Category: Brandpoint Health

2021-05-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – As a nurse practitioner traveling the country to help fill the ongoing nursing shortage, Lakesha Dickerson has had a front-row seat to the COVID-19 pandemic. But Dickerson has viewed the pandemic through another lens, too — she is a Black woman living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

When she was diagnosed with SCD, Dickerson was told she wouldn’t live past her 30s. SCD is a devastating inherited blood disorder that occurs in one out of every 365 African American births and impacts more than 100,000 people in the United States.^[1] The lifelong inherited blood disorder occurs when red blood cells change shape, becoming rigid and deformed in a sickle, or crescent, shape. The cells become stiff and sticky, causing them to block blood flow and break down inside the blood vessels. The disease requires complex, multi-disciplinary care, but unfortunately many patients face significant challenges getting the care they need and deserve. Dickerson wants to change that.

“Since I was little, my experience with sickle cell disease has opened my eyes to the positive impact healthcare professionals can have on patients. On the other hand, it has also shown me the struggles and racial biases that people of color often face to get needed medical care,” she said.

COVID-19 has magnified the health disparities faced by the Black community, from discrimination and stigma to the lack of qualified providers. People living with SCD, called “warriors” because of the significant battles they fight, especially struggle to continue their care while navigating the deadly virus. People with SCD are among the populations most vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19.^[2]

Finding hope

Because of the challenges she faced, Dickerson decided at age 15 to become a nurse to help others on their own health journey. Meanwhile, her SCD symptoms only became more challenging as she grew older. But none of the available treatment methods seemed to help.

After speaking with her doctor, Dickerson learned about a clinical trial for people with SCD and was able to enroll in the study. She received, Oxbryta^® (voxelotor) tablets, a prescription medicine used for the treatment of sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It is the first approved medicine that specifically targets the sickling of red blood cells, or hemoglobin polymerization, which is the root cause of SCD.

It is not known if Oxbryta^® is safe and effective in children below 12 years of age. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on increase in hemoglobin (Hb). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s). Please see Important Safety Information below. For additional information, visit Oxbryta.com.

Now Dickerson wants to empower others with SCD to get the care they need. “Take control of your health and speak to your doctor about available treatment options,” she said.

Confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine

Recently, Dickerson temporarily relocated to Texas to combat the country-wide nursing shortage, caused in part by the pandemic. After seeing, first-hand, the toll of COVID-19 on her patients, she wants to encourage others, especially her fellow SCD warriors, to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available.

“As a nurse attending to up to 12 patients at a time, I was terrified of the risks associated with COVID-19, and as an SCD patient, I was extremely anxious because of the increased danger I put myself in each day going to work,” she said. “Once vaccines were available, I regained hope, though I was initially skeptical, but I did my research and listened to the science, ultimately deciding that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was the best decision for my family and me.

Dickerson hopes her journey will encourage other SCD patients to take precautions, including getting vaccinated. Even as more of the population receives the vaccine, it’s important for SCD patients to closely follow all CDC recommendations and continue to work with their care team to manage their SCD.

The last decade of SCD research has seen more progress than in the prior 50 years, and this offers hope to those suffering from SCD and their loved ones.

INDICATION

What is OXBRYTA?

OXBRYTA is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years of age and older.

It is not known if OXBRYTA is safe and effective in children below 12 years of age.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on increase in hemoglobin (Hb). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take OXBRYTA if you have had an allergic reaction to voxelotor or any of the ingredients in OXBRYTA. See the end of the patient leaflet for a list of the ingredients in OXBRYTA.

If you are receiving exchange transfusions, talk to your healthcare provider about possible difficulties with the interpretation of certain blood tests when taking OXBRYTA.

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

• have liver problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OXBRYTA can harm your unborn baby
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OXBRYTA can pass into your breastmilk and if it can harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OXBRYTA and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how OXBRYTA works. OXBRYTA may also affect how other medicines work.

What are the possible side effects of OXBRYTA?

OXBRYTA can cause serious side effects, including:

Serious allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get:

• rash
• hives
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the face

The most common side effects of OXBRYTA include:

• headache
• diarrhea
• stomach (abdominal) pain
• nausea
• tiredness
• rash
• fever

These are not all the possible side effects of OXBRYTA.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

You may also report side effects to Global Blood Therapeutics at 1-833-428-4968 (1-833-GBT-4YOU).

Keep OXBRYTA and all medicines out of the reach of children.

2021-05-17T08:01:00

2021-05-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – While on a family vacation in Europe, Keith suddenly felt lightheaded and fell in the bathroom. At the time, he didn’t think much of it. Years later, he and his wife were renovating a bathroom in their house, and he fell down the stairs after getting lightheaded. He was lucky enough not to be injured, but it was a wakeup call to finally talk with his doctor about what he had been experiencing.

How do you know when feeling lightheaded or dizzy is part of a larger medical condition? For those living with Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), or pure autonomic failure (PAF), dizziness, blurry vision, or leg buckling can be symptoms of a separate, manageable condition called neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH).

Symptomatic nOH affects approximately 20% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. When a person without nOH stands up, gravity naturally pulls the blood to the lower part of the body, lowering blood pressure. When this happens, the nervous system typically releases a chemical called norepinephrine, which signals the blood vessels to tighten, or constrict. This raises blood pressure and makes it easier for the body to pump blood back up to the heart and brain. For a person living with nOH the body does not release enough norepinephrine upon standing. As a result, blood vessels are unable to tighten as they should, preventing the blood from being pumped back up to the head and upper torso.

Keith had already been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so when he opened up to his neurologist about the symptoms he had been experiencing, his doctor was able to perform tests and ultimately diagnosed him with nOH. Since nOH is a manageable condition, Keith was able to start on a treatment regimen that worked for him.

If you or a loved one is living with a neurodegenerative condition and can relate to Keith’s story, consider taking the following steps in preparation for speaking with your doctor.

• Track Your Symptoms: Use a tracker or notebook to write down your symptoms and how often you experience them. Capturing these details can help your doctor recognize potential patterns and make an informed diagnosis. To make tracking easier, a symptom tracker is available at nOHmatters.com.
• Make a List of Questions: Writing down questions for your doctor in advance can be helpful for many patients. Consider asking things like, “Given that I have a nervous system disorder and my symptoms occur after standing or changing positions, could I have nOH?” and “What symptom management options are available?” A list of additional questions to consider can be found in the doctor discussion guide on nOHmatters.com.
• Talk About the Impact. Discussing the impact your symptoms are having on your daily life, such as interfering with your hobbies or limiting your activity, can provide valuable insight for your doctor and allow them to work on a symptom management plan with you.

For more information on nOH, including a symptom checker and additional stories like Keith’s, visit www.nohmatters.com.

References

1. Metzler M, Duerr S, Granata R, Krismer F, Robertson D, Wenning GK. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. J Neurol. 2013;260(9):2212-2219.
2. Freeman R. Clinical practice. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(6):615-624.
3. Ha AD, Brown CH, York MK, Jankovic J. The prevalence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2011;17(8):625-628.
4. Freeman R, Wieling W, Axelrod FB, et al. Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated syncope and the postural tachycardia syndrome. Clin Auton Res. 2011;21(2):69-72.
5. Goldstein DS, Sharabi Y. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: a pathophysiological approach. Circulation. 2009;119(1):139-146.
6. Low PA. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: pathophysiology and diagnosis. Am J Manag Care. 2015;21(13 Suppl):s248-s257.

©2021 Lundbeck. All rights reserved. UBR-D-100893

2021-05-13T14:47:01

(BPT) – This article is sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Lundbeck.

In the United States, an estimated 4.8 million adults are or will be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, otherwise known as BP-I, at some point in their life. BP-I is a serious, chronic mental illness that generally requires lifelong treatment and is characterized by the occurrence of manic episodes; patients can also experience mixed episodes which consist of both manic and depressive symptoms.

A manic episode can manifest itself as either euphoria or feeling “high,” or as irritability. For example, people with BP-I may have an inflated self-image and have increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes typically consist of symptoms like feeling very down or sad, trouble concentrating or making decisions, and feeling restless that last one to two weeks, or sometimes longer.

“People living with BP-I may benefit from consistency — stressful situations or changes may put them at risk,” says Dr. Greg Mattingly, a psychiatrist from Saint Charles, Missouri. “This is why consistent condition management is imperative for helping patients remain stable.”

Dr. Mattingly explains that consistent treatment and maintaining a well-structured environment are two critical aspects of effectively managing BP-I. In fact, research suggests that it is important for patients with BP-I to keep up with regular medical and therapy appointments.

While patients should always speak to their healthcare team before making changes to their current care plan, Dr. Mattingly does remind us of guidance outlined by the Mayo Clinic to help those with BP-I continue to work on managing their mental health:

• Keep days structured – Create a schedule and structure for work, free time, family and socializing.
• Stick to healthy habits – Eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, spend time outside, and stay physically active (e.g., walking, yoga, or using other exercise options available), as appropriate based on a patient’s care plan determined by their doctor.
• Engage in relaxing activities – Take time for hobbies and enjoyable or relaxing activities to stay grounded. This may include crafts, cooking, playing or listening to music or meditating.
• Limit news and social media consumption – Worrisome news can exacerbate stress so it’s important to limit exposure to those information streams. It’s also good to curtail time on social media since those platforms can also heighten negative emotions.
• Stay consistent with counseling or therapy sessions – For patients in therapy, keeping up with therapy sessions is an especially important aspect of their comprehensive treatment plan.
• Keep up with medication regimens – It is important that patients stay current with their treatments and for stable patients to talk to their doctor about maintenance treatment options that may be appropriate for them.

For patients with BP-I who are currently stable on their oral medication, a long-acting injection may be appropriate for them.

One option is ABILIFY MAINTENA^® (aripiprazole), a once monthly long acting injectable, given by injection by a healthcare professional for the maintenance treatment of BP-I in adults. Patients should continue to take their current antipsychotic medicine for two weeks after their first treatment with ABILIFY MAINTENA.

ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause serious side effects, including an increased risk of death in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis. The most common side effects with

ABILIFY MAINTENA include weight gain, an inner sense of restlessness such as feeling like you need to move, injection site pain, and sleepiness. Please read the complete IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION below.

INDICATION and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for

ABILIFY MAINTENA^® (aripiprazole)

INDICATION:

ABILIFY MAINTENA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional for:

• maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults

It is not known if ABILIFY MAINTENA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY MAINTENA. ABILIFY MAINTENA is not for the treatment of people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).

Do not receive ABILIFY MAINTENA if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY MAINTENA. Allergic reactions to aripiprazole have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause serious side effects including:

• Increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in clinical studies with oral aripiprazole of elderly people with dementia-related psychosis and can lead to death.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of NMS: high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, or changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). ABILIFY MAINTENA may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA.
• Problems with your metabolism such as:
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Increases in blood sugar can happen in some people who receive ABILIFY MAINTENA. Extremely high blood sugar can lead to coma or death. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes), your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA and during your treatment.

    Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar while receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA:

  • feel very thirsty
  • need to urinate more than usual
  • feel very hungry
  • feel weak or tired
  • feel sick to your stomach
  • feel confused, or your breath smells fruity

• • Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood.
  • Weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight regularly.
• Unusual urges. Some people receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA have had unusual urges such as gambling, binge eating or eating that you cannot control (compulsive), compulsive shopping, and sexual urges.

If you or your family members notice that you are having unusual urges or behaviors, talk to your healthcare provider.

• Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Low white blood cell count
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Problems controlling your body temperature so that you feel too warm. Do not become too hot or dehydrated while you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA. Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
• Difficulty swallowing

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how

ABILIFY MAINTENA affects you. ABILIFY MAINTENA may make you feel drowsy.

Do not drink alcohol while you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA.

Before receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

• have never taken aripiprazole before
• have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA and during your treatment.
• have or had seizures (convulsions)
• have or had low or high blood pressure
• have or had heart problems or a stroke
• have or had a low white blood cell count
• have problems that may affect you receiving an injection in your arm or buttocks
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ABILIFY MAINTENA will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving ABILIFY MAINTENA, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or go to http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ABILIFY MAINTENA can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive ABILIFY MAINTENA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

ABILIFY MAINTENA and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines during treatment with ABILIFY MAINTENA without talking to your healthcare provider first.

The most common side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA include: weight gain, inner sense of restlessness such as feeling like you need to move (akathisia), injection site pain, or sleepiness (sedation).

It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasms or contractions, which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.

These are not all the possible side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA.

If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

You are encouraged to report side effects of ABILIFY MAINTENA (aripiprazole).

Please contact Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 1-800-438-9927 or FDA at

1-800-FDA-1088 (www.fda.gov/medwatch).

Please read U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including BOXED WARNING, and MEDICATION GUIDE.

Dr. Mattingly also advises patients to engage their health care team if they have any concerns or notice any changes in their mental health.

For more information about ABILIFY MAINTENA, visit www.abilifymaintena.com.

2021-05-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – People participate in clinical trials for a variety of reasons. Some are healthy volunteers who want to contribute to moving science forward, and others are coping with an illness or disease and want to receive the newest treatment options and additional care from clinical staff. Yet hesitancy to participate remains as there are many misconceptions about clinical trials.

According to Gwen Nichols, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, “Nothing should stand between you and your care.”

“Clinical trials give newly diagnosed patients access to state-of-the-art therapies and can provide a lifeline for others when standard-of-care treatment has failed,” says Dr. Nichols. “But we realize there are many reasons cancer patients do not seek out clinical trials including low awareness of them, fear and distrust of the medical system, costs and logistical challenges.”

Through its recently launched IMPACT (Influential Medicine Providing Access to Clinical Trials) research grants, LLS aims to improve diversity in clinical trials by promoting better access for underrepresented communities.

“Knowledge is power,” said Dr. Nichols. “To get the full benefit of research, we need clinical trials to reflect the diversity of the U.S. population.” Dr. Nichols helped us clear up the following myths:

Myth #1: I’ll be treated like a guinea pig.

Fact-check: Clinical trials are carefully designed research studies that put the health and safety of patients first. Before you agree to participate, you’ll be taken through the informed consent process. You’ll be able to gather information and ask questions and you have the right to have the consent thoroughly explained to you if you don’t understand something. Participation in a clinical trial is always up to you, and you can leave the study at any time.

Myth #2: Clinical trials are a last resort. I can only participate if I’ve run out of treatment options.

Fact-check: Clinical trials are for patients at all stages of their disease and treatment. By taking part, you’ll join a team of doctors and patients who share your desire to improve treatment for cancer and other diseases now and in the future.

Myth #3: I’ll get a placebo without knowing.

Fact-check: Many people are concerned about getting a placebo (an inactive pill, liquid or powder). The vast majority of cancer clinical trials do not use a placebo unless given along with an active drug. If a trial uses a placebo, you would be made aware through informed consent in advance of enrolling in the trial.

Myth #4: Being in a clinical trial will affect my family.

Fact-check: Talk to your doctor about what joining a clinical trial means for you and your loved ones. Levels of participation vary by trial. Some might require frequent trips to the hospital, and you might need childcare or time off from work. No matter what care you choose, there may be support services available to you and your loved ones through organizations like LLS.

Myth #5: Clinical trials are free.

Fact-check: The therapy that is being studied in the clinical trial is free, but patients are usually responsible for standard of care therapy, admission and transportation to hospitals or clinics, and other associated costs. Always consult with your doctor about your treatment options and costs before making any commitments.

LLS Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators, registered nurses with expertise in blood cancer, are available to personally assist all blood cancer patients and caregivers throughout the entire clinical-trial process. For information, patients can contact an LLS Information Specialist at (800) 955-4572, via live chat or email.

2021-05-11T15:19:44

(BPT) – To help limit the spread of germs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces. Tabletops, desks, vanities, faucets and door handles often make this list, but two things that are touched frequently throughout the day are often forgotten during cleaning: light switches and wallplates.

Hidden dangers such as bacteria and pathogens can build up on these surfaces, transfer to hands when touched and end up redistributed throughout the home. To help keep your home healthy, you can take steps to regularly and properly keep light switches and wallplates clean.

1) Avoid chemicals

Common household disinfectants with chemical agents may cause more harm than good to the switch or wallplate because certain cleaning agents can interfere with the electrical components, leading to safety issues, or cause damage to the surface area of the wallplate. If during cleaning you notice any irregularities on your switches or wallplates, such as cracking or discoloration, replace them immediately.

2) Liquid and electricity don’t mix

Because of the connection to an electrical source, it’s important to clean light switches and wallplates in a safe manner. Liquid and electricity are a bad combination. You should never spray or wipe a detergent or disinfectant solution directly on light switches, outlets, dimmers, USB charger outlets or wallplates. To safely clean these devices, simply use a lightly damp cloth with mild soap.

3) Turn the power off

Be certain to turn the power off to the device prior to cleaning. Due to risk of shock or electrocution, do not use disinfecting products, including foggers, sprays or other types of atomized cleaning agents. Plus, if the liquid seeps into the switch or outlet, it can damage the internal components, resulting in a fire hazard. Cleaning solutions can also damage or discolor the device’s surface or cause it to deteriorate over time, which may include cracking.

“Cleaning your electrical devices is not a big job, but it is one that needs to be handled with care,” said William Randall, director of product management at Leviton. “Taking the proper precautions and cleaning these surfaces regularly can help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria to help keep your family and home healthy.”

4) Consider antimicrobial switches

For extra protection, Leviton offers Antimicrobial switches and wallplates for your home. “Antimicrobial refers to any substance that eradicates or inhibits the growth of bacteria by suppressing bacteria reproduction,” explains Randall. “Our antimicrobial switches and wallplates are engineered to help combat the spread of harmful bacteria and contain an EPA registered additive that protects the surfaces from contamination. When cleaned regularly with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap, that additive works to inhibit 99% of bacterial growth.”

As with cleaning any switch or wallplate, be certain to turn the power off at the circuit breaker or fuse prior to cleaning and to switch back on when you have completed the job.

With proper and regular cleaning of light switches and wallplates, you can feel confident you’re creating a bright, fresh appearance and a healthier home.

2021-05-11T15:01:00

(BPT) – While Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions second only to Alzheimer’s, one might assume that the disease is well understood. Many people recognize the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, like tremors at rest, loss of balance and difficulty moving, but there is a lesser-known and often less talked about non-motor aspect of the disease.

References

1. Han Z, Tian R, Ren P, et al. Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Med Genet. 2018;19(Suppl 1):215.
2. Jankovic J. Parkinson’s disease: clinical features and diagnosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2008;79(4):368-376.
3. Isaacson SH, Skettini J. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson’s disease: evaluation, management, and emerging role of droxidopa. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2014;10:169-176.
4. Freeman R, Wieling W, Axelrod FB, et al. Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, neurally mediated syncope and the postural tachycardia syndrome. Clin Auton Res. 2011;21(2):69-72.
5. Goldstein DS, Sharabi Y. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: a pathophysiological approach. Circulation. 2009;119(1):139-146.
6. Freeman R. Clinical practice. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(6):615-624.
7. Isaacson SH. Managed care approach to the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Am J Manag Care. 2015;21(13 Suppl):s258-s268.
8. NORTHERA [package insert]. Deerfield, IL: Lundbeck

©2021 Lundbeck. All rights reserved. NORTHERA is a registered trademark of Lundbeck NA Ltd. DRX-B-100432

2021-05-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Three Asian-American entrepreneurs who have channeled their rich heritage and unique experiences into success are now using their voices, creativity and care to give back to their communities in inspiring ways. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Target is lifting up the voices of the Asian community by spotlighting Andrew Lee, Priscilla Tsai and Vincent Kitirattragarn. The retailer is also helping guests easily find and shop for Asian-founded brands through Target Finds.

After a near-death hate crime against registered dental hygienist and entrepreneur Andrew Lee in 2008, Lee rose above his harrowing experience to give back to members of his community that faced similar challenges. The attack left Lee with intense anxiety and PTSD that led him to develop bruxism, a stress-induced condition that caused him to clench and grind his teeth. To ease this condition, Lee created OTIS Dental, an accessible, affordable solution to bruxism that provides the quality of more expensive night guards at a more accessible price.

“As a child of South Korean immigrants, I saw my parents endure countless racially charged attacks,” said Lee. “They rose above the hate and taught me to live by the principles of hard work, endurance and integrity.”

His parents reminded him of difficulties they had overcome, telling him he was not a victim, but a survivor. They motivated him to work his way through graduate school so he could fulfill his dream to take a more preventative approach to oral care.

“Every person should have a solution to fit their needs,” said Lee. “Having access to something affordable that actually works will help anyone with bruxism experience more peace and happiness.” His tips for entrepreneurs?

• Have a supportive group of people around you.
• Due diligence is key. Research, and pay a bit more for quality results.
• Take personal time throughout your day.

Asian culture has had a profound impact on modern skincare and on entrepreneur Priscilla Tsai, who built her beauty brand, cocokind, with higher standards for ingredients, environmental impact and customer transparency in mind.

“Being Asian has inspired so much of who I am and what I do, both in terms of values as well as my inspiration for skincare,” said Tsai, a Taiwanese American born and raised in Michigan.

After struggling to find skincare products that worked both for her skin and her values, Tsai created a conscious beauty brand designed for everyone. She began building a digital presence, then partnered with Target to introduce cocokind to its guests with great success.

“Seeing our brand come to life at Target has been one of the most rewarding experiences of starting cocokind,” said Tsai. “It’s the culmination of many dreams and challenges.”

Priscilla credits her success to the example of her hardworking, determined parents and her own resilience. Her advice?

• Don’t wait for perfection to get you going.
• Understand that failure along the way isn’t avoidable; it is necessary to succeed.
• Take action — the best ideas in the world are nothing without action behind them.

Dang Foods is the first and largest Asian-American snack brand, created by Thai-Chinese brothers Vincent and Andrew Kitirattragarn.

Vincent Kitirattragarn took his passion for food and turned it into a career, working at Thai restaurants and studying the food truck business to build his company from the ground up. After he told his mom he planned to start a pop-up restaurant at a San Francisco nightclub, she gifted him her recipe for Miang Kum, a Northern Thai snack made with toasted coconut.

“I made it, then immediately called my family in Thailand because it tasted so good,” said Kitirattragarn.

The brand has developed several tasty snacks including coconut chips, Thai rice bars and nutrition bars featured at Target under their brand name, Dang — Kitirattragarn’s mother’s name.

“We believe East and Southeast Asian food is healthier because it’s plant-based, has less sugar and is less processed,” said Kitirattragarn. “Our purpose is to share our culture for a healthier and more flavorful world.”

His tips?

• Seek others who share your values.
• Be bold.
• Trust yourself.

These three entrepreneurs credit much of their success to their unique heritage and experiences, understanding that their brands give them the opportunity to elevate and inspire others in the Asian community.

Another way to support Asian-owned brands? Look for the Asian-owned badge when shopping on Target.com — a new feature just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

2021-05-06T17:48:04

(BPT) – Many people are reassessing goals in light of the turmoil of the last year. There is a renewed focus on gaining control of finances, especially through increased saving and getting professional advice. Even Americans who did not lose work lost a sense of confidence in the economy.

A new survey by Harris Poll for Empower Retirement and Personal Capital reveals a change in attitudes about finances from April — as the pandemic’s effects were beginning — to December of 2020. Despite the stock market rallying after the initial lockdowns, 22% of survey respondents from December said they felt optimistic about their finances, down from 29% in the April survey.

Two thirds of respondents said they were bracing for financial pain in the event of future lockdowns, with 44% concerned about losing money on investments. Reacting to uncontrollable world events, one theme emerged: People want to feel more in control of their own finances, whatever comes next.

These tips can help you feel more confident financially, no matter your circumstances.

1. Save what you can

There’s no better buffer against unexpected emergencies — anything from car breakdowns to job loss — than an emergency fund. Financial professionals recommend saving at least three to six months of expenses to be prepared for emergencies.

Sound daunting? Start small and consider setting up automatic deposits into a savings account with each paycheck, to save without thinking about it. Even a few dollars per pay period can add up over time.

2. Invest in your family’s future

According to the survey, parents are concerned about the pandemic’s impact on their children’s education, but many believe the crisis will lead to a fundamental shift in higher education. Nearly 6 out of 10 (59%) expect student loan debt forgiveness to become more common, and half believe the pandemic will make higher education more accessible in the long term.

If your children are college bound, have a conversation with a financial professional or your child’s high school guidance counselor about how financial aid works and what strategies may benefit your family. If you have young children, look into a 529 college savings plan in your state, which can provide tax and financial benefits.

3. Don’t forget retirement

Whether you’re approaching retirement age soon or it’s years away, consider taking full advantage of your employer’s matching funds for your 401(k) contributions. Ask your HR department about how to fully utilize all your available employer retirement benefits and increase your retirement savings percentage now if you can. Your future self will thank you.

4. Consider your HSA account as part of your retirement strategy

If your company offers a health savings account (HSA), remember that any unused funds can be saved up to be used during your retirement — adding to your future financial stability. When you do need your HSA for medical expenses, check with your employer to see how it can best be used. An HSA can help pay for qualified medical expenses including prescriptions, medical tests and treatments, including many vision and dental expenses.

5. Consult a professional

Americans are focusing on fundamentals: cutting spending, increasing savings and safeguarding investments. As uncertainly continues, an increasing number are seeking professional help to make financial decisions and plans.

“A good financial professional can provide not just advice on saving and investing, but financial wellness recommendations on everything from building a budget and starting an emergency fund to managing debt,” said Edmund Murphy, president and CEO of Empower Retirement.

A financial professional can help you set priorities and find the best vehicles for protecting and growing your money. Ask your employer if your retirement plan provider offers financial advice through virtual sessions or phone calls with a professional. You may also be able to access digital tools that help you calculate how close you are to your retirement goals, along with ways to monitor your investments.

For more tips about financial planning, visit Empower-retirement.com/empower-insights.

2021-05-06T05:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s a first child or she’s been pregnant before, expecting a baby is an exciting journey. As the due date nears, that anticipation grows and friends and family enjoy sharing in the anticipation. Baby showers are the most common tradition for celebrating motherhood, but unfortunately, the pandemic has put gatherings like these on hold. Now, you may be looking for new ways to celebrate baby and honor the mom-to-be so she feels loved.

“Pregnancy has been really challenging right now. Between the stresses of trying to stay healthy and social isolation, moms deserve a little extra love and care,” said Lauren Burnham Luyendyk, mom to a 3-year-old and currently pregnant with twins.

Sentiments like these have inspired the newest trend in celebrating moms-to-be: the Mommy Shower. You may not be able to have a baby shower or throw one for a loved one, but you can transform the shower experience into a special retreat that celebrates Mom and makes her feel special and supported.

How to create a Mommy Shower

“I co-created three specific Mommy Shower experiences inspired by three things moms look forward to during their pregnancy: fulfilling those crazy cravings, having a special escape with their significant other and enjoying a night out with friends,” said Burnham Luyendyk.

Each Mommy Shower experience can be found on Schick Intuition’s Instagram Guides, and feature a variety of luxurious and indulgent products for a pampering shower moment, including a Schick Intuition Razor which helps lather and shave in one step, removing the need for shaving cream or gel — ideal for moms with a baby bump.

Here’s how to bring these shower experiences to life: