Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-04-30T11:15:00

(BPT) – Malaria continues to be a significant public health issue in certain regions across the globe, especially in Africa. In the most recent estimate, the World Health Organization approximated 608,000 malaria-related deaths with 95% of those being traced back to Africa. This life-threatening disease spread to humans through bites from certain types of infected female mosquitoes is preventable and curable. However, if left untreated, it can turn deadly in just 24 hours after symptoms like fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea and body aches appear.

The challenge many people in countries most affected by malaria face is access to proper healthcare services as it often tends to be concentrated in rural areas. For example, approximately four out of five Rwandans live in these rural areas and on average need to walk three hours to receive the proper care they need. SC Johnson, makers of Raid^®, has been working to find ways to help in the fight against malaria through the creation of sustainable programs.

For more than 60 years, SC Johnson has been demonstrating its leadership in insect science research, and for the last decade has specifically focused on preventing mosquito-borne disease with prevention tools that maximize social impact and help strengthen communities. From this, the Closer to Care initiative emerged.

Impact of Closer to Care

Working closely with the Society of Family Health Rwanda and the Rwanda Ministry of Health, SC Johnson, makers of Raid^®, has been bringing health posts to some of the most remote areas of Rwanda. Over the past five years, they have built 76 of these health posts, which diagnose, treat and prevent malaria for more than 1 million people in the region. Real time population data has been used to pinpoint where people need care most to bring down the average walk-time to receive care down from three hours to just 30 minutes. Since the introduction of these health posts, Rwanda has also seen its mortality rates decrease by 89%.

Bringing economic development to Rwanda

Oftentimes, in areas where the health posts do not exist, family and other community members, especially women, have been on the frontlines fighting against malaria. The time they spent caring for their communities made it nearly impossible to secure consistent work, severely impacting their economic growth.

Beyond providing access to healthcare resources, these health posts boost the local economy by creating jobs. With each health post built, there is a need for added infrastructure, such as convenience stores and additional housing. This stimulates job creation in two ways — people who can help build, as well as those who can staff the new businesses in the community. SC Johnson, makers of Raid^®, has also implemented an educational program known as Certified Care. Through this program, women in the area are formally trained to receive certification as Community Health Workers, providing them with a living wage.

If you would like to support the fight against malaria, share the Closer to Care mission to help bring awareness to this issue and ensure healthcare access continues to be provided to those communities who need it.

2024-04-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly a third of all births in the U.S. — more than 1.3 million — are delivered by cesarean section (C-section) each year. While their baby’s safety is top of mind, mothers are likely also concerned about the pain they may experience during the procedure. Although epidurals are the most common pain relief used and are highly effective, recent research found that nearly one in seven mothers — almost 200,000 a year — may still experience some level of pain or discomfort, which can significantly affect their mental health.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is helping to address this issue by releasing new recommendations and best practices to help ensure all moms-to-be receive adequate pain management during planned or unexpected C-sections.

“Data shows that when a mother’s pain is not adequately controlled during a cesarean delivery they can experience psychological distress and an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, M.D., FASA. “ASA’s new recommendations will help ensure all expectant mothers receive optimal pain care tailored to their individual needs.”

ASA explains pain management options during C-sections, the new recommendations and what women in labor can expect and should ask their anesthesiologist.

Pain Management During C-sections

The majority of mothers undergoing C-sections receive regional anesthesia, which is proven very safe and quite effective and used in 95% of elective and 80% of emergency cesarean deliveries in the U.S. The two most common are epidurals and spinal blocks, where pain medication is delivered through an injection or a catheter inserted into the lower back.

An epidural or spinal block is often the preferred pain-relief method because the baby is exposed to the lowest amount of medication, and the mother can still actively participate in the baby’s birth. However, general anesthesia may be necessary in some cases.

Many hospitals have historically tracked general anesthesia rates in cesarean delivery, but the frequency of pain associated with epidurals and spinal blocks has largely been unknown until more recently when research found that mothers’ pain was sometimes not adequately controlled through this type of anesthesia, requiring additional anesthesia or pain medications.

New Recommendations and Best Practices for Health Care Teams

ASA’s new recommendations and best practices focus on helping health care professionals identify patients at increased risk for pain before a C-section, maintaining adequate anesthesia throughout the delivery, ensuring effective communication between the mother and her health care team and following up with new moms to ensure quality improvements and disparities are reduced. The importance of shared decision-making with the patient is also discussed.

What Moms-To-Be Should Expect

A cesarean delivery is needed if a baby can’t be born vaginally for reasons such as the positioning of the baby or placenta, or other health risks to the mother or baby. Some C-sections are planned, but many are done when unexpected issues occur during labor for a planned vaginal delivery.

For patients preparing for a C-section, ASA encourages them to talk with their anesthesiologist about their anesthesia plan. Questions moms-to-be should consider asking include:

• What type of anesthesia will I receive?
• How will the anesthesia affect my baby?
• What can I expect to feel during the procedure?
• How will my pain be managed after the procedure?
• What are the possible side effects of the anesthesia?
• How will you monitor me during the procedure?
• What happens if I require general anesthesia during the procedure?
• Will an anesthesiologist be involved in my care?

Expecting mothers also are urged to speak up if they experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure, as additional anesthesia options may be available to help control pain while protecting both their health and the baby’s.

Learn more about how anesthesiologists help manage pain during labor and the anesthesia options that are available by visiting: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/labor/.

2024-04-30T07:25:00

(BPT) – If you have a family of athletes, you know how hectic the spring sports schedule can be. As you prepare for another busy season, focus on feeding your young athletes right to optimize their sports performance and fuel their fun!

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner wants to help active families find their stride this year by offering five expert tips that can make a big difference in your child’s athletic performance.

1. Don’t skip breakfast

You’ve probably heard it before, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you play sports. “Eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, replenishes your energy stores, and sets the tone for the day ahead,” said Blatner. She recommends eating nourishing morning meals that include protein, carbs and healthy fats, like a quick breakfast wrap with a whole grain tortilla, avocado, spinach and eggs to fuel your muscles for whatever challenges lie ahead.

2. Eat your colors

Did you know that the color of fruits and vegetables is important to maintaining a healthy diet? Each color offers different nutrients. For example, leafy greens contain nitrates for energy, yellow/orange produce has carotenoids for healthy vision, and red produce has lycopene and anthocyanin for heart health. When putting a meal together, do a “color check.” Blatner recommends that your plate should have at least two colors at every meal.

3. Prioritize protein

Protein is power! Athletes who want to improve their strength and endurance should prioritize protein at every meal, and having protein after practice or a game is especially important. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, eating protein after a workout promotes muscle gain and aids in recovery so your young athlete can wake up energized for the next day of activities.

4. Ensure ample time for rest and recovery

It’s crucial for young athletes to focus on recovery and rest to maintain their energy and performance levels throughout the entire sports season. Engaging in sports can lead to muscle wear and fatigue, so prioritize adequate sleep and relaxation for muscle repair, growth and a reduced risk of injury. Recovery time isn’t just physical; it also provides mental rest, which is essential for maintaining focus and motivation.

5. Stock your snacks

Athletes are constantly on the go. When time is short between practice and games, the kids may be tempted to reach for convenient but unhealthy snacks. To help your family make wholesome choices, Blatner encourages keeping grab & go snacks of nutrient-dense foods in your fridge.

A tasty, nutritious and easy snack or meal to prep and store are Veggie Chaffles (Cheese Waffles) made with Eggland’s Best eggs. Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B-12 compared to ordinary eggs, which provides a natural energy boost. They also contain more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, which may help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise.

You can make these chaffles in batches to keep as a grab-and-go snack that the kids can take straight from the fridge on the way out the door. This recipe has just three ingredients, and you can use whatever veggies your kids like, such as cauliflower, carrots or even zucchini!

Eggland’s Best Veggie Chaffles (Cheese Waffles)

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 25 minutes; Makes: 8 mini waffles

Ingredients

• 4 Eggland’s Best Eggs, large
• 1 cup finely chopped veggies like cauliflower or shredded zucchini
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Preheat mini waffle maker.

2. In a bowl, mix together Eggland’s Best Eggs with veggies and cheese.

3. Brush waffle maker with olive oil and pour 1/4 cup egg mixture into the mini waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for 3 minutes, until golden.

4. Repeat to use the rest of the egg mixture.

Additional Notes

Eat right away or store in fridge for up to 4 days.

Eat leftovers cold, at room temperature or heat in microwave for about 20 seconds.

Time Saver: Use frozen “riced” cauliflower or other veggies so there’s no chopping required!

Using these five expert tips, you can set your athletes up for success and give their bodies the support they need to excel in their sports. To find more recipes to fuel your day, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Smash your sports goals with a sweepstakes!

As the Official Egg of Little League^® Baseball and Softball, Eggland’s Best is encouraging families to enter the Eggland’s Best “Egg-ceptional Wellness” Sweepstakes. From now through May 14, fans can visit EBFamilySweeps.com and enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 to plus up your active family’s wellness activities this spring!

2024-04-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes. TD is associated with prolonged use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses.

May 5-11, 2024, marks the 7th annual TD Awareness Week which encourages mental health advocates, healthcare professionals and the broader community to learn about TD. Talk to your doctor about periodic screenings for TD, how to recognize symptoms and ways to manage including treatment options at TalkAboutTD.com. Sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

2024-04-26T09:35:00

(BPT) – It’s a goooood week: Carter’s, the #1 baby and children’s apparel* brand, just announced the start of its Spring Doorbuster Week sale. Five days, hundreds of insane deals and markdowns on essentials like bodysuits, Sleep & Play, tees, shorts, sets and more. We’re breaking down the deals and sharing 35 Doorbuster Week must-haves, all under $13.

$5 Bodysuits

This customer-favorite is a must for babies and new parents. After all, there’s a reason over 22 million bodysuits were worn and loved in the past year. Let’s talk features: Strong, long-lasting snaps that hold up after endless wear, wash, repeat cycles; overlap shoulders that expand over baby’s body for easy changes; 100% cotton that’s gentle on baby’s skin (plus no itchy tags!); and of course, all the fun graphics and loveable prints.

It’s no secret that babies go through multiple outfits a day. Bodysuits are the perfect go-to for their first (or fifth) outfit change and work great as a base for any outfit. We love these graphic styles for summer, on sale for $5.

The Cutest Ever Bodysuit

Best Buds With Dad Bodysuit

Bananas For My Family Bodysuit

Mommy’s Sunshine Bodysuit

$8 Sleep & Play

With hundreds of five-star reviews, the Five Star Sleep & Play™ is the most practical outfit for new babies. It’s known as the day-to-night, tummy time, nap time, anytime staple and comes two ways: The super quick 2–way zip, which zips up from the feet so you don’t have to undress baby. And the snap-up, available in preemie up to 9 months.

The best part? The do-it-all style is now on sale for just $8 — the lowest price of the season — so be sure to add to cart.

Vehicles 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Hot Air Balloon 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Polka Dot 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Animal Print 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

Floral Snap-Up Sleep & Play

$8 Skorts

Skorts for summer? Yes, please. The practical style lets kids be kids and can be dressed up or down. Pair the handstand skort back to any active tee or tank for gymnastics class; or throw on a graphic tee (kids’ styles on sale for $6!) over a cotton jersey skort — we love the functional drawstring feature! — for an outfit that can take her from school to birthday parties to weekend playdates.

It’s all about comfort-cute this summer, and skorts are guaranteed to be a season MVP.

Floral Print Handstand Skort

Striped Cotton Jersey Skort

Tie-Dye Cotton Jersey Skort

Heart Print Cotton Jersey Skort

$5 Toddler Tees

Let their personality shine with graphic tees. From playful toddler boy options to sweet styles perfect for your toddler girl. Pair with jeans, leggings or a skort, and you’ve got the perfect summer ‘fit in an instant.

Fun fact: Carter’s sells around 25,000 graphic tees every single day, making it one of their top-sellers year after year. Here’s what we’re eyeing during Doorbuster Week:

Chill Vibes Graphic Tee

Butterfly Graphic Tee

Toddler Pocket Jersey

Spring Days Graphic Tee

Rhino Graphic Tee

$10+ Licensed Tees

Plus, don’t miss Carter’s licensed tees marked down from $12 to $10 (toddler) and $14 to $12 (kids). Shop favorite characters, from Barbie to Bluey to Marvel and more, and snag a style you know they’ll love.

Toddler Spider-Man Graphic Tee

Toddler Bluey Graphic Tee

Kid The Little Mermaid Disney Princess Tee

Kid Barbie Tee

$5+ Shorts

So many shorts on sale! We’re talking price drops on Carter’s most-loved styles, including pull-on knit, athletic mesh and bike shorts. Grab a pair (or 2 or 3) of $5 toddler bike shorts in a fun summer print, and stock up on classic solid colors for an easy bottom that can pair back to anything in their closet. Don’t forget to snag big kid bike shorts in matching prints and styles, too; plus, their favorite athletic shorts (functional drawstring: check!) are on sale for $6, just in time for summer league tryouts.

$5 Toddler Bike Shorts

Geo Print Bike Shorts

Floral Bike Short

Striped Bike Shorts

Toddler Bike Shorts

$6 Knit Shorts

Pull-On Cotton Shorts

$6 Kids Shorts

Athletic Mesh Shorts

Bike Shorts

Pull-On Cotton Shorts

$10 Sets

This all-time parent favorite takes the thinking out of getting a little one dressed. Style the sets as they come or mix and match for endless outfit combinations. Either way, you’ve got an outfit in an instant.

Shop the 2-piece sets we’re loving for summer:

2-Piece Fruit Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Striped Henley Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Tropical Bodysuit Pant Set

2-Piece Flutter Bodysuit & Floral Pant Set

2-Piece Apple Peplum Bodysuit Pant Set

Shop Carter’s Spring Doorbuster Week in stores and online now through April 29!

*Source: Circana / Consumer Tracking Services, U.S. dollar share, 12 months ending December 2023

2024-04-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – World Series Champion and 3-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Rod) knows how important it is to prioritize your oral health. That’s why, upon receiving a gum disease diagnosis over a year ago, he knew he needed to act fast.

“I realized I needed to prioritize my oral health once I was diagnosed with gum disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection,” Rodriguez says. “You can’t simply brush or floss away an infection, which can impact the gums and bone that support your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.”

Rodriguez is one of many impacted by gum disease, which affects nearly 50% of people over 30 years old. Gum disease typically presents with oral health symptoms, such as red, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums.

“Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned gum disease can be serious,” explains Rodriguez, “which is why I have remained proactive in the management of my condition.”

Rodriguez’s Game Plan

Rodriguez’s dentist began treating him with ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, an antibiotic applied directly to the gums that is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

Rodriguez’s dentist discussed ARESTIN’s safety profile with him and explained that he should not take ARESTIN if he’s allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines and offered to share a list of these drugs if he was not sure. His dentist shared that swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN and some of those reactions were serious. His dentist requested that Rodriguez share if he experiences any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if he has an exaggerated sunburn reaction. He also directed him to the full Prescribing Information for more.

“Since starting treatment, I have felt more at ease,” Rodriguez says. “Knowing my dentist is doing everything he can to manage my gum disease and reduce the risks associated with it gives me peace of mind.”

While gum disease can’t be cured, it can be managed with regular in-office monitoring, treatment, and at-home care. Rodriguez, for example, drawing from the discipline of his baseball career, maintains a rigorous oral care routine, maintaining a consistent flossing and brushing schedule. What’s more, he never misses a dentist visit, stopping by every three months.

And while some may worry about going to the dentist, Rodriguez says not to stress.

“The treatment application at the site of infection is easy with ARESTIN and doesn’t require any needles or anesthesia. My dentist has walked me through every step of my treatment plan, so I know exactly what to expect every time I visit.”

Spreading awareness about gum disease and encouraging others to prioritize their oral health is important to Rodriguez. Here’s his advice:

1. Gum disease can be serious. Treat your gum disease as a serious infection and not something that can be ignored or solved by brushing or flossing alone.
2. Know the signs. Be proactive and talk to your dentist if you think you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, like bleeding, red, swollen, or receding gums, or bad breath. Check out ARESTIN.com for a discussion guide that provides questions to ask during your next trip to the dentist.
3. Routine and discipline. It is important to stick to a long-term plan, which includes visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

Visit ARESTIN.com to learn more about gum disease and talk to your dentist about what treatment options may be right for you.

Review the Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information for ARESTIN.

What is ARESTIN?

ARESTIN (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1mg is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN® may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Do not take ARESTIN if you are allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a list of these drugs if you are not sure. Swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN. Some of these reactions were serious. Tell your dentist right away if you have any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if you have an exaggerated sunburn reaction.
• THE USE OF TETRACYCLINE CLASS DRUGS, INCLUDING ARESTIN, DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CHILDREN OR IN PREGNANT OR NURSING WOMEN.
• ARESTIN has not been studied in patients with weakened immune systems (such as patients with HIV infections or diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy or radiation). Tetracyclines, including oral minocycline, have been associated with the development of autoimmune syndrome with symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, rash, swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Tell your doctor about any health problems you have, including whether you have had oral candidiasis (“thrush”) in the past, and about all medications you are taking.
• In clinical studies, the most frequently reported non-dental side effects were headache, infection, flu symptoms, and pain.

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.

Visit ARESTIN.com/PI for full Prescribing Information.

ARE.0080.USA.24

Source: Bausch Health US, LLC

2024-04-15T05:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no surprise that one of the hottest beauty trends comes from a viral TikTok sensation.

‘Glass skin,’ as beauty experts call it, refers to a smooth, dewy, and uber-hydrated complexion that can make your skin look youthful, luminous, and glowy, just like glass.

Dr. Mira Kaga, medical director and founder of The Kaga Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, explains, ”For most of our patients, achieving the ‘Glass skin’ look means living a balanced lifestyle and being religious about using the right skin care regimen. It doesn’t just happen overnight either, even if you were blessed with good genes.”

So, can one take this viral trend to the next level? Many are turning to the newest non-invasive fractional laser technology, Secret DUO. This innovative treatment technology can target some of the most common signs of aging to help improve tone and texture on the face and body.^1,2 It’s also an effective treatment to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks on all skin types.^1,2,3

“Our patients love the results we can achieve with Secret DUO. Each modality can be used individually or within the same treatment to quickly target pigmentation, texture, fine lines, stretch marks, and scars^1,2,3,4. It is also safe for all skin types and there is little to no downtime so patients can get back to their busy lives quickly, and no one has to know that they’ve had a skin treatment,” says Dr. Kaga.

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Arash Moradzadeh, founder of AM Facial Plastics in Los Angeles, offers Secret DUO to his celebrity clients and patients who want to see results.

“Secret DUO combines dual non-ablative fractional technologies, Secret Radio-Frequency (RF) Microneedling paired with a 1540 nm erbium glass laser, all in one platform. Because it was designed to treat various layers of the skin, we can use Secret DUO to offer customizable treatments with little to no downtime, which is a big plus for our patients.”

Dr. Moradzadeh continues, “Patients seeking an easy and quick laser treatment to help boost a glowing appearance can take advantage of the Secret Glow Laser Treatment all year round. We can customize each treatment individually to address each patient’s goals. It’s also a favorite red carpet treatment for our celebrity patients.”

If you are seeking a new laser treatment with little to no downtime to help boost a youthful glow, address multiple signs of aging, and reveal refreshed skin, Secret DUO ticks a lot of boxes.

Find a Secret DUO provider near you.

¹ Tierney E and Hanke W. Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Photoaging: Prospective Study in 45 Patients and Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surg. 2011;37(9):1279-1290.

² Yadav S and Singh A. Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2016;7(4):244.

³ Ryu H-W, et al. Clinical Improvement of Striae Distensae in Korean Patients Using a Combination of Fractionated Microneedle Radiofrequency and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser. Dermatol Surg. 2013;39(10):1452–1458.

⁴ https://cutera.com/products/secret-duo/

Important safety and risk information about Secret DUO is available by contacting Cutera at www.cutera.com/us-en/global-offices. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider.

2024-04-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Your shower can be more than just a way to get clean, and the viral “everything shower” trend proved just how easy it is to build a head-to-toe self-care routine that provides physical, mental and emotional benefits.

Researchers have studied the effects of showering and discovered the science behind its rejuvenating powers. Hot showers can signal your brain to release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that helps reduce stress and anxiety. The heat from a shower also relaxes your muscles, clears your nasal passages and clears your pores of dirt and oil.

Beyond science, showers are a rare opportunity to take a break from your busy schedule to focus on your well-being. Are you ready to elevate your shower into a self-care ritual? Inspired by National Self-Care Day, Waterpik™ showers partnered with New York City Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT, to help curate these five tips to transform your shower into a relaxing and refreshing experience.

1. Ditch your phone

Your self-care shower begins before you even step inside the bathroom. Leave your phone in your office, living room or bedroom to disconnect from the world and minimize distraction. This simple act helps you focus on yourself and your well-being, away from the stresses and responsibilities of your life. As you step into your bathroom, embrace a peaceful moment of solitude.

2. Create a relaxing ambiance

Harsh or bright lighting is counterproductive to relaxation. Set the mood by lowering the lights in your bathroom and lighting candles. Candles, whether scented or unscented, create a soft, glowing ambiance that can calm your racing thoughts and put your mind at ease.

Enhance your shower experience by playing soothing music. Play nature sounds like a tropical rain or burbling brook, instrumental music, singing bowls or whatever sounds you associate with calmness and tranquility. Guided meditations are also a fantastic choice for promoting mindfulness so you can stay present in this moment of self-care and gratitude.

3. Pamper your scalp and hair

Don’t rush through your hair care routine. Use your shower time to pamper your hair and scalp. In addition to letting a hair mask or deep conditioner nourish your locks, give your scalp a little attention with a gentle scrub and massage.

Scalp and hair care is effortless with the right tools. Consider getting the Waterpik™ HairWand Pulse spa system for a luxurious way to care for your hair and body right at home. The Waterpik HairWand Pulse spa system provides fast, effective rinsing. The pulsating comb shape spray of the Waterpik HairWand shower head delivers a relaxing scalp massage that reaches down to your roots and can help relax you, remove visible flakes, and leave your scalp feeling clean. New York City Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says, “Clogged pores and scalp flakes are two of the most common complaints dermatologists get from patients. Proper showering is important for skin health, both to remove soiling that builds up on the skin as well as shampoos and body washes. Your shower head is more important than you may realize, as it provides the action for effective rinsing.”

4. Massage your muscles

Take advantage of the muscle-soothing power of a hot shower and give yourself a massage. If you haven’t already, invest in a shower head with massage settings to unwind your muscles and release tension.

Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT, recommends choosing the Waterpik™ PowerPulse Therapeutic Massage shower head. “It is neither economical nor realistic to have a massage every time you have achy muscles. Although not quite the same as a hands-on massage, the Waterpik PowerPulse Therapeutic Massage shower head is the perfect alternative. With the handheld shower head feature, you can focus the massaging water stream directly over the muscles that need it most. It is an inexpensive way to get the benefits of water massage without the price tag of going to the spa.” The Waterpik PowerPulse Therapeutic Massage has two times the massage force* and is clinically shown to help soothe muscle tension, increase flexibility and promote restful sleep. The Waterpik shower head provides therapeutic benefits that transform your daily shower into a restorative wellness experience.

5. Enjoy the post-shower glow

Rushing to get dried and dressed after your shower defeats the purpose of your relaxing routine. Take your time after your shower to towel off, moisturize your skin and dry your hair. Bask in the glow of your self-care practice and carry the calm and peace of your shower into the rest of your day.

Self-care isn’t just about spoiling yourself. It’s essential for maintaining your well-being. Using these five simple tips, you can elevate your basic shower into a luxurious self-care ritual.

*Waterpik PowerPulse Therapeutic Massage shower heads have two times the massage force compared to Waterpik non-PowerPulse massage shower heads.

2024-04-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – There’s a funny thing about body odor. It’s not confined to your underarms. It can affect your whole body, from your pits to your bits … and beyond. Ever get a whiff of your feet after a long day in sandals? How about your bra when you whip it off after you get home after work? Let’s be honest, ladies. We might want to smell like a delicate spring rain, but by the end of the day? Sometimes, the struggle is real.

Secret gets it. This industry leader that has been helping women get their good smell on for nearly 70 years recently found women often face unspoken concerns about whole body odor.

“Some people think body odor means you’re ‘dirty’ when body odor is completely normal and natural,” says OBGYN Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald. “We all have bacteria that naturally exists on our bodies. If that bacteria is able to mix with sweat in tight spaces, it will emit an odor. Also many think body odor is only normal under the arms, when it can come from many more parts of the body.”

But, McDonald explains, the tactics they have been using to combat body odor have been less than effective — taking multiple showers a day, layering clothes, applying powder, using sprays or perfumes to mask the odor, even avoiding being close to or intimate with others.

Women have enough stress. Do we really need to worry about this, too? There’s got to be a better solution.

The good news? There is. Here are some tips that really work.

Watch what you eat … Far be it from anyone to suggest you give up garlic bread, hummus or a Caesar salad, but according to WebMD, foods with garlic, onions and other more aromatic spices can actually affect how your body smells. The aroma can be carried in your sweat. Try a fruit salad instead on a hot summer day.

… and drink. Alcohol and caffeine can make you perspire more than usual and overall hydration can really affect your scent. So drink those eight glasses of water each day. Bonus tip: It can help with bad breath, too.

Use a whole body deodorant. Didn’t know that was a thing? It’s new! Secret developed an innovation in deodorants, Secret Whole Body, that you can use from pits to bits. Groin, feet, thighs, the whole nine yards. It goes on clear and smells delicious, featuring Peach + Vanilla Blossom and Fresh Lilac + Waterlily scents that don’t simply mask your scent, they fight odor-causing bacteria at the source. It comes in three forms: a nitrogen-powered spray, a stick with coconut oil and shea butter, and a water-based cream, all of which give 72-hour clinically proven protection against odors. All three forms are free of aluminum, baking soda and dyes. And, four out of five gynecologists and dermatologists would recommend it, including Dr. Goodall McDonald. It’s a serious new breakthrough that gives women an easy way to smell fresh all day. Look for it at retailers nationwide.

Exfoliate. Showering every day is a given to get rid of the bacteria on your skin, but don’t forget to exfoliate, too. It can help remove the dead skin cells that can trap bacteria and cause odors. Another tip for your daily showering routine: towel off well, especially in areas where you tend to sweat later in the day. When you get dry right away, it’s harder for that bacteria to breed.

Wear loose, lightweight clothes. You may want to do the opposite and cover up more heavily if you’re concerned about whole body odor. But dressing in outfits that will keep you cool may help minimize body odor.

Replace your insoles. To help combat foot odor, replace those insoles often. New insoles won’t stop your feet from sweating, but old, stinky insoles certainly aren’t helping.

With these tips, you can ditch the stress about body odor, put on those tank tops and shorts and enjoy summer!

2024-04-03T13:51:00

(BPT) – For people with incurable metastatic breast cancer (MBC), time is precious. Yet current treatment options can bring their own set of difficulties, making managing this disease challenging for patients. This can include having to re-prioritize commitments due to “time toxicity”: the time it takes to undergo cancer-related medical care, including travel and wait times.¹ This takes away from moments with family and friends and other responsibilities.

To take a closer look at this, 100 female ER+, HER2- patients with MBC in the U.S., who had not previously received an intramuscular SERD as part of their treatment, were surveyed to identify opportunities to advance care, improve patient experience and highlight the importance of what treatment options could mean for people living with MBC.

For more information, click here.

1. Rossi, M. (2023, August). The Time Toxicity in Cancer Patient. PubMed | National Institutes of Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37392102/. Accessed January 19, 2024.