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Empowered by lived experience: How Lindsay and Matt found their voices in the narcolepsy community

2025-03-07T08:31:00

(BPT) – Lindsay and Matt are both active members of the narcolepsy and sleep advocacy community, drawing from their personal, lived experiences to share with others what it’s like living with narcolepsy. Before they became advocates, each spent years trying to find an explanation for the symptoms they were experiencing and then adjusting to life after getting a narcolepsy diagnosis.

Lindsay lived with excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy for nearly 20 years before receiving her narcolepsy diagnosis at age 35. She recalls doubting her abilities and dedication to her job in politics, thinking, “Everyone is working long hours, everyone is tired…maybe I just don’t want it as much as they do.” But her diagnosis gave her the reason behind the sleepiness she was experiencing.

For Matt, symptoms became disruptive when he was 12 years old, but it wasn’t until he was 25 and a father of two that healthcare providers told him he had narcolepsy with cataplexy. He immediately set out to learn more about the disorder. At that time, there were very limited resources available to help him understand narcolepsy or to connect with others living with narcolepsy who could relate to his experiences.

Smiling Lindsay wearing aviator sunglasses and a three piece blue pinstriped suit standing outside a beautiful building with a rod iron fence.

Getting involved in the community

Matt continued to struggle for the next few years and thought that maybe giving back to others could be a good place to focus his efforts. He began reaching out to members of the narcolepsy community on social media and was excited when he got a response from Julie Flygare, the president and CEO of Project Sleep, who is also a person living with narcolepsy. Project Sleep is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders.

Julie introduced Matt to Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program, which empowers people with sleep disorders to share their own stories and help spread awareness. As a dad living with narcolepsy, Matt knew he had a unique and important story to share. He started sharing his Rising Voices presentation, telling his story wherever he could to help drive awareness, but didn’t stop there. Matt began leading online support groups for Wake Up Narcolepsy, an organization focused on advocacy in the narcolepsy community, and was featured in one of their Narcolepsy 360 podcasts.

One of those online support groups was where Matt and Lindsay first crossed paths. After finally receiving a diagnosis, Lindsay was hesitant to share it with others. Her immediate reaction, which was unlike her typically expressive self, was to avoid telling anyone she was living with narcolepsy.

At an emotionally low point in her journey, Lindsay attended an online virtual support group meeting, and hearing Matt’s story gave her hope that things could get better. The two stayed in contact, and Matt encouraged Lindsay to get more involved in the community.

Becoming an advocate tapped into Lindsay’s lifelong passion for helping others, and she, too, went on to participate in Project Sleep’s Rising Voices program. As she opened up about her diagnosis with others, Lindsay realized that sharing her story was another way she could drive positive change in the world.

Leaning into her professional experience, Lindsay created programs to help raise awareness of narcolepsy, such as the first White House summit on sleep equity in November 2023. The summit focused on sleep health and gave people living with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders the opportunity to educate and share their lived experiences. Matt participated and spoke at the summit, creating a full-circle moment for these two advocates and friends.

Smiling Matt wearing casual clothing in auditorium.

We all have something unique to offer

There are many ways to learn more about narcolepsy, to help educate others, and to drive awareness about the disorder. Each person has their own individual skills and interests, and that is where their true strengths in advocacy can come through.

For anyone who feels overwhelmed, getting involved can start with one small step. Organizations like Project Sleep, Narcolepsy Network, and Wake Up Narcolepsy have a lot of information available and create opportunities for people living with narcolepsy to have their voices heard.

People living with narcolepsy can also reach out to others on social media and join an online group or page dedicated to people living with narcolepsy, or connect with someone they know from a support group, virtual or in person. Just as Matt and Lindsay joined together to support one another and make an impact to move things forward for the community, other people living with narcolepsy can work together to do the same.

When it comes to getting involved, people can start by helping to drive awareness about narcolepsy by having conversations with their family and friends. Sleep Awareness Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the connection between sleep, health, and well-being. Sleep Awareness Week is March 9-15, so now is the perfect time to get involved and share your unique story.

For more information about narcolepsy, you can visit KnowNarcolepsy.com. There are also narcolepsy resources and information on patient advocacy organizations, so be sure to check them out at KnowNarcolepsy.com/narcolepsy-resources.

Harmony Biosciences and logo are trademarks of
Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc. and are used herein by permission.
© 2025 Harmony Biosciences. All rights reserved.
US-NAR-2400153/Jan 2025

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Addressing Disparities in Liver Cancer Care

2025-03-07T14:01:00

(BPT) – Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and the burden of this disease falls disproportionately on minorities and underserved communities.1,2 There are approximately 1.5 to 2 times as many new cases of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, among American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Black, and Latino populations compared to White populations.3

These disparities stem from a range of barriers, including socioeconomic challenges, cultural differences, and geographic obstacles that can prevent timely and equitable access to care.3 Addressing this issue requires a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a more patient-centered approach that accounts for these factors.

The Impact of Disparities

Understanding patients’ unique circumstances—whether they lack transportation, fear job loss, or are navigating language barriers—is essential to providing holistic care.4,5 For many patients, structural barriers can mean the difference between life and death. Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, associate professor of medicine, division of hematology and oncology, GI oncology integrated practice unit lead and director of communication strategies in medicine at the University of Illinois (UI) Chicago, recounts a case that starkly illustrates this issue: “I had a patient who needed to be admitted for HCC. I told him ‘you are going to die if we do not admit you.’ He refused to get admitted because he thought he was going to lose his job,” she recalls. “So, I ended up getting on the phone with a translator, the patient, and his boss to explain the situation. Ultimately, we ended up getting him admitted to the hospital.”

This case highlights how open communication between healthcare providers and patients and self-advocacy can help underserved communities who face disparities in care.

Accessing Innovative Liver Cancer Treatments

The availability of Tecentriq (atezolizumab) plus Avastin (bevacizumab) has brought significant progress in managing first-line unresectable or metastatic HCC (mHCC). Approved in 2020, this combination treatment became the first cancer immunotherapy (CIT) approved for mHCC that demonstrated superior overall survival and progression-free survival compared to the previous standard of care, sorafenib.6 Yet, access to groundbreaking therapies like Tecentriq plus Avastin remains a challenge for many. Insurance coverage gaps, logistical issues, and lack of job protection are just some of the hurdles patients may face.4,7

Healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in closing these gaps by creating supportive environments where patients feel safe to share their concerns and advocate for themselves.7 “I think as HCPs, we need to really spend that time to figure out why the patient didn’t come, instead of labeling them as non-compliant. Maybe they didn’t have a ride. Maybe they were scared,” Dr. Jain says.

Achieving equity in liver cancer care will require systemic changes to improve access to care and protect vulnerable patients.3 By addressing social and environmental factors that affect health, which can become barriers to care and prioritizing patient-centered communication, we can work toward a more equitable healthcare system.

Indication
TECENTRIQ, in combination with bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have not received prior systemic therapy.

Important Safety Information
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. The following immune-mediated adverse reactions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur in any organ system or tissue and at any time after starting TECENTRIQ. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with TECENTRIQ, they can also manifest after discontinuation of treatment. Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of TECENTRIQ.

Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue TECENTRIQ depending on severity. In general, if TECENTRIQ requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less, then initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation
  • Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3% (83/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including fatal (<0.1%), Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.8%), and Grade 2 (1.1%) adverse reactions. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.5% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1.5% of patients
  • Systemic corticosteroids were required in 55% (46/83) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 69% of the 83 patients. Of the 39 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for pneumonitis, 25 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, 4% had recurrence of pneumonitis

Immune-Mediated Colitis

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis can present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies
  • Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1% (26/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.5%) and Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.5% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 50% (13/26) of patients with colitis. Colitis resolved in 73% of the 26 patients. Of the 12 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for colitis, 8 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, 25% had recurrence of colitis

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (48/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including fatal (<0.1%), Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.5%), and Grade 2 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (12/48) of patients with hepatitis. Hepatitis resolved in 50% of the 48 patients. Of the 6 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hepatitis, 4 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of hepatitis

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency

  • TECENTRIQ can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated
  • Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.4% (11/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 82% (9/11) of patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, 3 patients remained on systemic corticosteroids. The single patient in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for adrenal insufficiency did not reinitiate TECENTRIQ

Hypophysitis

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated
  • Hypophysitis occurred in <0.1% (2/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (1 patient, <0.1%) adverse reactions. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and no patients required withholding of TECENTRIQ. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 50% (1/2) of patients with hypophysitis. Hypophysitis did not resolve in these 2 patients

Thyroid Disorders

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or medical management for hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated
  • Thyroiditis occurred in 0.2% (4/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (<0.1%) adverse reactions. Thyroiditis did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient. Hormone replacement therapy was required in 75% (3/4) of patients with thyroiditis. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (1/4) of patients with thyroiditis. Thyroiditis resolved in 50% of patients. The single patient in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for thyroiditis reinitiated TECENTRIQ; this patient did not have a recurrence of thyroiditis
  • Hyperthyroidism occurred in 0.8% (21/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Hyperthyroidism did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.1% of patients. Antithyroid therapy was required in 29% (6/21) of patients with hyperthyroidism. Of these 6 patients, the majority remained on antithyroid treatment. Of the 3 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hyperthyroidism, 1 patient reinitiated TECENTRIQ; this patient did not have recurrence of hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism occurred in 4.9% (128/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (3.4%) adverse reactions. Hypothyroidism did not lead to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in any of these patients, but led to withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.6% of patients. Hormone replacement therapy was required in 81% (104/128) of patients with hypothyroidism. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism remained on thyroid hormone replacement. Of the 17 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for hypothyroidism, 8 reinitiated TECENTRIQ after symptom improvement

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Which Can Present With Diabetic Ketoacidosis

  • Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.3% (7/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (<0.1%) adverse reactions. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 1 patient and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 2 patients. Treatment with insulin was required for all patients with confirmed Type 1 diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy was continued long-term. Of the 2 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for Type 1 diabetes mellitus, both reinitiated TECENTRIQ treatment

Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated nephritis
  • Immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction occurred in <0.1% (1/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, and this adverse reaction was a Grade 3 (<0.1%) adverse reaction. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in this patient. This patient required systemic corticosteroids. In this patient, nephritis did not resolve

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

  • TECENTRIQ can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), DRESS, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes
  • Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 0.6% (15/2616) of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (<0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of TECENTRIQ in 0.1% and withholding of TECENTRIQ in 0.2% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 20% (3/15) of patients with dermatologic adverse reactions. Dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 87% of the 15 patients. Of the 4 patients in whom TECENTRIQ was withheld for immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, none reinitiated TECENTRIQ

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

  • The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received TECENTRIQ or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies

– Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis
– Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
– Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss
– Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
– Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatic
– Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
– Other (Hematologic/Immune): Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection

Infusion-Related Reactions

  • TECENTRIQ can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt, slow the rate of, or permanently discontinue TECENTRIQ based on the severity. For Grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions, consider using pre-medications with subsequent doses
  • Infusion-related reactions occurred in 1.3% of patients receiving TECENTRIQ alone, including Grade 3 (0.2%) reactions
  • The frequency and severity of infusion-related reactions were similar across the recommended dose range

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT After PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors

  • Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody
  • Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause)
  • These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockage and allogeneic HSCT
  • Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefits versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

  • Based on its mechanism of action, TECENTRIQ can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of TECENTRIQ in pregnant women. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-related rejection of the developing fetus, resulting in fetal death
  • Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TECENTRIQ. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment with TECENTRIQ and for at least 5 months after the last dose

Use in Specific Populations
Nursing Mothers

  • There is no information regarding the presence of TECENTRIQ in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. As human IgG is excreted in human milk, the potential for absorption and harm to the infant is unknown
  • Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from TECENTRIQ, advise female patients not to breastfeed while taking TECENTRIQ and for at least 5 months after the last dose

Fertility

  • Based on animal studies, TECENTRIQ may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential while receiving treatment

Most Common Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions (rate ≥20%) in patients who received TECENTRIQ in combination with bevacizumab for HCC were hypertension (30%), fatigue/asthenia (26%), and proteinuria (20%).

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please see full TECENTRIQ Prescribing Information and full Avastin Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. (2024). Liver Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. https://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/what-is-liver-cancer/causes-risk-factors
  2. Flores, Y. N., Datta, G. D., Yang, L., Corona, E., Devineni, D., Glenn, B. A., Bastani, R., & May, F. P. (2021). Disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, stage, and survival: A large population-based study. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 30(6), 1193–1199. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1088
  3. Herren, O. M., Gillman, A. S., Marshall, V. J., & Das, R. (2023). Understanding the changing landscape of health disparities in chronic liver diseases and liver cancer. Gastro Hep Advances, 2(4), 505–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastha.2022.12.001
  4. Graboyes, E.M., Chaiyachati, K.H., Gall, J.S., Johnson, W., Krishnan, J.A., McManus, S.S., Thompson, L., Shulman, L.N., Yabroff, K.R. (2022). Addressing Transportation Insecurity Among Patients With Cancer, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 114(12), 1593–1600. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac134
  5. Endeshaw M., Hallowell B.D., Razzaghi H., Senkomago V., McKenna M.T., Saraiya M. (2019) Trends in liver cancer mortality in the United States: Dual burden among foreign- and US-born persons. Cancer. 25(5), 726-734. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31869
  6. Genentech. (2020). FDA approved Genentech’s Tecentriq in combination with Avastin and chemotherapy for people with advanced liver cancer. https://www.gene.com/media/press-releases/14856/2020-05-29/fda-approves-genentechs-tecentriq-in-com#:~:text=The%20approval%20was%20based%20on,0.0001
  7. de Moor, J.S., Kent, E.E., McNeel, T.S., Virgo, K.S., Swanberg, J., Tracy, J.K., Banegas, M.P., Han, X., Qin, J., Yabroff, K.R. (2021). Employment Outcomes Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: Implications for Cancer Care Delivery, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 113(5), 641–644. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djaa084

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The tech you need to perfect your March brackets — and more

2025-03-06T11:01:00

(BPT) – Are you geared up for the mayhem and excitement March basketball games bring? Whether you’re planning to host epic watch parties at home, manage your office pool or passionately cheer on your alma mater, having the right tools at your disposal can be a game-changer.

When printers drop the ball

Face it, everyone’s been there — right when you need to print your bracket, your printer throws a technical foul — failing to cooperate in the middle of a crucial printing session or simply running out of ink just when you need it most.

The ultimate assist

Just like a seasoned point guard delivering a perfect assist, HP has got your back. Whatever your printing needs, HP’s All-In Plan eliminates hassles that can sometimes come with printer ownership — and best yet, it ensures you never run out of ink again.

With multiple plans starting at just $6.99 per month, customers can decide what works best for them, including choice of a new printer, automatic ink delivery, a dedicated 24/7 live support team, next-business-day replacement in the event of printer issues, and the option to upgrade your printer after two years.

Brackets and beyond

With the All-In Plan, you can effortlessly print brackets for your crew and keep printing long after the tournament, whether it be for work, photos, taxes and more. Just go to your favorite source for basketball bracket forms when you want to print them out and you’ll be ready for tip-off.

How useful is this new plan? During its pilot program, over a third of customers chose the monthly plan compared to a traditional printer purchase, and 90% of customers stuck with it after two years.

Stay game-ready

Be prepared for every print job, from game day to every day. Learn more at HP.com/all-in-plan-printers.

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New research says 9:45 p.m. is ideal time to turn off notifications before bed

2025-03-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – A new study conducted for Amazon Kindle reveals a quarter of Americans use devices with notifications until the minute they go to sleep. Neuroscientist Dr. Mark Williams shares his tips for protecting your bedtime routine.

From the moment we wake up in the morning, to the moment our head finally hits the pillow, we’re bombarded by device notifications that demand our attention — leading to 87% of Americans feeling stressed in the evening, according to a new study* conducted on behalf of Amazon Kindle.

The research revealed that, throughout their day, nearly nine out of ten (88%) Americans check their devices for new notifications, with some reporting they check up to 55 times in an hour. Over half (60%) of participants reported feeling frequently distracted by notifications, and a quarter said they receive alerts until the moment they go to sleep.

“When we hear a notification sound or feel our phone vibrate, our brain interprets it as something that requires our immediate focus, so we’re in a constant state of alertness,” neuroscientist Dr. Mark Williams explains. “Each time our attention is diverted by a notification it takes 60-90 seconds to refocus back on the task that we were originally doing. These disruptions are seizing our time, resulting in decreased efficiency.”

Dr. Williams recommends “at least one hour of notification-free time before bed to allow our minds to relax and prepare for sleep.” With Americans falling asleep around 10:45 p.m. on average, the ideal time to “unplug” is about 9:45 p.m.

Here are Dr. Williams’ top tips for “protecting our final hour” at the end of the day:

  1. At least one hour before you go to sleep, turn off laptops, tablets, computers. Put your phone in sleep mode and place devices out of sight.
  2. Consider spending the last hour before bed reading on a Kindle. It doesn’t beep or buzz, allows you to adjust the display brightness, and offers access to a vast selection of books to suit your mood and help you de-stress.
  3. Limit devices with the ability to send notifications in your bedroom. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, consider replacing it with a digital alarm clock or an Echo Spot. Keep your sleeping space dark, cool, and quiet without distractions.
  4. One way to start winding down is to make notes in a journal, notepad, or even a Kindle Scribe. Write down what you did that day, what went well, what could have gone better, what you might do differently next time, and what you would like to achieve tomorrow. This practice will help you slow your mind and begin the reset process.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, an independent market research company, with 2,000 adults in the U.S. between February 14 and 25, 2025.

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Got Hives? What You’re Itching to Know about Chronic Urticaria

2025-03-05T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you’ve had hives, you know how challenging they can be. But you may not know that there is more than one type of hives, or urticaria, and that treatments are available. A brief episode of hives is a nuisance, but when symptoms persist for weeks, months or years, it can take a physical and psychological toll.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a rash causing round, swollen areas on the skin. It can be tender, itchy and/or painful. People with light skin may see red, raised bumps or welts. In people of color, hives may match the color of surrounding skin or appear slightly lighter or darker. They may appear all over your body or in one area.

Urticaria occurs when chemical compounds involved in the body’s inflammatory and immune responses are released. One of these chemicals is histamine, which is released by mast cells and basophils. When this release happens in the skin’s outer layers, it results in hives.

Most hives resolve quickly, but they can become chronic. Acute urticaria refers to hives lasting one day to six weeks. Chronic urticaria means the hives have lasted for six weeks or longer. For many people, the cause is unknown.

Chronic urticaria is a rare condition that occurs in only 23 out of 10,000 people, though the actual number may be higher, since many people do not report or recognize the symptoms. Chronic urticaria is most common in adults aged 40-59. More women than men are affected, and more Black Americans and other ethnic groups are affected. There are two types:

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (also called chronic spontaneous urticaria) is not triggered by external factors. In many cases, the cause could be an autoimmune condition, another systemic disease like cancer, or unknown.
  • Chronic inducible urticaria is caused by certain environmental and physical factors.

Identifying urticaria triggers

Common triggers include:

  • Allergens, including certain foods
  • Exposure to heat/cold
  • Tight clothing
  • Insect stings and bites
  • Infections and viruses
  • Medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs
  • Diseases including asthma, celiac disease, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, vasculitis and vitiligo
  • Stress

Diagnosis and treatment

The cause of your chronic urticaria may be hard to identify. It’s best to see a specialist such as a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor may perform allergy tests, lab tests or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions that involve or resemble hives. You can help by keeping a diary that tracks your symptoms.

Chronic urticaria eventually goes away by itself. Management focuses on the most appropriate treatment to control symptoms, usually starting with the first line of treatment: a long-lasting antihistamine.

Antihistamines block production of histamine to reduce or eliminate hives and ease itch and swelling. Ask your doctor for a non-sedating antihistamine.

Topical itch creams may provide mild relief for hives that do not cover the entire body.

Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation, irritation and itching. By reducing inflammation, they also promote healing. For a severe hives flare-up, a short course of oral corticosteroids (prednisone) can help reduce inflammation and itching. These medications can cause serious side effects, especially if taken long-term. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking oral corticosteroids.

Advanced treatments

It’s important to work closely with your doctor if your hives don’t respond to treatment. If antihistamines alone do not help, your doctor may recommend combining them with other medications, including leukotriene modifiers or H2 blockers. New advanced treatments are available, and more are in clinical trials or undergoing FDA review.

Biologics: Omalizumab is a biologic medication used to treat chronic urticaria when antihistamines haven’t worked. Two more biologics are in development as chronic urticaria treatments: dupilumab is in FDA review and briquilimab is in clinical trials. Biologics work by targeting cells and interrupting the inflammatory process. This stops or reduces symptoms. Biologics are injectable medications typically given once per month.

Cyclosporine: This is an oral medication that calms the immune system to prevent hives from occurring. It can be taken along with antihistamines. Since cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive, it can decrease the body’s ability to fight infections. Talk with your doctor about side effects and the benefits vs. risks of taking this medication.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor: Remibrutinib is an oral medication in clinical trials. It works by blocking the activation of mast cells and basophils. These cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause hives, swelling and itching. By blocking this process, remibrutinib can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Hives and mental health

It’s important not to blame yourself for your hives. If you’re feeling anxiety, depression or embarrassment about your skin condition, talk with your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. Support groups for people with urticaria also let you share experiences and know you are not alone.

Don’t let chronic urticaria impact your quality of life. Talk to your doctor. Check out the Chronic Urticaria Toolkit at ChronicHives.info.

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Tips and tricks on how to best load your dishwasher

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – One question has persisted in households everywhere: Is there a right way to load a dishwasher? The answer is yes. To ensure that your dishes come out clean when your washer is done doing its job, take a look at how you do yours.

The experts at KitchenAid brand share tips to help your dishes come out clean — and you may be surprised how easy your cleanup time can be.

1. Let go of rinsing

You may have been trained to pre-rinse dishes, but if you bought your dishwasher in the past 10 years, you may be able to give up this step. Pre-rinsing can be a waste of time and resources, as most modern dishwashers have built-in sensors that measure the soil level of each load. If dishes don’t have soil on them, your dishwasher may cut the cycle short, leaving dishes less than pristine. Simply scrape off excess food and debris before loading.

2. Make sure everything is dishwasher safe

You don’t want to clutter your dishwasher with items that don’t belong, or worse yet, risk damaging anything that should be hand washed. Watch for items like:

  • Wooden utensils, bowls, cutting boards: They’re porous and might warp.
  • Cast iron and non-stick pans: Hot water and detergent can destroy their coatings.
  • Silver or enamel: Heat and detergent can ruin these finishes.
  • Fine china: Some dishwashers have cycles specifically designed for fine china, but since they can break or chip easily, you may want to wash with extra care by hand.

3. Load for maximum spray

Load items so they’re angled downward, toward the center of the rack. This method helps enable the maximum amount of spray jets to reach surfaces to clean them properly. Avoid close nesting or overlapping items, as that can block spray from reaching dishes.

4. Optimize loading with a third rack

When you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwasher will free up more space with its convenient third rack for items like silverware, measuring cups and spatulas. Especially for large households or if you enjoy frequent cooking and entertaining, this dishwasher is designed to make your life easier, with over 50 wash jets to provide total cleaning coverage for dishes in all three racks.

The 7.25 cubic foot MaxTub Largest Dishwasher Tub* makes room for the 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack, which fits 10 extra glasses and mugs,** freeing up space for larger items below, and the fold-down rows in the lower rack accommodate cookware of various shapes and sizes. The 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available,*** it also has a removable utensil tray for cooking tools and moisture-wicking tines for thorough drying.

5. Think rack by rack

Start at the top by loading smaller, lighter items like mugs, stemware and small plates and bowls in your second and/or third rack. Large utensils, spatulas and ladles should be laid flat on an upper rack, as putting them in the utensil holder could block the lower level spray arm. Smaller utensils can also be loaded on the upper rack — just make sure they’re placed so they won’t fall through open spaces in the rack. Plastic containers should be loaded on an upper rack away from the heating element to prevent warping or melting. Only wash plastic items that are marked “dishwasher safe.”

The lower rack is designed for large items like dinner plates and dishwasher-safe cookware. Alternating large and small items helps spray arms reach all surfaces. Place soiled pans, bowls and casserole dishes on their sides, especially for older dishwashers that might only have a spray arm in the bottom that could be blocked by face-down dishes. Oversized items like cutting boards or pans are best laid down on their sides or placed around the perimeter so the spray arm isn’t impeded.

Finally, load the utensil holder with cutlery handles down, except for knives. They should be inserted blades down to protect fingers during emptying.

Pro tip: Unload dishwasher in reverse order, starting with cutlery and the bottom rack — this avoids having any water that’s pooled in dishes in upper racks from splashing on items below while you’re unloading.

No more arguing about how to load the dishwasher, now that you know the best method for keeping your dishes clean. Learn more about the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets™ 3rd Rack Dishwasher at KitchenAid.com.

*Based on usable volume.

**Compared to KDTE204K and KDFE204K models.

***Among leading brands based on usable volume.


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4 supplements to try during National Nutrition Month

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – While there’s never been more types and brands of supplements available, knowing which are most important and how to select high-quality options can be confusing. In fact, a recent survey by Life Time, the national health and wellness company, shows that 71% of adults are overwhelmed by the variety of supplement choices.

No matter your health and wellness goals, there are key staples and newer products that can help you achieve them. Paul Kriegler, Life Time’s Senior Director of Nutritional Products, offers four essential supplements to add to your routine and why they matter:

  1. Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth, protein helps maintain a healthy metabolism and supports overall body function*. Life Time offers delicious shake recipes on its free Life Time app.
  2. Colostrum: Rich in antibodies and bioactive compounds, colostrum can help support the immune system and promote gut and skin health*. Look for a product without artificial flavors or sweeteners.
  3. Fish Oil: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil may support heart health and brain function*. Look for fish oil that is sustainably sourced and contains EPA and DHA, the most active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
  4. Electrolytes: Crucial for hydration, electrolytes help maintain fluid balance, muscle function, and energy levels. Products made with trace minerals can provide comprehensive electrolyte support.

If you’ve made the decision to add supplements to your routine, it’s important to recognize that all are not created equal. To help you cut through the noise, Kriegler suggests these tips to identify high-quality products:

  1. Seek credible experts you know — not random influencers: Influencers are rarely experts on the supplements they share and certainly aren’t familiar with your unique circumstances. Instead, turn to qualified and certified health professionals you trust for reliable information.
  2. Check for third-party validation: Look for products with NSF or USP labels to ensure the supplements have been independently tested and verified.
  3. Make sure they’re absorbable: Some manufacturers use cheaper or lower-quality ingredients that aren’t easily absorbed by the body.
  4. Avoid artificial ingredients: Artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners can mask the taste and texture of low-quality ingredients. Life Time’s LTH supplements are made with natural flavors, colors and sweeteners, and are GMO-free, so you know you’re getting the nutrition you need — and nothing else.

“In the crowded health and wellness space, finding quality products you can trust is more challenging than ever,” Kriegler notes. “These top supplements and tips can help you continue on your health journey and our Life Time complimentary app is a great content resource for articles, recipes and more.”

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Reshaping the future of women in medicine

2025-03-05T08:05:00

(BPT) – This Women’s History Month, SkinCeuticals, the #1 medical aesthetics skincare brand worldwide, and ReSurge International are coming together to break barriers, work towards equality in surgery and transform communities across the globe.

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5 ways to boost healthier living during National Nutrition Month

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever thought about all the ways food brings people together? The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month®, “Food Connects Us,” created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages individuals to explore the importance of making informed food choices while developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Sharing meals brings people together in ways that hold deep cultural and social meaning across communities worldwide, providing opportunities to learn about food preparation, the origins of ingredients, and the history behind the people who create the dishes. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access all play a role in shaping people’s relationships with food and sharing meals can enhance social connections and strengthen community bonds. While all these factors influence the foods you eat, that food in turn also affects your health.

Herbalife is fully embracing National Nutrition Month®, with its nutritionists and scientists highlighting how food connects people to their cultures, families and communities — both their own and others. As a global health and wellness company present in over 90 countries and known for its science-based nutrition products, Herbalife has built a worldwide network of distributors, many of whom operate independent nutrition clubs, to encourage learning about healthier lifestyle habits.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs) such as those at Herbalife, all play a critical role in helping people understand the connection between the foods individuals and communities eat, and how these foods impact everyone’s health throughout their lives.

Here are tips from the experts at Herbalife for improving your health during this National Nutrition Month® and beyond.

1. Make time to learn

Experts like the registered dietitians who make up the Dietetic Advisory Board and members of the Nutrition Advisory Board at Herbalife dedicate significant time in educating their distributors and their customers to help them achieve the nutrition they need for a healthier lifestyle. Learning how to read and understand nutrition labels is one crucial step, along with understanding the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods — ingredients containing many essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need, without a lot of empty calories that are devoid of nutritional value.

To help you get started, there are plenty of online resources on nutrition, such as Herbalife.com, where you can find tips for shopping and meal planning. Focusing on ways to prepare well-balanced meals, rather than opting for the quickest and easiest snacks, is key to fostering better health and well-being for you and your family.

2. Find community and connection

How you cook and eat together with family, friends and your community can impact your health and wellness goals. Activities like shopping, cooking together and having children spend time with you in the kitchen can help your whole family build healthier habits. Your children will learn from your example as you prioritize choosing quality ingredients and prepare them with care to make healthful meals.

You can also enhance that sense of connection by sharing meals with extended family, friends and other community members. Becoming an Herbalife distributor or joining one of their nutrition clubs are ways to engage with your community and continue to learn and grow.

3. Practice mindful eating

Pay attention to the origins of your food, as well as how you consume them. Learning where ingredients come from and how they are best prepared can enhance your appreciation for meals and encourage healthier habits.

Increase mindfulness by turning meals into special occasions where distractions (like phones) are set aside. Spend time enjoying the food and each other’s company as you share the meal together. Slow down to appreciate each bite of food so you can not only savor the flavors and the social occasion but help decrease everyone’s tendency to overeat.

4. Prioritize nutrition

Focus on creating well-balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients. Even when you do your best, statistics show that the American diet does not always provide the proper amount of some key nutrients that are needed for the body to function optimally. It’s all too easy to lean on convenience over substance, which can have a negative impact on long-term health. Herbalife products can help supplement your diet with essential nutrients, ensuring you get the nutrition you need.

5. Stay active together

Combine more nutrition-focused eating with physical activity with family or friends to create a healthier lifestyle for everyone. Herbalife encourages incorporating exercise into your daily routine, through group activities at nutrition clubs, personal workouts and/or family outdoor activities. You can start with simple family walks or bike rides before or after dinner.

“Herbalife is more than just a provider of nutrition products — it’s a trusted community that helps millions of people around the world achieve their health and wellness goals every day,” said Susan Bowerman, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND and senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife. “We focus on creating lasting behavioral changes that enhance overall health and quality of life. Herbalife’s commitment extends beyond products, with our networks of independent distributors offering coaching and motivation to help customers reach their goals.”

Explore healthy living habits, nutrition tips and how to participate in a community focused on wellness at Herbalife.com.

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New Report Reveals Americans Value Unlimited Mobile Data More Than Ever This Tax Season

2025-03-04T08:03:00

(BPT) – As tax season approaches, Americans’ dependence on mobile data they can rely on surges. Straight Talk’s third annual survey conducted in early 2025 shows that 88% of Americans consider mobile data they can rely on essential, with 53% using it for online banking and tax-related activities like downloading forms and filing returns. The data also indicates that many experience slow speeds with limited data plans, leading to additional purchases. These insights highlight the growing importance of having unlimited data plans to maintain productivity and connectivity during tax time.

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