Category: Brandpoint

2018-03-14T11:31:01

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018-03-13T16:07:01

(BPT) – Imagine your family carried the gene for a rare, life-threatening condition, but didn’t know it?

For generations, members of Angel’s family experienced fatigue, nerve pain, numbness in limbs, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain, but were unable to determine the cause. The answer was hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis, a progressive, debilitating, life-threatening condition that typically runs in families.

“Early on, my family used to call hATTR amyloidosis ‘the curse’ because no one knew what it was and those who had it experienced a wide variety of symptoms and misdiagnoses,” Angel said. She witnessed firsthand how the condition, which affects approximately 50,000 people worldwide, can devastate a person’s quality of life.

“I watched my grandfather go from building houses and doing construction to being wheelchair bound and bedridden.”

Angel’s family’s experience was recently chronicled in “Living a Rare Life,” a new downloadable booklet sharing their personal account about how they’ve been living with this condition across generations. Like many rare conditions, hATTR amyloidosis varies from individual to individual and is often misdiagnosed because its wide array of symptoms, like shortness of breath, numbness of fingers and toes, constipation/diarrhea and headaches, resemble other, more common conditions.

While the degree and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, hATTR amyloidosis can lead to significant disability and a shortened life expectancy. Obtaining an early and accurate diagnosis is critical.

While Angel tested negative for the condition, she has taken an active role serving as an advocate and caregiver for her family. “The first step to managing a hereditary condition is knowing your family health history and identifying gaps in knowledge about genetic disorders,” said Angel. “Today my mom and many of her siblings are battling hATTR amyloidosis, but now we know how to recognize the symptoms and better manage them.”

Here are a few of Angel’s tips to begin conversations with your loved ones about your health history:

1. Initiate a Dialogue. Having open and honest conversations about family health history may play a role in identifying symptoms sooner, reaching an accurate diagnosis sooner and allowing your loved ones to take control of their health.
2. Speak to a Genetic Counselor. Genetic counseling can help your family members understand their chances of inheriting a rare disease gene mutation and become familiar with the testing process. A counselor can help your family to understand potential issues related to genetic testing, like insurance, determine if genetic testing is appropriate and help make sense of results once they are obtained.
3. Become an Advocate. As an advocate, you can be your family’s most valuable resource for learning about a genetic condition. For some family members, it may be helpful for them to know that they have support throughout the journey of the condition. Building a support system can help the entire family continue to make educated decisions.

If you, or someone in your family, experience symptoms consistent with those of hATTR amyloidosis, talk to your doctor and visit hATTRBridge.com for information and resources like the “Living a Rare Life” booklet.

* Angel is partnering with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals to increase awareness of hATTR amyloidosis.

2018-03-13T16:01:00

(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.

2018-03-13T08:01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018-03-12T15:19:01

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018-03-20T14:45:01

(BPT) – How would you describe happiness? You may have trouble putting it into words, but you know you want it for yourself and your loved ones. One thing that’s harder than describing it for many people is knowing how to achieve it.

Researchers studying social emotional well-being define happiness as a balance: the combination of how frequent and robust your positive emotional experiences are, how gracefully you recover from difficult experiences, and how meaningful and worthwhile you feel your life is overall.

“Happiness is the ability to consistently recognize that life is good, even if it’s difficult,” says Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., science director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California Berkeley. “It’s being able to identify and enjoy the positive times but also have resiliency to bounce back from the hard times.”

This is particularly important for youth. Research shows two out of three American teens are stressed and many don’t know how to cope. When school is in session, teens are the most stressed group in the country. The inability to reduce and cope with stress and anxiety can negatively impact different facets of a teen’s life including their health, friendships, relationships with parents and academic performance.

To help further the idea that happiness skills must be learned, Simon-Thomas identified six Sustainable Happiness Skills which provide the foundation for a new initiative called Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, which helps bring scientific, evidence-based tools and sustainable happiness skills directly to young people across America. Backed by 70 years of scientific research showing that happy people are healthier, live longer, earn more and do better in school and life, the platform aims to reach, teach and increase sustainable happiness.

Happiness is associated with several positive health effects, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies, including less insulin resistance, better sleep, higher HDL cholesterol levels and less reactivity to stress. Additionally, teens who identify as happy are more creative, helpful and sociable.

Research has also shown that happy kids do better in school. Happy learners remember information better and happiness is positively associated with GPA. The research also shows that schools that teach happiness skills outperform schools that don’t, and typically experience dramatic drops in bullying, absenteeism and discipline issues. They also see impressive gains in student engagement, optimism, test scores and executive functioning skills that are key to future success.

When practiced, the six sustainable happiness skills can sustain a person’s ability to recognize that life’s good, even if it’s hard sometimes, according to the research from Simon-Thomas. These are the foundation of Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, the new corporate social responsibility initiative led by LG Electronics USA.

Mindfulness: Being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judging those thoughts or feelings as admirable, shameful or anything in between.

Human connection: Building and sustaining relationships with significant others, friendships and social engagement with peers, which is the most reliable, enduring predictor of happiness in life.

Positive outlook: Harnessing the ability to imagine a fruitful outcome and maintain a readiness to pursue and experience the opportunity in any circumstance.

Purpose: Understanding your ability to make a difference in the world, at work, school or for a team leads to a refined sense of purpose and increases your sense of happiness.

Generosity: Helping and giving to others can increase one’s own happiness. According to a study overseen by Harvard University, people who donated time or money were 42 percent more likely to be happy when compared to those who didn’t.

Gratitude: The simple act of appreciating and thanking others for the goodness they contribute to your life helps foster happiness.

To learn more about these six skills, find tools you can use to teach happiness skills to your children and start your own journey to sustainable happiness, visit www.LGExperienceHappiness.com. A primary focus of the Life’s Good: Experience Happiness platform is driving positive change in lives across America with the goal of equipping 5.5 million youth with happiness skills over five years.

2018-03-20T13:31:02

(BPT) – Are you in a cooking rut? If you find yourself making the same things over and over again, it’s time for some fresh inspiration. As seasons turn, you might crave different types of food. This is the perfect reason to think beyond the ordinary and experiment with new flavors.

We asked registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner for her favorite tips to help breathe new life into your weekly meal lineup without compromising taste and nutrition.

Eat fresh: Farm-to-table is big at restaurants, and your local farmers market offers a bounty of fresh fare that’s likely plucked within miles of your home. Visit and enjoy exploring the colorful fare for sale while gaining inspiration for your next dish. The sweet peas and strawberries you buy may have just come off the plant that very morning. Stock up on fresh, nutritious foods for snacking and cooking. You may even discover new produce you’ve never had before!

Get crackin’: Let’s face it; we’re all strapped for time these days, which is why it’s important to keep your kitchen stocked with food items that are versatile and quick cooking. Look no further than eggs! Whether they’re the center of your meal, or used in a recipe to thicken, glaze or garnish, this modest kitchen staple is a high-quality protein source that will brighten up any dish. But, not all eggs are created equal. For delicious dishes packed with extra nutrients, I always recommend Eggland’s Best eggs since they are the only eggs with 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best even has hard-cooked peeled eggs with all the same nutrition plus the convenience of not having to hard boil the eggs yourself if you’re really in a hurry!

Meal mix-ups: Chicken and waffles might be the classic example of blending two meal-specific foods into one super delightful dish, but meal mix-ups don’t stop there. Have fun experimenting to find combos that tantalize the taste buds. Steak and Egg Hash for dinner? Yum. Whole wheat pancakes instead of tortillas when making wraps? Sure! The sky is the limit.

Grill or steam: When the weather warms up, you probably want to turn the oven off and skip the stovetop frying. To lighten food and maintain freshness, try grilling or steaming. For example, when you grill meat, it allows the fat to drip off while touches of char bring out earthy notes. Steaming is a simple approach that is ideal for produce because it cooks while allowing your foods to maintain their distinct flavor profiles.

Local inspiration: Iconic local ingredients can be the perfect way to add pizzazz to your meals. From Swedish meatballs in Minnesota and Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, to Jersey tomatoes and Michigan blueberries, there’s endless inspiration for redefining dishes. While experimenting, consider submitting your recipe for Eggland’s Best 2018 ‘America’s Best Recipe’ Contest. You could win $10,000!

From now until April 30, Eggland’s Best is searching for the most passionate egg fan with the best and most creative original egg recipe. Think your hometown recipe has what it takes to be America’s Best Recipe? Submit a recipe inspired by your favorite local/state ingredient or dish for the chance to win great prizes, including the grand prize of $10,000! Enter now at www.americasbestrecipe.com.

For inspiration, check out a 2016 America’s Best Recipe Contest winning recipe for Watercress Confetti Quinoa at www.egglandsbest.com.

2018-03-27T13:01:00

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

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

What is multiple myeloma?

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

Patient outcomes are improving

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

The multiple myeloma advocacy community is powerful

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

The search for a cure is an ongoing priority

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

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

2018-03-20T07:01:17

(BPT) – Did you know planting a tree is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do to have a positive impact on the environment? It’s true. Trees clean the air, prevent rainwater runoff, help you save energy and even combat global warming. And they’re a snap to plant! No horticultural degree required. With Arbor Day just around the corner in April, there’s no better time to give Mother Nature a little TLC by planting a tree.

From the single homeowner in Nebraska planting a maple in her backyard to the 250 Comcast employees volunteering in communities devastated by hurricanes, fires and Emerald Ash Borer infestation by planting hundreds of trees on Comcast Cares Day (the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer event), people nationwide are getting their tree on this spring. Here are 10 reasons why you should join them.

Trees fight climate change

Wish you could do more than recycling and reducing your carbon footprint to combat climate change? Trees have you covered. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air.

Trees clean the air and help you breathe

Trees don’t just absorb CO2. They also absorb odors and pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. It’s estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen.

Trees prevent soil erosion and rainwater runoff

During heavy rains, water runoff finds its way to streams, lakes and wetlands, creating the potential for flooding. It also picks up and carries pollutants along the way. The EPA and the Center for Watershed Protection are recognizing the importance of trees in managing runoff. Leaf canopies help buffer the falling rain and their roots hold the soil in place, encouraging the water to seep into the ground rather than run off.

Planting trees is easy

Gardening can be intimidating for newbies because there are so many variables. Which plants and flowers should you put next to each other and which should you separate? Which bloom in the summer and which bloom in the fall? When you’re dealing with trees, there’s none of that. Just choose a spot in your yard and you’re good to go. Here’s a video showing you all you need to know about planting your young trees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FiqoypXfo.

You’ll save money

Trees conserve energy in summer and winter, providing shade from the hot summer sun and shelter from cold winter winds. With trees standing between you and the elements, you’ll spend less on your energy bill to heat and cool your home.

Trees increase your home’s value

Studies of comparable homes with and without trees show that, if you have trees in your yard, your home’s value increases by up to 15 percent. It’s all about curb appeal, and trees make your home and yard more beautiful.

You’ll attract birds (and critters)

Trees provide nesting sites, food and shelter for your bird friends. Hang a feeder in one of the branches and enjoy the birdsong all year long. Squirrels love to make their homes in trees, too, and watching their antics is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

Trees are good for your mental and physical health

A view of trees in urban areas has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and even the crime rate. Tree-filled gardens on hospital grounds speed healing in hospital patients.

You’ll be giving your descendants a gift

Trees can live hundreds of years, so when you plant one, you’re giving a gift to your children and grandchildren. It’s a symbol of your commitment to the environment and the beauty of the world around you that will live on far beyond your own lifetime.

Free trees!

Join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they’ll send you 10 trees selected for the region of the country where you live, at the right time to plant them. You’ll also get planting instructions and other information. The trees are guaranteed to grow or the Foundation will replace them. Visit www.arborday.org to join.

An ancient Chinese proverb states: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” To find out more about planting trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.

2018-03-27T10:11:00

(BPT) – Farm-fresh eggs. Locally grown tomatoes. Herbs sourced onsite.

If you’ve eaten out recently, you’ve probably noticed the menus feature locally sourced ingredients. The farm-to-table movement continues to flourish at restaurants throughout the country.

In fact, rather than the exception, it’s become the expectation. According to the National Restaurant Association, farm-to-table is quickly becoming the new norm. Diners are so attracted to the freshest fare possible, it’s inspiring some restaurants to start their own gardens, on a rooftop, terrace or simple outdoor plot. Hyper-local culinary concepts like these represent the top trend on the annual “2018 Culinary Forecast” report.

You can take a cue from this hot trend by starting your own farm-to-table concept garden at home. Just imagine plucking ruby red tomatoes and rich green basil straight from your garden to make a farm-fresh, scrumptious caprese salad without ever leaving home. An at-home take on the farm-to-table trend can easily be translated to a convenient “garden-to-table” concept in your own backyard. Growing your own at home will elevate your cooking and you’ll feel good about being able to produce your own food while lowering your grocery bill (and certainly save by not dining out as much).

No matter the size of your garden space, you can grow fresh foods that are readily available right at your fingertips, even if you just have a small patio or balcony. What’s more, some of the most popular produce to eat is also easy to grow.

The experts at Bonnie Plants offer some easy-to-grow, space-saving suggestions to encourage a garden-to-table trend at home.

Caged tomatoes

Whether you choose big, juicy slicers or sweet cherry-sized snackers, caged tomatoes are easy to grow and offer endless cooking opportunities. Determinate varieties of tomatoes are container favorites because the vines are relatively compact yet bear a productive harvest. Or create your own container garden using tomato varieties especially bred for small spaces.

Caged peppers

Try popular and versatile Green Bell, a heavy yielder of large fruits and a good all-round pepper for slicing and stuffing. Or, spice up your recipes with jalapeño chile peppers, which yield a bountiful harvest.

Strawberries in hanging baskets

Sweet, juicy strawberries add loads of flavor to salads, dressings, drinks and desserts. Think you need a plot to grow a productive strawberry patch? Think again. Maximize space with Bonnie Plants’ strawberries in hanging baskets, which are everbearing and produce cascades of berries throughout the growing season.

Herbs in combo pots

Want to raise the flavor profile of any culinary dish? Fresh herbs are your best bet. Herb gardens can be grown in compact spaces, which means you can fit your favorites in no matter how much space you have.

For example, a kitchen herb combo container featuring sweet basil, cilantro and curled parsley is a powerhouse pot that’s both practical and pretty. You can set it right outside your door for convenient access and continuous harvest. Herbs are ready for harvest upon purchase and will keep growing and giving all season long.

Bonnie Plants offers more than 250 varieties of vegetables and herbs, from tried and true classics to some unusual varieties you may not have tried, such as Holy Basil, Tepin Chili Pepper, Barbeque Rosemary, Little Napoli Patio Roma and many more.

Once it’s time to harvest, have fun exploring new recipes and experimenting with home-grown, fresh-picked produce that will shake up your supper and then some. For more inspiration for easy at-home gardening, visit bonnieplants.com.

This recipe for a classic caprese salad is sure to hit the spot as a light lunch or satisfying start to dinner.

Caprese salad

Ingredients:

1 fresh tomato
1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
Basil leaves
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Slice tomato in 1/4-inch thick slices. Do the same for the mozzarella. Alternate layers between the tomato, mozzarella and basil. First, a tomato slice, then a mozzarella slice, then a few leaves of basil; begin and end with tomato. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or your favorite Italian dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.