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Need affordable vision care? How Medicare Advantage can help

2024-11-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – The end of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is fast approaching. By Dec. 7, it’s important that eligible adults choose a plan that fits their needs, especially when it comes to vision care benefits.

Not all Medicare plans provide vision care. Some require beneficiaries to pay 100% of the cost for routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts. To ensure you can afford vision care in 2025, it’s crucial that you carefully review your plan’s benefits.

Why vision care matters

Vision difficulties are common among Medicare beneficiaries. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 35% of beneficiaries reported difficulty seeing in 2019.

Seeing clearly isn’t the only reason older adults need vision care. Routine eye exams can also help detect signs of over 270 health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Does Medicare Advantage cover vision?

Original Medicare does not cover vision. You’ll be on the hook for the full price of a routine eye exam, which can range from $75-$200 for patients without vision insurance.

Luckily, Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C) plans often do, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors. In fact, KFF found that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans spent less out-of-pocket on vision care than beneficiaries in traditional Medicare in 2018.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, vision care benefits may vary. If you qualify for Medicare Advantage but have not signed up, consider doing so this year.

If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to review your vision care benefits in case of changes. It’s also a good idea to compare Medicare Advantage plans to make sure you’re getting vision care that you can afford and that meets your vision needs.

You have options

If your Medicare plan doesn’t cover all your vision needs, you still have options for vision care benefits. Separate vision insurance, like a plan through VSP® Individual Vision Plans, can help complete your coverage at an affordable price.

VSP vision insurance offers coverage for routine eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, which are not covered by Original Medicare. Because VSP doesn’t have open enrollment or waiting periods, you can purchase and use your vision insurance plan at any time. You’ll also have access to a large doctor network, so you don’t need to stress about finding an eye doctor near you.

Benefits include 20% off additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam.

Whether you have Medicare Advantage or not, you can make sure you have access to vision care you can afford with the benefits you need to keep your vision healthy.

Visit VSPDirect.com to find the best vision plan for you. While you’re there, you can also compare insurance plans and see which one meets your needs.

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5 tips for breathing easier during cold and flu season

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you ever wonder why it may be harder to breathe during cold and flu season? Cold air, for one thing. Cold air can irritate airways and make them narrower, increasing mucus production. What else makes you feel stuffy? Spending more time indoors during cold weather may expose you to poor air quality from closed doors, sealed windows and stale air from heating systems which may leave you feeling congested. And, sometimes your nose is blocked due to inflammation and mucus buildup caused by an actual cold or flu virus.

When you’re feeling stuffy, here are five tips for clearing your nasal passages to help you breathe easier:

Take a hot shower: The steam created in a hot shower can open your sinuses and help loosen mucus. If a shower isn’t available, you can lean over a bowl of hot water. Covering your head with a towel or other cloth can keep the steam in.

Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can prevent your nasal passages from drying out. Be mindful to keep your humidifier clean.

Stay hydrated: Fluids — from chicken soup to cups of your favorite tea — will help loosen the goo in your nose and lungs. Research shows your body needs more fluid for quick relief and to fight off infection.

Flush out the mucus: Nasal irrigation is a safe and easy way to clean your nose when you’re stuffed up during cold and flu season. An excellent option is Navage Nasal Care, the #1 doctor recommended drug-free nasal irrigation device according to an independent study of 300 Ear, Nose and Throat specialists. Navage uses gentle, powered suction and a Saltpod® containing saline concentrate that is combined with distilled, boiled or bottled water to flush out mucus, help with postnasal drip and relieve sinus congestion and sinus headaches. Naväge works fast to flush, moisturize and cleanse the nasal cavity. Find Naväge online at www.navage.com and in many national retailers.

Add a few pillows when you sleep: Elevating your head during sleep can help with mucus drainage and reduce congestion.

Data show that nose breathing not only makes you feel better, it is also good for your heart with positive effects including decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.

“A stuffy nose is one of the most commonly experienced and annoying symptoms during cold and flu season,” said Howard L. Levine MD, listed as one of The Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors in Cleveland, world-renowned expert in nasal and sinus disorders, and consultant to Naväge. “Breathing easier — and especially through your nose — provides real relief.”

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3 Apple-Inspired Activities to Enjoy this Fall

2024-11-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Bare Snacks

Fall is such a beautiful time of year — crunching through the leaves, pulling out the cozy sweaters, and best of all, enjoying popular seasonal flavors! Fall’s favorite fruit, apples, start to ripen for fall so it only makes sense to give apples the spotlight they deserve for their nutritious benefits and delicious, crisp taste.

There are so many ways to experience the simple joys of apples with fall-inspired activities. Here are three ways to enjoy and appreciate the bounty of the season while making precious memories with loved ones before the season shifts once again.

1. Go Apple Picking

Fall is a great time to visit one of many apple orchards bursting with apples of all varieties ready for picking. Seasonal outings provide a great bonding moment with friends and family to make memories and enjoy apples with a new appreciation for how they are grown and harvested. How to enjoy all those apples once they’ve been picked from the tree? Along with classics like apple pies or apple cider donuts, try an even simpler recipe such as Cinnamon Baked Apples, which pairs freshly picked apples with some extra crunch from Bare® Apple Chips.

Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Bare® Apple Chips
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together oats, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, Bare® Apple Chips, and vanilla extract, then set aside. Use an apple core utensil to remove cores from apples. Place in a square baking dish. Tightly pack filling into each apple core. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the dish. Loosely cover dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and add 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil to the top of each apple. Bake for another 25 minutes until apples are soft, and filling is bubbling. Serve while warm with coconut cream if desired.

2. Visit an Apple Festival

Many communities host seasonal events like apple festivals for even more hands-on opportunities to engage with fall’s bounty. Taste it for yourself with creamy apple butter, crispy apple fritters, warming apple cider and more, or participate in activities like bobbing for apples and making apple art. Festival hopping is a great way to get together with friends and neighbors while enjoying a glorious, crisp fall day. End the day with a cozy bonfire with a mug of hot apple cider to warm up your hands or extend the fun by preparing a delicious apple-inspired brunch the following morning using the recipe below.

Apple Sheet Pan Pancakes Recipe

Makes 12 servings

sheet pan pancake with apple chips

Ingredients

  • Baking spray
  • 2 cups Bare® Apple Chips
  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 1/2 cups 1% milk
  • 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • Syrup and bananas (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 16- x 12-inch baking sheet with baking spray. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl; add milk, oil, and eggs, whisking until combined. Pour pancake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly and arrange Bare® Apple Chips evenly over batter. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into squares. Top with syrup and sliced bananas, if desired.

3. Take a Nature Walk

There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as the colorful foliage once the leaves begin changing colors. Throw on a comfy sweater and hit the trail to enjoy all that leaf peeping has to offer. These jaunts can range in difficulty, from a casual walk around the neighborhood to climbing new heights where fall foliage can be enjoyed from a unique vantage point. No matter where you go, don’t forget the snacks to enjoy on breaks while you soak in the scenery. Try Bare® Apple Chips, which are baked crunchy, a good source of fiber, and available in several apple flavors, including a cozy Cinnamon Apple flavor. Bare® Apple Chips are an easy, packable option and can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into an easy, seasonal trail mix!

Open bag of Bare apple chips on a white background.

As the seasons change, embrace the everyday moments during apple season! No matter how you enjoy them, we hope you’ll feel inspired to enjoy apples all season long.

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Sleep First to Help Prevent Drowsy Driving

2024-11-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Drowsy driving is risky and dangerously common. Many drivers are either unaware or don’t prioritize getting enough sleep as an important part of safe driving. Even though drowsy driving is high risk — the cause of nearly one in five deadly car crashes — many people continue to drive when they’re not fully alert.

Did you know that getting only 3-4 hours of sleep is similar to having a few drinks? It’s time to start thinking about drowsy driving more like drunk driving. New data from the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2024 Drowsy Driving survey show only four in 10 adults are likely to find alternatives to driving when they haven’t gotten enough sleep, whereas nearly seven in 10 adults are likely to find alternatives to driving after a few drinks.

Even if you’ve had some sleep, it may not be enough. The survey found just 50% of adults are likely to avoid driving when they haven’t gotten the sleep they need, but almost 90% of adults are likely to avoid driving when they’ve had a few drinks. More people have urged someone not to drive because of drinking than for being too sleepy or tired. However, if you haven’t had enough quality sleep to drive alert, it’s not safe for you to be behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is impaired driving. As part of its continued commitment to educate the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, NSF produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert.® Here’s a short list of things you can do before you get behind the wheel.

Prioritize Sleep Ahead of Your Drive

It is important to get the recommended amount of sleep the night before your trip. While the feeling of a good night’s sleep varies from person to person, NSF recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults and eight to 10 hours for teens.

Woman peacefully sleeping in bed.

Bring a Buddy: Plan to Have a Companion for Your Longer Trips

A companion passenger can not only help look for early warning signs of driver fatigue or sleepiness but can also help with driving when needed. A good driving co-pilot is someone who stays awake to talk to you and will be aware of your alertness. They can be particularly helpful on long trips. As you plan your next adventure, consider inviting along a driving buddy or two to make your trip safer and more memorable.

Couple on a road trip taking turns driving.

Proper Planning: Schedule Regular Stops for Your Trip

Plan a stop every 100 miles or two hours during your driving trip. Stops help you stay alert by giving you a chance to check your alertness, stretch, or rest a bit if you need to. Schedule some stops that are meaningful to you in addition to your necessary breaks. For instance, you could stop by a park for a quick stretch or walk along a scenic path before hitting the road again.

Group of three friends leaning on a car figuring out their trip using a map.

Look Out for the Signals of Drowsy Driving

Be aware of the warning signs that come with drowsy driving. Frequent blinking and yawning or having difficulty with lane and speed control are common signs that you may be too tired to drive. A companion driver can help keep an eye on the warning signs of drowsy driving, too. Remember: a drowsy driving crash can happen in just seconds. If you notice these warning signs, take action — pull over to a safe place and take a quick nap.

Woman covering a yawn while driving in a car.

NSF has more science-backed recommendations to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self®. It’s the place to start and can make a big difference to help avoid drowsy driving. There are simple things you can do every day and night to help you get enough of the quality sleep you need.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine and alcohol, keeping a wind-down routine, and sleeping in a place that’s cool, dark, and quiet — which also means putting your screen devices away an hour before bed.

Visit theNSF.org for more key tips while you make your own plan to prevent drowsy driving, plus get NSF’s expert resources to help you be your Best Slept Self®.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice.

NSF thanks its Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® 2024 sponsors, GM, Schneider National and Waymo for their support and commitment to helping the public stay safe on the road.

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Dedication over the past decade

2024-11-05T10:01:00

(BPT) – For adults who are diagnosed with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, long lasting (chronic) interstitial lung disease in which lung fibrosis continues to worsen (progress), or systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease, a diagnosis can be life-altering. Marked by scarring of the lungs, these diseases can progressively worsen.

Challenges in Diagnosis

It can take several years for patients to receive a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Symptoms are vague and may lead patients to overlook them or incorrectly attribute them to factors like fitness level or aging. Sylvia Ann, who was diagnosed with a rare form of chronic ILD with lung fibrosis, assumed her symptoms were a result of her lifestyle. “I thought that I just needed to start eating breakfast. I also thought it might be because I was overweight,” she recalls.

Initially misdiagnosed with asthma and sleep apnea, Sylvia Ann’s struggle to pinpoint the cause of her symptoms was frustrating. It took several appointments with her primary care doctor and a series of specialists before she was diagnosed with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, a chronic fibrosing ILD with worsening fibrosis.

Tana experienced a similar journey. Around the time of her 60th birthday, she began experiencing symptoms like body aches and cold hands. She initially brushed off her symptoms, and so did her rheumatologist, who diagnosed her with mild osteoarthritis and attributed the disease to aging. But when Tana began experiencing joint stiffness and coughing, she knew it was time to revisit her diagnosis. Her primary care doctor referred her to a pulmonologist, who diagnosed her with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved OFEV® (nintedanib) capsules to treat adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Since then, OFEV has also received approval to treat adults with long lasting (chronic) interstitial lung disease in which lung fibrosis continue to worsen (progress), and to slow the rate of decline in lung function in adults with SSc-ILD, also known as scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease. It is not known if OFEV is safe and effective in children.

While a diagnosis can be devastating, both Sylvia Ann and Tana worked with their healthcare providers to develop their treatment plans.

“Despite my current care, my disease was still progressing. So based on my pulmonologist’s assessment of my chronic ILD with lung fibrosis that continued to worsen, he introduced me to OFEV. It’s been a relief for me and my family to have a treatment option for my disease,” says Sylvia Ann.

In addition to their treatment with OFEV, both Sylvia Ann and Tana credit the availability of patient support programs to support them on their journey.

“All of the information that the OPEN DOORS® Patient Support Program provided, coupled with my own research, made me feel empowered,” says Sylvia Ann.

Important Safety Information and Use

What is the most important information I should know about OFEV?

OFEV can cause harm, birth defects, or death to an unborn baby. Women should not become pregnant while taking OFEV. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use highly effective birth control at the start of treatment, during treatment, and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Talk with your doctor about what birth control method is right for you during this time. Birth control pills may not work as well in women having vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems reducing the drug absorption. If you have any of these problems, talk with your doctor about what highly effective birth control method is right for you. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while taking OFEV, tell your doctor right away.

What should I tell my doctor before using OFEV?

Before you take OFEV, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have:

  • liver problems.
  • heart problems.
  • a history of blood clots.
  • a bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem.
  • had recent surgery in your stomach (abdominal) area.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OFEV passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking OFEV.
  • are a smoker. You should stop smoking prior to taking OFEV and avoid smoking during treatment.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort.

What are the possible side effects of OFEV?

OFEV may cause serious side effects.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY if you are experiencing any side effects, including:

  • Liver problems. Unexplained symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-colored) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling tired, or loss of appetite. Your doctor will do blood tests to check how well your liver is working before starting and during your treatment with OFEV.
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor may recommend that you drink fluids or take medicine to treat these side effects. Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms, if they do not go away, or get worse, and if you are taking over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, and other medicines or dietary supplements.
  • Heart attack. Symptoms of a heart problem may include chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, or shortness of breath.
  • Stroke. Symptoms of a stroke may include numbness or weakness on one side of your body, trouble talking, headache, or dizziness.
  • Bleeding problems. OFEV may increase your chances of having bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, bruising, wounds that do not heal, and/or if you are taking a blood thinner, including prescription blood thinners and over-the-counter aspirin.
  • Tear in your stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). OFEV may increase your chances of having a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall. Tell your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your stomach area.
  • Increased protein in your urine (proteinuria). OFEV may increase your chances of having protein in your urine. Tell your doctor if you have any signs and symptoms of protein in the urine such as foamy urine, swelling, including in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, or sudden weight gain.

The most common side effects of OFEV are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, liver problems, decreased appetite, headache, weight loss, and high blood pressure.

These are not all the possible side effects of OFEV. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is OFEV?

OFEV is a prescription medication used:

  • to treat adults with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
  • to treat adults with a long lasting (chronic) interstitial lung disease in which lung fibrosis continues to worsen (progress).
  • to slow the rate of decline in lung function with adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) (also known as scleroderma-associated ILD).

It is not known if OFEV is safe and effective in children.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

To learn more about OFEV as a treatment option and patient support services, visit www.OFEV.com.

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Updated Treatment Recommendations for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

2024-11-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Jim, an 81-year-old former lawyer who lives in Sarasota, Florida, was in Aruba on vacation in the late 1970s when he first experienced an uncomfortable feeling in his legs, almost like shocks.

“It was an alarming sensation, and I had no clue what it was at the time,” Jim said.

It took decades for Jim to be diagnosed with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an urge to move one or both legs, which may be relieved by movement and is most prominent at night.i

RLS can cause an irresistible urge to move one’s legs, a feeling of anticipation and often disrupts the ability to get a good night’s sleep. Clinically significant RLS impacts 2-3 percent of adults in the United States.ii

“From my experience treating patients diagnosed with RLS, their complaints are severe sleep disturbance, daytime fatigue, and mood changes, which can dramatically impair quality of life,” states John Winkelman, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Thirty years after his initial symptoms, following countless visits to the doctor’s office, and trying different medications that didn’t work but instead caused bothersome side effects, Jim was diagnosed with RLS by a sleep medicine physician.

Jim tried several treatment regimens before he was prescribed one which included Horizant® (gabapentin enacarbil) that made his symptoms better.* His constant need to get up and move and stretch throughout the night is now behind him.** Gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant®) extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary RLS in adults. Horizant is not recommended for patients who are required to sleep during the daytime and remain awake at night.iii

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) updates its Clinical Practice Guidelines for RLS

For the first time since 2012, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) issued an update to its Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of RLS, which provide physicians with recommended treatment options based on a review of the latest clinical research. Dopamine agonists (DAs) have been widely used for the treatment of RLS for 20 years. AASM Clinical Practice Guidelines now suggest against the standard use of DAs due to the risk of augmentation (a gradual worsening of RLS symptom intensity and duration) of RLS symptoms.iv

“Increasing clinical research has demonstrated that dopamine agonists are often associated with a long-term overall worsening of RLS symptoms and are no longer recommended,” Winkelman said. “Gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin and iron treatment are strongly recommended for the treatment of RLS and it’s important that everyone — physicians and patients — are aware of these changes.”

Gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant®) is the only strongly recommended FDA-approved RLS treatment providing clinically significant improvement in all three of these key domains: RLS disease severity, sleep quality, and quality of life.iv

The importance of talking to a physician about treatment options

It’s important for doctors and people diagnosed suffering from RLS to be aware of these updated guidelines for this widely used class of drugs. Those taking dopamine agonists should speak with their doctor about their current treatment plan.

Visit horizant.com to learn more.**

Jim can now sleep soundly without the need to get up and stretch thanks to his current treatment regimen. Those with RLS who are not finding relief from their current regimen should speak with their doctor to discuss their treatment plan.

* The most common adverse reactions for patients with RLS (incidence >10% and at least 2 times the rate of placebo) were somnolence/sedation and dizziness.

**Strong recommendation, moderate certainty of evidence; based on 8 randomized controlled trials and 3 observational studies.

Important Safety Information for HORIZANT® (gabapentin enacarbil) Extended-Release Tablets

INDICATIONS

HORIZANT® (gabapentin enacarbil) is a prescription medicine used to:

  • treat adults with moderate to severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). HORIZANT is not for people who need to sleep during the daytime and stay awake at night.
  • manage pain from damaged nerves (postherpetic neuralgia) that follows healing of shingles (a painful rash that comes after a herpes zoster infection) in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Do not drive after taking your dose of HORIZANT until you know how it affects you, including the morning after you take it. Do not operate heavy machinery or do other dangerous activities until you know how HORIZANT affects you. HORIZANT can cause sleepiness, dizziness, slow thinking, and can affect your coordination. Ask your healthcare provider when it is okay to do these activities.
  • Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking HORIZANT without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking HORIZANT with these other medicines may make your sleepiness or dizziness worse.
  • HORIZANT may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people (about 1 in 500). Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
    • thoughts or actions about suicide, self-harm, or dying; attempt to commit suicide
    • new or worsening depression or anxiety; or feeling agitated
    • new or worse restlessness or panic attacks
    • new or worse trouble sleeping (insomnia); or irritability
    • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent; acting on dangerous impulses
    • an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania); other unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Serious breathing problems. Serious breathing problems can occur when HORIZANT is taken with other medicines that can cause severe sleepiness or decreased awareness, or when it is taken by someone who already has breathing problems. Watch for increased sleepiness or decreased breathing when starting HORIZANT or when the dose is increased. Get help right away if breathing problems occur.
  • Do not stop taking HORIZANT without first talking to your healthcare provider. Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines. If you have these thoughts or actions, your healthcare provider may check for other causes.
  • HORIZANT may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction that may affect your skin or other parts of your body such as your liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: skin rash, hives, fever, swollen glands that do not go away, swelling of your lips or tongue, yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue or weakness, unexpected severe muscle pain, or frequent infections. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A healthcare provider should examine you to decide if you should continue taking HORIZANT.
  • HORIZANT is not the same medicine as gabapentin [for example, NEURONTIN® (gabapentin) and GRALISE® (gabapentin)]. HORIZANT should not be used in their place. Do not take these or other gabapentin products while taking HORIZANT.
  • Before taking HORIZANT, tell your healthcare provider if you:
    • have or have had kidney problems or are on hemodialysis
    • have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • have or have had seizures
    • have a history of drug abuse
    • have any other medical conditions
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if HORIZANT will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking HORIZANT. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take HORIZANT while you are pregnant
    • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your body turns HORIZANT into another drug (gabapentin) that passes into your milk. It is not known if this can harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take HORIZANT or breastfeed
    • drink alcohol
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking HORIZANT because it may increase the risk of side effects.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking HORIZANT with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well they work. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Do not stop taking HORIZANT without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you stop taking HORIZANT suddenly, you may develop side effects.
  • The most common side effects of HORIZANT include dizziness, sleepiness, and headache. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of HORIZANT. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs by contacting Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-461-7449, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/MedWatch.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist, or consult the full Prescribing Information [Horizant.com].

[i] Allen RP, Picchietti DL, Garcia-Borreguero D, et al. Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus criteria–history, rationale, description, and significance. Sleep Med. 2014;15(8):860-73.

[ii] Allen RP, Walters AS, Montplaisir J, et al. Restless Legs Syndrome Prevalence and Impact. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2005;165(11):1286.

[iii] Horizant [package insert] Woburn, MA: Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2022

[iv] Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, et al. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med. Published online September 26, 2024. doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390

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How this award-winning TV host is setting the stage to help protect her health

2024-11-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Award-winning TV host, comedian, actress and author Sherri Shepherd is at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) because she has diabetes. She doesn’t want to let it stop her from taking her shot on — or off — the stage. That’s why Sherri is partnering with Pfizer to share her diabetes story and help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated.

Q: Sherri, there’s no doubt that you’re a superstar in more than one arena. What has helped contribute to your success over the years?

Sherri: I learned early on that you need to run toward the thing that scares you because that’s where you can really thrive. And let me tell you, starting out in comedy and TV can be scary. But I put in the time practicing jokes on the bus, spending time on the road, working late hours behind the scenes, and it all led me to where I was supposed to be. And now, I get to take my shot at doing what I love every day.

Q: I’m sure you faced some challenges to get where you are today. What was one of the biggest you’ve faced?

Sherri: I think the biggest one for me is more of a personal one. I have diabetes, so over the years I’ve had to learn how to keep my health in check. For me, I prioritize eating right, keeping active, talking with my doctor regularly, and getting vaccinated to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. It took a lot to get here so I don’t want to be held back from doing what I love.

Q: Tell me more about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD. Are they serious?

Sherri: Absolutely. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In more severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia can also cause invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

Q: That does sound serious. Who is at greater risk?

Sherri: People like me who are 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma or COPD. In fact, people 19-64 living with diabetes are at over 5x higher risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and up to 4.8x higher risk for IPD, compared with healthy adults the same age. People 65 or older are also at increased risk, even if they’re healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to people about protecting themselves against pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Sherri: Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself. And vaccination is available all year round, so I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to see if a pneumococcal vaccination is right for them. They can also visit VaxAssist.com to book an appointment online today.

Q: Thanks, Sherri. Is there anything else people should know about pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD?

Sherri: People assume you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. And even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor may still recommend another vaccination for further protection. I love hosting my show and doing comedy, but I don’t joke around when it comes to pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD — and you shouldn’t either. Go talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, so you can also keep taking your shot at whatever it is you love to do.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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Workplace Wellness: An RD’s Top Five Ways to Maintain Wellness at the Office this Cold and Flu Season

2024-11-04T08:17:00

(BPT) – As the chill of autumn settles in, it brings more with it than just crunchy, colorful leaves and seasonally-inspired drinks. The onset of cold and flu season has officially arrived. Coupled with widespread back-to-office mandates, cold and flu season poses a unique challenge for professionals in office spaces that can quickly become a hotbed for germs and illnesses.

To stay healthy and productive throughout the changing seasons, we spoke with Registered Dietitian Kelly Springer about her top five ways to turn your workspace into a wellness haven to protect yourself and contribute to a healthier, more resilient workplace for all this cold and flu season. To stay at your best, she suggests the following for a holistic approach to workplace wellness:

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey and lemon and Manuka Honey drops on a kitchen counter top next to lemons and a honeycomb.

Stock Your Desk with Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Throat Drops: Your Secret Weapon

When it comes to maintaining wellness during the cold and flu season, Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey Throat Drops are a game-changer. These natural lozenges offer soothing relief and are a powerful ally in your wellness routine. Not only do they taste good — coming in a wide variety of flavors including my personal favorite, lemon — but they also feature naturally-occurring wellness ingredients like organic Manuka honey, echinacea and bee propolis to really take it to another level. They provide immediate comfort for scratchy, irritated throats — which is often the first sign of an oncoming illness — while also bolstering your immune system to give you an extra edge against seasonal threats. Rich in antioxidants, they help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. Keeping these in your desk, briefcase or purse is the tastiest way to make sure you’re always prepared should you feel that first tickle in your throat.

Bowl of fruit and nuts including: Apricots, cashues, cranberries, pecan and walnuts.

Build an Immune-Boosting Snack Arsenal

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against seasonal illnesses. Fueling it with the right nutrients can make all the difference, which can be hard to do during long and busy work days. Keeping a personal stash of a variety of immune-boosting snacks can be a great way to combat this and also keep your defenses strong throughout the day. Reach for things like:

  • Mixed nuts, which are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats to provide sustained energy throughout the day.
  • Dried fruits, like cranberries, apricots and goji berries, that are packed with vitamin C and help combat free radicals in the body.
  • Pumpkin seeds, a fun, seasonal treat high in zinc for increased immune function.
  • Warm green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and provides comforting relief to irritated throats.
Mini humidifier sitting by a laptop on a desk at home.

Create a Happy Environment

When it comes to fortifying your workspace against cold weather and flu season, creating a clean, comfortable environment with air you can breathe easily is paramount. A must-have in your workplace wellness arsenal is a humidifier, which combats dry indoor air that can irritate your respiratory system, make you more susceptible to illness and lead to chapped, cracked skin. Today, there are so many portable options perfect for an office space to maintain your personal optimal humidity levels to show your lungs, sinuses and skin some love without being overwhelming.

It goes without saying, but regularly cleaning your workspace is essential for maintaining a germ-free environment. To prevent a buildup of germs that can compromise your immune system, make it a habit to sanitize high-touch surfaces in your office like your mouse, keyboard, phone and desktop with natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are powerful against seasonal threats but avoid harsh chemicals.

Together, these routines help create a healthier, happier space that supports your well-being throughout the winter months.

Jelly jar cups with cucumber and lemon water in a tray on a counter top.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Proper hydration is key to maintaining overall health, but is especially important during cold and flu season. When you’re well-hydrated, your body can efficiently flush out toxins and keep your immune system functioning optimally. To make sure you’re getting your ounces in during the day, turn your desk into a hydration station. I find that a large, reusable water bottle with time markers helps me turn my hydration into a game that encourages me to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. If plain water is just not your jam, you can also take this a step further by having natural flavor enhancers on hand. Lemon or orange slices, cucumber rounds and fresh mint leaves are some of my favorite ways to make drinking water more enjoyable, and they each have their own added benefits and nutrients.

Woman in exercise clothes on a treadmill.

Get Creative About Getting In Your Daily Movement

Regular movement boosts circulation and supports overall health and immune function, but it can be hard to find the motivation to get outside for exercise after a long day at the office — especially as the days grow shorter. When it comes to maintaining your health and wellness during the colder months, a walking pad can be a real game-changer for your office setup. It combats the sedentary desk-work lifestyle, offers the flexibility to multitask throughout your day and helps you to stay active, ensuring you get those steps in without having to brave the early sunset or dreary weather.

By creating a daily office routine focused on these elements, you’ll be implementing a robust defense against cold and flu season. This year, if you look around and everyone seems to be coming down with something, try creating an office space that takes a holistic approach to maintaining your health and wellness.

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Nationwide Epilepsy Clinical Trial Investigates Potential New Treatment

2024-11-04T04:01:00

(BPT) – There is a new study evaluating a promising potential new treatment for epilepsy called Rise. Clinics across the nation are currently seeking to enroll participants in this study between the ages of 18-75 who have been diagnosed with focal (partial) onset epilepsy and have experienced resistance to existing treatments.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that affects over 50 million people worldwide.1 It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which can vary in intensity and frequency.1 Despite numerous treatment options, about 40% of people with epilepsy do not achieve seizure control with current medications.2 During National Epilepsy Awareness Month this November, we are highlighting the urgent need for new effective treatments.

Challenges of Living with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can be incredibly challenging. The unpredictable nature of seizures can make daily activities, such as driving, working, or even socializing, difficult and stressful.3 For many, the fear of a sudden seizure looms, impacting their quality of life. In addition to physical challenges, epilepsy can also bring about emotional and psychological burdens, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.1

Hope on the Horizon

“Hearing about new clinical trials makes me feel hopeful. The epilepsy community needs a treatment option that helps control seizures with a favorable safety profile,” said Ilene Asuncion, who has been managing epilepsy for years. “A new treatment option would feel like a light at the end of a long tunnel, and I’m optimistic that this research could make a real difference in our lives.”

Enrollment Information

The clinical trial is currently enrolling patients at sites across the United States. If you or someone you know is struggling with epilepsy and is interested in participating in the trial, please visit epilepsyresearchstudy.com for more information. Eligibility criteria for participating in the trial include individuals who:

  • Are between the ages of 18 to 75
  • Have been diagnosed with focal (partial) onset epilepsy for at least one year
  • Have been unsuccessful with at least two anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and are currently on a stable dose of one to three ASMs
  • Have at least four or more observable focal seizures every 28 days

The Rise clinical trial represents a significant step forward in the search for more effective epilepsy treatments. By participating, patients not only have the potential to possibly benefit from a new investigational therapy but also contribute to crucial research that could improve the lives of countless others in the future.

References:

  1. World Health Organization. Epilepsy. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy. Accessed August 6, 2024.
  2. Ioannou P, Foster DL, Sander JW, et al. The burden of epilepsy and unmet need in people with focal seizures. Brain Behav. 2022;12(9):e2589. doi:10.1002/brb3.2589.
  3. Epilepsy Foundation. Social Concerns. Available https://www.epilepsy.com/complications-risks/social-concerns#:~:text=Having%20seizures%20may%20make%20it,problems%20for%20so%20many%20people!. Accessed August 6, 2024.