Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-12-16T08:31:00

(BPT) – Expecting mothers have countless preparations to make before their little ones arrive, from decorating the nursery and installing a car seat to picking a pediatrician and thinking about maternal immunizations. For mom and actress Chloe Bridges, who is partnering with Pfizer, navigating pregnancy — and the choices that come along with it — was a little overwhelming.

“Looking back, I was facing so many decisions about how to help protect my baby. Everyone — my friends, my parents, my husband Adam’s parents, social media — had their own opinions,” said Bridges. “It was a lot.”

Now, when reflecting on her pre-birth planning, Bridges says she has ‘new mom clarity.’ One crucial decision she made during pregnancy was receiving ABRYSVO^® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine), the only vaccine given to pregnant people at 32 through 36 weeks gestation to help protect infants from the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from birth through six months.

What is RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can be dangerous for babies. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S, with more than 50% of all RSV-related hospitalizations during the first year of life occurring within the first three months, and more than 75% occurring within the first six months.

The role of maternal immunization

During pregnancy, the mother’s body naturally passes antibodies, including those her body creates after receiving a vaccine, to the infant. That means mothers who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant can help protect their babies from the risk of RSV starting with their first breath by receiving the ABRYSVO vaccine.

“Expecting mothers are doing everything they can to prepare for the birth of their babies. It’s such a transformative and life-changing experience to have a baby,” said Bridges. “For me, speaking with my OB-GYN throughout my pregnancy journey helped me to make decisions that were right for me and Beau. She answered all my questions and provided me with so much information that I needed to prepare.”

An important maternal vaccine

If you’re pregnant and approaching the third trimester of pregnancy, consider asking your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider about ABRYSVO. Pfizer’s ABRYSVO is the first and only maternal RSV vaccine that helps protect newborns against RSV from birth through six months of age. To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ABRYSVO if you are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant from September through January (in most parts of the continental United States). Keep in mind that the recommended months for maternal vaccination might vary depending on your location.

Decide what’s best for you and your baby

“I wanted to help protect Beau from RSV from his first breath,” said Bridges. “I’m so glad I decided to get the vaccine for him while I was pregnant.”

Talk to your OBGYN or other healthcare provider to learn more about how to help protect your baby against RSV.

This article was sponsored by Pfizer. To learn more about the vaccine and deepen your knowledge about RSV and maternal immunization, visit ABRYSVO.com.

Important Safety Information and Use

WHAT IS ABRYSVO?

ABRYSVO is a vaccine indicated for pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and severe LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth through 6 months of age.

• ABRYSVO should not be given to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of its components
• To avoid the potential risk of preterm birth, ABRYSVO should be given at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age
• Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including ABRYSVO. Precautions should be taken to avoid falling and injury due to fainting
• Adults with weakened immune systems, including those receiving medicines that suppress the immune system, may have a reduced immune response to ABRYSVO
• Vaccination with ABRYSVO may not protect all people
• In pregnant individuals, the most common side effects (≥ 10%) were pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and nausea
• In clinical trials where ABRYSVO was compared to placebo, infants born to pregnant individuals experienced low birth weight (5.1% ABRYSVO versus 4.4% placebo) and jaundice (7.2% ABRYSVO versus 6.7% placebo)

Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of ABRYSVO. Only a healthcare provider can decide if ABRYSVO is right for you. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may experience.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967.

Individuals who received ABRYSVO during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll in a pregnancy exposure registry at 1-800-616-3791. The registry will monitor pregnancy outcomes.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ABRYSVO.

PP-A1G-USA-1849 © 2024 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. November 2024.

2024-12-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Diego Serna’s life changed forever in January 2020 when what seemed like a normal Saturday morning playing video games turned into a medical emergency for the then 13-year-old. After a frightening discovery of swollen, painful hands led to a devastating leukemia diagnosis, Diego and his family faced not just one challenge, but a series of them—including a heartbreaking relapse nine months into treatment. For Diego and his family, cancer has been more than a medical journey—it has been a battle that has impacted every aspect of their lives.

While leading-edge medical treatments addressed the disease, it was supportive care at City of Hope that helped Diego and his family navigate their new reality. Through counseling sessions with a psychologist, support from a child life specialist and social worker, and dedicated activities even when isolation was necessary, Diego found ways to cope with his treatment journey. “The supportive care team makes it a little easier,” his father shares. “They help you understand what you’re going through.”

What is Supportive Care?

Supportive care encompasses services that ease the physical, emotional and psychological burdens of cancer. These programs are designed to treat the whole person, not just the disease, which helps patients to focus on their recovery and well-being.

For many, a cancer diagnosis triggers a cascade of worries:

• How do I manage pain?
• Will I ever look like myself again?
• What will happen to me financially?
• How will I explain this to my children?

Supportive care helps address these pressing concerns by offering resources such as pain management, psychological counseling, financial assistance and family support. Research shows supportive care can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life. Additional health benefits are reduced hospital stays and readmissions and the prevention of complications. The end result: improved overall outcomes.

The Mental Health Perspective

“Cancer doesn’t just impact the body; it profoundly affects the mind and spirit,” says Jeanelle Folbrecht, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in oncology care at City of Hope’s Los Angeles cancer center. “Supportive care empowers patients to face their fears and uncertainties—whether it’s managing pain, coping with changes in appearance or addressing financial and familial stressors. By tackling these challenges head-on, we help patients build resilience and focus on what matters most in their journey.”

Expanding Access Through National Collaboration

Despite these benefits, fewer than 20% of U.S. cancer patients receive care at National Cancer Institute-designated centers like City of Hope where supportive care is widely available, leaving 80% with inconsistent or limited access to these critical services.

To address these gaps, a coalition of organizations, including City of Hope, is working to make supportive care a standard practice in cancer treatment. Together for Supportive Cancer Care is a national coalition of organizations from across sectors working to support all people with cancer. This effort focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life and lowering the cost of care by expanding early, equitable access to supportive cancer care. Coalition members will be working collaboratively across three focus areas of policy, research and employer support.

The initiative seeks to address inequities and ensure that all patients, regardless of background or location, have access to these vital services. A growing body of evidence shows that supportive cancer care improves patient treatment outcomes and quality of life, while providing higher-value care and lowering long-term health care costs. However, the benefits of supportive care are not currently accessible to everyone with cancer.

A Compassionate Future

Diego’s story underscores the significant difference supportive care can make. Today, he’s back to playing music in a mariachi band—an activity that during treatment seemed impossibly out of reach. As national efforts continue to grow, supportive care is poised to become a cornerstone of cancer treatment—a compassionate approach that puts patients and their families at the center of care, every step of the way.

Photo courtesy “RewritingCancer” / BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions

2024-12-12T13:31:00

(BPT) – The world’s oceans are a magical, beautiful ecosystem … and they also need help — urgently. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean. Let that sink in.

You may have heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — a floating island the size of the state of Texas that is made of debris. And it is growing, in no small part because of how much plastic ends up in the oceans. The amount will boggle your mind. The U.N. Environment Program reports that the equivalent of a dump truck’s worth of plastic is dumped into the oceans every minute of every day. And every one of those plastic bottles will take more than 450 years to decompose.

The enormity of it is hard to get your mind around. If it makes you wonder what you can do about it, you’re not alone.

Plastics are considered to be an essential part of day-to-day life for humans, but overuse threatens the oceans we rely on for survival. It’s called the Blue Paradox. It has grown into a movement to address the global ocean plastic crisis and preserve the environment before it’s too late.

“As plastic waste finds its way to the ocean, it impacts all of us and the vast majority of species on our planet,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s lives by protecting the oceans, forests and other living ecosystems. “The Blue Paradox brings the ubiquitousness and usefulness of plastic and the permanence and scale of its pollution front-and-center, encouraging individuals and businesses alike to take meaningful action.”

SC Johnson, the maker of Windex and other home cleaning brands, is working to turn the tide on ocean plastic waste. To clean up this plastic crisis, it’s not just about individuals being committed to recycling. It’s a collective effort from all of us — individuals, businesses and governments.

The ocean plastic crisis: How you can help

The problem seems daunting, but if everyone does a little, the changes will make a big difference. Here’s what you can do today to help.

Sign the petition. With over 14 million tons of plastic waste dumped in the oceans each year, according to a 2021 report by International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the ocean plastic crisis will not go away on its own, especially when microplastics are in our food chain. Disruptive change is needed, and the solutions can be complex, but we can work together to solve the crisis. Add your voice to this important issue by signing the petition on The Blue Paradox website to help reduce plastic waste.

Sign the pledge. The Blue Paradox website also has a pledge you can take to commit to reducing your plastic footprint. Our actions today can help impact tomorrow. When you sign the pledge, you’ll be kept in the know with information about Blue Paradox’s efforts, and how you’re making a difference.

Take the quiz. Wondering about your own plastic footprint? Here’s a quiz (blueparadox.com/en/plastic-waste-crisis) to let you know for sure. Be honest with your answers, and the quiz will calculate the number of pounds per year you contribute to the plastic landscape.

Reduce your use of single-use plastic where you can. This is easier than you might think. Small, tangible actions such as avoiding single-use plastics like utensils and coffee cups, and swapping out your single-use plastic water bottles for a reusable one, can make a huge difference.

Recycle your plastic. Pop it in the bin! It has never been easier to recycle plastic. Most rigid plastics today are recyclable. One tip: Give yours a quick rinse before tossing it into your recycling bin.

Buy products made from recycled plastic. Industry can do well by doing good … if there’s a market for it. When you’re buying plastic products, look for ones made from recycled plastic. Windex bottles, for example, have been made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic since 2015. Windex also has the industry’s first bottle made with 100% recovered coastal plastic from a major home cleaning brand. Let’s all work together to create a huge market for products made from recycled plastic and watch how quickly we clean up this problem.

If everyone — including industry — does their part, we can reduce the amount of plastics in our oceans. A little effort today can ensure a more beautiful tomorrow. For more information, visit the Blue Paradox website at https://www.blueparadox.com/.

2024-12-11T16:19:00

(BPT) – This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture that begins in early childhood development. It is the most common cause of motor disability in children, affecting about one in 345 children in the United States.^1-2 It may happen as a result of lack of oxygen during or around birth, stroke, infection, a problem with metabolism or other problems that cause injury or affect the development of parts of the brain involved in movement control in the first few years of life.³ CP is a permanent condition, affecting a person for their entire life.

People living with CP typically have motor problems, which may include spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) or ataxia (poor muscle control), and many people have a mix of these motor disorders.⁴ Dyskinesia due to CP (DCP) is one of the most disabling forms of CP and impacts approximately 10% to 20% of people living with CP.^5-6

According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the combination of irregular and unpredictable movements (chorea) and twisting and repeating movements (dystonia) often disrupt activities and cause significant functional impairment, including the ability to maintain balance, walk or fine motor control.⁷ Heather Riordan, M.D., Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Director of the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, discusses the symptoms of chorea and impact on patients in a video shared on the CPF website here.

About 30% of people with DCP are affected mostly by these involuntary and irregular movements (chorea), while dystonia is the predominant motor finding in the remaining 70%.⁸ However, it is common for both chorea and dystonia movements to be present together.⁶

For people living with DCP, these movements can occur in any region of the body, including the arms and legs, torso and face and may vary in severity. They are often triggered or made worse by stimulation or stress. Because dyskinesia can occur at rest and/or when actively using the body, the problems with movement are very burdensome in day-to-day living, with discomfort and pain affecting the quality of life for people and their caregivers.⁹

Jen Lyman, mom to a son with DCP, highlights how dyskinesia makes communicating more difficult. “The most difficult thing about dyskinesia is watching my son struggle to do things that he wants to do, but the extra movements get in the way…special things, such as using a touch screen to video chat with his grandmother, are nearly impossible despite his best efforts to use his hands and fingers. Something so simple, yet so special for him should be effortless.”

DCP has a wide-ranging impact on the individual, including lifelong challenges with movement, a higher risk of other medical issues, a higher rate of mental health challenges and difficulties with communication.^10-12

“Those of us who have the privilege to serve patients with dyskinetic, hyperkinetic or mixed cerebral palsy see the functional impact of this very challenging type of tone every day,” said Susan Biffl, M.D., Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “Patients face challenges with self-care, independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills that affect occupational and recreational activities, swallowing, social interactions and even sleep. As this tone is variable, it is much more challenging to treat than more consistent tone issues, such as spasticity.”

Treatment Options

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for DCP. Dystonia and chorea are often managed separately as they respond differently to various treatments, which can make treatment challenging.³ Most drugs being investigated for DCP have focused on dystonia, and more research is needed to determine potential treatments for chorea. New treatment options are needed to help manage these movement disorders and improve daily function and quality of life for those affected.

“After 20 years of caring for individuals with cerebral palsy, I continue to find those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy among the most challenging to treat, largely due to the limited effectiveness of available pharmacologic options,” said Joyce Oleszek, M.D., Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. “There is an urgent need for more robust evidence to support pharmacologic treatments for this condition, given its profound impact on function, comfort and quality of life.”

Ongoing Research

Clinical studies are important in the development of treatment options, allowing researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The data from clinical studies are used to determine if an investigational treatment can be approved for use to treat certain disorders.

There are ongoing clinical studies evaluating potential treatments for DCP, including one for chorea. Neurocrine Biosciences is conducting the KINECT^®-DCP clinical study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study investigating the study drug, valbenazine, for the treatment of DCP. The clinical study is currently enrolling children, adolescents and adults six to 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with DCP.

“The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is excited to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences on this study,” said Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. “We are proud to support strong research that can potentially bring meaningful change to the lives of those living with cerebral palsy.”

If you or someone you know may be eligible for this research study, please visit the study website for additional information here: FindADCPStudy.com.

REFERENCES

1. Krigger KW. Cerebral palsy: a review. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(1):91-100.
2. Michael-Asalu A, Taylor G, Campbell H, Lelea LL, Kirby RS. Cerebral palsy: diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics, and clinical update. Adv Pediatr2019;66:189-208. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2019.04.002
3. Monbaliu E, Himmelmann K, Lin JP, et al. Clinical presentation and management of dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Lancet Neurol. 2017;16(9):741-749. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30252-1
4. Christine C, Dolk H, Platt MJ, Colver A, Prasauskiene A, Krägeloh-Mann I; SCPE Collaborative Group. Recommendations from the SCPE collaborative group for defining and classifying cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol Suppl. 2007;109:35-38. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.tb12626.x
5. Lumsden DE, Crowe B, Basu A, et al. Pharmacological management of abnormal tone and movement in cerebral palsy. Arch Dis Child. 2019;104(8):775-780. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2018-316309
6. Monbaliu E, de Cock P, Ortibus E, Heyrman L, Klingels K, Feys H. Clinical patterns of dystonia and choreoathetosis in participants with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2016;58(2):138-144. doi:10.1111/dmcn.12846
7. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Published December 20, 2022. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://cpresource.org/understanding-cerebral-palsy/types-cerebral-palsy/dyskinetic-cerebral-palsy
8. Himmelmann K, Hagberg G, Wiklund LM, Eek MN, Uvebrant P. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a population-based study of children born between 1991 and 1998. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2007;49(4):246-251. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00246.x
9. Masson R, Pagliano E, Baranello G. Efficacy of oral pharmacological treatments in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017; 59:1237-1248. doi:10.1111/dmcn.13532
10. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://cpresource.org/topic/what-cerebral-palsy
11. Adults & adolescence. Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://cpresource.org/topic/adults
12. Communication. Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://cpresource.org/topic/communication

© 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-NBI-US-0115 12/2024
NBI-98854-DCP3018_11DecMatRelease_v1.0_25November2024

2024-12-11T15:05:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects about 50% of men by age 60 and up to 90% of men by age 85.¹ As men age, the prostate can grow from the size of a walnut to about the size of a lemon, placing pressure on the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine.¹ While enlarged prostate (BPH) can be a burdensome condition, it is non-cancerous and there are several treatment options available.²

What are the early signs of enlarged prostate and common symptoms?

Symptoms of enlarged prostate vary and tend to worsen over time. Common symptoms of enlarged prostate include frequent and urgent urination, trouble starting a urine stream, urinary retention, urinary incontinence and more.² Interestingly, the size of the prostate doesn’t always determine how serious symptoms are. For instance, some men with slightly enlarged prostates can experience major symptoms, while others with very enlarged prostates can experience minor symptoms.³ Less frequent but serious symptoms to watch out for include urinary tract infection, not being able to pee and blood in the urine.³

Is there a way to treat enlarged prostate? What are some common treatment options?

It is important to discuss treatment options with a health care provider as soon as symptoms begin.³ While there isn’t a cure for enlarged prostate, a range of treatment approaches can help alleviate symptoms, including:

• Watch and wait: Closely monitoring the condition is the first consideration for most men presenting with early signs of enlarged prostate. Some men will also turn to behavioral modifications such as drinking less caffeine to avoid worsening symptoms.⁴
• Medication: Another way of treating enlarged prostate is through commonly prescribed medications that can relax the tension on your urethra making it easier to urinate. Other medications block hormones, which in turn can slow the growth of the prostate gland.⁵
• Surgery: In instances where medications are ineffective or patients wish to avoid daily pills and their associated side effects, symptoms are severe or complications arise, health care providers may recommend surgery to remove the tissue around the urethra or widen the urethra itself.⁵

Are there alternatives to surgery?

For those who want to avoid surgery, there are minimally-invasive treatment options, like Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy — a short, in-office procedure requiring no general anesthesia.⁶ The procedure uses water vapor, or steam, to remove obstructive prostate tissue over time — helping reduce the symptoms of BPH.⁷

Most patients return to their regular activities within a few days and see improvement in their symptoms over a few weeks. Research has also shown that Rezūm provides patients with significant and sustained BPH symptom relief through 5 years.⁶

Graphic depicts how Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy affects the prostate.

To learn more about Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy and to find a doctor near you, please visit https://www.rezum.com/find-a-doctor.html/.

As with any medical treatment, there are some risks which include painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, decrease in ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infection (UTI), inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder and urgent need to urinate. Visit Rezum.com for a complete list of risks and talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with Rezūm.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

All treatments have inherent and associated risks. The Rezūm System is intended to relieve symptoms, obstructions and reduce prostate tissue associated with BPH. It is indicated for men ≥ 50 years of age with a prostate volume 30cm3 ≤ 80cm3. The Rezūm System is also indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe. Potential risks include but are not limited to painful urination (dysuria), blood in the urine (hematuria), blood in the semen (hematospermia), decrease in ejaculatory volume, suspected urinary tract infection (UTI), and urinary frequency, retention or urgency. You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

All images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

References

1. Harvard Health. The growing problem of an enlarged prostate gland. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/the-growing-problem-of-an-enlarged-prostate-gland. Accessed December 2024.

2. Health Information. Urologic Diseases. Prostate Problems. Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia#benign. Accessed December 2024.

3. Diseases & Conditions. Symptoms & causes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087. Accessed December 2024.

4. UpToDate. Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Beyond the Basics). Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph-beyond-the-basics. Accessed December 2024.

5. Diseases & Conditions. Diagnosis & treatment. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370093. Accessed December 2024.

6. McVary KT, Gittelman MC, Goldberg KA, et al. Final 5-year outcomes of the multicenter randomized sham-controlled trial of Rezūm water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2021 Sep;206(3):715-24.

7. McVary KT, Gange SN, Gittelman MC, et al. Minimally invasive prostate convective water vapor energy (WAVE) ablation: A multicenter, randomized, controlled study for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2016 May;195(5):1529-38.

2024-12-10T06:01:00

(BPT) – Winter can be a joyous season — full of sledding, skating, skiing and all the other fun and exciting activities that come along with it. But it can also be a season of accidents, and they can happen to anyone, including you, your partner, and especially active kids.

Last year’s report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, ice skating and sledding caused almost 125,000 visits to the emergency room in one winter alone. Approximately 4,700 snow blower-related injuries were also treated in the ER, and that doesn’t even include all the injuries caused by simply slipping and falling on winter ice.

If an accident happens, are you protected?

Being ready for the unexpected may mean a lot of things, but having access to sufficient financial resources is potentially the most crucial factor of all. Did you know that to help safeguard you and your family when the unexpected occurs, accident insurance can pay you cash benefits, giving you peace of mind in the event of a covered accident?

For example, Boston Mutual Life’s accident insurance is built to help protect you and your family from the unexpected. When a covered accident occurs, such as a broken bone or a concussion, your health insurance plan may cover most of your major expenses, but you could still be left with additional out-of-pocket costs. That may be an opportunity where accident coverage can help cover those additional costs.

How accident insurance works

Thanks to an accident insurance plan, you can get coverage for yourself as well as your spouse and your children (under age 26). In the event of an accident, you’ll have access to an easy claims process, and you’ll receive cash benefits paid directly to you.

What benefits are provided by accident insurance?

While your health insurance may cover some or many of your medical bills, depending on your specific plan’s coverage, it probably won’t cover everything. This is where accident insurance can make a big difference. It can help cover additional things like ambulance rides, emergency room visits, physical therapy, emergency dental work, and more.

Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time

Life can be full of surprises, and unfortunately not all of them are happy surprises. But being prepared — even for the worst — means that you and your family will have better peace of mind should the unexpected occur.

You can find more information about insurance options to provide peace of mind for you and your family by visiting BostonMutual.com.

335-5215 11/24

Policy Series WPS-ACC 07/15

2024-12-09T05:01:00

(BPT) – Your eyes can tell you a lot about your health, and this is especially true for those living with thyroid eye disease (TED). TED occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the tissues around the eyes, leading to symptoms like swelling, bulging and discomfort. During the active phase of TED, when these symptoms are most pronounced, people often experience redness, pain, and inflammation, which can impact daily life.

TED is commonly associated with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. According to the American Thyroid Association, TED can manifest symptoms such as a gritty sensation in the eyes, light sensitivity, dry eyes, and even double vision. While these symptoms may vary in intensity and can improve over time, some individuals may experience more severe forms that require prescription medication or, in some situations, surgery.

A new investigational drug

In an effort to develop additional drug options for TED, researchers are conducting a clinical trial called the spiriTED study. This study is focused on evaluating an investigational drug, TOUR006, in adults with Graves’ disease whose onset of TED symptoms began in the past 15 months. The goal is to better understand how TOUR006 may work in comparison to a placebo — a substance without any active investigational drug.

How to participate in the spiriTED study

Current treatments for conditions like TED exist thanks to the participation of research study volunteers. If you or someone you know is managing moderate to severe active-phase TED, you might consider joining the spiriTED study to help advance research efforts for yourself and others facing similar challenges.

To be eligible, participants must be between 18 and 80 years old, have been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and are currently experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of TED that began in the last 15 months. Note that this is not a complete list of study eligibility requirements. The study doctor will review the full requirements for this study with you. You may be eligible for reasonable compensation for your time to attend study visits and/or reimbursement for certain approved study-related costs, such as transportation. Your safety is a top priority, and you’ll be monitored throughout the study.

To learn more and see if you qualify, click here to take the next step.

2024-12-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – (In Partnership with Eli Lilly and Company)

Are you forgetting your words or losing your train of thought more than usual? Memory and thinking issues can be easily dismissed as signs of normal aging, though they could point to a more serious disease. Experts believe excessive amyloid plaque buildup may cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to do things such as retain new information, remember important dates or find the right words or names.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million Americans aged 65 or older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2024. While symptoms may be recognizable, patients may avoid reaching out to their doctors or even hide symptoms due to fear of the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But Carole, 72, says that not letting herself or others dismiss her symptoms as normal aging was critical to get the diagnosis and help she needed.

“Try to stay positive,” Carole advises folks who notice memory and thinking issues. “Be honest with yourself. There’s help out there, but you have to sometimes seek it out yourself.”

Subtle changes speak volumes

After decades of living, working, and raising kids in Kentucky, Carole and her husband Hank decided to spend their golden years in the Sunshine State. They moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, and have been enjoying retirement there for the past 11 years.

As the years passed by, Hank noticed changes in his wife. Carole began regularly repeating herself without realizing it and misplacing items around their home. Having helped care for his mother and Carole’s, who both faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, he was familiar with some of the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Hank also knew Carole’s family history with the disease meant she had an increased chance of developing it herself.

“All of a sudden, you’re seeing this person is struggling to get some things done that would have just been no big deal,” said Hank. “One of the key things to managing Alzheimer’s disease is recognition. You just have to get in there and be supportive of your loved ones.”

Self-advocacy paves a brighter future

It is estimated that about one-third of people with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease progress to a later stage within five years. Once Hank recognized the symptoms, he knew it was important to ask Carole’s doctor for a cognitive screening because diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease earlier has the potential to provide an opportunity for advanced care planning in collaboration with your doctor. With the availability of disease-modifying treatments and the potential to slow disease progression, an early diagnosis may allow patients to continue to do the things they enjoy for a longer time.

When Hank gently voiced his concerns about her behavior, the couple decided Carole needed to see her doctor as soon as possible. After a visit to her doctor – who said Carole’s symptoms were normal for her age – Carole began doing additional research. While Carole’s symptoms can be associated with normal aging, she remembered her symptoms were different than her mother’s.

With Hank’s support, Carole continued seeking out testing options and potential therapies. Eventually she was diagnosed with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and was accepted into a late-phase clinical trial for Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt) injection for IV infusion (350 mg/20 mL). Kisunla is an amyloid-targeting therapy the FDA approved to treat early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease) with confirmed amyloid pathology.

“I just thought, wow, I’m so lucky to get into a clinical trial,” Carole said. “And it helped me. It gave me hope.”

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION

Kisunla can cause Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities, or “ARIA.” ARIA is a common but serious side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but can be serious. ARIA can be fatal. ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in an area or areas of the brain that usually goes away over time. Some people may also have spots of bleeding on the surface of or in the brain and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Please see Indication and Safety Summary with Warnings below for additional safety information for Kisunla.

Carole’s Treatment Journey

During the 18-month study, Carole and Hank say her cognitive health appeared to remain steady. Carole credits her early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, optimism and hope to her self-advocacy and treatment with Kisunla. In the 18-month study, Kisunla slowed the progression of memory and thinking issues that are due to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease compared to placebo.

Kisunla is a therapy that has been shown in clinical studies to reduce amyloid plaques. Kisunla is an important advancement, since doctors can consider stopping Kisunla treatment based on the reduction of amyloid plaques to minimal levels on amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. That means some patients might not have to go in for infusions for an unlimited period of time*. [*Please note: Kisunla is administered every 4 weeks through IV infusion for 30 minutes. The long-term clinical benefit of Kisunla after stopping treatment has not been studied.]

Today, Carole spends most of her time with family. Carole and Hank have two children, one in Atlanta and one in Baltimore, and two grandchildren. When she isn’t with extended family, Carole largely spends most of her time with Hank at home in Florida or traveling to her favorite destinations like the Great Smokey Mountains.

“Things might be different if I didn’t first admit I had this problem or tried to get help or hadn’t been in the study,” she said.

Don’t ignore the signs

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory or thinking issues, it’s important to discuss these issues with your physician along with the potential for cognitive screening and other tests to help determine if the underlying cause of the memory and thinking issues could be due to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about treatment with Kisunla by visiting www.kisunla.lilly.com.

Lilly Support Services™ for Kisunla is a free support program committed to help patients navigating treatment with Kisunla. The program includes offerings such as coverage determination assistance, care coordination, nurse navigator support, and customized support and resources. For more information about Lilly Support Services and Kisunla, call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or visit www.kisunla.lilly.com.

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS

Kisunla™ (kih-SUHN-lah) is used to treat adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease.

Warnings – Kisunla can cause Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA.” This is a common side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but serious symptoms can occur. ARIA can be fatal. ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in an area or areas of the brain that usually goes away over time. Some people may also have spots of bleeding on the surface of or in the brain and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Although most people do not have symptoms, some people have:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Difficulty walking
• Confusion
• Vision changes
• Seizures

Some people have a genetic risk factor (homozygous apolipoprotein E ε4 gene carriers) that may cause an increased risk for ARIA. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing to see if you have this risk factor.

You may be at higher risk of developing bleeding in the brain if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming (antithrombotic medicines) while receiving Kisunla. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if you are on any medicines that increase this risk.

Your healthcare provider will do magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans before and during your treatment with Kisunla to check you for ARIA. You should carry information that you are receiving Kisunla, which can cause ARIA, and that ARIA symptoms can look like stroke symptoms. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

There are registries that collect information on treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Your healthcare provider can help you become enrolled in these registries.

Warnings – Kisunla can cause serious allergic and infusion-related reactions. Do not receive Kisunla if you have serious allergic reactions to donanemab-azbt or any of the ingredients in Kisunla. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or eyelids, problems breathing, hives, chills, irritation of skin, nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, or chest pain. You will be monitored for at least 30 minutes after you receive Kisunla for any reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms or any reaction during or after a Kisunla infusion.

Other common side effects

• Headache

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side effects. These are not all of the possible side effects of Kisunla. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before you receive Kisunla, tell your healthcare provider:

• About all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you have medicines to reduce blood clots from forming (antithrombotic medicines, including aspirin).
• About all of your medical conditions including if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Kisunla has not been studied in people who were pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if Kisunla could harm your unborn or breastfeeding baby.

How to receive Kisunla

Kisunla is a prescription medicine given through an intravenous (IV) infusion using a needle inserted into a vein in your arm. Kisunla is given once every 4 weeks. Each infusion will last about 30 minutes.

Learn more

For more information about Kisunla, call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or go to kisunla.lilly.com.

This summary provides basic information about Kisunla. It does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information given to you about Kisunla. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Kisunla. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide if Kisunla is right for you.

DN CON BS APP

Kisunla^™ and Lilly Support Services are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

PP-DN-US-0402 11/2024 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

References:

1. Porsteinsson AP, Isaacson RS, Knox S, et al. Diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease: clinical practice in 2021. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2021;3(8):371-386.
2. Alzheimer’s Association. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2024;20(5)
3. Wessels AM, Dennehy EB, Dowsett SA, et al. Meaningful clinical changes in Alzheimer disease measured with the iADRS and illustrated using the donanemab TRAILBLAZER-ALZ study findings. Neurol Clin Pract. 2023;13(2):e200127. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200127
4. Kisunla (donanemab-azbt). Prescribing Information. Lilly USA, LLC.
5. Kisunla (donanemab-azbt). Medication Guide. Lilly USA, LLC.

2024-12-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season can be a wonderful time — from gathering with family and friends to enjoying some time off work and even indulging in all the yummy treats. The last thing we want is to become sick with illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and miss out on this joyful time with the ones we love. That’s why it’s important to take a proactive approach when it comes to our health. And fortunately, there are ways to help protect ourselves against certain illnesses so we can continue enjoying all of the magic and festivities this season has to offer.

Here are some ways you can prioritize your health ahead of the holidays:

• Wash your hands regularly: lather on an antibacterial soap to defend against germs
• Eat a balanced diet: try new recipes that focus on getting a proper share of protein and veggies
• Get enough sleep: stop scrolling before bed and ensure you’re getting the amount of sleep you need to feel your best
• Exercise: even if it’s just a walk around the block, moving your body can help you feel better physically and mentally
• Protect yourself from cold weather: break out your favorite scarves and gloves to bundle up in style
• Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease

Are you 50 or older? The CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 50 and older. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks, put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia are also responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis.

It’s important to know that being 50 or older puts you at increased risk for these illnesses, even if you’re healthy. Those 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, chronic heart disease and COPD are also at increased risk. If you fit in any of these groups, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself.

There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia and IPD during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year. Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.

The holidays are all about being present with our loved ones. So make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination and visit VaxAssist.com to schedule a vaccination appointment today.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

2024-12-05T13:01:00

BEFORE USING

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

• have adrenal gland problems
• have a tumor in your pancreas
• have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
• have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if GVOKE passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you can use GVOKE while breastfeeding.

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

HOW TO USE

• Read the detailed Instructions for Use that come with GVOKE.
• Use GVOKE exactly how your healthcare provider tells you to use it
• Make sure your relatives, close friends, and caregivers know where you store GVOKE and how to use it the right way before you need their help.
• Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period of time may be harmful.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how and when to use GVOKE.
• After giving GVOKE, your caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away.
• If you do not respond after 15 minutes, your caregiver may give you another dose, if available. Tell your healthcare provider each time you use GVOKE. Low blood sugar may happen again after receiving an injection of GVOKE. Your diabetes medicine may need to be changed.

HOW TO STORE

• Keep GVOKE pre-filled syringe and HypoPen in sealed foil pouch until time of use.
• Keep GVOKE kit vial and pouched syringe together in original carton until time of use.
• Store GVOKE at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F.
• Do not keep it in the refrigerator or let it freeze.

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

For more information, call 1-877-937-4737 or go to www.GvokeGlucagon.com.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information for Gvoke

References:

1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S111-S125. doi:10.2337/dc24-S006.
2. McCall AL, Lieb DC, Gianchandani R, et al. Management of individuals with diabetes at high risk for hypoglycemia: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(3):529-562.doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac596.
3. Valentine V, Newswanger B, Prestrelski S, Andre AD, Garibaldi M. Human factors usability and validation studies of a glucagon autoinjector in a simulated severe hypoglycemia rescue situation. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(9):522-530.