Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-03-12T08:01:01

(BPT) – The longer you live the more likely you will develop a medical condition that requires surgery or a procedure. In fact, half of all people 65 and older will have at least one surgical procedure in their lifetime. And along with common potential side effects from anesthesia during surgery such as nausea, chills or muscle aches and itching, older patients are at risk for confusion or short-term memory loss. But, rest assured, there are steps seniors can take to minimize these side effects.

“The aging brain is more vulnerable to anesthesia and surgery, but there is research that provides guidance to decrease these risks,” said James D. Grant, M.D., M.B.A., FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Older patients should talk with their physician anesthesiologist prior to surgery about their entire medical history and any memory problems they’ve had in the past, so an anesthesia plan can be developed that ensures their safety and reduces the chance of side effects or complications.”

Two anesthesia-related surgery risks more common in older people include:

Postoperative delirium — This is a temporary condition that causes the patient to be confused, disoriented, unaware of their surroundings and have problems with memory and paying attention. It may not start until a few days after surgery, comes and goes, and usually disappears after about a week.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) — This is a less well understood but more serious condition that can lead to long-term memory loss and make it difficult to learn, concentrate and think. Because some of these problems are already common in elderly people and may be the sign of an underlying long-term cognitive decline, the only way to determine if a patient actually has POCD is to conduct a mental test before surgery.

Researchers in anesthesia care continue to study and learn more about these conditions and how to prevent or reduce the effects.

During Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 11 to 17) ASA offers six tips for seniors to help limit confusion after surgery:

1. Ask your physician to conduct a pre-surgery cognitive test — an assessment of your mental function. The physician can use the results as a baseline for comparison after surgery.

2. Be sure your caregiver, a family member or friend stays or can visit with you as you recover, carefully observes your physical and mental activity after surgery and reports anything troubling to your physician.

3. Check with your physician before taking medications after surgery that can affect your nervous system, such as those for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or sleep aids.

4. If you wear hearing aids or glasses, ask that they be made available as soon as possible after the procedure.

5. Request a hospital room for recovery with a window if possible, so you can tell whether it’s day or night.

6. If you will be staying overnight in the hospital, pack a family photo, a clock and a calendar, or other familiar objects from home, to help you readjust.

In 2016, ASA launched the Perioperative Brain Health Initiative, which has engaged a multidisciplinary group to work with health care providers, payers and the public to create better access to care that minimizes the impact of pre-existing conditions that may impair mental thinking or intellectual abilities, and optimizes patients’ cognitive recovery and their experience before, during and after surgery for adults 65 and older.

To learn more about preparing for surgery, visit asahq.org/wscpreparingforsurgery. You also can download and print Preparing for Surgery: An Anesthesia Checklist to take with you to visit your physician anesthesiologist prior to surgery, as well as when you go to the hospital or outpatient clinic for the surgery. A brochure on seniors and anesthesia is also available for download. To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit www.asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 52,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology.

ASA is committed to ensuring physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care every patient deserves. For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. Like ASA on Facebook; follow ASALifeline on Twitter.

2018-03-08T15:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re indulging in too many break room snacks or swinging by the drive-thru after work, you’re not alone. With such a busy life, it’s easy to grab something quick and unhealthy on the go. But, the good news is, it’s also easy to make changes in your diet that will reap powerful health benefits in no time.

Here are 10 easy ways to eat healthier:

Start small. You don’t have to completely overhaul your diet in a day. Start with small things, like taking your lunch to work instead of eating out, cutting down on soda or getting a new cookbook of healthy recipes to inspire you.

Plan your meals. On the weekend, plan your breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the upcoming week, and then head out to the grocery store, and do your shopping so you’ll have everything you need on hand.

Cook at home. When you eat out, even when opting for the “healthy” items on the menu, you could be getting hidden doses of salt, sugar and fat. When you cook at home, you can control exactly what you’re eating, down to the nutrient. It’s healthier for your pocketbook, too.

Explore your health insurance discounts. Many health plans offer resources, discounts and incentives for leading a healthier life. Participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies, for example, have the Blue365 program, which features a variety of health and wellness products and services. Members can save everyday on online deals, including discounts on Retrofit private weight-loss programs, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, healthy cookbooks by Holly Clegg, and more.

Eat the rainbow. Colorful foods are packed with nutrients. Red foods help heart health and improve memory. Orange foods are good for your eyes, yellow foods help with digestion and brain function, purple foods are powerful antioxidants and green foods are good for your eyes, musculature, bones and teeth. All fight cancers. And they’re pretty on the plate. Win-win!

Slash the sodium. Lowering your sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure and get rid of water weight. But it’s not as easy as putting down the salt shaker. Sodium lurks in places you’d least expect it. Some surprisingly high-sodium foods: raw chicken (if it’s been pumped up with a solution), pre-cooked frozen shrimp (usually processed with salt), condiments like ketchup and mustard, smoked anything and cottage cheese.

Watch your sugar. Too much sugar leads to weight gain, abdominal obesity, low HDL and high LDL, elevated blood sugar and a whole host of other problems. But like salt, sugar can hide in foods you might think are healthy, including instant oatmeal, jarred pasta sauce, smoothies, flavored yogurt and salad dressing. A good rule of thumb: Read the label, and if it has a double-digit sugar count, ditch it.

Meatless Mondays! Going vegetarian one day a week is a great way to get more veggies into your diet. Swap the burger for a plate of grilled or roasted veggies drizzled with balsamic vinegar or a big, colorful salad. Just don’t pack on the refined carbs like white bread, pasta or potatoes in place of the meat.

Eat anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals, and eating foods rich in them slows aging, gives you healthier skin, a longer lifespan and reduces cancer risk. Berries, nuts and seeds, fish, olive oil, broccoli and green leafy veggies are antioxidant powerhouses.

Practice mindful eating. Go all Zen with your food. Focus on what you’re eating, how you’re nourishing your body, and how much you enjoy the taste of the food. Eating at your desk, in the car or in front of the TV makes it more likely you’ll overeat.

For more information about how Blue365 can help you get healthier, visit www.blue365deals.com.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index^sm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

Blue365 offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services and other items that may be purchased from Blue365 Vendors, which are different from covered benefits under your policy(ies) with your local Blue Company, its contracts with Medicare, or any other federally-funded healthcare program. To find out what is covered under your policy(ies), contact your Blue Company. The products and services described on Blue365’s website are neither offered nor guaranteed under your Blue Company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these products and services are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding your insurance products and services may be subject to your Blue Company’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from Blue365 Vendors. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific Blue365 Vendor’s product or service available through the Site.

*Note to Editors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies participating in Blue365 are in the following states: AZ, AR, DC, DE, FL, IL,IA, KS, LA, MA,MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY,OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® also participates in Blue365.

2018-03-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, Gloria Stephens became extremely bloated and could barely walk, so she knew something else was wrong. She soon learned that her kidneys were failing, and she joined the ranks of the 1 in 7 people with kidney disease. Often called a “silent killer,” kidney disease can cause a person to lose up to 90 percent of kidney function and not even know it.

For National Kidney Month this March, Fresenius Kidney Care — a leading dialysis provider with more than 2,400 centers nationwide caring for more than 190,000 people — urges people to understand the symptoms of kidney disease and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk.

“I tell all of my friends and anyone I meet — you’ve got to ask questions,” recommends Gloria, 69, of Jacksonville, Florida, who now goes to a Fresenius Kidney Care center to receive her life-saving dialysis, which filters her blood because her kidneys no longer function effectively. “You’ve got to know what’s going on in your body.”

Here’s what you should keep in mind to protect yourself from kidney disease:

1. Know Your Risk. As Gloria learned, the two leading causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Other risk factors include family history of kidney failure, kidney stones, smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Your age — especially if you are over 50 — overall health and even ethnicity can also put you at greater risk for kidney disease. If you are African American, Hispanic or Native American, you may be more prone to the risk factors that lead to kidney disease.

2. Recognize the Symptoms. Signs and symptoms of kidney disease often occur after the condition has progressed, so early detection is key to maintaining kidney health. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your urine, or if you’re experiencing fatigue, itching, swelling in your hands or feet, shortness of breath or pain in the small of your back. Make sure your loved ones are aware of the symptoms, too, because they may notice something you don’t.

3. Get Screened Regularly. If you are at risk for kidney disease, you should be screened by your doctor at least once a year, including blood and urine tests like glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your estimated GFR (eGFR) is calculated using blood as well as taking into consideration age, weight, body size and gender. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the greater the benefit of treatment.

4. Focus on What Matters Most. While there are many reasons to get healthy, you should focus on what’s important to you, whether it’s spending time with family and friends or doing an activity you love. You’re more likely to stick with a care plan if you have a goal.

“There are a number of things you can easily do to get healthier and decrease your risk of kidney disease, starting with regular testing,” says Dr. Jeffrey Hymes, chief medical officer at Fresenius Kidney Care.

After Gloria was diagnosed with kidney disease, she didn’t expect to walk, drive or live alone again. But she draws strength from her family, stays active and is able to do all of those things. “I get myself to do something every day. If you don’t let negative things turn you around, you’ll be successful,” said Gloria, who is active in her sorority and church and volunteers with children. “The person who I think gives me the greatest amount of encouragement is my little 7-year-old grandniece named Kendall. It’s wonderful when you have a little person in your heart and in your life to keep you going.”

“Patients like Gloria show that focusing on what you love is a powerful factor in coping with kidney disease,” says Dr. Hymes. “Kidney patients and their care teams should address both the physical and emotional aspects of their health and focus on their ‘why’ as part of their treatment plan.”

Learn more about kidney disease by visiting www.freseniuskidneycare.com.

2018-03-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – From work to working out, kids’ activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier. The problem is hectic schedules can lead to unnecessary stress.

If you’re one of the many people who feel frazzled on a regular basis, you’re probably longing for a vacation or a day at the spa. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to cut stress that you can sneak into everyday life. From mealtime to bedtime, if you start embracing small moments to be more mindful, you’ll be surprised how fast you can cut down on overall stress.

Here are five simple examples of how you can find your own moments of Zen today:

1. Take a 5-minute walk.

Whether it’s getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. For example, take a 5-minute break while dinner’s cooking to walk around the block. Weather not right for a walk? Give your body a quick stretch with an at-home yoga session.

2. Find quick-and-easy solutions.

If making dinner for your family seems like a daunting task, choose quick-and-easy options designed to take the hassle out of meal prep, like SeaPak’s Shrimp Scampi or Popcorn Shrimp. The frozen food aisle is a great place to begin your journey toward finding your happy place in the kitchen. Here, you can find a variety of products that taste great and require minimal prep work, so you can dedicate more time to doing the things you love, like spending quality time with your family.

3. Choose quality over quantity.

Make the most of your time each day by being intentional with your activities. Whether it’s playing a new board game with the kids after dinner or watching a TV show with your spouse, small quality moments can help you relax and enjoy yourself and your family when at home.

4. Take time to reflect.

When using great-tasting, low-hassle products like SeaPak to make dinner, you’ll be spending way less time in the kitchen. Take those extra moments to reflect on everything you accomplished during your day or week. This will help give you a sense of pride and is a real confidence-booster.

5. Break from technology.

Take a break from technology, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Set down your phone, turn off the television and step away from all electronics. Just giving your mind a break from the active world of technology can reduce stress and help you mentally reset, especially during mealtimes, where being present is particularly important.

These are just five simple examples, but moments of Zen can be found anywhere if you take the time to look for them. Remember, the little moments are what make the biggest impact in life, and by embracing mindfulness, you’re setting the stage to be able to focus on what really matters.

2018-03-14T11:31:01

(BPT) – More than 20 years ago, as Jennifer Digmann focused on completing her coursework and graduating from college, she began experiencing numbness in her hands and feet and eventually double vision.

After several visits to her primary care doctor, an ophthalmologist and finally a neurologist, she received the diagnosis: multiple sclerosis (MS).

Today, Jennifer lives with a progressive form of MS, a chronic disease that often strikes in the prime of life, has no cure and is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Progressive forms of MS are the most debilitating. Like others who are affected, Jennifer’s symptoms have continued to worsen over time and her level of disability has increased.

Approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. are living with MS, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Up to 15 percent are diagnosed with a progressive form of the disease (called Primary Progressive MS), and the majority of those diagnosed with Relapsing MS will transition to a progressive form later in life, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For Jennifer, handling her sadness and fear and accepting her diagnosis was almost as challenging as her symptoms. People living with progressive forms of MS tend to experience more difficulties with walking and remaining in the workforce, and they require more assistance with everyday activities, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Progressive forms of MS remain frustratingly difficult to treat, primarily because doctors do not fully understand why the disease progresses. Also, many clinical trials for new medicines have been unsuccessful. More research is needed to better understand the underlying biology driving this condition, as well as to develop additional treatment options.

On March 28, 2018, the first ever Progressive MS Day was celebrated by several MS advocacy groups and state governments around the country. This annual day of awareness was created with the goal of recognizing people living with progressive forms of MS, offering support, highlighting resources, programs and services, and, most importantly, calling for further research to advance their care and reduce disability.

Jennifer and her husband, Dan, who himself lives with Relapsing MS, count themselves among the most enthusiastic supporters of Progressive MS Day. As a couple, the Digmanns have dedicated their lives to inspiring and helping others living with MS by sharing their own experiences and perspectives through their blog and radio show.

“My life is not perfect always, but it’s pretty darn good. This disease, my multiple sclerosis, doesn’t hold me back,” says Jennifer.

Seeing the challenges that Jennifer faces with her condition made Dan excited about Progressive MS Day. “Finally, there’s something for people with the progressive forms of MS. Now, hopefully, that opens the door for more awareness and resources, and that’s why a day like this is pivotal,” says Dan.

2018-03-12T15:19:01

(BPT) – Raising backyard chickens has been a growing trend in the United States over the past several years. Consumers crave choice in their family’s diet, which often includes food they have grown or raised themselves. Raising a backyard flock helps consumers have more control over the eggs their family eats, but bringing home chicks for a backyard flock is just the beginning.

The happiest backyard chickens have the healthiest diets, and the best eggs come from hens eating the most nutritious feed. Today, we are increasingly focused on the impact food has on our family’s health. Hobbyists like to feed their flock the way they feed themselves: non-GMO, organic, soy-free, omega-free and all natural.

Having a say in what goes into the food their family eats is one of the main reasons people choose to raise backyard chickens. There are 2.9 million households in the U.S. raising chickens, and 62 percent of backyard hobbyists anticipate adding to their flock in the next three years. Raising chickens is a way to extend food supply, and hobbyists don’t plan to scale back.

Providing healthy food for your family begins with the source. Nutrena poultry feed makes it easy by using wholesome ingredients in its selection of affordable, homegrown, healthy poultry feeds. By providing your chickens with the highest-quality nutrition, you’re sure to have the freshest eggs for that Sunday morning family breakfast.

With companies like Whole Foods Market reporting 426 percent growth in non-GMO sales from 2010 to 2014, it’s evident that consumers want to know what they’re eating. That’s why Nutrena also offers a USDA-certified organic line of poultry feed that is non-GMO.

The Nutrena poultry feed portfolio includes three different feed lines for each type of poultry hobbyist. Whether you’re starting your chicks, supporting your layers or raising meat birds, Nutrena poultry feed offers the nutrition they need.

For more information about the full line of Nutrena feed, visit NutrenaWorld.com.

2018-03-07T16:01:00

(BPT) – There’s no denying that prescription drug coverage and medications can be complex territory.

Enter UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement’s Chief Pharmacy Officer Mike Anderson, PharmD, who has spent his career navigating the ins and outs of the Rx world.

Below, Anderson answers some common questions people ask about drug coverage and prescriptions.

Q. What’s the difference between PDP and MA-PD plans?

A. Original Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for most prescription drugs, so for help paying for medications, you have two options: a standalone Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) in addition to Original Medicare or Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement plan; or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (MAPD). Medicare Advantage plans can include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage, and combine your coverage into a single plan. Both plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted by Medicare.

Q. How do I know if my prescriptions are covered by my Medicare plan?

A. Whether you get coverage through Medicare Advantage or a standalone Part D plan, each has a formulary, a list of prescription drugs covered. You’ll want to look closely to make sure your medications are covered. Health insurers post plan formularies online, or you can call your plan to request a printed version. Keep in mind that plans can change from year to year, so don’t assume that prescription drugs covered this year will always carry over.

Q. How can I save money while remaining on my medications?

A. There are many ways to do that:

Home-delivery pharmacy benefits can save money and a trip to the pharmacy. Some mail-order pharmacies offer the convenience of ordering a three-month supply of drugs delivered to your home for less than purchasing at a retail location.

If you prefer to visit a pharmacy, check if your plan offers programs or preferred pharmacy networks to help you save on prescriptions.

Switching to generic drugs or drugs on a lower tier of the formulary is another step that could save money. If you are taking brand-name medications now, discuss generic alternatives with your doctor.

Q. Can I split my pills in half?

A. Talk to your doctor about whether pill-splitting for your medication is medically advised. Also, consult your pharmacist on whether the actual pill form presents risks. Some pills are dangerous when split, because splitting affects how quickly the drug is released into your body. Other pills become ineffective when split, because the pill contains a coating to protect it from stomach acid, and splitting the pill breaks that coating.

Q. I take a lot of pills daily. One I take three times a day. Some I just take once. I get busy and forget to take my pills. Can I just take them all in the morning?

A. It’s important to take your medicine as your doctor prescribed it. Some medications need to be taken at specific times to be effective. Plus, taking all your medications at one time can be dangerous as you run the risk of potential adverse interactions, side effects and even overdosing.

Q. I drink smoothies with supplements and take vitamins. Can these have a bad interaction with my prescriptions?

A. That’s a great question. If an iron supplement was added to the smoothie, for example, that could reduce the effectiveness of thyroid medication and medication for reflux disease. Talk to your pharmacist and doctor about vitamins and supplements to learn if they could cause a reaction or make your medications less effective.

Q. I just got my medication refilled. It used to be a different color and shape. Why does it look different?

A. More than likely, the pharmacy you use bought their supply from a different manufacturer. Drug companies that make the same medication must keep the chemical formula the same but may change the shape or color. As long as you verify it’s the same medication and dose, it should work just like before. If you have concerns, talk with your pharmacist.

For more information to help you navigate prescription drug coverage, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

2018-03-27T09:07:00

(BPT) – It’s amazing what parents do in a day. You help your kids with homework, drive them to and from practice, whip up a meal everyone will like, make sure they brush their teeth … the list goes on. Not to mention you have a job to go to. It’s a wonder parents can ever find a few minutes to relax.

While hectic can be an understatement when it comes to describing a day in the life of a parent, there are some simple and savvy ways you can save time and energy when preparing meals. Here are five tips for providing delicious weekday meals for the entire family.

1. Get in the habit of meal planning. Most people don’t realize how much time they spend stressing out about what to make for dinner each night. Something as simple as planning a weekly menu in advance can make things infinitely easier. Try sitting down on Sunday, writing down what you want to eat on each day that week and shopping accordingly. This is a simple and effective way to streamline the whole process.

2. Embrace convenience. There are far more convenient ways of getting a delicious weekday meal than chopping and sweating your way through a home-cooked recipe. You can order take out from most any restaurant these days, but Applebee’s adds an extra layer of convenience for time-crunched parents — Carside To Go(R) pickup. You simply place an order online, through the Applebee’s app, or by phone and schedule a pickup time that works for you. Then, on your way home from work, the gym or soccer practice, just pull into a designated Carside To Go parking spot outside your neighborhood Applebee’s and a team member will bring your food out to you. Deliciously simple.

3. Make food prep a family activity. Parents are always looking for a fun activity everyone will enjoy or a way to constructively engage their kids. You can knock out a few birds with one stone by encouraging your kids to become more involved with preparing family meals. For instance, you can assign them a simple side dish (it can be as easy as defrosting peas or peeling carrots) or have each kid pick a meal they want to help make each week. Whatever your approach, this is an educational and enjoyable way to spend time with your kids.

4. Don’t try to imitate the chefs on TV. We would all love to cook like those celebrity chefs on TV who don’t miss a beat and saute, grill, bake and broil any and all ingredients into a perfect dish. Don’t hold yourself to such impossible standards. Instead, focus on making delicious and nutritious meals that match your skill set and tastes. If you want to wow your family with culinary masterpieces, consider some quick and easy take out options.

5. Embrace leftovers. If you’re already in the kitchen cooking, why not add more ingredients to the pot so you can have extra meals to eat through the week? Or, instead of ordering just enough food for one night, order a couple of extra sides or entrees that you can heat up for lunch or dinner the next day.

No one said life as a parent would be a breeze, but with a few easy tweaks to how you plan, order and cook, you can make mealtime into a fun and easy part of your day.

2018-03-27T13:01:00

(BPT) – When someone says blood cancer, the average person may typically think of lymphoma or leukemia. However, for an estimated 229,468 worldwide, blood cancer means multiple myeloma.[I]

In fact, multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer.[ii] An estimated 30,280 new cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed in 2017 in the United States alone.[iii] March 1 marked the beginning of Multiple Myeloma Action Month, an annual observance helping to shed light on this disease. While supporting patients with multiple myeloma is a 365-day-a-year effort, March offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and what’s next in improving patient care.

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells.[iv],[v] Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system.[iv],[v] Genetic changes in plasma cells cause them to transform into cancer cells, replicate uncontrollably and accumulate in the bone marrow.[v] The exact cause is unknown, and most people with multiple myeloma have no known risk factors other than age and race.[iii],[vi] African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma compared to white Americans.[iii] The average age at diagnosis is 69 years.[iii]

Patient outcomes are improving

In the 1990s, only one-third of patients survived five years following diagnosis.[vii] Now, nearly half of all multiple myeloma patients are expected to survive five years or more.[iii],[vii] This is largely due to ongoing research efforts that have led to the approval of new and novel treatments.

The multiple myeloma advocacy community is powerful

The International Myeloma Foundation declared March 2009 the first ever Myeloma Awareness Month and has since elevated the program to Myeloma Action Month, inspiring people to take action to drive awareness and progress. The International Myeloma Foundation and other patient organizations like the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Myeloma Crowd have become driving forces in the multiple myeloma community, helping to advance patient care through research and fundraising efforts while furthering public awareness. Patient demographics gathered through the MMRF CoMMpass Study^SM are helping patients to better assess their treatment options, while programs like LLS’ Light The Night^® and the MMRF’s The Journey Towards a Cure have infused the patient community with immense strength. Those involved often create long-lasting relationships and expand their support networks.

The search for a cure is an ongoing priority

While significant improvements in patient care have been made, there is still no cure for multiple myeloma. Patient advocates and researchers alike are dedicated to improving understanding of the disease and driving medical innovation. Projects, like the Myeloma Genome Project, are assessing genetic data associated with patient outcomes in an effort to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Additionally, research initiatives continue to investigate new uses for current therapies, while also exploring promising new approaches like utilizing patients’ own immune systems to fight the disease.

Nadim Ahmed, President, Hematology and Oncology, Celgene, notes that, “It is not just during the month of March, but every day throughout the year that we must continue to discover new ways to provide a brighter future for people with multiple myeloma. Through dedicated research and continued partnership with an amazing group of patients, caregivers, advocacy organizations and researchers, it is our hope that one day we can find a cure for this devastating disease.”

2018-03-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Vacation may be a time to relax, but things can take a serious downturn if you lose your passport or if there is disastrous weather at your destination — or worse, you need an emergency medical evacuation. Though travel insurance can seem like just one more expense, without it, an emergency evacuation can cost over $100,000!

Travel insurance is a simple way to protect your belongings and minimize losses. Angela Wong of USAA Travel Services says, “Travel protection, offered through companies like Travel Insured International, provides travelers with that extra peace of mind so that they’re covered should the unexpected happen while away from home.”

To get a quote, you will need the following information:

* Number of travelers

* Age of travelers

* Trip dates

* Overall trip cost (which includes pre-paid, non-refundable expenses such as accommodations, airfare, cruises, tours and excursions)

Tip: To compare quotes and make more sense of them, divide the quote by the number of days you’ll be traveling to get the cost of coverage per day.

In most cases, the chances are that your travels will go without a hitch. However, if they don’t, you could be in real financial trouble. Wong adds, “Benefits often provide coverage for emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption protection, medical insurance and baggage insurance.”

* Trip cancellation or interruption: With trip interruption coverage, you’ll have the money to refund the expenses of a new return ticket or to stay in a comfortable hotel.

* Emergency illness or injury: With travel medical coverage, you won’t be paying a huge medical bill. You’ll also have assistance services — in your own language — to locate a suitable medical facility and arrange transportation.

* Baggage delay, loss or theft: With coverage for delayed bags, you can relax. You’ll also be reimbursed for the essential items you need to start enjoying your trip.

* Bankruptcy of travel supplier: You’ll be able to recoup your expenses and reschedule your vacation.

* Weather-related delay: With protection against weather damage, you’ll be able to recover your pre-paid costs while travel assistance services will help you arrange a vacation to a new location.

With these coverage options, it is important to be upfront about pre-existing conditions and read the fine print to understand what you’re paying for. Remember: Don’t pick one just because it’s cheap; make sure you understand your needs and purchase one that makes sense.

While people understand the importance of travel insurance, they don’t often understand how it works. It’s really quite easy and no different than auto or home insurance. If an incident occurs, just contact your travel protection provider and start a claim to receive reimbursement and assistance.

At the end of the day, a vacation is about spending time with loved ones, unwinding from the daily routine and making happy memories. It’s not about worrying endlessly about all the things that could go wrong. Therefore, when it comes to protecting ourselves and our precious belongings, we shouldn’t think twice about travel insurance — it’s a must.

For more information on travel insurance coverage and to request a quote, visit USAA Travel or Travel Insured International.