Category: Brandpoint

2018-03-23T17:01:00

(BPT) – “For many women, getting pregnant can be a frustrating and anxiety-filled experience. It certainly was for me, which is why I was inspired to write ‘The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant,'” said Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D, whose book offers tips for women trying to conceive (TTC) so they are empowered to effectively navigate the fertility journey.

Try the following tips:

1. A good rule of thumb is to get off the pill three months before trying to conceive if you have been on it for less than a year, and six months prior if you have been on it for over a year.

2. Make friends with your ovulation cycle. Between a third and two-thirds of women under age 35 who are aware of their five-day fertile window are able to conceive in their first month of trying. Find this window by using a fertility monitor, ovulation predictor kits, charting or by leveraging all three. Consider a test like the First Response Ovulation Test so you’ll know exactly when to get busy.

3. If you’ve been having ovulation-focused sex for over three months and still haven’t conceived, keep calm and consider convincing your partner to get a quick and easy sperm analysis. This “male factor” or sperm issue comprises nearly half of all fertility issues.

4. Adjust your diet for optimal fertility. Incorporate fertility-boosting foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, soy foods and olive oil. Avoid trans-fats and partially hydrogenated oil, found in frosting and some baked goods. These are so bad that the FDA just outlawed them. Food companies have three years to comply, so, for now, you have to police yourself.

5. Many studies show that taking prenatal vitamins, with important nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B6 and DHA, increases your chances of getting pregnant quickly. Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) have been linked to better embryos in IVF, positive brain development and higher IQs. There is also strong evidence that prenatal vitamins lower the chance of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, so begin taking them immediately, even if you’re just thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your medical provider about a prescription vitamin like OB Complete Petite since the variety of over-the-counter vitamins can be confusing. It’s sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free and has 1,000 mcg or 1 mg of folic acid.

6. Contrary to popular belief, having sex every day doesn’t lower sperm count, so, feel free to have as much sex as you please, and enjoy it. But, if you are dry, use Pre-Seed, a sperm-safe lubricant developed specifically for couples who are trying to conceive. Pre-Seed is pH balanced and isotonic to mimic a woman’s fertile fluids and the pH of sperm, allowing them to swim freely on their journey to fertilization.

7. Cut the caffeine. Non-smoking women who consume about 2-5 cups of coffee per day cut their fertility by 12 percent. Consuming caffeine has an even worse effect on male fertility, where having 5 cups of coffee a day will cut his fertility in half. An alternative to getting more energy? Try getting a full eight hours of sleep — it will enhance your mood and your health.

8. Soak up the sun. Sunlight causes your skin to generate vitamin D, which has been linked to fertility. Sit outside for 15-30 minutes without sunscreen a few times a week in the afternoon. This will also help you sleep.

9. When you think you may be pregnant — the earlier you know, the better. Several scientific studies show that the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test detects the smallest amount of the pregnancy hormone HcG — so it can tell you sooner than any other test. The sooner you know you’re pregnant, the faster you can begin making healthy pregnancy choices for yourself and your baby that include diet and limiting exposure to hazards. To be extra sure of the result when it matters most, First Response Triple Check offers three unique pregnancy tests all over 99 percent accurate in one convenient combination kit.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about getting pregnant, more information lies within “The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant.” Besides planning on incorporating these tips into your daily life, here are two things that you can do right now: Take a supplement of 1,000 mg of fish oil a day and learn the relaxation technique of deep breathing to ease anxiety. You’re about to start your trying to conceive (TTC) journey. Enjoy the ride.

2018-03-23T08:00:00

(BPT) – When you’re shopping for something, it’s good to have options to help you decide on the best choice for you.

This remains true when shopping for health care providers. However, determining which of the numerous health care options is right for you can be difficult. Like what’s the difference between a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) and a medical doctor (M.D.), or the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner?

If such questions have you confused, this article is a handy guide to help you understand your options and choose the right health care professional for you.

Doctor of osteopathic medicine

As mentioned above, D.O. stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine, and while D.O.s receive equivalent training to a medical doctor (M.D.), they also receive 200 hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine, which is used to diagnose and treat structural and functional issues in the bones, joints, tissues and muscles of the body.

D.O.s, like M.D.s, are found in all medical specialties, such as emergency medicine, neurology and pediatrics. The difference that sets D.O.s apart is mainly philosophical. D.O.s are trained to take a whole-person approach to patient care, not just focus on treatment of a disease. They also focus on wellness and prevention, while considering the patient’s mental, physical and emotional status, which contribute to overall health.

Medical doctor

M.D.s and D.O.s are the most highly trained health care professionals. This training teaches them to not only treat symptoms but to view the body as a system and link those symptoms to an underlying condition. Both M.D.s and D.O.s prescribe medication and can perform surgery, something others on this list cannot do.

The current market has seen a shortage of doctors in some areas and in some cases people who believe they are being treated by a doctor are actually seeing a person in another role like one of the next three professions.

Physician assistant

P.A.s are able to perform many of the same functions as M.D.s and D.O.s, including ordering X-rays, conducting physical exams and even prescribing medication. However, a P.A.’s training is limited and these professionals work under the supervision of a licensed M.D. or D.O.

Nurse practitioner

Perhaps the least widely known of the five on this list, a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced their education and training — via a master’s or doctorate degree — to specialize in a given area, such as women’s health or pediatrics.

In addition to diagnosing conditions, nurse practitioners also prioritize counseling and health education in their work. N.P.s can practice independently in some states while others require them to work under an M.D. or D.O.

Registered nurse

The most common medical professional on this list, R.N.s generally have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. They have experience assessing symptoms, offering patient support and recording medical histories. As with nurse practitioners, patient education is a vital component of an R.N.’s role.

Yet, while R.N.s are skilled medical professionals, they are not allowed to work independently and cannot write prescriptions. In all cases an R.N. must work under the supervision of a D.O. or M.D.

Finding the best solution for you

So, which health care professional is right for you? Start by matching your needs to the qualifications of the professionals above and from there, search based on what is most important to you. Be diligent in your search, because finding the perfect solution for your medical needs will make it worth the time spent considering all those options.

To find a practicing D.O. in your area, visit doctorsthatdo.org.

2018-03-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Want to start making more earth-friendly food choices in the kitchen? This Earth Month, start with mushrooms, a healthy food that requires minimal natural resources to produce.

According to a 2017 study titled “The Mushroom Sustainability Story,” mushroom production requires relatively low water, energy and land space. Growing one pound of mushrooms involves using only 1.8 gallons of water and 1.0 kilowatt hours of energy and generates only 0.7 pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. And since mushrooms are grown on vertically stacked beds, it’s possible to grow up to 1 million pounds of mushrooms per acre annually.

Mushrooms’ environmental footprint is just one reason to add them to your shopping list. They are full of health benefits, including B vitamins, copper, potassium and riboflavin. They are also low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free and low in sodium.

“There’s no doubt that mushrooms are having a moment — they are popping up on food trends lists across the nation, and for good reason,” says celebrity chef Jehangir Mehta, owner of Graffiti Earth Restaurant and ‘New York City’s Most Sustainable Chef,’ according to Michelin. “The deliciousness of mushrooms coupled with its nutritious and gentle footprint on the environment attributes itself as a sustainable winner.”

So, if you want a simple, easy and healthy way to be more earth-friendly in your kitchen, make mushrooms a part of your favorite dishes for Earth Month and every month.

Marinated Mushroom Bowls with Lentils and Wild Rice

This meal-in-a-bowl is full of bright flavors and delicious textures. A mix of crimini mushrooms are marinated in an Asian-inspired dressing and paired with hearty grains and lentils alongside crunchy vegetables.

Ingredients

Mushrooms

* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

* 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

* 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

* 2 teaspoon dark sesame oil

* 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

* 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced

Bowls

* 2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage

* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

* Pinch of salt

* 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

* 2 cups cooked French lentils

* 1 cup cooked wild rice

* Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, black sesame seed, lime wedges

Instructions

1. To marinate the mushrooms, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili oil in a shallow bowl. Stir in the green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds. Add the mushrooms and gently toss in the marinade. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Place the cabbage in a bowl and toss with the lime juice and pinch of salt. Set aside.

3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce each to the lentils and the wild rice.

4. To service, arrange an equal amount of mushrooms, cabbage, lentils, wild rice and cucumbers in each bowl. Drizzle with any remaining marinade and garnish with cilantro, green onions and black sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy room temperature or cold. Makes 4 servings.

2018-03-22T10:01:01

(BPT) – Nutrition is important for everyone. The proper vitamins and nutrients help the body stay healthy and function well. For people with chronic conditions, the right nutrition is essential in helping to ward off potential health hazards.

Depending on your state of health, some nutrients may be critical and too much of others can be toxic. For example, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. For people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), too much potassium can be fatal.

The kidneys play a major role in maintaining potassium levels. For people with CKD, it’s more difficult for the body to maintain the right levels of potassium and they are at risk of developing hyperkalemia, a condition in which someone has elevated potassium levels in their blood. Hyperkalemia is a serious condition and can pose major health risks, including irregular heartbeat.

Many people don’t even know that they have hyperkalemia and symptoms can be difficult to detect. According to the National Kidney Foundation, many people with high potassium have few, if any, symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, nausea or other feelings.

High potassium usually develops slowly over many weeks or months; however, it can also occur suddenly. You may feel heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting. Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical care.

If you have CKD or other chronic conditions or diseases, it’s important to take your nutrition seriously. Here are three tips to help you take control of your diet:

Talk with your doctor

Talk to your doctor or a member of your health care team about proper nutrition and dietary changes that might help protect your kidneys. A simple call or checkup can provide a wealth of important information.

Your physician may even have you work with a nutritionist or dietitian who can guide you toward food that will help you stay healthy.

Consider medications

To manage a serious condition like CKD, it’s likely you are already taking a variety of medications. Some medications may affect how your body processes certain nutrients, so it’s important to be aware of which medications you are taking and at what dosage. For example, some medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers are frequently prescribed to people with CKD and heart failure, and these can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect.

If you are being treated with these medications, talk to your doctor to understand any risk you might have for hyperkalemia.

Watch what you eat

If you have a disease or chronic condition, being aware of what you eat is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you get the right level of nutrients. Some people keep a food diary to track and record how certain foods make them feel. This can be a valuable resource for your health care team when reviewing your nutritional concerns.

For people with hyperkalemia, it’s important to eat a low-potassium diet. You can still enjoy many foods, but you may need to make adjustments or eat certain foods in moderation. For example, fruits like bananas, melons and oranges are high in potassium. Instead, eat low-potassium options such as apples, grapes or berries. Your doctor can provide you with a reference list to keep on hand as you learn more about what to eat and what to avoid.

Make your kidney health a priority. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the link between nutrition and kidney health, and to design a diet and treatment plan that works for you. Understanding your particular dietary needs can help keep you and your kidneys healthy and thriving.

2018-03-22T08:31:01

(BPT) – You finish a workout and when you’re done, you reach for a bottle of water. Afterward, you shower, the clean water hitting your skin and then, that evening, you use water to prepare dinner for your family. It’s a standard day for you, but what if you were one of the millions of people around the world who didn’t have access to the clean water needed for life’s daily routines?

What if the clean water you rely on every single day wasn’t available?

While many people take clean water for granted, access remains a challenge for millions. Across the world, more than 844 million people lack access to clean drinking water. In some cases, the women and girls in the community, often those responsible for tasks requiring water, have to walk miles to reach the nearest water source. This is a staggering truth in countries around the world, yet many Americans are still unaware of how serious the problem really is.

Raising awareness

Recent research from Procter & Gamble (P&G) finds that one in four Americans underestimates the number of children who die each year because of waterborne illness, and that most Americans have no idea how many people struggle to have clean water.

To raise awareness of the global water crisis, P&G launched a new documentary in partnership with National Geographic, titled “The Power of Clean Water,” to honor World Water Day celebrated each year on March 22 and feature the impact of the P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program.

The documentary follows the lives of three women and their families in three areas of the world where many lack access to clean water. Documentary viewers visit Indonesia, Kenya and Mexico and see firsthand the daily challenges of living without clean water and how transformational it can be when clean water is available in a community.

The new film is the latest initiative for the CSDW Program, which began in 2004 and has since worked with more than 150 partners and organizations to provide P&G’s water purification technology to communities that lack access to clean drinking water. To date, P&G, along with its partners, has delivered more than 13 billion liters of clean water to people who need it.

Helping those in need

If you’re interested in helping those affected by the global water crisis, take a moment to view highlights of the documentary and learn how the lack of clean water impacts people around the world. From there, take action by making a donation, getting others involved through a fundraiser or by purchasing a water purification demonstration kit with packets to share the power of clean water with others. Every action, large or small, makes a difference. To learn more about CSDW, visit www.csdw.org.

2018-03-21T18:01:01

(BPT) – This article is sponsored advertising content from Amgen, Inc.

Patients living with multiple myeloma and physicians who treat them are realizing the importance of not only treating the underlying disease, but also treating or preventing disease complications. One important area that sometimes gets overlooked is how multiple myeloma can impact the bones. Multiple myeloma is typically characterized by bone lesions, which often result in serious bone problems, defined as broken bones, the need for surgery (to prevent or repair broken bones), the need for radiation treatments to the bone, and pressure on the spinal cord (spinal cord compression).^1,2

While still incurable, availability of new multiple myeloma treatment regimens have been shown to improve survival compared to recent standards-of-care. With these gains in survival, doctors and patients should be considering the importance of setting additional treatment goals to try to prevent some of the problems having multiple myeloma can bring, like fractures and other serious bone problems.³

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, which recognizes patients like Joshua Fine who are living with this life-threatening, incurable blood cancer that, as of 2014, affected an estimated 118,539 people in the U.S.^4,5

Bone lesions were present at the time of Joshua’s diagnosis and, in his case, were an indication of the underlying disease.⁶

“After I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I experienced significant damage to my hip and had to begin using crutches. My doctor wanted to avoid surgery,” recalled Joshua. “We immediately discussed the importance of getting on a bone targeting agent to help protect my bones from further damage.”

Until recently, treatment options to prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma were limited to bisphosphonates, most commonly given as an intravenous infusion.⁷ These are cleared by the body through the kidneys. Renal impairment (which means your kidneys are not working normally) is a common problem for patients with multiple myeloma.⁷ In fact, approximately 60 percent of all multiple myeloma patients have or will develop renal impairment over the course of the disease.⁸

There is a new bone targeting medicine available, called XGEVA^® (denosumab), that is not cleared through the kidneys and can help prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma.⁹ XGEVA^®‎, a prescription medicine given as a shot once every four weeks in your doctor’s office, is used to prevent fracture, spinal cord compression, or the need for radiation or surgery to bone in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.¹⁰

XGEVA^® should not be used by women who are pregnant because it could harm the unborn baby. XGEVA^® should not be used by people with low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). XGEVA^® can cause low blood calcium levels, which in some cases could be life threatening. Patients with renal impairment are more likely to have problems with low calcium levels in their blood while taking XGEVA. Your doctor should check your blood calcium levels before you start and while on XGEVA^®. Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as directed by your doctor while you are on XGEVA^®. Please see the additional Important Safety Information at the end of this article to learn about risks to consider when talking to your doctor about starting XGEVA^®.

In the largest international multiple myeloma clinical trial ever conducted, which enrolled 1,718 newly diagnosed patients, XGEVA^® was no worse at reducing the risk of having a serious bone problem than another drug called zoledronic acid, based on the time to first on-study serious bone problem (median 22.8 months vs. 24 months, respectively).^10,11

Despite the risk of experiencing a serious bone problem, 36 percent of myeloma patients remain untreated for the prevention of bone problems.¹² XGEVA^® offers multiple myeloma patients protection from serious bone problems, with a convenient shot under the skin, instead of an intravenous infusion, providing patients with an alternative treatment option. Your doctor will check your blood before you start XGEVA^® to make sure you do not have low calcium levels in your blood.¹⁰

“Since my diagnosis I have learned a lot about the effect multiple myeloma has on the body, especially the bones,” Joshua said. “I’m excited about the approval of XGEVA in multiple myeloma as it provides patients like me a new option that can help prevent serious bone problems.”

For more information about how XGEVA^® can prevent serious bone problems in patients with multiple myeloma, and for support tools such as a list of questions for your doctor, visit http://www.xgeva.com/.

Important Safety Information

Do not take XGEVA^® if you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Your low blood calcium must be treated before you receive XGEVA^®. XGEVA^® can significantly lower the calcium levels in your blood and some deaths have been reported. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor right away if you experience spasms, twitches, cramps, or stiffness in your muscles or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

Do not take XGEVA^® if you are allergic to denosumab or any of the ingredients of XGEVA^®. Serious allergic reactions have happened in people who take XGEVA^®. Call your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including low blood pressure (hypotension); trouble breathing; throat tightness; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, rash; itching; or hives.

What is the most important information you should know about XGEVA^®?

Do not take XGEVA^® if you take Prolia. XGEVA^® contains the same medicine as Prolia^® (denosumab).

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis)

Severe jaw bone problems may happen when you take XGEVA^®. Your doctor should examine your mouth before you start, and while you are taking XGEVA^®. Tell your dentist that you are taking XGEVA^®. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with XGEVA^®. In studies of patients with bone involvement, the rate of severe jaw problems was higher the longer they were being treated with XGEVA^®.

Unusual thigh bone fracture

Unusual thigh bone fracture has been reported. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Risk of high calcium levels in patients who are still growing

Patients with bones that are not fully matured are at a greater risk to develop high blood calcium levels after they stop taking XGEVA^®, that can be serious.

Increased risk of broken bones in the spine after discontinuing XGEVA^®

After your treatment with XGEVA^® is stopped, your risk for breaking bones in your spine can increase, especially if you have a history of risk factors such as osteoporosis or prior fractures.

Possible harm to your unborn baby

You should not become pregnant while taking XGEVA^®. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant. XGEVA^® can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking a medicine called Prolia^® (denosumab) because it contains the same medicine as XGEVA^®
• Have symptoms of low blood calcium such as muscle stiffness or cramps
• Have symptoms of severe jaw bone problems such as pain or numbness
• Have ongoing pain or slow healing after dental surgery
• Have symptoms of high blood calcium such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and decreased alertness
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, or breastfeeding

While taking XGEVA^®, you should:

• Take good care of your teeth and gums and visit a dentist as recommended
• Tell your dentist that you are taking XGEVA^®
• Tell your doctor if you plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed
• Talk to your doctor before you stop taking XGEVA^® about your risk for broken bones in your spine.
• Women of child bearing age should use highly effective contraception while taking XGEVA^® and for at least 5 months after the last dose of XGEVA^®

What are the possible side effects of XGEVA^®?

In patients with bone metastases from solid tumors using XGEVA^®, the most common side effects were tiredness/weakness, low phosphate levels in your blood, and nausea. The most common serious side effect of XGEVA^® was shortness of breath.

In multiple myeloma patients receiving XGEVA^®, the most common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, low red blood cells, low blood platelets and calcium levels, back pain, swelling of the lower legs or hands, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, and headache. The most common serious adverse reaction in multiple myeloma patients was pneumonia.

These are not all the possible side effects of XGEVA^®. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1–800–FDA1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

*BPT: Brandpoint

References

1. Roodman GD. Pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease. Leukemia. 2009;23(3):435–441.
2. Drake MT. Bone disease in multiple myeloma. Oncology (Williston Park). 2009;23 (14 Suppl 5):28-32.
3. Rajkumar, SV, Moreau, P. Advances in biology and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2014; 11.
4. Jakubowiak A. Management Strategies for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Current Clinical Perspectives. Semin in Hematol. 2012; 49(3)(1),S16-S32.
5. NCI SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Myeloma. www.seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html. Accessed August 28, 2017.
6. International Myeloma Working Group. International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Criteria for the Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. http://imwg.myeloma.org/international-myeloma-working-group-imwg-criteria-for-the-diagnosis-of-multiple-myeloma/. Accessed January 24, 2018.
7. Terpos E, et al. International Myeloma Working Group recommendations for the treatment of multiple myeloma-related bone disease. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(18):2347-57.
8. Qian Y et al. Renal impairment and use of nephrotoxic agents in patients with multiple myeloma in the clinical practice setting in the United States. Cancer Med. 2017;6:1523-1530XGEVA^® (denosumab) prescribing information, Amgen.
9. Lewiecki EM. Denosumab: an investigational drug for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Biologics: Targets & Therapy. 2008;2:645-653, 638-A-2.
10. XGEVA^® (denosumab) Prescribing information, Amgen.
11. Raje et al. Denosumab versus zoledronic acid in bone disease treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: an international, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, controlled, phase 3 study [published online ahead of print February 8, 2018]. Lancet Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30072-X.
12. Kim, C., Hernandez, R. K., Cheng, P. C., Smith, J., Cyprien, L., & Liede, A. (2016). Bone Targeting Agent Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated at Oncology Clinics Across the United States: Observations from Real-World Data. Blood. 128(22), 2364.

2018-03-21T11:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, it’s important to eat a diet that includes a symphony of minimally processed plant foods, according to Sharon Palmer, an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, plant-based food and nutrition expert, author and blogger. This includes whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, seeds and nuts.

“The key to health — for people and the planet — is becoming increasingly clear. We need to make a sure-footed return to including plants regularly in our diet,” says Palmer. For some, including more of the above in their daily diet (or switching over entirely) can be difficult, Palmer acknowledges. If the goal is weight loss or maintenance, the dietitian suggests starting with pistachios.

“Pistachios offer a multitude of health benefits that can help you maintain a healthy weight,” notes Palmer. “The fact that they’re extremely versatile, and taste great, makes it easy to include them regularly, if not daily.”

Palmer offers these seven tips to achieve or maintain a healthy weight:

Prioritize breakfast. Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and gives you energy and focus to begin your day. Adding pistachios to common breakfast foods, like cereal, toast or oatmeal, can balance your blood sugar levels and prevent energy slumps. Whole, chopped or crushed pistachios can add a satisfying crunch and a flavorful punch of plant-based protein.

Add movement. Just 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity, like a brisk walk, can help you maintain or lose weight. Instead of watching TV before or after dinner, encourage your family to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood. On the weekends, longer walks or hikes are the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones. Luckily, pistachios are lightweight and portable — the perfect snack for refueling after exercise. Keep a bag handy in your car, backpack or purse for a quick pick-me-up.

Start with SMART goals. Sustainable weight loss begins with baby steps. When your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, you are more likely to achieve them. Try this goal on for size: Replace your usual afternoon snack with one serving of shelled pistachios three times per week for one week. Achieving SMART goals boosts your confidence and these small pistachio wins are packed with protein, B vitamins, healthy fats, potassium and even antioxidants.

Don’t skip meals or snacks. Skipping meals can lead to uncontrollable hunger and binge eating. Three to five hours after eating, your blood sugar begins to fall and can leave you feeling fatigued and unfocused. Eating three small to moderate meals, and two to four snacks per day, can keep hunger at bay and keep your energy levels steady. Crack open a handful of pistachios for a quick snack — no preparation required — and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

Pre-portion pistachios. Did you know there are 49 pistachios in one serving? That’s more than any other nut, plus 10 percent of the Daily Value of fiber. Pre-portion pistachios into small bags on Sunday evening and you’ll be set for a week of smart snacking. At just 160 calories per serving, pistachios are a nutritious, low-calorie, portable snack that can help you reach your goals.

Get creative with pistachio flour. Pistachio flour is a fun, gluten-free flour alternative that can spice up traditional recipes. Adding ground pistachios to standard crust recipes can boost the fiber and protein content of your favorite dishes. Try adding pistachio flour to Greek yogurt, along with freshly chopped garlic and lemon zest for a tangy, protein-rich, savory dip.

Swap your nighttime snack. When hunger strikes late at night, it’s easy to reach for indulgent foods. Swap your typical nighttime snack of cookies, candies, pizza or ice cream for a more balanced choice: pistachios. Forget willpower and keep a pre-portioned bag of pistachios handy for when you need it the most.

Whether you have a little or a lot of extra weight to shed, adding pistachios to the mix has helped many people lose weight and improve overall health, adds Palmer.

2018-03-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), nearly 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and about half of them don’t even realize they have it? Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it is asymptomatic and painless, and can go undetected until it is at an advanced stage. However, those who are aware of their glaucoma may feel the pressure of managing their condition.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) characterizes glaucoma as damage to the eye’s optic nerve that can result in vision loss. This can occur when fluid build-up increases the intraocular eye pressure (IOP) to a point that can no longer be tolerated by the optic nerve, causing irreversible damage. As the disease progresses, Kellogg Eye Center reports patients may lose their peripheral vision, and experience tunnel vision, blind spots or even complete blindness.

The burden of managing the condition may be frustrating, seemingly unnecessary and cumbersome. Because glaucoma is a chronic condition, it has to be managed for life. However, the nerve damage caused by increased IOP could have no symptoms, which makes adhering to a treatment schedule a struggle for many. The GRF reports that research has shown approximately 40 percent of patients do not take their glaucoma medications as prescribed, or do not continue to refill them.

“The daily adherence to strict treatment regimens is overwhelming for many patients suffering from increased intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma,” said Dr. Brian Flowers* of Ophthalmology Associates in Fort Worth, Texas. “Patients should work closely with their eye care provider to determine a schedule that works for them, or to discuss surgical options that may help reduce dependence on daily drops.”

Alcon, the global leader in eye care, offers the following tips that may help relieve the pressure of daily treatment regimens for their IOP.

1. Visit your doctor for a regular eye screening. Since the condition can silently progress, only experts can appropriately diagnose and treat this “silent thief of sight,” while providing guidance on treatment that may work best for you.
2. Follow a schedule that works best for you. Be sure to take your medication exactly as directed, by setting reminders or timers, according to the GRF. Consult your doctor on the best way to manage your medication schedule, on your terms.
3. Consider one of the microinvasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) options that may reduce your need for glaucoma medications. For those with increased IOP associated with mild-to-moderate primary open angle glaucoma and undergoing cataract surgery, the CyPass^® Micro-Stent from Alcon is an innovative option that not only can ease the pressure in your eyes, but may also help reduce daily dependence on topical glaucoma medications. Talk to your doctor to see if this option is right for you.

“The first step to easing the pressure caused by glaucoma is becoming informed, and knowing to visit your doctor regularly so that you can be diagnosed as early as possible,” said Dr. Randy Craven* of Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. “After being diagnosed, work with your doctor to consider your options so you can continue to live your life fully despite the condition.”

Considering your personal lifestyle when deciding your course of treatment is key to easing the pressure due to glaucoma, and will help you and your doctor decide the best path forward, and whether a MIGS option, such as CyPass^® Micro-Stent, could be right for you.

Visit MyCyPass.com for more information about how you can lower your eye pressure at the same time as cataract surgery and to find a CyPass^® Micro-Stent surgeon in your local area.

CyPass^® Micro-Stent Important Product Information

INDICATION: The CyPass^® Micro-Stent is used to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who are undergoing cataract surgery.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: The CyPass^® Micro-Stent should not be used if:

• You have a type of glaucoma other than primary open-angle glaucoma
• Your eye anatomy or condition is unusual; for instance, if the area in your eye is too narrow to implant the CyPass^® Micro-Stent, or if there is a condition that may prevent your eye surgeon from seeing where the CyPass^® Micro-Stent will be implanted

PRECAUTIONS: Your eye surgeon will monitor you after surgery to make sure your eye pressure is controlled. If it is not, your eye surgeon may recommend appropriate medication or other treatment to control your eye pressure. The safety and effectiveness of use of more than a single CyPass^® Micro-Stent has not been established. The CyPass^® Micro-Stent has not been shown to be an alternative to treatment of glaucoma with medicine.

ADVERSE EVENTS: The CyPass^® Micro-Stent was studied in a clinical trial to compare the performance of cataract surgery with the CyPass^® Micro-Stent to cataract surgery alone (without the CyPass^® Micro-Stent). In this study, the most common adverse events in both groups included: significant loss of corrected vision (8.8% for the CyPass^® Micro-Stent vs 15.3% for cataract surgery only); visual field disturbances requiring steroid eye drops 30 or more days after surgery (8.6% vs 3.8%); significant worsening of visual field (6.7% vs 9.9%); significant increases in intraocular pressure 30 or more days after surgery (4.3% vs 2.3%); and eye swelling either 30 or more days after surgery, or severe in nature (3.5% vs 1.5%).

The CyPass^® Micro-Stent is a prescription medical device.

Talk to your eye doctor to see if the CyPass^® Micro-Stent is right for you.

*This release was provided by Alcon and Drs. Craven and Flowers are paid consultants.

2018-04-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Jamie Schanbaum, GSK spokesperson, U.S. Para-athlete and meningitis survivor

Before I contracted bacterial meningitis in 2008, I had never heard of it. I didn’t know how it was transmitted, what the symptoms were or how to help prevent it. After spending seven months in the hospital and losing all my fingers and both legs below the knee, I learned as much as I could about meningococcal disease. Now I want others to know what I didn’t.

1. Meningococcal meningitis, often referred to as meningitis, is an inflammation of the protective membranes, or meninges, covering the brain and spinal cord.^[1]
2. About one in 10 people carry the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, that can cause meningitis. These bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat. People who have the bacteria without any signs or symptoms of the disease are called “carriers.”^[2]
3. Meningitis is uncommon but can be fatal. About one in 10 people infected with meningococcal disease will die.^[3]
4. About one in five meningitis survivors will suffer long-term disability, such as loss of limbs (like me), brain damage, deafness and nervous system problems.^[4]
5. Young adults, including college students and those living in close quarters, are at increased risk for meningitis due to close contact with each other, sharing drinks or eating utensils, kissing or even just coughing.^[5],[6] I was 20 years old and in my first semester at the University of Texas when I contracted meningitis. I didn’t know about this increased risk.
6. Early symptoms may be similar to those of a cold or the flu, but can progress quickly and can be fatal, or cause disability within 24 hours.^[7],[8] Symptoms can include fever, headache and stiff neck as well as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion.^[9] Everyone’s symptoms can be slightly different, however. For example, I had nausea and vomiting, but also felt exhausted. My hands and feet were extremely sensitive to touching cold objects, like the sink faucet and tile floors. In just 14 hours, I went from thinking I had the flu to being admitted to the hospital. My experience may not be the same as others, so it’s important to know all the possible signs and symptoms and to seek medical help quickly.
7. There are five different vaccine-preventable serogroups of meningitis – A, B, C, W and Y. Groups B, C and Y are the most common groups of meningitis in the U.S.^[10]
8. There are two different types of vaccines needed to help protect against the five vaccine-preventable serogroups of meningitis.^[11] It’s important to know that even if you’ve had a vaccine for serogroups A, C, W and Y, you need a different vaccine to help protect against serogroup B.^[12]
9. Despite the availability of serogroup B meningococcal vaccination since 2014, less than 10 percent of teens and young adults have been vaccinated, even though serogroup B accounts for 30 percent of all meningitis cases in the U.S.^[13],[14]
10. The CDC says all 11- to 12-year-olds should be vaccinated against meningitis A, C, W and Y and recommends a booster at age 16. Additionally, the CDC says teens and young adults (ages 16 through 23) also may be vaccinated against meningitis B, preferably at 16 through 18 years of age. Though vaccination may not protect all recipients, it’s the best way to help prevent the disease.^[15],[16]

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2018-03-28T17:15:00

(BPT) – The kidneys play an important role in maintaining our overall health. While these bean-shaped organs perform multiple functions, a primary role is filtration, critical to clearing waste such as urea and to keeping the body’s fluids and electrolytes in balance. Good kidney health is essential for everyone, yet today, more than 30 million adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and there has been little new innovation to treat kidney disease in over a decade.[1]

So how does diabetes, an all-too-common cardiovascular and metabolic (CVM) condition, impact our kidneys? The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure.[2] For those with diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or use normal amounts of insulin properly. Because of the high levels of sugar in the blood, the millions of tiny filtering units within the kidney are overused and damaged, leading to chronic loss of kidney function and, eventually, diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease can lead to end-stage renal disease, which requires dialysis or kidney transplantation, further increasing the already elevated risk in diabetes for cardiovascular-related death.[3] Even with an estimated 1 in 3 people with type 1 diabetes and half with type 2 diabetes eventually developing CKD, there have been no recent breakthrough treatments for this disease.[4]

March is National Kidney Month, and it stands as a reminder of how important it is to not only take care of our kidneys and live a healthy lifestyle, but also to continue to research new ways in preventing, treating, and ultimately curing such life-threatening and widespread disease.

“Diabetic kidney disease continues to devastate communities worldwide, driven by rising diabetes incidence,” said James F. List, M.D., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Head, Cardiovascular & Metabolism at Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “This condition is chronic and progressive with severe impact on a patient’s overall health and well-being. To have a meaningful impact on the fight against kidney disease, we need to focus our research on addressing diabetes, the primary cause of this disease.”

CKD often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the following steps can be taken to help protect the kidneys and improve overall health:[5]

1. Get tested: Ask your doctor for an albumin-to-creatinine ratio urine test, or a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) blood test annually if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are over age 60, or have a family history of kidney failure.
2. Monitor and limit NSAIDs use: Pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys.
3. Cut processed foods: Processed foods can be an unhealthy source of sodium, nitrates and phosphates, and have been linked to kidney disease, among other diseases.
4. Exercise regularly: Being active for at least 30 minutes a day can also help control lower blood sugar, which is vital to kidney health.
5. Control blood pressure and diabetes: Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels can slow the progression of kidney disease.

Kidney damage caused by diabetes can occur slowly and can go undetected over many years. However, you can take these easy steps to protect your kidneys, so act now.