparable to a decade of age-related muscle loss**.

The research emphasizes that proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and healthy habits can all make a difference. Practical lifestyle strategies and meal plans can help individuals minimize muscle loss while optimizing weight loss. Brands like OPTAVIA have made it simpler by incorporating this advice into new products with higher protein and personalized coaching.

3 steps to healthy, medical weight loss

1. Prioritize protein

Protein is the building block of muscle — an essential nutrient for any weight loss journey, but particularly important for those taking GLP-1s. Since muscle can account for up to half of total weight lost with these medications, adequate high-quality protein intake is critical.

To encourage healthier weight loss, experts recommend consuming at least 1.2 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, spread across meals**.

Nutrition is not simple, but there’s support available. Programs like OPTAVIA offer support with easy-to-follow scientifically backed meal plans and a new high-protein product line tailored to GLP-1 users. Look for resources like this — things that make it easier to meet your protein needs without overcomplicating your routine.

2. Find a community or support system to motivate you to create healthy habits

Sustainable weight loss is about more than numbers on a scale — it’s about creating habits that stick. Trying to overhaul your diet, exercise and habits all at once can be overwhelming. The most successful weight loss journeys incorporate support. That’s where a coach can make all the difference.

Coaches offer guidance — they provide accountability, motivation, and in many cases, personalized support. Look for solutions that incorporate nutrition, exercise and community in one place. OPTAVIA has coaches, tailored meal plans and programs that are useful for everyone pursuing weight loss — with or without medication. For GLP-1 users, there’s even a plan tailored for their specific weight loss and nutritional needs.

3. Combine nutrition and exercise

The most effective way to preserve muscle is to pair a protein-rich diet with regular physical activity.

Exercise doesn’t just burn calories — it’s critical for healthy weight loss. It helps protect and rebuild muscle — making it especially important for those taking GLP-1 medications. Resistance training, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, can be particularly effective. Just two sessions a week targeting all major muscle groups can make a difference.

This synergy between nutrition and exercise enhances the benefits of GLP-1 medications, supporting healthier weight loss and better long-term outcomes.

The path forward

While GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool, one thing is clear: they are only one piece of the puzzle. Like all weight loss journeys, they work best when combined with a holistic approach to health.

Lifestyle changes may seem daunting, but the right support can make it simple. Brands like OPTAVIA offer straightforward, scientifically backed plans, personalized coaching, and a supportive community all in one place. If you’re looking for meal plans and support tailored to your journey while on medication, look into OPTAVIA ASCEND, a new line of products and nutrition plans designed specifically for people on GLP-1 medications. With the right strategies and guidance, you can lose weight in a way that helps you feel strong, energetic and healthy.

*Sargeant JA, Henson J, King JA, Yates T, Khunti K, Davies MJ. A Review of the Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Lean Body Mass in Humans. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2019 Sep;34(3):247-262. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2019.34.3.247.

**Grosicki GJ, Dhurandhar NV, Unick JL, Arent SM, Thomas JG, Lofton H, Shepherd MC, Kiel J, Coleman C, Jonnalagadda SS. Sculpting Success: The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity to Support Skeletal Muscle Health during Weight Loss with New Generation Anti-Obesity Medications. Curr Dev Nutr. 2024 Oct 18;8(11):104486. doi: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104486.

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Semiconductors 101: What they are, how they’re used and what they mean to you

2025-01-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Quick, what’s a semiconductor? You probably have a vague understanding — they’re in computers, right? You may have also heard about semiconductor shortages slowing automobile production.

The fact is, this little piece of technology is increasingly important to our modern world and vital to our way of life. Semiconductors are found in everything from smartphones and military guidance systems to modern vehicles. What are they, exactly? How are they used, and what do they mean to you? The ability to access the world in the palm of your hand, for one thing. Not to mention jobs.

It’s worth brushing up on this technology. Here’s a primer on semiconductors, from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

What are semiconductors?

Semiconductors, better known as chips, are tiny devices that conduct electricity in certain conditions and block it in others. The ability to act as either a conductor or insulator is important because many of today’s devices rely on the precise control of electric current to function properly. At the highest level, semiconductors are the foundation — the “brains” — powering the electronics we use every day, including smartphones, computers, AI, cars and much more.

Where are semiconductors used?

Even if you’ve never heard of semiconductors, you’re relying on one right now to read this on your computer, tablet or smartphone. But they’re not just for our personal devices. They’re a foundational element in:

  • Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment systems in cars
  • Electric vehicle powertrains
  • Medical imaging equipment
  • Wearable health devices
  • Robotics and AI
  • Factory automation systems
  • 5G networks
  • Data centers
  • Network infrastructure
  • Satellite systems
  • Missile guidance systems
  • Military electronics

In short, semiconductors help power the modern world. They are vital to our way of life and our economy.

Are all semiconductors made overseas?

With talk of trade wars and tariffs and how they will affect the availability of things like smartphones and cars, discussions come up about reshoring the semiconductor supply chain. In other words, bringing it to the U.S. from overseas. But, what you might not realize is that it’s already happening. The state of Michigan, for example, is a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Why Michigan? Location, resources and education.

Michigan has long been the global epicenter for manufacturing. The state is home to nearly one-fifth of U.S. auto production, more than any other state in the nation, and has the greatest concentration of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the country, with 26 having headquarters or technology centers in the state.

Furthermore, semiconductor manufacturing relies on purified water — both to clean components and to cool down equipment. Michigan has access to more than 20% of the world’s fresh surface water via the Great Lakes. The state strikes a delicate balance here, recognizing its responsibility to protect this crucial natural resource, while utilizing it to create local jobs and grow surrounding communities.

The availability of chips impacts every part of the modern world economy, much of which is represented by the brands with significant employment and physical presences in Michigan as well. They’re companies like Hemlock Semiconductor, which produces the polysilicon for one-third of the world’s chips, as well as KLA, Wacker, SK Siltron and Calumet Electronics.

Why does upskilling matter in the semiconductor industry?

It’s not enough to be near industries that rely on semiconductors. It’s also about having a skilled, local workforce to get the job done. This means technical training, in which workers learn the skills to operate the rather complex equipment needed to manufacture the chips and the kind of digital literacy necessary to analyze data and deal with problems that come up.

This shows that “bots” aren’t here to take jobs, they’re here to help create jobs. Better jobs, for both today’s workforce and tomorrow’s. And Michigan is at the forefront of this movement.

The University of Michigan is one of the top U.S. universities in semiconductor education, along with other Research 1 (R1) universities like Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Leaders in the state are also creating innovative workforce partnerships with the SEMI Foundation, ensuring the talent pipeline exists for these jobs. The Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network Program will provide grant funding for workers in the microelectronics industry.

As you can see, semiconductors are a small piece of technology with a big impact. The MEDC works with Michigan businesses and communities to deliver the services and support they need to grow and succeed as the demand for semiconductors increases. To learn more, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/semiconductor.

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Rare Diagnosis Reveals Surprising Link Between Mysterious Symptoms

2025-01-06T04:01:00

(BPT) – As he approached his 40th birthday, Andrew began experiencing strange symptoms — fatigue, bone pain and frequent trips to the bathroom. Though unsettling, “I didn’t think much of them and chalked the symptoms up to things that tend to happen in middle age,” recalls the attorney and father of three. “I felt like I was constantly experiencing a low-level allergic reaction: my skin was itchy, and my eyes were watery and itchy. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin.”

But when he began to develop unusual spots on his torso, his dermatologist recommended a biopsy and a few other tests. A few days later, his doctor called with a shocking diagnosis: a rare disease called indolent systemic mastocytosis, or ISM. “It was incredible to realize all these different symptoms were related,” says Andrew.

ISM is caused by the uncontrolled increase and activity of abnormal mast cells, which play an important role in immune responses. As the cells accumulate and activate in different parts of the body, the disease can cause chronic, potentially debilitating symptoms such as skin lesions, diarrhea, fatigue, bone pain and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms of ISM are often unpredictable and can be caused by a wide range of triggers including foods and beverages, odors and scents, temperature changes, exercise, stress and more.

In addition to the toll of his physical symptoms, the appearance of his skin spots began to have a negative impact on Andrew mentally. “It made me feel really self-conscious,” he remembers. “I didn’t like looking at them in the mirror, and I avoided taking my shirt off at the pool or beach — I lost some of my confidence.”

Because his dermatologist wasn’t familiar with ISM, Andrew and his wife Shannon found a specialist in Boston. Together, they flew across the country, from their home state of Oregon, in search of help.

Seeking symptom relief

With no approved ISM treatments at the time, Andrew’s plan before he saw a specialist focused solely on reactive care. “I was treating my symptoms with eye drops when my eyes felt itchy, antihistamines when I felt reactive, and antacids when my stomach was upset. Sometimes the medications worked, sometimes they didn’t. I never knew when to expect symptoms. It felt like a game of ‘whack-a-mole’ using various medications to manage the ever-changing and unpredictable symptoms.”

A terrifying experience

A few years after his consultation with an expert on ISM, Andrew was out “in the middle of nowhere” in Idaho on a rafting trip with family and friends, when he was stung by a wasp or bee. “I ended up experiencing anaphylaxis, and because I didn’t know I was allergic, I didn’t have an epinephrine injector. Everyone around me was panicking. Fortunately, my good friend who is a physician brought a medical kit, which included a vial of epinephrine. He injected me, and I believe he saved my life right there.”

“This was an incredibly scary episode for me, and for my family. I would say that was a wake-up call. I became much more interested in researching and exploring different treatment options for ISM that went beyond supportive care. I wanted to take a more proactive approach to my care.”

Targeting the underlying cause

Andrew was now seeing a hematologist who recommended a treatment that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved called AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) for adults with ISM. Andrew and his hematologist discussed the potential benefits and side effects of AYVAKIT and decided together that Andrew would try it.

AYVAKIT is a once daily pill that works by selectively targeting the KIT D816V mutation, the underlying cause of the disease in ~95% of patients with ISM which results in the overproduction and activation of abnormal mast cells. AYVAKIT is not recommended in people with low platelet counts (less than 50 X 109/L). AYVAKIT for ISM may cause serious side effects such as cognitive effects and skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). AYVAKIT can have harmful effects on pregnancy and fertility as well as cause harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

“I was encouraged to hear there was another option for me and hopeful that AYVAKIT could improve some of my most bothersome symptoms.”

Please see Important Safety Information below and click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

‘Comfortable in my own skin’

Andrew started taking AYVAKIT in October of 2023. “I’m glad that I took the leap and decided to try AYVAKIT after talking it over with my doctor. Now I’m more than a year into treatment, and so far, I haven’t experienced cognitive side effects, which I was concerned would impact my work.”

While he still takes precautions on his family adventures rock climbing and skiing, Andrew has noticed changes in his ISM symptoms. “My skin spots are lighter and my tryptase (allergic reactive marker) levels are lower, which is reassuring to me. My spots are still there, and I occasionally feel fatigued, but overall though, I feel my symptoms are better. I feel comfortable in my own skin.”

“I would love to encourage other people with ISM to chart their own course and lean in to finding a solution. Everyone’s experience is going to be different, but there are solutions out there, you just have to find them. So do your own research, ask your own questions, and do what is right for you.”

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for AYVAKIT.

WHAT IS AYVAKIT® (avapritinib)?

AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM). AYVAKIT is not recommended in people with low platelet counts (less than 50 X 109 /L). It is not known if AYVAKIT is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) may cause serious side effects, including:

Cognitive effects. Cognitive side effects can happen during treatment with AYVAKIT and can be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening cognitive symptoms including forgetfulness, confusion, getting lost, trouble thinking, drowsiness, trouble staying awake (somnolence), word finding problems, seeing objects or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), or a change in mood or behavior.

Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Your skin may be sensitive to the sun or other forms of light (photosensitivity) during treatment with AYVAKIT. Avoid or limit exposure to direct sunlight, sunlamps, and other sources of ultraviolet radiation during treatment and for 1 week after stopping treatment with AYVAKIT. Use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover your skin if you need to be out in the sun.

Before taking AYVAKIT, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • history of bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm) or bleeding in your brain
  • have a history of stroke within the last year
  • have low platelet counts
  • have or have had liver problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. AYVAKIT can cause harm to your unborn baby
    • Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start AYVAKIT. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with AYVAKIT and for 6 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with AYVAKIT.
    • Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 6 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if AYVAKIT passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with AYVAKIT and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. AYVAKIT may affect the way other medicines work, and certain other medicines may affect how AYVAKIT works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take estrogen-containing hormonal birth control or medicines that prevent blood clots.

Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery if you have confusion or trouble thinking during treatment with AYVAKIT.

The most common side effects of AYVAKIT in people with ISM include: swelling around your eyes, dizziness, swelling of your arms and legs, and flushing.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with AYVAKIT if you develop certain side effects. AYVAKIT may cause fertility problems in females and males. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of AYVAKIT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

AYVAKIT is available in 25 mg tablets.

This promotional content was developed by Blueprint Medicines Corporation, the manufacturer of AYVAKIT. Individual results may vary. Andrew is being compensated by Blueprint Medicines for sharing his story.

AYVAKIT, Blueprint Medicines and associated logos are trademarks of Blueprint Medicines Corporation.

© 2024 Blueprint Medicines Corporation.

To learn more and connect with others about their experience, including AYVAKIT, visit AYVAKIT.com.

Posted on

Woman climbs Kilimanjaro after life-changing blood cancer diagnosis

2025-01-06T08:33:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by GSK

This is Allison’s personal multiple myeloma story, and others may be different. Allison is a paid spokesperson for GSK.

Allison’s Story

When the back pain, exhaustion and string of respiratory infections hit, Allison Freedman initially chalked it up to the price of a busy life. At age 42, the active mom of twins was fresh out of an MBA program and had just moved to Boulder, Colorado, to start a new job.

As she continued to feel worse and the pain became excruciating, she knew something was wrong. A CT scan revealed multiple broken vertebrae and ribs, and then she heard the words no one is ever prepared for: you have cancer.

A PET scan, bloodwork and bone marrow biopsy confirmed that it was multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that forms in the bone marrow, weakening the bones and immune system[i].

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the US[ii], with more than 35,000 new cases diagnosed each year[iii].

While anyone can get multiple myeloma, it’s most common in people 65 and older, slightly more common in men than women and twice as common among Black Americans versus white[iv]. Freedman didn’t fit the typical profile at all, which made her diagnosis all the more surreal.

The Battle Begins

Freedman’s doctor told her that although there is no cure for multiple myeloma, there are treatments available[v]. She first underwent induction, or front-line therapy, before it was determined that she was a candidate for high dose chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant to rebuild her bone marrow using her own healthy cells[vi].

After the transplant, her cancer went into remission, and she started maintenance therapy to help keep it from coming back. She continues regular care and monitoring by her oncology team. For any person diagnosed with multiple myeloma, this ongoing care and monitoring with your healthcare team is critical as the majority of patients see the cancer return following initial treatment success (known as a recurrence or relapse), or fail to respond to treatment altogether (known as refractory)[vii].

Through it all, Freedman devoted every ounce of her energy to making memories with her kids, who were eight years old at the time of her diagnosis.

“I started to see the value of things I had been rushing through,” Freedman said. “Parenting can be grueling, but suddenly I wanted every moment with my kids.”

Climbing Back to Life

Although Freedman’s cancer seemed to be at bay, she was still very weak, and the fractures had yet to heal. Despite all that, she had a strong drive to get back to her active lifestyle.

“It started with short walks, then longer ones. I missed being out in nature, so I pushed myself, bit by bit,” Freedman said.

Then, she heard about a group of multiple myeloma survivors and supporters who were climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — the tallest mountain in Africa — to raise awareness and money for the disease. The idea was daunting, but for Freedman, it wasn’t just about the physical challenge. It was about reclaiming her life. At age 50, after months of preparation, she found herself standing at the foot of the mountain, ready to begin her ascent.

The climb was brutal, but it was also healing.

“Getting to the top with this new community I’d found — it was one of the most powerful moments of my life,” Freedman said.

Moving Forward

After that experience, Freedman started sharing her story with the world so that she might help others to find their inner fortitude and imagine a future full of possibilities.

Her twins, now high school seniors, have grown up witnessing their mother’s incredible resilience.

“Their childhood has been shaped by having a mom with cancer,” Freedman said. “But I hope they’ve learned that even when life gets hard, you don’t give up. You put one foot in front of the other.”

Learn more about multiple myeloma: https://us.gsk.com/en-us/company/oncology/multiple-myeloma/

Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

©2024 GSK or licensor.

NPUS-AOUCOCO240017 December 2024

Produced in USA.


[i] Gertz MA. Multiple Myeloma. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/multiple-myeloma/. Published 2016. Accessed November 2024.

[ii] Kazandjian D. Multiple myeloma epidemiology and survival: A unique malignancy. Semin Oncol. 2016;43(6):676–681. doi:10.1053/j.seminoncol.2016.11.004.

[iii] American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics Center. Myeloma. https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#!/cancer-site/Myeloma. Accessed November 2024.

[iv] American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html#references. Accessed November 2024.

[v] Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Treatments for Multiple Myeloma. https://themmrf.org/diagnosis-and-treatment/treatment-options/ Accessed November 2024.

[vi] Mayo Clinic. Bone marrow transplant. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/autologous-stem-cell-transplant/pyc-20384859. Accessed November 2024.

[vii] Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Refractory and Relapsed. https://www.lls.org/myeloma/treatment/refractory-and-relapsed. Accessed December 2024.