Author: admin

2018-01-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Dru Riddle of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the estimated 7.5 million people afflicted with psoriasis across the United States. A nurse anesthetist and university professor, Riddle understands first-hand the importance of receiving the proper treatment as quickly as possible and treating the condition with safe, effective medicine. Diagnosed with psoriasis in 2003 and psoriatic arthritis (PA) in 2010, Riddle underwent the treatment trials and errors common to many sufferers of PA before he was connected with a health care provider who prescribed a more aggressive plan that included biologics. Before doctors put him to a biologic therapy, Riddle suffered for several years with skin lesions and joint pain. “Finally I was switched to an injectable biologic medication,” Riddle says. “Those medications have really helped control my disease and the symptoms.”

A condition that is more than skin deep

Psoriasis often presents as patches of itchy, flaky skin, while PA — which affects about a third of psoriasis patients — results in joint swelling and pain, which may cause permanent damage. Both conditions are a product of the body’s immune system attacking itself instead of the foreign invader that should be its target.

PA can usually be identified by psoriasis-like skin inflammations. However, sometimes the joint pain and swelling appear first. This can make it difficult for doctors to properly diagnose the condition.

Initially, Riddle’s condition was treated topically with little to no effect. The relief he found with the right medicines was life-changing and he has vowed to help others with PA find the right care.

“I recommend anyone with PA be extremely aggressive with their treatment,” Riddle says. “The risks of not treating your PA are so much greater than treating it.”

Understanding biosimilars

In his quest for the right treatment regime, Riddle was diligent about his self-care and joined a number of clinical trials for the types of biologics that have been so integral to his treatment plan. It was thanks to his proactive approach to treating his condition that he started learning more about biosimilars.

Biosimilars are safe, effective and affordable alternatives to conventional biologic medicines, similar to generic offerings in other medicinal categories. Widely used in Europe, biosimilars have faced a biologics-dominated market in the United States that has so far been successful in limiting their availability. Expanding the biosimilars market in the United States will require manufacturers, the government and regulatory groups to work together to craft new policies, making access to these potentially life-changing treatments their top priority.

Riddle applauds the option of safe, effective and affordable biosimilars for patients.

“The expense of the biologic medication can be prohibitive — they’re very costly,” Riddle says. “So some people may benefit from a more affordable biosimilar medication. That medication has the same efficacy, meaning it works just as well as the biologic.”

Learning more about your options

“There’s no need to be afraid of the medicine,” says Christine Simmon, Executive Director of The Biosimilars Council, a group working to support the broad components of the biosimilar industry and enabling increased access to safe, effective and affordable biosimilar medicines. “Learn more about your options, talk to your doctor and make sure you’re receiving the medication that is the most effective treatment for your condition.”

If you have psoriasis and/or PA, you deserve to know all of your options, including biosimilars. Your doctor can provide you the information you need on these treatment options. To prepare for your next doctor’s visit and have your initial questions answered, visit http://biosimilarscouncil.org/ today.

2018-01-25T09:03:01

(BPT) – At age 64, Bob Carlson was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and he felt the diagnosis was like “an expiration date being stamped on his life, like a milk carton,” and the time he had left “wasn’t nearly enough.” Bob, his wife, Julia, and doctors chose chemotherapy to combat his illness—but according to Bob, his quality of life after taking the treatments was non-existent.

Bob became so sick from the chemotherapy that he felt the treatments were almost worse than the disease itself. He talked to his doctor, who said there was nothing else they could do. Bob was on the verge of giving up hope when his physician sent him to a different research center. There, Bob met with another physician who presented him with a new option and renewed his fight.

Understanding the changing lung cancer treatment landscape

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, representing approximately 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses. While a cure for lung cancer does not currently exist, cancer immunotherapy is changing the treatment landscape and improving the prognosis for many people with lung cancer. Several immunotherapy treatments are approved for lung cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including some as a first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients.

Immunotherapy is widely considered to be the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Cancer immunotherapy treatments harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight cancer.

According to a report published in the Annals of Oncology by the Cancer Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research, there are over 2,004 immunotherapy agents in development with over sixty clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy combinations in lung cancer. There are 26 immunotherapies approved by the FDA, including six immunotherapy agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

“Today, the lung cancer space has the largest number of combination clinical trials underway, evaluating how two or more medications can work better when taken together. These trials hold much promise for patients, but there are still a lot of misperceptions surrounding clinical trials, with many people thinking that these studies are only an option after other treatments have failed,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “However, many of the clinical trials currently underway are evaluating immunotherapy treatments for front-line use.”

The Cancer Research Institute offers the Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder as a free resource to help patients match themselves with appropriate trials based on their specific cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment history.

“We hope that the Clinical Trial Finder will help more people learn about potential clinical trial options earlier in their patient journey so that they might have better outcomes,” said Dr. O’Donnell-Tormey.

How a clinical trial made all the difference

In August 2013, Bob became the very last patient to enroll in a particular clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, evaluating a checkpoint inhibitor—a promising immunotherapy approach that works by “taking the brakes off” the immune system to allow it to mount a stronger and more effective attack against cancer.

Once he started the immunotherapy treatment in the clinical trial, Bob and his doctors realized in short order that the treatment was working. “We saw tumor reduction rather quickly—which was amazing. And to top it off, unlike chemotherapy, which involved lengthy infusions that took many hours and left me ill due to the side effects, the experience of having the immunotherapy treatment in this case only took about 30 minutes, and has very little impact on my quality of life. You take your medicine, and you go on with your life. I have had to make zero lifestyle changes,” said Bob.

Now, almost five years later, Bob and Julia are back pursuing their hobby of wildlife photography and travel. He is hopeful that more patients will benefit from emerging immunotherapy treatments—through new FDA-approved therapies and through clinical trial participation.

“My only wish is that I had known about the immunotherapy clinical trial sooner,” he continued. “And I hope that through continued research more immunotherapy treatments are discovered that work for all patients with all cancer types.”

There are many other cancer patients and survivors, like Bob, who have been given new hope thanks to cancer immunotherapy research and clinical trials. For more information on cancer immunotherapy and how to match with an open clinical trial, visit the Cancer Research Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder at https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials.

2018-01-26T10:29:00

(BPT) – There are 18.8 million veterans in the U.S., according to the most recent U.S. Census. More than 9 million are seeking treatment at their local U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs medical center, and more than 39,000 are homeless on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are many ways to help a veteran in need. Below are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference in a veteran’s life this year.

Tie your passion to your action.

We all have passions that bring us joy. There are many ways that suit your interests to give back while helping veterans in need. For example, do you like to spend time outdoors? Many organizations host volunteer activities like cleaning a veterans memorial in the community. Are you more of a people person? Give your time to a local veterans facility to connect with a resident in need of company.

Reach out to a veteran service organization to learn more.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion are actively involved in veteran causes with local units across the U.S. They offer community through memberships, organize and hold volunteer events throughout the year. As a first step, visit the websites of each organization and look for a unit close to you. Meeting with these organizations or others can kick-start your efforts to get involved with the veteran community.

Donate a day of service.

Everyday life can get messy with full-time jobs and commitments. One way to identify free time for charitable activities is to use a day off engaging in community service. “Donate” your Memorial Day to help the ALA distribute handmade poppies that support veterans in local hospitals, visit a veterans facility or deliver a meal or care package.

Give a gift.

Extend your thankfulness to the veteran community by making a gift. Mark your calendar for Nov. 27, 2018, when you can participate in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement, by making a monetary donation to an organization that dedicates its efforts to helping veterans. Whether you come together as a family, a company, a community or by yourself, a donation can make a real difference.

Helping a veteran can be a year-long commitment or a one-day activity. To learn more about how to take the first step, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2018-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online vision apps can be a great resource for health-related information, but if you rely on them to preserve your eye health and detect potential problems, you could be doing more harm than good, the American Optometric Association warns.

“Eye health is critical to overall good health,” says Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the AOA. “If someone chooses to forego an annual eye exam with a doctor of optometry because they think an online test or mobile app screening is enough, they’re making a mistake that could put their vision and health at risk.”

The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometric professionals and optometry students, supports state and federal policies that protect patients from the potential dangers of online vision test apps. Here are four of the many reasons why patients should not rely on online eye screenings or mobile apps:

1. Vision test apps or online tests can’t diagnose or treat serious eye problems.

These tools simply use measurements to gauge what is known as visual acuity, or sensitivity. However, many vision and eye health conditions don’t have obvious signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Online tests can miss serious conditions that a comprehensive eye exam would catch.

They may be designed to test for near-sightedness or far-sightedness, but can’t adequately evaluate overall eye health. For example, an online screening might be able to detect symptoms of near-sightedness, but isn’t designed to catch signs of glaucoma.

2. Vision test apps aren’t held to the same standards as doctors of optometry.

People put their eye health at risk when they choose convenience over care and today, 17 states have regulations in place to safeguard patients from unproven technologies and practices that can compromise the established and proven standard of care. And there is good reason.

Right now, online vision screening services and mobile apps aren’t required to meet the definition of a comprehensive eye exam, or clinically prove their technologies provide the same level of care you would get from a qualified eye care doctor. In addition, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3. Patients may not get the care they need.

Even if an app accurately indicates a problem with vision acuity, patients might not follow up as recommended with a doctor of optometry, who can diagnose issues and work with you to develop solutions to eye health and vision care needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist can be an important step in identifying health conditions that might not have been detected otherwise, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can help you understand the seriousness of the condition and suggest and implement appropriate treatment.

4. You could be risking your eye or overall health.

Online vision screening apps might not catch signs of a serious problem. Missing the signs of an eye health or overall health issue can put you at risk.

“People may think they’re doing something good by using a mobile vision app,” Quinn says. “Unfortunately, an online eye test does not completely cover any one of the 12 components of a regular in-person, comprehensive eye exam, something everyone needs to ensure they’re protecting and preserving their vision.”

To learn more about vision health, visit www.aoa.org.

2018-01-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, filled with countless physical, emotional and lifestyle changes. Pregnant women often do research, read books or consult friends and family to determine what to expect during those nine months and how to best combat the symptoms that may arise. While issues like morning sickness and cravings are to be expected, there are several uncomfortable, but common, effects soon-to-be moms may be less likely to anticipate.

“A woman is going to experience numerous changes to her body during pregnancy,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN, author and expert on women’s health. “Although there is abundant information about issues like backaches and morning sickness, there are a number of common symptoms women are less inclined to talk about because they either consider them taboo or embarrassing.”

While each woman’s pregnancy experience will be unique, Dr. Dweck shares some of the lesser-known, but common, health nuisances to expect when expecting:

1. Constipation

Some common causes of constipation among pregnant women include increased progesterone levels, which influences intestinal motility, increased pressure from the growing uterus and the recommended supplementation of iron. To help diminish constipation, women can try increasing their fiber and fluid intake and limit iron supplements to three times a week.

2. Yeast infections

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy often increase the chance of developing a vaginal yeast infection. However, according to a 2016 Danish nationwide cohort study, even a single, low dose of fluconazole (the leading prescription pill to treat yeast infections) may increase miscarriage risk. Instead, Dr. Dweck recommends MONISTAT 7 for vaginal yeast infections, as it relieves symptoms four times faster and works on more of the most common strains of yeast than the prescription oral pill. Nevertheless, women should always check with their own healthcare provider before using any treatment during pregnancy.

3. Heartburn

Heartburn and indigestion are most frequent during the third trimester, as the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach and the muscle tone of the esophagus relaxes. To help minimize heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, sit or stand after a meal and avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods. OTC antacids are typically safe, but it is important to speak to an OB-GYN before taking.

4. Varicose veins

Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. As blood volume increases and the uterus enlarges, additional pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis, lower extremities and the rectal area. Elevate the legs to improve circulation, avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended lengths of time and try to exercise regularly, if possible.

5. Body and facial hair growth

Hair is likely to grow faster and thicker during pregnancy on places other than just the head. Higher levels of estrogen extend the growth phase of hair, leading to less shedding and denser locks. Safe ways to get rid of these unwanted hairs during pregnancy include tweezing, waxing and shaving.

Regardless of whether a result of pregnancy is considered normal, pregnant women should readily consult their OB-GYN if they experience any changes or if they are looking for treatment solutions. Though health nuisances are bound to pop up during pregnancy, there are simple solutions to combat them so women can make the most of this wonderful time and prep for the arrival of baby. For more information, visit Monistat.com.

2018-01-31T08:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know that your zip code has a bigger impact on your health than your genetic code? It’s because of factors known as social determinants of health. Things like air quality, employment, education, the people you socialize with and the safety of your neighborhood all have an impact. In fact, 60 percent of a person’s life expectancy is driven by factors outside of the doctor’s office. Check out a few surprising things in your neighborhood impacting your health — and what to do about them:

Your Sidewalks

You might not think about it, but your sidewalks are impacting your health. The average person burns 100 calories walking a mile. If we all had more easily accessible sidewalks and spent more time walking, we could become more fit. The WalkWorks ChesCo! program in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge Spotlight winner, set a goal for community members to hit one billion steps in 2017, and reached it three months ahead of schedule. Reach your step goal by taking a sidewalk stroll every once in a while.

Your Grocery Stores

How easy is it to get to your nearest grocery store? The distance between your home and the nearest grocery store impacts your health immensely. The CDC defines a food desert as an area that lacks access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other foods that make up a full and healthy diet. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, residents in the East End neighborhood have spent the last 35 years with little or no grocery stores close by. Last year, a pop-up market ended the trend of food deserts and gave the neighborhood accessible, healthful options.The grocery stores in your neck of the woods might just influence your fruit and vegetable consumption.

Your Neighborhood Police

Community police work to keep your neighborhoods safe and lower violence rates. The Mind/Spirit/Body project in Jersey City, New Jersey, has made it a priority to recognize violence as a health issue, and has actively decreased violence within local neighborhoods by promoting healthy behaviors among its citizens. In the last 25 years, violent crime rates have decreased by 50 percent because of police. Next time you see an officer, thank them for keeping you safe!

Your Water System

Your water system impacts so many aspects of your daily life. From safe drinking water, to a healthy sewer system to curbing erosion from rainfall, communities must manage water in many ways. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewer overflows happen about 75,000 times a year. Did you know sewage overflows can contaminate our waters, cause property damage and other public health threats? The city of Camden, New Jersey, another Challenge Spotlight Award winner, set up a program to reduce the number of sewage overflows in their region and improve water quality for all. The Camden SMART Initiative gathers community engagement through a variety of new mobile apps, community meetings and social media. Make sure to check to see if your community sewer system is in top shape to avoid contaminants.

Your Schools

The schools in your community matter. Many studies show that a higher level of education is a strong predictor of a longer life due to many factors, including higher income, social status, healthy behaviors and social well-being. The Steinhardt School at NYU completed a study, finding that 145,243 deaths could have been prevented in 2010 if adults who had not completed high school went on to earn a GED or high school degree. Education levels affect mortality rates over time. Your local teachers, schools and peers impact your life expectancy more than you know.

To learn more, visit: http://www.healthiestcities.org/ and join the conversation at #Healthiestcitieschallenge.

About the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge:

The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge is a collaboration between the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties to encourage small to midsize U.S. cities, counties and federally recognized tribes to create a positive health impact. The challenge will identify the best practices for achieving community and individual health, wellness and health equity.

2018-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced Americans’ eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for you,” are now considered nutritious.

“Nutrition is exciting. Just about every day there is new research about how certain foods work in our body,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Over time as research is done, foods that were once considered unhealthy can be found to actually play a key role in healthy diets.”

What historically “unhealthy” foods are now considered wholesome? Blatner provides some examples:

Eggs

Shunned for many years, eggs were believed to be bad for heart health due to high cholesterol levels. However, numerous studies have shown that intake of dietary cholesterol has little influence on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you take in from food.

Today, eggs are part of a healthy diet — so much so that recently the country’s leading weight loss service announced that eggs are now included on its zero points list. Keep in mind, though, that not all eggs are created equal. When shopping for eggs, look for Eggland’s Best eggs, which have significantly more nutrition than ordinary eggs.

“Many health and nutrition organizations are finally recognizing eggs for the nutrient powerhouse they are,” says Blatner. “Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and more than double the vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs, making them the best egg option to maximize your nutritional intake.”

Nuts

Snacking on nuts today is typically considered a healthy way to keep hunger pangs at bay, but it wasn’t always that way. Nuts used to have a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, and were often avoided, especially for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, many nuts are considered the ideal nutritious snack as they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For example, the versatile almond is relatively low in calories when compared to other nuts and has more calcium than other varieties, according to Health.com. Plus, almonds are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

“Nuts can make a great snack or wonderful addition to recipes,” says Blatner. “The one thing to be mindful of is sodium intake. Opt for raw nuts or dry-roasted varieties. These are minimally processed and typically won’t contain the salt and oils you’ll find in other varieties.”

Carbohydrates

Due to empty calories and low nutritional value, cutting carbs has been at the heart of diet fads for decades. The problem with this is that it assumes all carbs are equal, which is false.

“The important thing to realize is there are high-quality and low-quality carbs,” says Blatner. “Instead of shaming all carbs, focus on high-quality sources of carbohydrates that fuel the body and give you energy — skip the refined grains like white bread and focus on whole grains.”

Want to try a recipe that uses some of these formerly misunderstood foods? Blatner shares one of her favorites.

Eggland’s Best Spinach & Avocado Egg Sushi

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large), 1 tablespoon milk, 1 dash of salt, 1 dash of ground black pepper, 1 large whole wheat tortilla (12 inch), 1/2 avocado (mashed), 1 cup fresh baby spinach

For the spicy sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce) and 1 teaspoon milk in a small bowl.

Directions:

Coat a 10-inch nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat on medium-low heat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cover with a lid. Do not scramble! Cook until set (about 3-4 minutes), flip and finish cooking (about 1-2 minutes).

Lay tortilla flat and spread with avocado, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

When eggs are finished cooking, place in the center of the tortilla and top with spinach.

Start at one end and roll tightly, but gently.

Coat the same skillet with nonstick spray and warm on medium-high heat.

Place roll seam-side down on skillet and brown slightly on both sides. Remove and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, slice 1-inch pieces, drizzle with spicy sauce and serve with chopsticks.

2018-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to take a serious look at your heart health. One important aspect of managing your heart health is keeping your cholesterol levels within a healthy range. With a few smart steps, you can help support your heart health today and well into the future.

Dr. Shawn Dhillon, medical director at Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore, believes that managing heart health begins with strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. It’s through open, honest conversation that people can best manage their cholesterol levels to support a healthy heart.

“It’s critical for patients to have an open dialogue about a management plan,” says Dr. Dhillon. “It’s also important for physicians to properly explain conditions and treatment options to patients, and equally important for patients to listen. Talking and forming a partnership helps ensure success.”

In the US, more than 100 million American adults have high cholesterol, which can lead to hard, thick buildup (plaque) forming in your arteries, causing them to narrow and slowing down and even blocking the flow of blood to your heart. This is dangerous because blood carries oxygen to the heart and brain. If enough oxygen doesn’t reach your heart, you may feel pains in your chest, and if blood supply is completely blocked to any part of your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

To help encourage a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Dhillon often suggests therapeutic lifestyle changes before recommending any medication. This may start by looking at dietary changes that increase intake of soluble fiber and decrease intake of trans and saturated fats.

Dr. Dhillon also recommends increased exercise, which works the heart and encourages weight loss. For those who need to reduce cholesterol levels, The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or activity 3 to 4 times a week.

“If cholesterol levels still do not improve to where we want them to be after trying lifestyle changes for an adequate amount of time, we supplement with a statin medication,” says Dr. Dhillon.

Statins are prescription drugs that can help people manage cholesterol levels. LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) is a statin medication that, along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can improve overall cholesterol levels while having a lower risk of certain unpredictable drug interactions compared to other statins.

Some people may experience side effects when starting a statin. “It’s important to record any symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider,” according to Dr. Dhillon. “Everyone has a different tolerance level for statins,” he says. “Sometimes the body needs time to adjust to the new medication. You may experience muscle aches or fatigue but by working with your doctor you can make adjustments — perhaps trying a lower dose or trying a different type of statin — so that you can find a treatment that works for your unique needs.”

While speaking with your doctor, ask if LIVALO is right for you. LIVALO lowers cholesterol levels by targeting the enzyme that plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. LIVALO is metabolized, or processed, in the liver differently than most other statins and may be less likely to interact with other medications. Because of the way LIVALO is metabolized differently than most statins, patients are able to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, both of which can potentially interfere with the action of some other prescription drugs.

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO.
• Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Pain in the legs or arms

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1.800.FDA.1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, and out of the reach of children.
• LIVALO can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit http://www.livalorx.com.

© Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2017) – LIV-RA-0109

2018-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – At the turn of the calendar, many people begin taking action on what they plan to accomplish in the new year. Some have resolved to take up a new hobby, to save more money, to travel and, of course, to improve their health.

New eating plans and gym memberships are common steps people take toward their health goals, but there are other effective ways to improve your health — like adding probiotics to your daily regimen. You’ve likely heard of probiotics before, but do you know how they benefit your health and how to select the right one for you? This article can help.*

What is a probiotic?

Before delving into how probiotics can help your body, let’s first explain what they actually are. In the simplest terms, probiotics are the good bacteria (live microorganisms) that live inside your digestive tract and help your body to function properly. There are many different types of probiotics, and each one performs a different function in your digestive system.*

The billions of bacteria that live inside your digestive tract are often called “microflora,” or more correctly, “microbiota,” and the environment that they work together to create inside the body is called the microbiome. Maintaining proper balance within your microbiome is crucial for overall health.*

How do probiotics help?

The beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract are influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, medication use, traveling and poor diet. Therefore, it is important to prioritize diet and lifestyle to maintain proper gut ecology. Probiotics are also effective for maintaining healthy populations of beneficial bacteria. Numerous clinical studies have shown probiotics have positive effects on health, including assisting in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients and contributing to immune system health. Some studies have suggested that certain beneficial strains may also support brain function.*

Probiotics in your diet

Probiotics are found in many foods you may enjoy every day including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. However, due to food processing and packaging, maintaining the stability and potency of the live beneficial bacteria in these foods can be a challenge. Including probiotic supplements in your routine ensures a consistent dose to help you and your family maintain optimal health.*

Finding the right probiotic supplement for you

Probiotic supplements can help support health at any age — from infancy to adulthood. When it comes to selecting the probiotics for you and your family, the best options are those that are formulated based on clinical research. Genestra Brands offers a comprehensive line of clinically studied, effective probiotic strains that have been recommended by doctors for more than 20 years. With more than 25 gluten-free, non-GMO formulas, Genestra Brands’ probiotics offer personalized support to help make your New Year’s resolution of becoming a healthier you that much easier.*

Before you begin taking any type of probiotic, speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist about whether they are safe and right for you.

To learn more about probiotics designed with you in mind, visit genestrahmf.com.

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

2018-02-02T12:17:00

(BPT) – Managing finances can seem like a daunting task, and many have a hard time deciphering between necessities and luxuries, such as vacations. People might even take some of these necessities for granted and not consider healthcare costs as part of that. However, a chronic health condition like diabetes can add an extra layer to managing a budget.

With medical costs for people with diabetes two times higher than for people without diabetes¹, it’s not surprising that in a recent survey of 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, with diabetes and 500 U.S. adults, ages 26-64, without diabetes, more than half with diabetes report the costs associated with their condition have negatively impacted their finances. In fact, of those surveyed, more than two-thirds of employed participants with diabetes are concerned they’ll have to delay retirement specifically because of healthcare costs, and 62 percent of employed participants living with diabetes are concerned health issues will force them to retire before they have the financial resources to do so.²

With managing personal finances often top of mind, it is important for those living with diabetes to have tools and resources to help with budgeting. Roche Diabetes Care Inc. collaborated with Alexa von Tobel*, Founder and CEO of LearnVest.com, a company redefining America’s approach to personal finance, to help give people living with diabetes the ability to focus on their health, not the costs. In a video on Accu-Chek.com, von Tobel shares her advice and tips on budgeting, specifically for adults living with diabetes, which include:

• Creating a budget, mapping out all of the expenses in your life, and dedicating a credit or debit card to diabetes-related expenses to make tracking what you spend even easier
• Dedicating 50 percent or less of total income toward necessities, like groceries, diabetes-related expenses, rent, and transportation
• Putting away 20 percent for the future so you are left with 30 percent for personal expenses

Another tool for those living with diabetes to help with managing budgets is the Accu-Check^® Guide SimplePay program.³ With the program, people with diabetes can have a savings solution that maintains a low cost for test strips to help them focus on what is best for their health, not what it costs. The Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program is designed to help make managing diabetes more affordable for the millions of Americans living with diabetes by guaranteeing a low price for test strips every day. To utilize the SimplePay program, patients can sign up by answering a few short questions at www.Accu-Chek.com, and hand the SimplePay card to their pharmacist, along with their test strip prescription to start saving.

To learn more about budgeting tips from Alexa von Tobel, check out her video on www.accu-chek.com. While there, you can also learn more about the Accu-Chek^® Guide SimplePay program and download the free SimplePay card.

___________________________________

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/library/socialmedia/diabetes-infographic.pdf

² The Roche Diabetes Care Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research among U.S. adults ages 26-64, 500 of whom are currently being treated for diabetes and 500 who aren’t, between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1, 2017. The margin of error was +/- 4.4% for each audience.

³ The card is not insurance; it is a cash discount program and cannot be combined with any form of health insurance. Those insured by any government healthcare program, such as Medicare, Medicaid, the military or VA, are NOT eligible for this offer. Insurers may offer a lower cost option. 30- or 90-day Accu-Chek Guide test strip prescription required. Limit 12 vials per refill.

Refills cannot be dispensed before 75% of previous days’ supply have elapsed. Program may be changed or discontinued at any time.

*Alexa von Tobel is a paid spokesperson for Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. and Accu-Chek^®.

**Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. is not providing financial, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your professional financial adviser to determine what is best for you.

Accu-Chek^®, Accu-Chek^® GUIDE and Accu-Chek^® GUIDE SIMPLEPAY are trademarks of Roche.