Brandpoint Health
2018-03-12T08:07:01
(BPT) – The Pill is the most popular form of contraception. There are over 35 varieties available to the more than 10 million women who have been prescribed the Pill in the U.S. These statistics would not be possible without thought leaders rallying together for progress in women’s reproductive healthcare.
2018-03-16T12:01:01
(BPT) – As millennials become more conscious of how their diets affect their daily well-being, they’re driving demand across all generations for greater transparency in the food supply chain. They want to know how their foods were raised, sourced, processed and prepared.
“Sometimes, food is more than food,” report authors of a Nielsen study, indicating 75 percent of adults worldwide think they “are what they eat” and nearly 80 percent use foods to forestall health and medical issues.
Cargill recently conducted a Feed4Thought survey related to how these millennial-driven trends are shaping values related to food — and buying behaviors — for people of all ages.
1. Buying food based on how animals were raised
Consumers report being three times more likely to purchase protein if they know it was raised with natural health supplements. And 58 percent of U.S. consumers are more concerned about food animal welfare now than they were just a few years ago, according to a recent report by researcher Packaged Facts.
2. More emphasis on gut health
Nutritionists are increasingly learning about the role of the stomach and its microorganisms in maintaining our health. The foods we digest reportedly have a profound effect on our balance of “good and bad bacteria,” the soundness of our immune systems and our brain’s release of feel-good chemical serotonin, according to the NCBI. And supplements can be effective as well. In the Cargill survey, 80 percent of respondents report adjusting or supplementing their diets to achieve better gut health.
3. A desire for animals to use the same health supplements humans do
Millennials want to know the origins of their food, and that includes understanding what their meat sources have been fed. A December survey found 62 percent of millennials prefer their animal proteins to have been raised with the same supplements ingested by humans — like probiotics, plant extracts and essential oils. “People want natural, wholesome and sustainable ingredients,” notes Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition. “We’ve seen a rise in the popularity of digestive health supplements for humans, echoed in the demand for protein raised with natural supplements.”
4. Bigger emphasis on protein
Eighty-seven percent of U.S. millennials (and 99 percent of those who are college grads) consider protein important to their diets, says one study. And worldwide, a Nielsen report found 34 percent of millennials rate high amounts of protein a very important element in their decisions of which foods to buy. Nutritionists are finding new ways to meet the increased demand for proteins to address the growing world population and their desire for protein-rich diets.
While millennials have been the forerunners in driving new and healthier dietary trends in recent years, their initiatives have spread across all generations to improve awareness and make us all more conscious of exactly what we’re eating.
“It’s important for the animal agriculture community to remain in touch with food trends so we can continue to provide the choices consumers demand,” concludes Hannah Thompson-Weeman of the Animal Agriculture Alliance.
Cargill, a longtime leader in producing sustainable and wholesome foods, recently acquired two companies that specialize in natural, research-proven animal feed products. Read more about the company’s “Feed4Thought” survey at Cargill.com.
2018-03-13T16:07:01
(BPT) – Imagine your family carried the gene for a rare, life-threatening condition, but didn’t know it?
For generations, members of Angel’s family experienced fatigue, nerve pain, numbness in limbs, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain, but were unable to determine the cause. The answer was hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis, a progressive, debilitating, life-threatening condition that typically runs in families.
“Early on, my family used to call hATTR amyloidosis ‘the curse’ because no one knew what it was and those who had it experienced a wide variety of symptoms and misdiagnoses,” Angel said. She witnessed firsthand how the condition, which affects approximately 50,000 people worldwide, can devastate a person’s quality of life.
“I watched my grandfather go from building houses and doing construction to being wheelchair bound and bedridden.”
Angel’s family’s experience was recently chronicled in “Living a Rare Life,” a new downloadable booklet sharing their personal account about how they’ve been living with this condition across generations. Like many rare conditions, hATTR amyloidosis varies from individual to individual and is often misdiagnosed because its wide array of symptoms, like shortness of breath, numbness of fingers and toes, constipation/diarrhea and headaches, resemble other, more common conditions.
While the degree and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, hATTR amyloidosis can lead to significant disability and a shortened life expectancy. Obtaining an early and accurate diagnosis is critical.
While Angel tested negative for the condition, she has taken an active role serving as an advocate and caregiver for her family. “The first step to managing a hereditary condition is knowing your family health history and identifying gaps in knowledge about genetic disorders,” said Angel. “Today my mom and many of her siblings are battling hATTR amyloidosis, but now we know how to recognize the symptoms and better manage them.”
Here are a few of Angel’s tips to begin conversations with your loved ones about your health history:
If you, or someone in your family, experience symptoms consistent with those of hATTR amyloidosis, talk to your doctor and visit hATTRBridge.com for information and resources like the “Living a Rare Life” booklet.
* Angel is partnering with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals to increase awareness of hATTR amyloidosis.
2018-03-15T14:01:00
(BPT) – Most of us who are aging hope to live comfortably and self-sufficiently at home well into our golden years. And, of course, we wish the same for our parents.
The good news is advancements in healthcare and other technology are increasingly allowing aging Americans to live longer at home. The bad news is many are unable to continue to do so once they take a serious fall at home, injuring their hips, heads or other body parts. That’s an all-too-common problem: One in four Americans age 65 and older fall each year, and falling once doubles their chances of falling again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls also are the number one cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
“We treat many older patients who lived happily and productively at home until they tripped and broke a hip,” notes orthopaedic trauma surgeon and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson Lisa Cannada, MD. “A broken hip or other fall-related injuries make it difficult for people to live at home again without assistance of some kind and loss of independence. With a little foresight and planning, many of these injuries could be prevented.”
Several steps can be taken to prevent debilitating falls from ever taking place. Consider how the following tips may help you or your loved ones hold on to the comforts of home for a longer period of time:
* Recognize your risk. A number of health issues can make you or your parents more prone to falling, ranging from arthritis to neurological conditions to vision or hearing loss. Various medications, the use of alcohol or simple dehydration may also affect your ability to safely navigate your surroundings. But the more you’re aware of such possible hindrances, the more you can plan for them.
* Optimize your health. Take responsibility for staying as healthy and fit as possible by remaining active, drinking enough water, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Annual physicals, eye exams and bone density tests are recommended. Make exercise a priority, and choose something that you enjoy to maintain your bone health and coordination.
* Fall-proof your home. Walk through your home and that of your parents to identify and fix possible hindrances such as slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, cluttered pathways, unsecured rugs, electric cords, loose flooring, etc. Consider installing grab bars in the shower, securing loose rugs with slip-resistant backings and installing bright motion-detector lights. You also might move clothes, kitchenware and other everyday gear within easier reach. The AAOS and Orthopaedic Trauma Association offer additional tips in this Falls Awareness and Prevention Guide.
* Wear the right shoes. Limit footwear to well-fitting, low-heeled shoes or slippers with rubber or other non-skid soles. Also watch for untied shoelaces.
* Maintain an action plan. If you live alone, have someone check on you daily. If you do fall, you may avoid further injury by using your arms to protect your head instead of trying to break your fall. If possible, fall on your side or buttocks and roll slightly. If you can’t get up after bracing yourself on a wall or furniture, call a friend, relative or 911 for help. Finally, consider wearing a medical alert device 24-7; you never know where and when you’ll need emergency help, and your cell phone may not always be available.
Many aging Americans are able to enjoy long, productive lives in their own homes instead of turning to other accommodations. Increase your chances of making that happen for you and your parents by taking steps to plan for and avoid an injury-producing fall. Find more tips at orthoinfo.org/falls.
2018-03-07T11:31:00
(BPT) – The majority of Americans wouldn’t think that walking to their car after work is a difficult task, but that wasn’t the case for Michele Norris. Before her heart failure diagnosis and treatment, Michele found herself leaning on a co-worker while walking to her vehicle, taking frequent breaks along the short route.
She knew something wasn’t right. Michele, a 62-year-old budget director, noticed shortness of breath and swelling in her legs, limiting her daily routines. She decided to take action and talk to her doctor. After a few conversations, Michele was eventually diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or HFrEF, a chronic and progressive condition affecting millions of Americans, though few know much about it. After discussions with her cardiologist, Michele was prescribed ENTRESTO® (sacubitril/valsartan), a heart failure medicine that helps improve the heart’s ability to pump blood to the body.
“Being diagnosed with heart failure was terrifying, but I learned how to trust my gut, and raise a flag when something feels off,” said Michele. “Taking steps to change my diet and stay active, and adding ENTRESTO to my regimen has helped me stay out of the hospital, although everyone’s experiences are different.”
Michele is passionate about helping others with HF and encourages them to keep all of their doctor appointments, and to be an active partner with their doctors when choosing a treatment plan – which includes medication and lifestyle changes.
Learn more at www.entresto.com
What is ENTRESTO?
ENTRESTO (sacubitril/valsartan) tablets 24/26 mg, 49/51 mg, 97/103 mg is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in people with certain types of long-lasting (chronic) heart failure. ENTRESTO is usually used with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB therapy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ENTRESTO?
ENTRESTO can harm or cause death to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat heart failure if you plan to become pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking ENTRESTO, tell your doctor right away.
Who should not take ENTRESTO?
Do not take ENTRESTO if you
What should I tell my doctor before taking ENTRESTO?
Before you take ENTRESTO, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have kidney or liver problems or a history of hereditary angioedema; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should either take ENTRESTO or breastfeed. You should not do both.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take potassium supplements or a salt substitute; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); lithium; or other medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or aliskiren.
What are the possible side effects of ENTRESTO?
ENTRESTO may cause serious side effects including:
The most common side effects were low blood pressure, high potassium, cough, dizziness, and kidney problems.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, available at: https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/sites/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/files/entresto.pdf.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
2018-03-15T09:21:01
(BPT) – –
2018-03-14T14:17:00
(BPT) – One in every four people is affected by anemia, a condition that occurs when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells.1,2 Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body, ensuring the body has energy and can function properly.3 Symptoms may vary in severity and can be acute or chronic. Further, many patients present with chronic anemia as a result of other health conditions — cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, or blood or bone marrow disorders — which each come with their own challenges.2,4,5 For those with chronic anemia associated with other diseases, life after diagnosis often means adjusting to a new “normal.” Dizziness, trouble breathing and overall tiredness experienced by many with anemia may mean adjusting work schedules, changing exercise regimens, limiting social activities and generally slowing down.2
Kathleen Weis, chief executive officer of The Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness International Foundation, calls it the “elephant in the room.”6
“Chronic anemia impacts a person’s daily activities. For many, it means not being able to do the things they used to — like going to work or helping around the house. Symptoms, fatigue in particular, can be debilitating,” Weis explained.6
For patients, this may necessitate relinquishing aspects of independence. An increasing reliance on caregivers is one of the hardest transitions people living with chronic anemia face. It’s an entirely new learning process and is often coupled with the guilt of knowing there’s an added burden on family members and caregivers. Patients may even experience depression at one point or another.7
“It’s a double whammy in terms of emotions. Both patients and caregivers are learning how to deal with the changes,” Weis said. “We put a lot of focus on mindfulness and positivity to help patients and their families through these challenges, in addition to educating about treatment. We believe in treating the body and mind together.”6
This March marks the first ever Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Month, an extension from the weeklong observance The Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness International Foundation has organized in previous years. Webinars and conferences throughout the month will offer learning opportunities on a wide variety of topics for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.
Research is another core focus for the Foundation. Treatment options for patients with chronic anemia are limited, and the organization is trying to make sure researching new approaches is seen as a priority. One of the most common treatments is red blood cell transfusions; a process by which donated blood is infused into a patient’s bloodstream.2 Frequency of transfusions depends on disease severity, but some patients may need to be transfused as often as every two weeks.2,8 This is challenging as transfusions are cumbersome, costly and associated with risks.
“Frequent blood transfusions require numerous visits to the doctors, which can be inconvenient for both patients and their caregivers. We would like to see new treatments that not only improve patient outcomes, but may also address current burdens,” said Weis.6
Despite the challenges they face, Weis notes that the patients she meets are resilient. “They want you to know they are still very much moving forward and this thing — this disease — is just something they are dealing with each day.”6
For more information about The Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness International Foundation or Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Month, visit http://www.aamds.org/.
REFERENCES:
2018-03-19T08:01:00
(BPT) – Fitness is central to your well-being and ability to enjoy life to the fullest, however it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. How do you find new interest and motivation so you’re ready to maximize the warm weather months?
Dan Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, says there are many things people can do to get a jump-start on their health and wellness.
“Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated or boring,” says Gaz. “There are many creative ways to implement fitness activities into your life that are both fun and invigorating.”
Gaz suggests five simple ways to get a jump-start on summer fitness and energize your workout routine:
Try something new
Gaz says getting outside your comfort zone can be beneficial to your health. “Trying something new helps keep your fitness plan fresh. Plan a visit to the local farmers market to pick up produce. Sign up for a 5k run, or look at your local community education or rec center class catalog and sign up for activities. The social dynamics of these types of events benefit mental as well as physical health.”
Get outside
“Getting outdoors is rejuvenating,” Gaz says. “Taking a walk in nature is a nice change of pace that is good for the body and mind.” You can go for a walk, run or take a stroll around a local park. “Just being outdoors shakes things up and you may find higher levels of energy as you breathe in the fresh air. Plus, getting a daily dose of vitamin D from the sun does the body good.”
Bring friends
“It’s no secret when you work out with other people they tend to hold you accountable, but there’s also more benefit than just that,” says Gaz. “When you take an exercise class, join a running club or biking group, you may end up pushing yourself harder. The people next to you become your exercise advocates and suddenly, you’ll have the desire to keep up and do more. This can accelerate reaching your fitness goals.”
Rethink commuting
“Anything you can do to break up the monotony of sitting is a good thing.” Try being creative in commuting and how you travel throughout the day. “If possible, walk or bike to work or the grocery store. You can also take the bus, get off a couple blocks early and walk the rest of the way. A little planning ahead of time can help you accomplish multiple things at once: You’re getting exercise, completing an errand and reducing your carbon footprint.”
Be purposeful
“You may only have a few minutes a day to dedicate to exercise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a big impact,” says Gaz. “Being purposeful with your choices is important. For example, use intervals in your workout routine to maximize outcomes. If you enjoy walking, do a brisk 30 or 60 seconds, then walk slower for the same period of time before pushing yourself again. This type of interval training is simple, yet highly effective. It works similarly for other activities like swimming, biking and running.”
To find more tips about improving your health with creative approaches to exercise or to set up a visit with a wellness expert, visit healthyliving.mayoclinic.org.
2018-03-13T16:01:00
(BPT) – An estimated 4.4 percent of adults have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the U.S. — which means that when applied to the full U.S. adult population aged 18 and over, approximately 10.5 million adults are estimated to have ADHD. Medication is not appropriate for all individuals diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Many of these adults struggle with symptom management as they go through their day.
On June 20, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved MYDAYIS® (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product), an extended-release treatment for ADHD in patients 13 years and older. Mydayis is not for use in children 12 years and younger. In clinical studies, Mydayis demonstrated improved attention up to 16 hours after dosing, beginning at 2 to 4 hours, compared to placebo. Attention was measured using the Permanent Product Measure of Performances (PERMP), a skill-adjusted math test that measures attention in ADHD. Mydayis is now available for appropriate patients by prescription.
Mydayis, other amphetamine containing medicines, and methylphenidate have a high chance for abuse and can cause physical and psychological dependence. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child for signs of abuse and dependence before and during treatment with Mydayis. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the differences between physical and psychological dependence and drug addiction.
Mydayis is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it contains amphetamine that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Keep Mydayis in a safe place to protect it from theft. Never give Mydayis to anyone else, because it may cause death or harm them. Selling or giving away Mydayis may harm others and is against the law.
“The recognition and treatment of ADHD have gone through significant developments in the past 20 years as we’ve come to understand more about how symptoms may impact a patient’s day,” said Dr. Theresa Cerulli, Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. “The availability of multiple, different ADHD treatments, including Mydayis, provides healthcare professionals with different tools they can consider using as part of their patients’ management plans.”
As the understanding of ADHD and the ways it impacts people continues to evolve, it is also important for healthcare professionals to have a range of treatment options to help address the needs of their individual patients. Mydayis provides healthcare professionals with another option for their appropriate patients who may seek an extended-release treatment that helps address their individual needs. People living with ADHD should work with a healthcare professional to determine whether a pharmacological treatment is appropriate for them, and if so, which one helps meet their individual needs.
For more information about Mydayis, talk to your healthcare provider and visit www.MYDAYIS.com.
What is MYDAYIS®?
Mydayis is a prescription medicine for ADHD in patients 13 years and older. Mydayis is not for children 12 years and younger.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Abuse and dependence. Mydayis, other amphetamine containing medicines, and methylphenidate have a high chance for abuse and can cause physical and psychological dependence. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child for signs of abuse and dependence before and during treatment with Mydayis.
Tell your healthcare provider (HCP) if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Your HCP can tell you how physical and psychological dependence and drug addiction are different.
Mydayis is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it contains amphetamine that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Keep Mydayis in a safe place to protect it from theft. Never give Mydayis to anyone else, because it may cause death or harm them. Selling or giving away Mydayis may harm others and is against the law.
Who should not take Mydayis?
Do not take Mydayis if you or your child is:
Serious problems can occur while taking Mydayis. Tell your HCP:
What should I avoid during Mydayis treatment?
What are possible side effects of Mydayis?
The most common side effects of Mydayis include:
For additional safety information, click for Medication Guide and discuss with your healthcare provider.
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.
Mydayis is a registered trademark of Shire LLC.
S33443 01/18
2018-03-09T06:01:00
(BPT) – As you spring your clocks forward and jump into spring cleaning, take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Old and unused prescription medications commonly sit in medicine cabinets, sometimes for years, and can easily fall into the wrong hands.
Over 11.5 million Americans misused prescription painkillers in the last year and two in three people who use heroin started out misusing prescription painkillers.1 Every day 2,000 teenagers misuse prescription drugs for the first time.2
It only takes a moment to safely dispose of old and unused medications, but it can have a lifelong impact.
Order a free disposal kit today at www.addictionpolicy.org/order.
