Category: Brandpoint

2018-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to take a serious look at your heart health. One important aspect of managing your heart health is keeping your cholesterol levels within a healthy range. With a few smart steps, you can help support your heart health today and well into the future.

Dr. Shawn Dhillon, medical director at Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore, believes that managing heart health begins with strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. It’s through open, honest conversation that people can best manage their cholesterol levels to support a healthy heart.

“It’s critical for patients to have an open dialogue about a management plan,” says Dr. Dhillon. “It’s also important for physicians to properly explain conditions and treatment options to patients, and equally important for patients to listen. Talking and forming a partnership helps ensure success.”

In the US, more than 100 million American adults have high cholesterol, which can lead to hard, thick buildup (plaque) forming in your arteries, causing them to narrow and slowing down and even blocking the flow of blood to your heart. This is dangerous because blood carries oxygen to the heart and brain. If enough oxygen doesn’t reach your heart, you may feel pains in your chest, and if blood supply is completely blocked to any part of your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

To help encourage a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Dhillon often suggests therapeutic lifestyle changes before recommending any medication. This may start by looking at dietary changes that increase intake of soluble fiber and decrease intake of trans and saturated fats.

Dr. Dhillon also recommends increased exercise, which works the heart and encourages weight loss. For those who need to reduce cholesterol levels, The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or activity 3 to 4 times a week.

“If cholesterol levels still do not improve to where we want them to be after trying lifestyle changes for an adequate amount of time, we supplement with a statin medication,” says Dr. Dhillon.

Statins are prescription drugs that can help people manage cholesterol levels. LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) is a statin medication that, along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can improve overall cholesterol levels while having a lower risk of certain unpredictable drug interactions compared to other statins.

Some people may experience side effects when starting a statin. “It’s important to record any symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider,” according to Dr. Dhillon. “Everyone has a different tolerance level for statins,” he says. “Sometimes the body needs time to adjust to the new medication. You may experience muscle aches or fatigue but by working with your doctor you can make adjustments — perhaps trying a lower dose or trying a different type of statin — so that you can find a treatment that works for your unique needs.”

While speaking with your doctor, ask if LIVALO is right for you. LIVALO lowers cholesterol levels by targeting the enzyme that plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. LIVALO is metabolized, or processed, in the liver differently than most other statins and may be less likely to interact with other medications. Because of the way LIVALO is metabolized differently than most statins, patients are able to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, both of which can potentially interfere with the action of some other prescription drugs.

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO.
• Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Pain in the legs or arms

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1.800.FDA.1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, and out of the reach of children.
• LIVALO can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit http://www.livalorx.com.

© Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2017) – LIV-RA-0109

2018-01-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced Americans’ eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for you,” are now considered nutritious.

“Nutrition is exciting. Just about every day there is new research about how certain foods work in our body,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Over time as research is done, foods that were once considered unhealthy can be found to actually play a key role in healthy diets.”

What historically “unhealthy” foods are now considered wholesome? Blatner provides some examples:

Eggs

Shunned for many years, eggs were believed to be bad for heart health due to high cholesterol levels. However, numerous studies have shown that intake of dietary cholesterol has little influence on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you take in from food.

Today, eggs are part of a healthy diet — so much so that recently the country’s leading weight loss service announced that eggs are now included on its zero points list. Keep in mind, though, that not all eggs are created equal. When shopping for eggs, look for Eggland’s Best eggs, which have significantly more nutrition than ordinary eggs.

“Many health and nutrition organizations are finally recognizing eggs for the nutrient powerhouse they are,” says Blatner. “Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and more than double the vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs, making them the best egg option to maximize your nutritional intake.”

Nuts

Snacking on nuts today is typically considered a healthy way to keep hunger pangs at bay, but it wasn’t always that way. Nuts used to have a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, and were often avoided, especially for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, many nuts are considered the ideal nutritious snack as they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For example, the versatile almond is relatively low in calories when compared to other nuts and has more calcium than other varieties, according to Health.com. Plus, almonds are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

“Nuts can make a great snack or wonderful addition to recipes,” says Blatner. “The one thing to be mindful of is sodium intake. Opt for raw nuts or dry-roasted varieties. These are minimally processed and typically won’t contain the salt and oils you’ll find in other varieties.”

Carbohydrates

Due to empty calories and low nutritional value, cutting carbs has been at the heart of diet fads for decades. The problem with this is that it assumes all carbs are equal, which is false.

“The important thing to realize is there are high-quality and low-quality carbs,” says Blatner. “Instead of shaming all carbs, focus on high-quality sources of carbohydrates that fuel the body and give you energy — skip the refined grains like white bread and focus on whole grains.”

Want to try a recipe that uses some of these formerly misunderstood foods? Blatner shares one of her favorites.

Eggland’s Best Spinach & Avocado Egg Sushi

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large), 1 tablespoon milk, 1 dash of salt, 1 dash of ground black pepper, 1 large whole wheat tortilla (12 inch), 1/2 avocado (mashed), 1 cup fresh baby spinach

For the spicy sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce) and 1 teaspoon milk in a small bowl.

Directions:

Coat a 10-inch nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat on medium-low heat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cover with a lid. Do not scramble! Cook until set (about 3-4 minutes), flip and finish cooking (about 1-2 minutes).

Lay tortilla flat and spread with avocado, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

When eggs are finished cooking, place in the center of the tortilla and top with spinach.

Start at one end and roll tightly, but gently.

Coat the same skillet with nonstick spray and warm on medium-high heat.

Place roll seam-side down on skillet and brown slightly on both sides. Remove and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, slice 1-inch pieces, drizzle with spicy sauce and serve with chopsticks.

2018-01-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – When someone you know loses a friend or family member, it’s not easy deciding when and how best to respond. You may find yourself unsure of what to say or do. Sometimes a simple phrase such as, “I’m sorry for your loss,” can be extraordinarily meaningful.

Here are six helpful tips from 1-800-Flowers.com’s Celebrating A Life online resource on how to console a loved one during their time of grief:

Listen

Allowing a grieving person to express how they feel can be a huge help. Try to listen without offering advice or interrupting. Letting people share memories and talk about their loved one can be a part of the healing process.

Be specific when offering help

Make a specific commitment to being with the person who needs you. Offering assistance with day-to-day matters can be very comforting, but be sure to offer something specific, such as, “I’m coming over with groceries on Saturday.” That way, you’re offering help without placing the burden on the grieving person to figure out what to bring and when.

Navigate social media appropriately

When acknowledging the news of a loss, stick with the communication medium through which you initially received the information. If the news came by phone call, return the call. If you learned about the death through social media, it is appropriate to reply on social media, just be sure to keep your message brief on public pages. More detailed expressions of sympathy should be conveyed in private posts.

Be patient

It is normal for people who are grieving to experience a range of emotions. It takes time to heal, so be patient and allow them to grieve at their own pace.

Send a card

Show your concern and support by sending a card. Take the time to put your own personal message inside.

Don’t minimize their pain

It is important to keep the focus on the grieving person. Resist the urge to share stories of times that you’ve lost a loved one. Let your friend or family member share their own stories and memories.

1-800-Flowers.com has been helping customers express sympathies for more than 40 years. Now, the company has created an online sympathy hub for tips and advice, directly from experts, on how best to express sympathy and condolences. Topics include Appropriate Sympathy Etiquette Across Different Religions, How to Write a Eulogy, How to Create a Memory Garden, and Sympathy Etiquette and Social Media.

The site serves as a resource for people in their time of need and is intended to make their experience a little easier to manage. People need to have a greater understanding of how to help their friends, family and co-workers in coping with a loss.

For more information, visit www.1800flowers.com/sympathyadvice, or call 1-800-Flowers.com’s Sympathy Customer Service line at 866-538-2259.

2018-01-31T08:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know that your zip code has a bigger impact on your health than your genetic code? It’s because of factors known as social determinants of health. Things like air quality, employment, education, the people you socialize with and the safety of your neighborhood all have an impact. In fact, 60 percent of a person’s life expectancy is driven by factors outside of the doctor’s office. Check out a few surprising things in your neighborhood impacting your health — and what to do about them:

Your Sidewalks

You might not think about it, but your sidewalks are impacting your health. The average person burns 100 calories walking a mile. If we all had more easily accessible sidewalks and spent more time walking, we could become more fit. The WalkWorks ChesCo! program in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge Spotlight winner, set a goal for community members to hit one billion steps in 2017, and reached it three months ahead of schedule. Reach your step goal by taking a sidewalk stroll every once in a while.

Your Grocery Stores

How easy is it to get to your nearest grocery store? The distance between your home and the nearest grocery store impacts your health immensely. The CDC defines a food desert as an area that lacks access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other foods that make up a full and healthy diet. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, residents in the East End neighborhood have spent the last 35 years with little or no grocery stores close by. Last year, a pop-up market ended the trend of food deserts and gave the neighborhood accessible, healthful options.The grocery stores in your neck of the woods might just influence your fruit and vegetable consumption.

Your Neighborhood Police

Community police work to keep your neighborhoods safe and lower violence rates. The Mind/Spirit/Body project in Jersey City, New Jersey, has made it a priority to recognize violence as a health issue, and has actively decreased violence within local neighborhoods by promoting healthy behaviors among its citizens. In the last 25 years, violent crime rates have decreased by 50 percent because of police. Next time you see an officer, thank them for keeping you safe!

Your Water System

Your water system impacts so many aspects of your daily life. From safe drinking water, to a healthy sewer system to curbing erosion from rainfall, communities must manage water in many ways. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewer overflows happen about 75,000 times a year. Did you know sewage overflows can contaminate our waters, cause property damage and other public health threats? The city of Camden, New Jersey, another Challenge Spotlight Award winner, set up a program to reduce the number of sewage overflows in their region and improve water quality for all. The Camden SMART Initiative gathers community engagement through a variety of new mobile apps, community meetings and social media. Make sure to check to see if your community sewer system is in top shape to avoid contaminants.

Your Schools

The schools in your community matter. Many studies show that a higher level of education is a strong predictor of a longer life due to many factors, including higher income, social status, healthy behaviors and social well-being. The Steinhardt School at NYU completed a study, finding that 145,243 deaths could have been prevented in 2010 if adults who had not completed high school went on to earn a GED or high school degree. Education levels affect mortality rates over time. Your local teachers, schools and peers impact your life expectancy more than you know.

To learn more, visit: http://www.healthiestcities.org/ and join the conversation at #Healthiestcitieschallenge.

About the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge:

The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge is a collaboration between the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties to encourage small to midsize U.S. cities, counties and federally recognized tribes to create a positive health impact. The challenge will identify the best practices for achieving community and individual health, wellness and health equity.

2018-01-12T15:51:00

(BPT) – Like many people, you are likely aware of the term “liver cancer” and may have some perceptions of this disease, but you may have less information than you think. Chances are, though, you have never heard of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though it’s the most common type of liver cancer and the fastest-growing cause of cancer death in the United States.^1,2,3

Andrea Wilson was in a similar situation when her younger sister Adrienne was diagnosed with HCC. Once Andrea understood more about this devastating disease, she made it her mission to tell Adrienne’s story and to help others who suffer from this cancer.

More than sisters

Andrea and Adrienne shared an inseparable bond. As Adrienne’s legal guardian, Andrea was both Adrienne’s parent and sister.

“Adrienne was simply the best—my everything,” said Andrea, president and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, a leading liver cancer advocacy group. “She taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.”

One day, Adrienne felt severe pain in her right side. Six hours later, an ER doctor told Andrea and Adrienne she had tumors in her liver and lungs. Within two days, Adrienne was diagnosed with stage IV HCC.

“Our lives changed forever when we heard those eight words, ‘She has tumors in her liver and lungs,’” Andrea said. From the time she felt the pain in her side to the moment she died, Adrienne lived 147 days.

Raising awareness

According to a survey fielded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, in collaboration with Blue Faery, nearly half (47%) of people who care for someone with advanced stage liver cancer said they were aware of liver cancer but not very knowledgeable.⁴ In fact, Andrea never would have expected that Adrienne could have been at risk of developing the disease. Before that day, she believed heavy alcohol use was the only cause of this cancer.

She isn’t alone.

Many caregivers (43%) of patients with advanced stage disease did not think their loved one was at risk. One of the reasons may be that many of these people (72%), like Andrea, believed that heavy alcohol use was the most common risk factor for liver cancer.⁴ In reality, chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common risk factor for liver cancer.^3,5

Caregivers may also face the challenge of making critical treatment decisions with their loved one. However, more than half of caregivers of people with advanced stage liver cancer surveyed (58%) admit it’s hard to understand what treatment options are available for their loved one. Nearly all of these caregivers (95%) believe more information needs to be available about different types of liver cancer treatment options and/or areas of research, and eight in 10(82%) wish they knew where to go to find this information.⁴

Making this type of information available became Andrea’s mission when she founded Blue Faery to support people affected by primary liver cancer, specifically HCC.

Additionally, according to the caregivers surveyed, 90% wish there were more public awareness of the seriousness of a liver cancer diagnosis, and 77% think liver cancer doesn’t get as much attention as other cancers.⁴

To address the needs these caregivers identified in the survey, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Blue Faery have launched LiverCancerOutlook.com, a website offering information about liver cancer and providing links to additional resources for patients and caregivers.

“Before Adrienne passed away, she said that cancer added to the story of her life. She believed it contributed to her character and sense of humor,” Andrea said. “I could not save Adrienne from liver cancer, but I have made it my mission to tell her story and to help others suffering from this devastating disease.”

For more information, or to share with a loved one, visit LiverCancerOutlook.com.

Blue Faery was compensated by Bristol-Myers Squibb for its time spent as an advisor on the Liver Cancer Outlook Survey and related content. Bristol-Myers Squibb does not endorse and is not responsible for information provided by third-party organizations.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures. 2017. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2017.

2. Islami F, Miller K, Siegel R, et al. Disparities in Liver Cancer Occurrence in the United States by Race/Ethnicity and State. Ca Cancer J Clin 2017 Jul 8;67(4):273–289.

3. Mittal S and El-Serag HB. Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: consider the population. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2013 Jul; 47 Suppl:S2-6.

4. Bristol-Myers Squibb. Bryter. U.S. Survey of Liver Cancer Caregivers. July 24, 2017 – August 31, 2017.

5. American Cancer Society. Liver Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed December 18, 2017.

2018-01-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, filled with countless physical, emotional and lifestyle changes. Pregnant women often do research, read books or consult friends and family to determine what to expect during those nine months and how to best combat the symptoms that may arise. While issues like morning sickness and cravings are to be expected, there are several uncomfortable, but common, effects soon-to-be moms may be less likely to anticipate.

“A woman is going to experience numerous changes to her body during pregnancy,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN, author and expert on women’s health. “Although there is abundant information about issues like backaches and morning sickness, there are a number of common symptoms women are less inclined to talk about because they either consider them taboo or embarrassing.”

While each woman’s pregnancy experience will be unique, Dr. Dweck shares some of the lesser-known, but common, health nuisances to expect when expecting:

1. Constipation

Some common causes of constipation among pregnant women include increased progesterone levels, which influences intestinal motility, increased pressure from the growing uterus and the recommended supplementation of iron. To help diminish constipation, women can try increasing their fiber and fluid intake and limit iron supplements to three times a week.

2. Yeast infections

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy often increase the chance of developing a vaginal yeast infection. However, according to a 2016 Danish nationwide cohort study, even a single, low dose of fluconazole (the leading prescription pill to treat yeast infections) may increase miscarriage risk. Instead, Dr. Dweck recommends MONISTAT 7 for vaginal yeast infections, as it relieves symptoms four times faster and works on more of the most common strains of yeast than the prescription oral pill. Nevertheless, women should always check with their own healthcare provider before using any treatment during pregnancy.

3. Heartburn

Heartburn and indigestion are most frequent during the third trimester, as the growing uterus places pressure on the stomach and the muscle tone of the esophagus relaxes. To help minimize heartburn, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, sit or stand after a meal and avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods. OTC antacids are typically safe, but it is important to speak to an OB-GYN before taking.

4. Varicose veins

Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. As blood volume increases and the uterus enlarges, additional pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis, lower extremities and the rectal area. Elevate the legs to improve circulation, avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended lengths of time and try to exercise regularly, if possible.

5. Body and facial hair growth

Hair is likely to grow faster and thicker during pregnancy on places other than just the head. Higher levels of estrogen extend the growth phase of hair, leading to less shedding and denser locks. Safe ways to get rid of these unwanted hairs during pregnancy include tweezing, waxing and shaving.

Regardless of whether a result of pregnancy is considered normal, pregnant women should readily consult their OB-GYN if they experience any changes or if they are looking for treatment solutions. Though health nuisances are bound to pop up during pregnancy, there are simple solutions to combat them so women can make the most of this wonderful time and prep for the arrival of baby. For more information, visit Monistat.com.

2018-01-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – Online vision apps can be a great resource for health-related information, but if you rely on them to preserve your eye health and detect potential problems, you could be doing more harm than good, the American Optometric Association warns.

“Eye health is critical to overall good health,” says Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the AOA. “If someone chooses to forego an annual eye exam with a doctor of optometry because they think an online test or mobile app screening is enough, they’re making a mistake that could put their vision and health at risk.”

The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry, optometric professionals and optometry students, supports state and federal policies that protect patients from the potential dangers of online vision test apps. Here are four of the many reasons why patients should not rely on online eye screenings or mobile apps:

1. Vision test apps or online tests can’t diagnose or treat serious eye problems.

These tools simply use measurements to gauge what is known as visual acuity, or sensitivity. However, many vision and eye health conditions don’t have obvious signs or symptoms in their earliest stages. Online tests can miss serious conditions that a comprehensive eye exam would catch.

They may be designed to test for near-sightedness or far-sightedness, but can’t adequately evaluate overall eye health. For example, an online screening might be able to detect symptoms of near-sightedness, but isn’t designed to catch signs of glaucoma.

2. Vision test apps aren’t held to the same standards as doctors of optometry.

People put their eye health at risk when they choose convenience over care and today, 17 states have regulations in place to safeguard patients from unproven technologies and practices that can compromise the established and proven standard of care. And there is good reason.

Right now, online vision screening services and mobile apps aren’t required to meet the definition of a comprehensive eye exam, or clinically prove their technologies provide the same level of care you would get from a qualified eye care doctor. In addition, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3. Patients may not get the care they need.

Even if an app accurately indicates a problem with vision acuity, patients might not follow up as recommended with a doctor of optometry, who can diagnose issues and work with you to develop solutions to eye health and vision care needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist can be an important step in identifying health conditions that might not have been detected otherwise, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can help you understand the seriousness of the condition and suggest and implement appropriate treatment.

4. You could be risking your eye or overall health.

Online vision screening apps might not catch signs of a serious problem. Missing the signs of an eye health or overall health issue can put you at risk.

“People may think they’re doing something good by using a mobile vision app,” Quinn says. “Unfortunately, an online eye test does not completely cover any one of the 12 components of a regular in-person, comprehensive eye exam, something everyone needs to ensure they’re protecting and preserving their vision.”

To learn more about vision health, visit www.aoa.org.

2018-01-26T10:29:00

(BPT) – There are 18.8 million veterans in the U.S., according to the most recent U.S. Census. More than 9 million are seeking treatment at their local U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs medical center, and more than 39,000 are homeless on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are many ways to help a veteran in need. Below are a few suggestions on how you can make a difference in a veteran’s life this year.

Tie your passion to your action.

We all have passions that bring us joy. There are many ways that suit your interests to give back while helping veterans in need. For example, do you like to spend time outdoors? Many organizations host volunteer activities like cleaning a veterans memorial in the community. Are you more of a people person? Give your time to a local veterans facility to connect with a resident in need of company.

Reach out to a veteran service organization to learn more.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion are actively involved in veteran causes with local units across the U.S. They offer community through memberships, organize and hold volunteer events throughout the year. As a first step, visit the websites of each organization and look for a unit close to you. Meeting with these organizations or others can kick-start your efforts to get involved with the veteran community.

Donate a day of service.

Everyday life can get messy with full-time jobs and commitments. One way to identify free time for charitable activities is to use a day off engaging in community service. “Donate” your Memorial Day to help the ALA distribute handmade poppies that support veterans in local hospitals, visit a veterans facility or deliver a meal or care package.

Give a gift.

Extend your thankfulness to the veteran community by making a gift. Mark your calendar for Nov. 27, 2018, when you can participate in #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement, by making a monetary donation to an organization that dedicates its efforts to helping veterans. Whether you come together as a family, a company, a community or by yourself, a donation can make a real difference.

Helping a veteran can be a year-long commitment or a one-day activity. To learn more about how to take the first step, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2018-01-25T09:03:01

(BPT) – At age 64, Bob Carlson was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and he felt the diagnosis was like “an expiration date being stamped on his life, like a milk carton,” and the time he had left “wasn’t nearly enough.” Bob, his wife, Julia, and doctors chose chemotherapy to combat his illness—but according to Bob, his quality of life after taking the treatments was non-existent.

Bob became so sick from the chemotherapy that he felt the treatments were almost worse than the disease itself. He talked to his doctor, who said there was nothing else they could do. Bob was on the verge of giving up hope when his physician sent him to a different research center. There, Bob met with another physician who presented him with a new option and renewed his fight.

Understanding the changing lung cancer treatment landscape

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, representing approximately 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses. While a cure for lung cancer does not currently exist, cancer immunotherapy is changing the treatment landscape and improving the prognosis for many people with lung cancer. Several immunotherapy treatments are approved for lung cancer by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including some as a first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients.

Immunotherapy is widely considered to be the most promising new cancer treatment approach since the development of the first chemotherapies in the 1940s. Cancer immunotherapy treatments harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight cancer.

According to a report published in the Annals of Oncology by the Cancer Research Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research, there are over 2,004 immunotherapy agents in development with over sixty clinical trials evaluating immunotherapy combinations in lung cancer. There are 26 immunotherapies approved by the FDA, including six immunotherapy agents for the treatment of lung cancer.

“Today, the lung cancer space has the largest number of combination clinical trials underway, evaluating how two or more medications can work better when taken together. These trials hold much promise for patients, but there are still a lot of misperceptions surrounding clinical trials, with many people thinking that these studies are only an option after other treatments have failed,” said Dr. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at the Cancer Research Institute. “However, many of the clinical trials currently underway are evaluating immunotherapy treatments for front-line use.”

The Cancer Research Institute offers the Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder as a free resource to help patients match themselves with appropriate trials based on their specific cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment history.

“We hope that the Clinical Trial Finder will help more people learn about potential clinical trial options earlier in their patient journey so that they might have better outcomes,” said Dr. O’Donnell-Tormey.

How a clinical trial made all the difference

In August 2013, Bob became the very last patient to enroll in a particular clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, evaluating a checkpoint inhibitor—a promising immunotherapy approach that works by “taking the brakes off” the immune system to allow it to mount a stronger and more effective attack against cancer.

Once he started the immunotherapy treatment in the clinical trial, Bob and his doctors realized in short order that the treatment was working. “We saw tumor reduction rather quickly—which was amazing. And to top it off, unlike chemotherapy, which involved lengthy infusions that took many hours and left me ill due to the side effects, the experience of having the immunotherapy treatment in this case only took about 30 minutes, and has very little impact on my quality of life. You take your medicine, and you go on with your life. I have had to make zero lifestyle changes,” said Bob.

Now, almost five years later, Bob and Julia are back pursuing their hobby of wildlife photography and travel. He is hopeful that more patients will benefit from emerging immunotherapy treatments—through new FDA-approved therapies and through clinical trial participation.

“My only wish is that I had known about the immunotherapy clinical trial sooner,” he continued. “And I hope that through continued research more immunotherapy treatments are discovered that work for all patients with all cancer types.”

There are many other cancer patients and survivors, like Bob, who have been given new hope thanks to cancer immunotherapy research and clinical trials. For more information on cancer immunotherapy and how to match with an open clinical trial, visit the Cancer Research Institute Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trial Finder at https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/clinical-trials.