Category: Brandpoint Health

2022-09-08T11:29:00

(BPT) – Are you looking to revamp your habits and focus on your wellness? You don’t have to follow a strict program or completely change your schedule to have a balanced lifestyle that benefits your physical, mental and emotional health. Small, simple changes can make a big difference. Before you know it, these changes will become habits and you’ll start to see the health benefits.

Not sure where to start? Check out these five simple tips for incorporating wellness into your everyday lifestyle.

1. Start the day with drinking water

Hydration is incredibly important to your health and metabolism, so start your morning off right with a tall glass of water. Overnight, your body loses about 1 liter of water while you sleep. As soon as you wake up, drink at least 16 ounces of water to rehydrate as soon as possible. Give it an even higher priority than your morning coffee. Forgetful? Consider setting an alarm or use a water tracker app on your phone to measure your intake.

To make this habit easier to incorporate into your life, jumpstart your day by jazzing up your water with fresh slices of lemon or cucumbers.

2. Keep snacks on hand

Who doesn’t love a good snack? If you feel sluggish and hungry between meals, keep better-for-you snacks on hand at home and on the go. A guilt-free snack can be something to look forward to after a workout or an indulgent pick-me-up during a stressful workday. Planning ahead keeps you in control of your snacking behaviors and less likely to reach for something you don’t really want.

Consider Voortman^® Sugar Free Wafers and Cookies as a delectable snacking choice. Aside from being tasty, these snacks contain 0 grams of sugar and are made without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors or trans-fats, so you can satisfy your cravings without sacrificing wellness.

“Consumers want great-tasting snacks that help them achieve a balance between health and indulgence,” said Adam Lisook, general manager of Voortman Cookies Limited. “We want to make it easier for people to choose a delicious snack anytime, anywhere that they can feel good about.”

With nearly 20 varieties of sugar-free cookies and wafers, you’re sure to find one (or even a few) Voortman favorites to keep at home, in the office and in the car for snacking.

3. Move more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. That number may sound daunting, but you don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, it’s beneficial to get some physical activity every day, so you can easily meet this goal by doing 30 minutes of activity five days a week.

You don’t need to sign up for an exercise class or start training for a marathon. Start with a simple walk every day. Take a loop around your neighborhood in the morning before work or in the evening after dinner. Ask a work buddy to take a walk with you after lunch or invest in an under-desk treadmill if you don’t have time to leave the office. Over time, you may find that you want to extend your walks or take more than one a day.

4. Put down your phone and unwind

Stress can negatively impact your wellness. From your mood to productivity to health, stress can lead to serious burnout and even cause physical symptoms. It’s also important to spend less time staring at screens and create healthy boundaries with our devices.

To manage stress, make sure you incorporate moments of relaxation throughout the day. Silencing your phone and implementing practices like yoga and meditation into your routine can help you feel grounded and centered even on hectic days. During a busy day, find a few minutes to do some breathing exercises so you can restore some tranquility to a frantic morning or afternoon. If you’ve had a particularly tough week, consider planning an at-home spa day to unwind from the week’s stresses. You can start by lighting your favorite candles, listening to some calming music and taking a relaxing bubble bath.

5. Refresh your home and get organized

Believe it or not, your overall wellness is tied back to the organization in your life. Tidying up also can help you de-stress, give you energy to focus and improve your state of mind in various ways. Try taking inventory of items in your home and purging of things that are no longer necessary or needed.

A little effort to declutter can go a long way. Spending just a few minutes each day can help make your life healthier and happier!

Start small by building on good habits and practices and you’ll be surprised at how much your life can transform. Using these five simple wellness tips, you can be one step closer to creating a sustainable and balanced lifestyle.

2022-09-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – The start of the new school year is the perfect time to renew habits that keep students happy and healthy — including sleep. Unfortunately, many children and teens don’t get the amount of sleep they need to thrive at school. One culprit robbing many of their much-needed sleep is right on their phones — a recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that 93% of Gen Z said they’ve lost sleep because they stayed up “past their bedtime” to view or participate in social media.

“Sufficient, healthy sleep is critical for students to excel in schoolwork, sports and extracurricular activities,” said AASM President Jennifer Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist. “When students get proper sleep, they are more optimistic, feel their best, and are better able to concentrate on their studies, while insufficient sleep can leave students exhausted and unprepared for school, making it harder to learn and pay attention.”

The need for sleep extends even beyond the years in school — a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine discovered that poor sleep habits in adolescence contributed to poor health outcomes in adulthood.

How much sleep do kids really need?

For optimal health the AASM recommends that children 6-12 years old should sleep 9-12 hours on a regular basis, while teenagers 13-18 years of age should obtain 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For help figuring out the best bedtime for any age, use the bedtime calculator at: SleepEducation.org/healthy-sleep/bedtime-calculator.

Tips for helping kids fall and stay asleep at night

The sleep experts at AASM recommend following these practices to help your children (and their parents!) get the sleep they need.

1. Prepare ahead for schedule changes

Gradually shift bedtime and waking times by at least 15 minutes earlier every day until your child is on the right schedule. Aim for your child to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends or during school breaks.

3. Create a cool, quiet sleep environment

Keep the thermostat lower at night, and don’t overdo it with the blankets. If it’s hard for your child to fall asleep, try a fan or white noise machine to block out intermittent sounds.

4. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine

Find something that helps your child wind down and relax, like taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book or journaling to help them feel ready to go to sleep.

5. Restrict screen time before bed

These tips can help people of any age get to sleep easier:

• Disconnect from devices and wind down for sleep by turning electronics off at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
• Leave phones outside of bedrooms to avoid the temptation to use them. Use an alarm clock instead of a phone for waking up in the morning.

Want to learn more about how to help you and your children sleep better at night? Sleep providers from the AASM Public Awareness Advisory Committee will answer questions about establishing healthy student sleep routines for the school year during a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) discussion at Reddit.com/r/AMA on Monday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. ET.

For more information about Student Sleep Health Week, additional events and tips, visit SleepEducation.org.

2022-09-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is a rare, inherited and debilitating condition characterized by the buildup of amyloid deposits throughout multiple parts of the body, including the nerves, digestive system and heart.

While there are an estimated 50,000 people worldwide who live with hATTR amyloidosis, there could be more. This is because symptoms can be easily overlooked as they often mirror those of more common conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis. But, as symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can worsen over time, timely diagnosis and management are critical.

Below, learn about some of the signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with hATTR amyloidosis:

1. Nerve symptoms

Numbness, tingling and/or a burning sensation in the hands or feet, commonly referred to as sensory neuropathy, often impacts people living with hATTR amyloidosis. Sensory neuropathy can spread throughout the body; for example, pain may escalate from the foot to the thigh or back over time.

2. History of carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands

Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands is another common sign of hATTR amyloidosis and is characterized by numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger, as well as discomfort in the wrist and palm of the hand. It is often an early, potential red-flag sign of the disease. For many, carpal tunnel syndrome may be diagnosed earlier in life without suspicion of a deeper root cause.

3. Loss of movement control

Another symptom of hATTR amyloidosis is impaired balance and difficulty walking due to motor neuropathy. As the disease worsens, many people with hATTR amyloidosis may require walking aids, such as a cane, or a wheelchair.

4. Gastrointestinal issues

People living with hATTR amyloidosis may experience symptoms associated with autonomic neuropathy as well, such as alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, nausea, vomiting, or unintentional weight loss. These symptoms may occur at earlier stages of the disease, and often have a significant effect on quality of life. Like some of the other symptoms of the disease, they are often not recognized or diagnosed as being caused by hATTR amyloidosis when they first present.

5. Symptoms related to the heart

hATTR amyloidosis is also associated with heart-related issues, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and leg swelling (edema). Damage to the heart muscle may eventually lead to heart failure.

6. Ethnic background

Although anyone can be at risk for hATTR amyloidosis, it is more common for certain ethnicities, such as people of African, Brazilian, French, Irish, Japanese, Portuguese and Swedish descent.

7. Family history

Because hATTR amyloidosis is an inherited condition, genetic testing can determine whether a person carries one of the more than 120 variants in the TTR (transthyretin) gene associated with hATTR amyloidosis. However, even though someone may inherit a TTR gene variant, it does not necessarily mean that they will develop symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis.

This is not a complete list of symptoms that may be experienced in people living with hATTR amyloidosis. The symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can vary widely among people with the condition, and different symptoms may appear at different times for each person. To learn more about hATTR amyloidosis, speak with your doctor or visit hATTRbridge.com where you can access additional information, resources and support.

A message from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. TTR-USA-00114

2022-09-07T11:49:00

(BPT) – Fulfilled by her loving marriage of more than 50 years, her faith and her family, Maggie was living the life she always dreamed of having. Then a car accident changed everything. At the hospital, while the doctors evaluated Maggie’s injuries from the incident, they also discovered enlarged lymph nodes. Then Maggie got the news no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.”

Specifically, Maggie was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). DLBCL is a fast-growing cancer affecting B-lymphocytes, also known as B cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. As they develop, cancerous B cells become larger than normal and multiply uncontrollably.

For most of the approximately 28,000 people diagnosed with DLBCL in the U.S. each year, it is a treatable cancer, and Maggie was eager to beat it in partnership with her healthcare team.

“Shortly after learning of my DLBCL diagnosis, I started chemotherapy at the direction of my doctor, but unfortunately couldn’t tolerate the dose needed and the DLBCL returned,” said Maggie, who was one of up to 50% of patients whose DLBCL relapses (returns) or does not respond to treatment (becomes refractory).

Maggie and her oncologist then worked together to make decisions regarding next steps in her treatment plan. Based on Maggie’s lifestyle and preferences, they believed the best option for her was Monjuvi^® (tafasitamab-cxix) – a targeted immunotherapy treatment given with another medicine called lenalidomide – because it did not require in-patient care and hospitalization that would take her away from her family.

Monjuvi is a prescription medicine given with lenalidomide to treat adults with certain types of DLBCL that has come back (relapsed) or that did not respond to previous treatment (refractory) and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant. It is not known if Monjuvi is safe and effective in children. The approval of Monjuvi is based on a type of response rate. There is an ongoing study to confirm the clinical benefit of Monjuvi.

“After my first treatment didn’t work as well as I’d hoped, I was encouraged to educate myself about my condition and available treatment options, including potential benefits and risks,” Maggie said. “Because of this, I felt better prepared to ensure my preferences were taken into account. I relied on the support of my husband, Buck, to get me through that difficult moment. He was with me every step of the way, and I knew I wanted to stay close to him and my family without long stays in the hospital for my next treatment.”

Buck’s involvement showed Maggie firsthand how caregivers and loved ones can play an important role in the shared decision-making process. He helped her process new information about the disease and treatment options that otherwise might have been overwhelming to hear alone. Maggie believes bringing loved ones to appointments can also be helpful for taking notes, recapping the discussion and assisting with navigating any important decisions needed following the appointment. She also says being informed and supported helped her stick with her treatment regimen.

Two years later, Maggie is now in remission. Her story highlights the importance of being proactive and honest with healthcare providers so that personal needs and choices can be considered as part of treatment decisions. This is Maggie’s story. Everyone’s story is different. Individual results may vary.

Treating serious diseases like DLBCL does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. If you or someone you know is dealing with a serious medical condition, consider asking the below questions when choosing your next treatment with your healthcare team:

• How will this treatment factor into my personal priorities, needs and preferences?
• How much support (including emotional and logistical) will I need from friends and family?
• Is this treatment different from the ones I’ve had before?
• Will I be able to continue treatment with my established healthcare team?
• How far will I need to travel for treatment? Will I need caregiver support to get there?
• How quickly can treatment begin?
• Will treatment be given on an outpatient basis, or will I need to be admitted to a hospital or treatment center?

If you, like Maggie, have DLBCL that came back or didn’t respond to the first treatment (relapsed or refractory DLBCL), start a conversation with your healthcare team about your options. To learn more about Monjuvi, DLBCL and for support and resources, visit www.Monjuvi.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are the possible side effects of MONJUVI?

MONJUVI may cause serious side effects, including

• Infusion reactions. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for infusion reactions during your infusion of MONJUVI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get fever, chills, flushing, headache, or shortness of breath during an infusion of MONJUVI
• Low blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells). Low blood cell counts are common with MONJUVI, but can also be serious or severe. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood counts during treatment with MONJUVI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or above, or any bruising or bleeding
• Infections. Serious infections, including infections that can cause death, have happened in people during treatment with MONJUVI and after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or above, or develop any signs or symptoms of an infection

The most common side effects of MONJUVI include

• Feeling tired or weak
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Fever
• Swelling of lower legs or hands
• Respiratory tract infection
• Decreased appetite

These are not all the possible side effects of MONJUVI. Your healthcare provider will give you medicines before each infusion to decrease your chance of infusion reactions. If you do not have any reactions, your healthcare provider may decide that you do not need these medicines with later infusions. Your healthcare provider may need to delay or completely stop treatment with MONJUVI if you have severe side effects.

Before you receive MONJUVI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you

• Have an active infection or have had one recently
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. MONJUVI may harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with MONJUVI. Do not receive treatment with MONJUVI in combination with lenalidomide if you are pregnant because lenalidomide can cause birth defects and death of your unborn baby
  • You should use an effective method of birth control (contraception) during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of MONJUVI
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with MONJUVI
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if MONJUVI passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of MONJUVI

You should also read the lenalidomide Medication Guide for important information about pregnancy, contraception, and blood and sperm donation.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to MORPHOSYS US INC. at (844) 667-1992.

DIRECTIONALS TO THE PI:

Please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for additional Important Safety Information.

RC-US-TAF-01561 July 2022

Sponsored by: MorphoSys US Inc and Incyte

2022-09-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – Down is a sustainable, renewable and ethical resource. A recently conducted Life Cycle Assessment found down has 18 times less of an impact on climate change than polyester fill. The LCA also tested the impact of down versus polyester in five environmental categories. Down beat out polyester in ALL categories. Down doesn’t just feel good it is good: https://downandfeathercouncil.com/sustainability/.

2022-09-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – With the school year in full swing, it can be challenging for families to find time away from their busy schedules and spend quality time together. One easy way to make sure there is quality time to connect between classes, sports and work is by prioritizing family meals at home.

Studies have shown time and time again the lifelong benefits of family meals, including higher self-esteem in kids, better grades and even an increased consumption of healthier foods such as fruits and veggies. Family meals also give everyone an opportunity to share about their day and plans for the week and become closer to those who matter most.

Check out the below tips from Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto on how to maximize mealtime with your family:

1. Ease into it

Start by taking baby steps. If you set a goal to start eating one or two more meals together a week, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, you will be more inclined to stick to it, and incorporate even more mealtime from there.

2. Get the family involved in meal prep

Make mealtime fun by getting the whole family to plan what recipe to make, go grocery shopping together and gather in the kitchen to prepare the food. Kids will not only enjoy being involved in the process, but it will also help to increase the frequency of eating meals together and foster healthier eating habits.

3. Don’t limit family time to dinner

While families tend to gather more often for dinnertime, it doesn’t mean parents and kids can’t join for breakfast, lunch or even a snack. Start the morning off right with a nutritious meal using Eggland’s Best eggs, which have six times more Vitamin D and 10 times more Vitamin B-12 compared to ordinary eggs to support kids’ cognitive wellness and motor function and keep them energized throughout the school day.

4. Switch up your meals

If you’re tired of the same boring lunches or snacks, get the family excited by testing out new dishes every week. Get creative with your meals and switch them up by having breakfast for dinner. Or try whipping up a snack board dinner like this Lightyear Grazing Board from Eggland’s Best. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, available now on Digital and on Blu-Ray™ Sept. 13, this recipe is delicious and nutritious, and can be enjoyed during a family movie night!

Lightyear Grazing Board

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Serves 6

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted popcorn, popped in oil

1 cup assorted berries, such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries

6 hard-boiled Eggland’s Best eggs, halved

1 English cucumber

1 bell pepper, red or yellow

4 slices low-fat sharp cheddar

1/2 melon, such as cantaloupe and honeydew

2 apples, cored and sliced

20 whole-wheat crackers

Special Tools Needed

Large wooden board or tray for serving

Star cookie cutter, various small sizes

Moon-shaped cookie cutters, 1-2 inch sized

3 small ramekins or serving bowls

Directions

1. On large serving platter, place two small serving bowls. Add popcorn in one, berries in another, and whole wheat crackers in remaining bowl.

2. Place hard-boiled Eggland’s Best eggs around bowls as desired.

3. Slice cucumber into rounds. Using moon cookie cutter, cut about 10 slices into moon shapes, and place on board with rounds. Alternatively, you can create moon shapes by slicing cucumber in half lengthwise, deseeding. Then slice down width of cucumber to create moon shape.

4. Deseed bell pepper and cut into four pieces. Using star-shaped cookie cutter, cut into star shapes. Repeat with cheese slices.

5. Cube melon, leaving 1 thin slice to cut shapes. Cut additional melon stars and place all on board as desired.

6. Core and slice two apples and arrange around snacks.

Want to make mealtime even more exciting? Enter the Eggland’s Best Family Sweepstakes! Eggland’s Best has teamed up once again with Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear to give families the chance to win Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear Blu-ray™ and more, Eggland’s Best swag, and the grand prize of $5,000. Through Sept. 24, fans can enter daily for a chance to win at www.EBFamilySweeps.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN IN THE EGGLAND’S BEST “SUPERIOR HERO” SWEEPSTAKES. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts 8/3/22 at 9:00 AM ET and ends 9/24/22 at 4:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, which govern, click here. Sponsor: Eggland’s Best, LLC.

2022-09-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – You know eating fruits and vegetables is good for you, but you don’t always eat as many as you should. And you’re not alone.

September is National Fruits & Veggies Month – a month-long celebration of America’s favorite and flavorful plants – and the plants that no one is eating enough of. In fact, the vast majority of Americans do not eat the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, with most consuming vegetables just once per day and fruit even less, according to a recent State Of The Plate research report from the Produce For Better Health Foundation (PBH), the Foundation behind the Have A Plant^® Movement.

You might be reading this and thinking – that’s me! Don’t worry, you don’t need a hefty budget or fancy cooking skills to eat more fruits and veggies. Another recent PBH study indicates that once people learn new fruit or veggie hacks, they are more likely to Have A Plant^® more often.

Trying different fruit and veggie hacks can be a lot of fun, and before you know it, those hacks can turn into healthy habits that last a lifetime. National Fruits & Veggies Month is the perfect time to get inspired and refresh your routine with some fun and flavorful fruit and veggie hacks for better health and well-being.

1. Make it easy with fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice

You can easily eat a rainbow and make it a daily habit over time. Fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as well as 100% juice all count toward meeting health recommendations. This means you have lots of ways to create your meals and snacks plant-packed! Start your day with a cup of 100% juice; make a sweet and savory trail mix with dried fruit; blend some frozen fruit for a delicious and affordable at-home smoothie; or save time by serving canned or packaged veggies with dinner. You can feel good because all these options are equally nutritious.

2. Elevate the flavor of soups and sauces

A quick soup or pasta is an easy go-to meal. Pack in some additional flavor and a nutrient boost with a variety of fruits and vegetables. From basic tomato to classic chicken noodle, try tossing in a handful of mixed frozen vegetables while the soup is heating – with minimal effort, the soup will taste more like homemade. You can do the same with pasta sauce. Stir in some frozen veggies for a hearty texture and added nutrition. Prefer a smooth sauce? Open a can of pureed pumpkin and add a dollop or two in. Toss a bagged salad to add as a crunchy side with your soup or pasta – and voila! You have a plant-packed powerhouse combination.

3. Enjoy fruit as dessert

The natural sugars in fruit satisfy a sweet tooth while also adding fiber and nutrients. Get creative with fruit and enjoy its sweetness in new ways with little to no effort. For example, freeze a ripe banana without the peel, add a drizzle or sprinkle of your favorite chocolate and blend for a delicious and creamy banana swirl dessert. You can also freeze peaches right in the can and then open to enjoy a cool and refreshing sorbet. Slice your favorite melon and grill it to bring out its natural sweetness. Chop fresh fruit (or just rinse some berries) and add as a topping to pudding or ice cream.

4. Maximize leftover avocado

Avocado’s popularity has soared recently, yet many times, you use half the fruit and may be unsure what to do with the other half. To enjoy the other half and reduce waste, try this trick: place the avocado cut-side down in an air-tight container. Then, fill the container with water, cover and store in the fridge to extend its original quality. This prevents the fruit from browning so you can enjoy your avocado for another day or two.

5. Keep greens fresh and lively

Two of the most affordable greens are lettuce and celery. Eating more greens is great, yet they can wilt quickly. Consider these simple solutions. The secret to keeping salad greens from wilting is paper towels. They can be placed on top of a serving bowl, put inside a plastic storage bag, or used to wrap large leaf lettuce before storing to absorb excess moisture. For celery, consider wrapping celery in aluminum foil and store it in the crisper drawer in the fridge.

For more fruit and veggie hacks as well as recipes and plant-passionate inspiration, visit fruitsandveggies.org. #haveaplant

2022-09-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re active and young at heart, it’s easy to forget that you may be losing some strength, flexibility and balance as you age.

Because these changes happen gradually, you may be unaware of the added risks of falling. That risk can sneak up on you as you’re busy enjoying life.

But the facts don’t lie: Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, and over one-fourth of older adults falls each year.

Fall injuries can include hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. Every year, medical costs spent on fall injuries are about $50 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Many falls can be prevented by taking simple, proven steps. Here are five ways you can reduce your risk.

Start with a checkup. The first step is to understand your risk for falling. The National Council on Aging offers the Falls Free CheckUp, a simple online questionnaire that is based on research and guidance from the CDC. In a few short minutes, you can answer 13 yes or no questions, receive your falls risk score, and get easy steps you can take today to reduce your risk. You can even download your results to discuss with your doctor and sign up for a reminder to retake the Falls Free CheckUp six months later to see if your risk level has changed.

Remove hazards. A whopping 60% of all falls happen at home. That’s why it’s a good idea to walk through your home with a fresh, critical eye to determine whether any areas should be addressed. Floors should be clutter-free, with throw rugs either removed or held down with double-sided tape. All stairs should be well-lit and equipped with strong rails. In bathrooms, tubs, showers and toilets should be equipped with grab bars. Another great option is an in-shower chair used in combination with a hand-held shower head.

Keep on top of your health. Having regular checkups with your doctor will keep you aware of any changes that may have occurred, such as muscle weakness or issues with your vision, balance or gait. People with mild hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to fall as others. The symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis can also increase your risk of falling.

Stay active. Ask your doctor which kinds of exercises may help you reduce the risk of falling. Senior centers, YMCAs, Area Agencies on Aging and gyms often offer classes geared toward falls prevention, with many focusing on mobility, balance, strength, flexibility and/or behavioral changes that may help you.

Monitor your medications. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness or dehydration. Interactions with other medicines can also increase your risk of falling.

Learn more about how to stay independent and injury-free at NCOA.org.

2022-08-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – With many of us wearing less makeup these days, we are more aware of the condition of our skin. Our skin is a barometer to our overall wellbeing, so when it looks dull, dry, sun-damaged and stressed, chances are our lifestyle and some of our daily bad habits may be partially to blame.

Traditionally, laser-based technologies have been used to resurface the skin, and in many cases, there is some downtime after these treatments. More recently, RF microneedling has emerged as a popular choice for skin treatments on the face and body.

Enter Secret™ RF from Cutera^®, a fan favorite RF Microneedling treatment that offers state-of-the-art skin revitalization. This minimally invasive technology uses very fine sterilized needles to create microscopic wounds at various predetermined depths in the dermis, without affecting the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. The direct thermal heating of the dermis results in new collagen production and thickening of the dermal layer.

According to Anne M. Cummings, M.D., F.A.C.P., who has a concierge medical practice in Greenbrae, CA, “Secret RF is an extremely versatile technology. It can address scars, sun damage, stretch marks, pores, in addition to improving general signs of aging, skin quality, and texture.¹”

“The innovative Secret RF fractional radio frequency microneedling system was designed to stimulate and remodel collagen from the inside out. It delivers precise, controlled energy at various depths to target your skin concerns on the face and body. With minimal to no downtime, it is my go-to treatment for targeting the areas that many of my patients are most keen to improve,” says Dr. Cummings.

Another in-demand treatment that continues to attract both women and men is non-invasive body sculpting. Cutera’s award winning truBody^® treatment features two complementary 15-minute treatments to reduce an average of 24% fat^2,3 and build up to 30%⁴ more muscle.

Recently the truSculpt^® family of body-shaping products was selected by editors from NewBeauty and Glossy for their coveted awards, the Best Innovation in Body-Toning and Best Use of Technology.

According to Shelley Miller, owner of EOS Medspa in St. Louis, MO, “First we use truSculpt iD’s trusted technology to target fat in stubborn areas, such as the abdomen and flanks. Then we pair it with the truSculpt flex muscle sculpting treatment to deliver a 360-degree approach to body sculpting.”

With truBody, effective results can be achieved with just one truSculpt iD treatment and as little as four truSculpt flex treatments. Additional treatments may be required to achieve the personalized results you desire. “truBody treatments are non-invasive with no downtime, so you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. We can target specific trouble areas or areas that need some more definition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat. truBody is a real confidence booster for guys and gals,” says Mrs. Miller.

Find Secret RF and truBody providers near you at www.cutera.com/find-a-provider/.

¹ Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244., https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468. ^*Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.

² Taub A, Bartholomeusz J. Ultrasound Evaluation of a Single Treatment With a Temperature Controlled Multi-Frequency Monopolar Radio Frequency Device for the Improvement of Localized Adiposity on the Abdomen and Flanks. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):28-34

³ Somenek MT, Ronan SJ, Pittman TA. A Multi-Site, Single-Blinded, Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks Using a Monopolar 2 MHz Radiofrequency Device. Lasers Surg Med. 2021 Mar;53(3):337-343

⁴ Stephen J. Ronan M.D. A Novel Bio-Electric Current Stimulation Device For Improvement Of Muscle Tone 7/2019.

2022-08-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine a life-threatening medical emergency, like a car crash, violent attack or overdose. When you think of the first responders on the scene, you likely picture the paramedics or emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. However, it’s often law enforcement officers that arrive first on the scene.

Over the years, the role of policing has evolved, with many officers serving as first responders in emergencies, frequently arriving at a scene before paramedics and EMS. In fact, the national EMS response time average is over 15 minutes. While that may not seem like a long time, every second counts in a medical emergency. In five minutes or less, depending on the severity of injuries, a wounded victim can bleed to death. When properly trained and equipped, a police officer can treat life-threatening injuries while waiting for EMS to arrive and take over.

Unfortunately, some law enforcement agencies are not given adequate funding to supply police officers with the medical equipment or training needed for life-saving care. Through no fault of their own, these officers often don’t have access to the training and equipment needed to save the lives of civilians and their fellow officers.

How one nonprofit is making a difference

Seeing a need for medical supplies and emergency training for police officers across the nation, Aaron Negherbon founded Cops Direct. Since 2016, Cops Direct has supplied law enforcement agencies with fully stocked emergency medical kits to handle medical emergencies until appropriate personnel can arrive.

Since its founding, this one-of-a-kind organization has delivered thousands of trauma support kits free of charge to law enforcement agencies in 32 states using generous donations from the public. These trauma response kits, customized for the requesting department, include tourniquets, modular bandages, face shields, chest seals and other medical equipment needed to render life-saving aid in a matter of minutes. The response from officers has been remarkably grateful.

“With funding shortfalls preventing us from obtaining urgently needed medical equipment for our tactical team, Cops Direct donated the equipment we needed and then some while allowing us to leapfrog the red tape,” said Deputy R of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “This equipment has helped us treat and save several people and an injured K9 during the last year.”

Of course, medical supplies are only useful if the person using them knows what they’re doing. That’s why Cops Direct also provides emergency medical training and support to police officers, sheriff deputies, state troopers, K9 units, SWAT teams and search-and-rescue teams across the country.

In addition to supplies and training, Cops Direct is dedicated to advocating for law enforcement officers through public outreach, underscoring the needs and risks associated with the profession.

Ongoing work

Cops Direct’s mission continues as thousands of kits and hundreds of hours of training are still needed to ensure that officers can continue to save the lives of civilians and other officers.

“Law enforcement officers are out there every day putting their lives on the line while also providing emergency medical aid when needed,” said Negherbon. “Regardless of where you stand on the state of policing in the U.S., if you’re in a life-threatening situation, you’ll want the officers arriving on the scene to have the equipment and knowledge needed to save your life. In this way, we transcend politics and opinions.”

To learn more about the nonprofit’s work and how you can help officers continue to save lives, visit CopsDirect.org.