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2024-12-20T13:47:01

(BPT) – While this may be the most wonderful time of the year in many ways, it’s not ideal for your skin. Between frigid temps, brisk wind outside and ultra-dry, overheated air inside — not to mention holiday busyness and stress — your face may not be glowing along with the season.

Here are practical tips to help you care for your skin, so you can look and feel your best as you celebrate with friends and family.

1. Empower your shower

While not everyone can improve their hard water with a water softening system, it’s not hard to install a showerhead filter. Especially if you have dry, itchy or sensitive skin, a showerhead filter can make a huge difference. Good showerhead filters will remove impurities such as chemicals and minerals that could be irritating your skin on a daily basis, improving how your hair and skin look and feel. You can find plenty of options available, as well as videos online showing how to install them.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Yes, you’ve heard it before, but it’s even more true during these challenging winter months. It may seem like an uphill battle, but if you approach moisturizing from a few different angles, you’ll notice the difference.

Your environment: Moisturize the air where you spend the most time. Whether that’s a whole-home humidifier or portable humidifiers in your home office or bedroom, keeping the air around you from getting too dry will pay dividends.

Your body: Skin care specialists and nutritionists alike will tell you staying hydrated on the inside helps keep your skin from getting too dried out, so this may be a great resolution to start ahead of the new year! Fill up that water bottle and keep it handy. Don’t love plain water? Flavor with a little lemon or lime or sip sparkling water throughout the day.

Your skin: How you moisturize your skin from the outside is crucial. Here’s where quality products stand out.

Maintain your holiday glow by prioritizing effective skincare during the busy season — a little self-care goes a long way. The Neocutis Bio Cream Firm smoothing and tightening cream includes proprietary peptides to help support collagen and elastin production, addressing signs of aging including uneven tone and texture and wrinkles. The Neocutis Lumière^® Firm illuminating and tightening eye cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, crow’s feet, puffiness and under-eye darkness.

Miami Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Roberta Del Campo recommends these during the holiday season, noting “holidays can be particularly challenging for your skin with all the travel and festive gatherings. To keep your skin healthy and radiant, I recommend using intensive moisturizing products that support collagen and elastin production, like the Neocutis Bio Cream Firm for an instant glow. In addition to this, I recommend using a rich illuminating eye cream that will vanish any trace of a dark circle, such as the Neocutis Lumière^® Firm.”

You can also give your skin an additional hydration boost with the Neocutis Hyalis^®+, an intensive hydrating serum that is oil-free and includes a deeply moisturizing formulation with multiple types of pure Sodium Hyaluronate, plus key ingredients to help promote smooth, soft and supple skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

All these products are non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested, free of color additives and fragrances. Visit store.neocutis.com to shop and learn more.

3. Double cleanse to remove heavy party makeup

After a fun time celebrating, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve removed every trace of makeup from your skin before calling it a night.

Once you’ve gently removed all of your eye and face makeup, it’s recommended to protect the delicate skin around your eyes with high-quality illuminating eye cream like the Neocutis Lumière^® Firm Riche Eye Cream to help with your post-party or travel recovery.

4. Upgrade your pillowcase

Sleeping on a clean pillowcase can help you maintain your ideal skincare routine. Many dermatologists recommend using a silk pillowcase, because silk is less absorbent than other fabrics like cotton, so it’s less likely to soak up facial products you’re applying before bedtime. Some users also find it less irritating to sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness and itchiness.

Be sure to wash silk pillowcases according to recommended manufacturer’s instructions. You may want to consider having a few available so you can switch them out frequently to keep your skin cleaner overnight.

5. Protect from the sun — even in winter

While you may not be sunbathing when it’s chilly outside, any time spent out in the sun can potentially damage your skin. Whether you’re into winter sports or just going for a wintry walk, don’t forget to protect your skin with sunscreen just as you would during the summertime.

Following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your skin looking and feeling wonderful, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

2024-12-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – The following story was prepared and sponsored by Novo Nordisk. Calvin, Patrice, and Cam Ward are paid spokespersons of Novo Nordisk.

Picture this—you’re a D1 starting quarterback preparing for your upcoming game. Football has been a part of your life for longer than you can remember, so going over your pre-game to-do list is second nature: organizing equipment, memorizing plays, watching film, and making sure schoolwork doesn’t fall to the wayside. These are typical bullets on a football player’s list and are top-of-mind daily. But there’s one more item on the list for Cam Ward: checking in with his parents, Patrice and Calvin, who live with type 2 diabetes, to make sure they’re staying healthy and on track to come to his next game. After all, they’ve never missed one.

The Wards are highlighting type 2 diabetes as a critical issue affecting far too many. More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes,¹ with the vast majority (~90%-95%) having type 2 diabetes.² Roughly 20% of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed.¹ The Ward family’s story is a window into the power of community, family, and faith when managing type 2 diabetes.

A Family United by Faith, Football, and Firm Persistence

With deep-rooted faith, tight-knit family bonds, and dedication to football, the Ward family is a beacon of resilience and determination. Cam Ward, now a starting division 1 college quarterback, is not only a force on the field but also a supportive son, brother, and champion of his family’s health. Just as Cam is making his mark on the football field, his parents, Calvin and Patrice, are also making an impact in their community. They are just as active, organizing sports camps and fundraisers in their community and volunteering at their church. Together, Calvin and Patrice go the extra yard when it comes to managing their type 2 diabetes—from doing their best to prioritize healthy eating and staying active, even when on the road, to working with their healthcare professional. And Cam supports from the sidelines, checking in daily and making sure they stay on track. It’s clear the teamwork spirit is central to their family playbook.

“Our family does everything together,” said Cam. “Whether it’s traveling, watching sports, having family meals together, or going to church. We’re a team, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Facing the Challenge Head-On

Patrice was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 15 years ago. Despite initial uncertainties, she found strength in her family and faith, navigating her condition while staying active in her community. But the Ward family took another hit when Calvin received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2019.

“Calvin’s diagnosis was shocking. When he was hospitalized, his blood sugar levels were so high that doctors struggled to get a reading,” said Patrice. The Wards now want to share their story to help inform and foster discussions about type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes

Two in five Americans will develop type 2 diabetes,³ and even when meeting A1C goals, adults living with type 2 diabetes are still at risk for major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or cardiovascular death.^4-5 For Black Americans like the Wards, the numbers are even more staggering: in the U.S., Black adults are nearly twice as likely as white adults to develop type 2 diabetes.⁶

“The unfortunate reality is that Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by common risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Michael Radin, Executive Medical Director at Novo Nordisk. “We must work together to address this concerning reality and improve this trend, using every opportunity to educate each other on the risks associated with type 2 diabetes.”

Tackling Type 2 Diabetes: A Treatment Plan that Works

For the Wards, finding a reliable type 2 diabetes management plan was the most crucial play. With guidance from their trusted healthcare professional, Patrice and Calvin have both, along with diet and exercise, lowered their A1C with Ozempic^® (semaglutide) injection. Millions of people with type 2 diabetes have taken Ozempic^® as part of their type 2 diabetes management plan.

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What is Ozempic^®?

Ozempic^® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used:

• along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes
• to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease

It is not known if Ozempic^® can be used in people who have had pancreatitis.
Ozempic^® is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes.
It is not known if Ozempic^® is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age.

Important Safety Information

Do not share your Ozempic^® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic^®?

Ozempic^® may cause serious side effects, including:

• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic^® and medicines that work like Ozempic^® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic^® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
• Do not use Ozempic^® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

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The Power of Community

Whether cheering on Cam at the football field or volunteering in their community, the Wards hope to empower others to prioritize and take control of their type 2 diabetes.

“From my own experience, I learned quickly that type 2 diabetes symptoms should not be ignored,” said Calvin. “When it comes to your health, it’s important to take control from the start and talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that works for you. My hope is that this story can help those, who may be ignoring their type 2 diabetes symptoms, avoid what I went through.”

A 2022 survey found that nearly 55% of men do not get regular health screenings.⁷ Taking care of your health means seeking help—by fostering open dialogue with healthcare professionals, friends, and family about type 2 diabetes, and exploring its risks, hereditary aspects, and associated complications.

“Though my story is unique to me, I want others with type 2 diabetes to see what’s possible with the power of community,” Patrice says. “I hope our story shows that supporting each other should be a fundamental part of your type 2 diabetes game plan.”

To learn more about the Ward family, type 2 diabetes, and Ozempic^®, visit Real Ozempic^® Stories on Ozempic.com.

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Important Safety Information (continued)

Do not use Ozempic^® if:

• you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2
• you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic^®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of Ozempic^®?”

Before using Ozempic^®, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:

• have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys.
• have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
• are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if Ozempic^® will harm your unborn baby or passes into your breast milk. You should stop using Ozempic^® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.

What are the possible side effects of Ozempic^®?

Ozempic^® may cause serious side effects, including:

• inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic^® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
• changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic^®
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic^® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery
• kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration
• serious allergic reactions. Stop using Ozempic^® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
• gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic^®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
• food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Ozempic^® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Ozempic^® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures

The most common side effects of Ozempic^® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.

Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

References

1. CDC. National diabetes statistics report. Diabetes. Published 2024. Accessed September 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data­ research/index.html.
2. CDC. About Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes. Published 2024. Accessed October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/abouttype2­ diabetes.html
3. CDC. 2 in 5 Americans Expected to Develop Diabetes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Published 2022. Accessed October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/communicationresources/2in5­ americans.html#:~:text=Graphic%20text%3A%202%20in%205,2%20diabetes%20in%20their%20lifetime.
4. American Heart Association. Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. www.heart.org. Published 2021. https://www.heart.org/en/health topics/diabetes/diabetescomplicationsandrisks/cardiovasculardiseasediabetes
5. Martín-Timón I, Sevillano-Collantes C, Segura-Galindo A, Del Cañizo-Gómez FJ. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Have all risk factors the same strength?. World J Diabetes. 2014;5(4):444-470. doi:10.4239/wjd.v5.i4.444
6. Association of Modifiable Risk Factors in Young Adulthood With Racial Disparity in Incident Type 2 Diabetes During Middle Adulthood. Bancks MP, Kershaw K, Carson AP, GordonLarsen P, Schreiner PJ, Carnethon MR. JAMA. 2017 Dec 26;318(24):24572465. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.19546. PMID: 29279935.
7. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic Survey Reveals Men’s Top Health Concerns as They Age. Accessed September 2024. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2022/09/07/clevelandclinicsurveyrevealsmenstophealthconcernsastheyage

Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

© 2024 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US24OZM00789 December 2024

2024-12-19T11:35:00

(BPT) – Did you know that if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you most likely have an over-the-counter (OTC) allowance to help offset the costs of everyday healthcare items? Millions of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to this key benefit, but most don’t use it. According to a study by The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, 70% of OTC benefits are never used, leaving billions of dollars on the table. They also found that on average, every dollar spent on OTC medicines saves the U.S. healthcare system $7.33, resulting in an overall annual savings of $167.1 billion. It is time to double-check your health care plan and make sure you’re taking advantage of all your benefits and supporting your everyday care routines.

How Medicare Advantage OTC plans can help you save

Medicare Advantage enrollment has been on a steady climb for the past two decades. In fact, this year, over half of the eligible Medicare population (ages 65 and older) are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer OTC allowance benefits, providing an average of $400 in annual allowances per beneficiary to help with practicing everyday self-care. These can be used to pay for certain non-prescription items, including health and wellness products.

However, OTC allowances are a use-it-or-lose-it benefit under many plans. The allowance may not roll over into the new plan cycle, whether it’s on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis — it’s crucial to make the most of them while they last.

Check with your provider to understand how often you receive a new OTC allowance balance, so you don’t miss out. From OTC medications to dental care and skincare products, many of your favorite items may be eligible to purchase with your OTC allowance.

Not sure how to spend your benefits? Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue with 135+ years of experience, is working to help beneficiaries understand and get the most from their OTC allowance to practice everyday self-care. Check out these six suggestions for ways to use this benefit.

1. Pain and arthritis

Do you regularly buy medications for your pain and arthritis symptoms? The next time you head to the pharmacy, use your allowance to purchase pain medication like TYLENOL^® 8-Hour Arthritis Pain Relief to relieve your minor arthritis pain.

2. Cold, cough and flu

Although you can get the cold, flu or a bad cough any time of year, these conditions tend to be more prevalent during the colder months. Now is a perfect time to be prepared with products to relieve your cold, cough and flu symptoms. Make sure to have products like SUDAFED^® and TYLENOL^® Cold & Flu on hand so you don’t have to run to the store when you’re already feeling ill.

3. Digestive health

Whether you regularly suffer from stomach issues, get occasional heartburn, or want to be proactive about your gut health, hit up your local drugstore for digestive health products. For example, pick up a bottle of PEPCID^® Complete to help reduce stomach acid levels and keep heartburn at bay after a hefty meal.

4. Skincare

Are you ready to revamp your skincare routine? Use your OTC allowance to take care of your skin with quality products like Aveeno^® Eczema Therapy.

Don’t forget to pick up eligible suncare products as well! You need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all year round — not just during the summer. Get in the habit of incorporating SPF items like Neutrogena’s^® line of suncare products, including outdoor essentials like Sport Active Defense SPF 30, Ultra Sheer Lotion SPF 70 and Beach Defense Spray SPF 70, into your skincare routine.

5. Dental care

Impress your dentist and invest in your oral health with OTC-eligible dental care items. For example, LISTERINE^® products including LISTERINE^® Cool Mint are great for keeping that smile fresh and healthy.

6. First aid

Have you ever had a cut or scrape and found out you’re out of bandages? Avoid this frustrating scenario by restocking your medicine cabinet with must-have items from BAND-AID^® Brand such as BAND-AID^® Brand Pro Heal™, which provide 60% better healing^† and are designed to help prevent the appearance of scars**.

Note: Before buying any of these products, be sure to read your plan for product eligibility and allowance usage as plans do vary. Contact your provider for the different methods with which you can spend your allowance, which typically include:

• Catalog, online, phone or mail order through your provider
• Submitting receipts for reimbursement to your provider, or
• Using an OTC debit card at retailers

Don’t wait to invest in your everyday health

Make the most of your Medicare Advantage OTC benefits to improve your everyday care. To learn more about these and other OTC-eligible products, visit kenvuebrands.com/us/medadvantage.

†Based on a 7-day average of percentage of subjects showing improvement of general wound appearance compared to standard of care

**Hydrocolloids create an optimal moist healing environment