Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-02-28T06:01:01

(BPT) – Pet parents know that there’s nothing like the love of furry family members. Keeping your pets healthy is a priority because you want them to live as long as possible. However, health care costs for pets are expensive, and if you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget.

Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money on health care costs.

Invest in preventative care

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as applicable to pets as it is to their human caregivers. One of the most important things a pet parent can do to ensure the ongoing health of any animal is to bring them in for annual checkups whether they are experiencing health issues or not.

During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions. They provide insight on diseases, age-related concerns, dental health, nutritional considerations and so much more. Plus you’re able to provide your pet with important vaccinations. Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health care costs to pet parents in the long run.

Get an Inside Rx Pets prescription card

Costs for managing your pet’s health can be a bear with pet owners spending more than $8 billion on prescription and over-the-counter medications annually. The Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on commonly prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics, as well as seizure, glaucoma and anti-inflammatory drugs. The Inside Rx Pets savings card is not insurance; it is a savings card you can use for certain human medications that may be prescribed for your pet. A complete list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pet card, as well as pricing information and other details, can be found at https://InsideRx.com/Pets.

Benefiting from these discounts is easy for pet parents: If your pet’s veterinarian writes a prescription for an applicable medication, simply download the free discount card from the Inside Rx Pets website and present it with the prescription at one of the 40,000 participating pharmacies located across the U.S. that fill prescriptions for animals. These include national chains such as Kroger Family of Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens (yes, the same pharmacies you go to for your own medications).

Exercise and focus on nutrition

Obesity is a growing concern for many pets. Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight. This weight can put them at higher risk for health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These health concerns not only risk the quality of life for Fluffy or Fido, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook.

Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that’s letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family’s routine. If you’re unsure what is appropriate for your pet, call your veterinarian or bring it up at a wellness visit. They’ll be delighted you reached out for more information to keep your pet healthy.

Start an emergency fund

Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense is something no one wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it’s wise to have savings set aside in case of a rainy day.

Some people are starting pet health savings accounts (HSAs) that are similar to the accounts that people hold for themselves to pay for medical expenses. Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, when you have an emergency fund you won’t have to worry about any unexpected expenses, so you can simply focus on getting your pet well again.

Being proactive is important for keeping your pets healthy for many years. From scheduling annual wellness visits to taking advantage of the Inside Rx Pets discount card, there are many easy actions pet parents can take today to reduce costs so furry family members stay well.

2018-02-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – When Fern started coughing over and over again, she was repeatedly diagnosed with bronchitis and recurring pneumonia. However, both Fern and her husband Philip knew that something wasn’t quite right. Fern and Philip’s persistence led to Fern’s diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, a progressive and chronic condition caused by bacteria that are common in the environment.

“It took over six years for Fern to be accurately diagnosed with NTM lung disease and every day leading up to the diagnosis was a challenge — from doctors telling us no treatment was needed to the day-to-day reality of respiratory therapies,” said Fern’s husband, Philip. “But the biggest challenge by far was not being able to definitively state what she had and not knowing what plan of action to pursue.”

About NTM Lung Disease

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease is an infection caused by bacteria that are aerosolized, which means they exist in water particles that float in the air and are breathed in. NTM bacteria is common in the environment and can be found places such as tap water, showerheads, steam from hot tubs, mist and soil from parks and gardens. In fact, one study across 25 states showed that NTM bacteria was found in nearly eight out of ten water samples.

Everyone comes into contact with NTM bacteria during their daily lives. However, not everyone is at risk of getting NTM lung disease. Most people do not become infected because their lungs are healthy enough to clear the bacteria. But people who have conditions such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are more likely to develop NTM lung disease, because conditions that cause damage to the lungs make it difficult to clear NTM bacteria.

Since the symptoms of NTM lung disease, such as cough, fatigue and shortness of breath, are similar to those of other lung conditions, many people who have it may not even know it for months or sometimes years. NTM lung disease is sometimes misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all because many people with symptoms think it’s due to a lung condition they already have.

Talk to a Doctor about NTM Lung Disease

Over time, NTM lung disease symptoms can get worse, and in some cases, the disease can cause severe, even permanent damage to the lungs, so early detection and management is crucial. If you think you or a loved one may have NTM lung disease, talk to your doctor about getting tested and visit AboutNTM.com for additional information.

Resources for NTM Patients and Caregivers

Throughout the diagnosis and treatment journey, Fern and Philip met patients from across the country who had similar experiences. Together, Philip and Fern started a non-profit organization, NTM Information & Research (NTMir), to save and improve lives through research, education, early detection and improved treatments for people with NTM lung disease. Over the past ten years the organization has grown to be a significant resource for patients with NTM lung disease and their caregivers as well as clinicians who treat the condition.

“When Fern was first diagnosed, information about NTM lung disease was scarce and we knew the best way to arm ourselves was to find out as much about NTM as possible,” Philip said. “Learning more about the disease, starting conversations with doctors, getting support from those around you and others with the same condition — those are all imperative to patients and caregivers alike.”

NTMinfo.org provides a library of tools and information, as well as an online community, for additional support. Resources can also be found at AboutNTM.com, such as a discussion guide to help prepare for the next doctor appointment, real patient stories and information about NTM lung disease.

Sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

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

• are allergic to sacubitril or valsartan or any of the ingredients in ENTRESTO
• have had an allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat (angioedema) or trouble breathing while taking a type of medicine called an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
• take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Do not take ENTRESTO for at least 36 hours before or after you take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ENTRESTO if you are not sure if you take an ACE inhibitor medicine
• have diabetes and take a medicine that contains aliskiren

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:

• angioedema that may cause trouble breathing and death. Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of angioedema or trouble breathing. Do not take ENTRESTO again if you have had angioedema while taking ENTRESTO. People who are Black or who have had angioedema and take ENTRESTO may have a higher risk of having angioedema
• low blood pressure (hypotension). Call your doctor if you become dizzy or lightheaded, or you develop extreme fatigue
• kidney problems
• increased amount of potassium in your blood

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:

1. Pasricha, SR. Anemia: A Comprehensive Global Estimate. Blood. 2014;123(5).
2. American Cancer Society. Anemia in People With Cancer. Available at https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html. Accessed March 2018.
3. American Cancer Society. Blood Transfusions for People with Cancer. Available at https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/blood-transfusion-and-donation/what-are-transfusions.html. Accessed March 2018.
4. Smith, Jr., R,E. The Clinical and Economic Burden of Anemia. Am J Manag Care. 2010; 16:S59-S66.
5. Gunnar Birgegård. Managing Anemia in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2008;4(2):527–539.
6. Interview with Kathleen Weis. Conducted by Marissa Vitha and Danielle Kroft for the Celgene Newsroom, January 2018.
7. Korkmaz S, Yildiz, S, et al. Frequency of anemia in chronic psychiatry patients. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:2737–2741. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S91581.
8. Langhi, Jr., D., et.al. Guidelines on Beta-thalassemia major – regular blood transfusion therapy: Associac¸ão Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular: project guidelines: Associac¸ão Médica Brasileira – 2016. Brazilian Journal of Hematology and Hemotherapy. 2016;3:8(4):341–345.

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:

• allergic to amphetamine or any of the ingredients in Mydayis. See Medication Guide for a list of ingredients.
• taking or have taken a medicine for depression (monoamine oxidase inhibitor [MAOI]) within the past 14 days.

Serious problems can occur while taking Mydayis. Tell your HCP:

• if you or your child have heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. Sudden death has occurred in people with heart problems or defects taking stimulant medicines. Sudden death, stroke and heart attack have happened in adults taking stimulant medicines. Your HCP should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting Mydayis. Since increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur, your HCP should regularly check these during treatment. Call your HCP or go to the ER right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Mydayis.

• if you or your child have mental (psychiatric) problems, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. New or worse behavior and thought problems or new or worse bipolar illness may occur. New psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, or seeing or believing things that are not real) or new manic symptoms may occur. Call your HCP right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems during treatment, especially hearing voices, seeing or believing things that are not real, or new manic symptoms.

• if your child is having slowing of growth (height or weight). The HCP should check your child’s height and weight often while on Mydayis, and may stop treatment if a problem is found. Mydayis is not for children 12 years and younger.

• if you or your child have circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, sensitive to temperature and/or change color. Call your HCP if you or your child have any of these symptoms or any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes while taking Mydayis.

• if you or your child have a seizure. Your HCP will stop treatment.

• if you or your child have symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, coma, or changes in mental status; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching, stiffness, or tightness; fast heartbeat; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your HCP or go to the ER if symptoms occur. Serotonin syndrome may occur if Mydayis is taken with certain medicines and may be life-threatening.

• if you or your child are or become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Mydayis may harm your unborn baby.

• if you or your child are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while taking Mydayis. Mydayis passes into breast milk.

What should I avoid during Mydayis treatment?

• Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with Mydayis.

What are possible side effects of Mydayis?

The most common side effects of Mydayis include:

• trouble sleeping
• decreased appetite
• dry mouth
• increased heart rate
• anxiety
• nausea
• irritability
• weight loss

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.

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.

2018-03-14T16:09:00

2018-03-12T09:01:01

(BPT) – Hearing loss is often referred to as a silent disease. It doesn’t hurt and it often occurs so gradually over time that you barely notice the insidious damage it does. As a result, hard-of-hearing people often delay seeking treatment for their hearing loss.

Here are seven reasons you shouldn’t make that mistake.

1. Hearing loss can be a sign of a more serious illness

While in most cases hearing loss is a result of aging and excessive noise exposure, it can also be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition. Some of these include tumors, cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. As such, hearing loss should never be dismissed.

2. Untreated hearing loss hurts your career and earning potential

Thinking about hiding your hearing loss at work because it makes you look incompetent and old? Think again! Misunderstanding instructions and asking people to repeat themselves all the time makes others question your ability to do your job. Minimizing communication breakdowns at work by wearing hearing aids will ensure that hearing loss doesn’t become a roadblock for your career.

3. Untreated hearing loss hurts your relationships with loved ones

Did your hearing loss cause you to miss out on a private joke with your pals? Or did you inadvertently hurt your grandchild’s feelings because you didn’t hear them calling you? Since good communication is vital to any close relationship, hearing loss can be hardest on the ones we love the most. Left unresolved, mounting resentment and frustration eventually strains your most cherished relationships.

4. Untreated hearing loss leads to rise in fall risk

Did you know that (along with vision) good hearing also helps you maintain spatial orientation and balance? This is why research has shown that those with even a mild untreated hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling than people with good hearing.

5. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia

There is a growing body of evidence linking untreated hearing loss to physical changes in the brain, accelerated rate of cognitive decline, and cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, at least one long-term study shows wearing hearing aids reduces cognitive decline. Why would you take chances?

6. Untreated hearing loss can cause social isolation and depression

When you have a hard time hearing, social activities with friends and family start to become more embarrassing than fun. Your natural recourse may be slowly withdrawing from these activities that you once enjoyed. No wonder, then, that untreated hearing loss frequently leads to social isolation and even depression.

7. Treating hearing loss is easy and painless

Given all these reasons why untreated hearing loss is bad, here’s one piece of good news: Getting treated for hearing loss is easy! Unlike other serious medical conditions that may require surgeries or painful treatments, having your hearing loss evaluated and treated with hearing aids is easy and painless. In fact, most people who finally start to wear hearing aids regret that they didn’t seek treatment earlier.