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Americans Are Flossing in the Strangest Places   (NewsUSA) – Where have you flossed other than your bathroom? If you’re like nearly 40 percent of Americans, the answer is… in a car.How about on a date? Seven percent admitted to flossing on a date. Another six percent said on an airplane, and then there was the five percent who said in a work meeting.While experts agree that even some flossing – no matter where – beats none at all, the survey by Atomik Research for the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) illustrates a bit of a dichotomy: Only seven percent of Americans name flossing as most important to their personal care routines when it comes to perfecting their smiles, revealing that adults can be better educated about healthy smiles and gums."Healthy gums are the foundation of a great smile," said Steven R. Daniel, DDS, president of the AAP and a practicing periodontist in Murfreesboro, Tenn. "Taking care of your gums means more than just flossing when there’s popcorn stuck in your teeth or when you’re killing time in traffic. It also requires integrating diligent at-home care into your personal care routine and regular visits to a periodontist to ensure your mouth is healthy and free of periodontal disease."So when it comes to our personal care routines, how much of a priority do we place on flossing?Among those surveyed who said they do floss, only 23 percent rated it the single most important part of their personal care routine, as opposed to:* Brushing their hair (48 percent)* Applying moisturizer (38 percent)* Shaving (32 percent)* Cleaning their ears (25 percent)The good news is periodontal disease is preventable and actually reversible by rethinking your oral health regimen. Follow the advice of periodontists – dentistry’s experts in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease – by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Taking these steps will soon give you that strong smile we all crave.Visit Gumblr.org for more information, including articles and quizzes, and to find a periodontist near you who can create a personalized plan to help support a life-long commitment to healthy gums.

The Road to a Healthy Smile   (NewsUSA) – Sponsored News -As much as we all love having a healthy smile and gums, a new national survey reveals many U.S. adults miss the mark when it comes to caring for their teeth and gums, putting them at risk for periodontal disease, which affects one in every two adults over age 30. One of the biggest no-nos? Eating a snack at night after having already brushed your teeth, which one-third of those polled admitted to. On the plus side, respondents show a willingness to floss more regularly – in fact, you’ll be surprised at the odd places we admit to flossing. For healthy teeth and gums the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recommends brushing and flossing twice daily and regular visits to your periodontist for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, and most importantly to Love The Gums You’re With. See full-sized image here.

(NewsUSA) – Every pregnant woman in the world should know the name Marianne Cummins.Fifty years ago, in May 1968, the then-29-year-old Teaneck, New Jersey, homemaker was expecting her third child when she became the first person to receive an injection of a new medicine called RhoGAM, developed to help prevent a condition that in the U.S. alone was leading to the deaths of about 10,000 newborns annually and brain damage in others."That one injection had a tremendous impact on my family," Cummins recently recalled.Cummins, you see, has Rh-negative blood, a trait shared by 15 percent of the U.S. population.But the fetus inside her was Rh-positive – as were her two children at home.To understand how terrifying that incompatibility was in those pre-RhoGAM days, a bit of Biology 101 is in order. During any pregnancy, it’s normal for some of the baby’s blood to enter the mother’s blood stream, usually at delivery. However, when Rh-positive fetal red blood cells cross into an Rh-negative mother’s circulation, her body reacts like it’s fighting off an invading virus, producing antibodies that can attack the baby’s blood cells. This immune system response is called "Rh sensitization."The first child is typically unaffected since manufacturing those antibodies takes time. However, any Rh-positive baby after that – and, remember, this was Cummins’ third pregnancy -represents a dangerous gamble; Rh sensitization sometimes leads to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a deadly condition.RhoGAM, as it does to this day, prevented that sensitization from happening."I still marvel at RhoGAM’s impact," John Gorman, MD, a co-creator of the medicine and former director of the blood bank at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, has said.In fact, with approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in hand, the drug’s use became standard medical practice for every pregnant Rh-negative woman here and in Europe and Canada, resulting in HDFN’s virtual eradication there. But in many poorer countries lacking the same protocols? Even now, the situation remains what many call so "dire" that an estimated 14 percent of affected fetuses are stillborn and a full 50 percent of live births end in death or brain injury, according to a scientific paper published in 2010 by leading medical experts.That’s why in February 2018, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the FDA’s approval, Kedrion Biopharma, which makes RhoGAM, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which developed it, hosted a panel discussion to map strategies for getting the medicine to the rest of the world."The view ahead should be bright for all women, their partners, and their families around the globe," declared Paolo Marcucci, chief executive officer at Kedrion Biopharma.In addition, a series of upcoming events throughout the year will encourage Rh-negative women to donate blood plasma to be used in the ongoing manufacture of RhoGAM by Kedrion Biopharma. Important Safety Information RhoGAM should NOT be used if you are Rh-positive.Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including:* If you have known severe allergic reactions or a severe response to human immune globulin.* If you have experienced a serious reaction to other medicines that contain immune globulin.* If you have an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. RhoGAM contain a small quantity of IgA and there is a potential risk of an allergic reaction in IgA-deficient individuals. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.* Your recent history of vaccinations. Certain types of vaccines (ones containing a live virus) may not work as well for you if you are also receiving immune globulin products, like RhoGAM. The antibodies in RhoGAM may prevent the vaccine from working. Before you get a vaccine, tell your healthcare provider that you have received RhoGAM.RhoGAM is made from human blood and therefore, carries a risk of transmitting infectious agents, such as viruses, the agent of the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), or unknown infectious agents. You should consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.Reactions to RhoGAM that affect the entire body are extremely rare. However allergic responses to RhoGAM may occur. You should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration for early signs of an allergic reaction. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include itchy rash (hives), tightness of the chest, wheezing, low blood pressure and anaphylaxis (which may also include throat or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, vomiting, hives and/or lightheadedness).The most common side effects of RhoGAM are swelling, hardening, redness, and mild pain at the site of the injection. A small number of patients have noted a slight fever.Your healthcare provider should provide you with a completed Patient Identification Card for you to retain and present to other healthcare providers.You are encouraged to report adverse events of prescription drugs to the FDA.Visit www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.Click here for the RhoGAM Full Prescribing Information.

(NewsUSA) – Almost everyone has heard of hemophilia, a rare disease in which the blood fails to clot properly. But most people only think of bleeding when it comes to naming its symptoms.In fact, at any given time, many people who have hemophilia or a bleeding disorder may struggle with a combination of dozens of symptoms, including daily pain, joint and mobility issues, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms represent the hidden side of hemophilia.But symptoms aren’t the only misunderstood aspect of hemophilia. Common misconceptions include that it’s contagious and that it can be outgrown. In fact, hemophilia is a genetic disorder that requires lifelong management of all symptoms – the mental as well as the physical.In a survey conducted by myhemophiliateam.com (a website dedicated to social networking, education, and online support for hemophilia patients and those who know them and care for them), approximately two-thirds (65 percent) of bleeding-disorder patients said they suffer from depression. The survey also found that more than half (56 percent) of patients regularly experience pain related to their condition. However, only 38 percent of those who reported pain said they feel their pain symptoms are being addressed. Chronic, untreated pain can promote depression and anxiety in hemophilia and bleeding-disorder patients.Because of the complex nature of hemophilia and bleeding disorders, patients stand to benefit from choosing service providers that understand their unique challenges, such as National Cornerstone Healthcare Services (NCHS), a wholesaler and specialty pharmacy that specializes in hemophilia and bleeding disorders.Specialty pharmacies go beyond the services provided by a traditional pharmacy, functioning as a valued member of a patient’s care team by providing a comprehensive suite of services and expertise while allowing patients to experience the comfort, convenience, and independence that home infusion offers. In addition to providing discreet delivery of medications for the treatment of hemophilia, specialty pharmacies may provide reimbursement expertise, extensive patient resources, education, and support to help patients manage all their symptoms more effectively.Since there’s a lot to know when it comes to hemophilia and bleeding disorders, it’s important to choose wisely when it comes to service providers. Working with a qualified specialty pharmacy can help provide services designed to treat the whole patient, including resources to help with anxiety, pain management, and mental health.For more information about managing hemophilia and bleeding disorders, and to find out how NCHS can function as an extension of a hemophilia patient’s health care team, visit www.nchswecare.com.

(NewsUSA) – There are more than 60 million women of child-bearing age in the United States, and the majority of them report using some form of birth control. In fact, the birth control pill is their number one choice. While research shows that birth control pills are safe and effective, just like any other medication, they can pose some risks, which is why all women should carefully evaluate their risks when considering birth control options.One risk associated with birth control pills or any form of hormonal birth control that contains estrogen, including the pill, patch, or ring, is a life-threatening blood clot. The use of birth control pills with estrogen increases a woman’s risk for blood clots three-fold, and some of the newer birth control pills women use pose a risk two-times greater than older birth control pills. The use of patches and rings containing estrogen poses a risk double that of birth control pills. Women with a clotting disorder, a previous blood clot, or a family history of blood clots are at an even greater risk.Women considering the use of hormonal birth control should know their risk for blood clots and take these steps to reduce their risk:* Complete the Risk Assessment on the website www.womenandbloodclots.org and discuss their results and birth control options with their doctor* Talk to their doctor about any personal or family history of blood clots, and their existing risk for blood clotsRecognize Blood Clots Signs & SymptomsIt is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots in the legs or arms. If you can recognize these signs and symptoms, you may be able to help save your life, or the life of a friend or family member:* Swelling* Pain or tenderness not caused by an injury* Skin that is warm to the touch, red, or discoloredBlood clots in the legs or arms that are left untreated, or that break apart and travel to your lung can be deadly. Symptoms of a blood clot in your lung may include:* Difficulty breathing* Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing up blood* Faster than normal or irregular heartbeatSeek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.In recognition of National Women’s Health Week, the National Blood Clot Alliance and the Alexandra L. Rowan Memorial Foundation are providing women with essential information about birth control and blood clot risks by urging them to visit www.womenandbloodclots.org.

(NewsUSA) – Having enough daily fiber in your diet has become increasingly important because fiber helps support a smoother, more functional digestive system, provides stronger immunity, and promotes overall well-being*.But did you know that even though you make an effort to eat healthy, you may still have trouble reaching your daily fiber requirement?Many Americans average only half of the recommended 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber per day, according to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Yet the current average daily intake of fiber is 15 grams, as the typical diet includes many foods with high calories, such as white bread, doughnuts, sodas, juices and red meat, to name a few.It is impractical, however, to think that you can get your daily fiber requirement from food alone, even though you can find it in edible plants, including many fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. For example, you would need to eat about 10 apples or bananas every day to obtain your daily fiber requirement.It’s a startling statistic that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates only about five percent of Americans reach the recommended level of dietary fiber requirements. An unfortunate result is a substantial burden on the health care system and on the individual health of Americans. This is known as the "fiber gap" as limited fiber intake has been associated with colon cancer and metabolic syndrome.The "fiber gap" exists for two reasons: people think fiber supplements are primarily for maintaining a regular digestive system, and traditional forms of fiber supplements on the market, such as powder or capsules, are inconvenient to take."Dietary fiber is known for keeping our bodies regular," says Michael Epstein, M.D., FACG, AGAF, a leading gastroenterologist and Chief Medical Advisor of IM HealthScience, LLC."Most importantly, it’s essential that you get enough fiber in your diet. One way to do that is to supplement your daily intake of dietary fiber with natural, prebiotic fiber supplements. Many of my patients like the convenience and ease of taking the Fiber Choice line of chewable and gummy products."Fiber Choice – A Convenient, Prebiotic SolutionThe Fiber Choice brand of chewables and gummies is made of inulin [pronounced: in-yoo-lin], a natural fiber found in many fruits and vegetables. Inulin works by helping to build healthy, good bacteria in the colon, while keeping food moving through the digestive system. This action has a beneficial and favorable effect of softening stools and improving bowel function.Research shows that the digestive system does more than digest food; it plays a central role in the immune system. The healthy bacteria that live in the digestive tract promote immune system function, so it’s important to nourish the body with fiber. Inulin has secondary benefits, too, of possibly lowering cholesterol, balancing blood chemistry and regulating appetite, which can help reduce calorie intake and play a supporting role in weight management.But getting enough fiber in one’s diet can be a challenge.So try these tips to increase the amount of fiber in your diet:•  Make your grains whole. Read labels and swap out conventional grains for whole wheat when buying bread and pasta products, and choose brown rice over white.•  Make your veggies green. Green vegetables, including beans, spinach, cabbage, and asparagus are good sources of dietary fiber.•  Go bananas. Many types of fruit are high in fiber, but bananas are an especially rich source. Add mashed bananas to muffins, smoothies, or a bowl of oatmeal as a way to increase fiber intake.•  Add a supplement. Sometimes eating enough fiber-rich foods is a challenge. So choose a dietary fiber supplement with prebiotic effects, such as the fiber found in Fiber Choice, which has been designed to promote the same health benefits as the fiber found naturally in foods. Fiber Choice chewables or gummies are gluten-free, sugar-free, and taste great in several fruity flavors – and they are easy and convenient to take anywhere and anytime. Among all other fiber products on the market, only Fiber Choice gummies contain pectin, which is derived principally from citrus and apples.For more information about the benefits of dietary fiber and how fiber supplements can be part of a healthy eating plan, visit www.fiberchoice.com.The usual adult dosage with Fiber Choice Chewable tablets is two tablets up to three times a day and for Fiber Choice Fiber Gummies is two gummies up to six per day.The product is available in major retailers, such as CVS/pharmacy, Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores, and can also be purchased online at Amazon.*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

(NewsUSA) – One of the great barriers to improving the fight against cancer has been the problem of growing human cancer cells for drug testing so they behave as if they were inside the patient.To answer this, pharmaceutical companies are beginning to grow human tumors in mice. But mice are not human, so the tests often lead to dead ends. And while it’s possible to grow tumor cells in petri dishes, they rarely behave like actual cancers.But now this problem is being solved by a company called Precision Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:AIPT), formerly Skyline Medical Inc (NASDAQ:SKLN), and its partner, Helomics.Precision Therapeutics and Helomics, through a subsidiary named TumorGenesis, are pioneering an approach that takes cancer cells from a patient, then analyzes the tumors’ genes and proteins. That information is crucial because it guides the selection of nutrients and other substances that the cells need. The final step is putting the cancer cells not in a petri dish, but rather on a special scaffold that’s bathed in the nutrient-rich media.The result: "For the first time, it will be possible to grow tumors outside the body that closely mimic those in the body," explains Dr. Carl Schwartz, CEO of Precision Therapeutics.That, in turn, will bring major benefits for cancer treatment and drug discovery. Cancer is actually many thousands of different diseases, each with different underlying DNA mutations.That’s why drugs that are effective against one person’s ovarian cancer may fail utterly against another’s. But with the ability to grow the cancer cells from patients outside the body, doctors will be able to test drug combinations to discover what works before treating the patient, thus saving people from debilitating side effects from ineffective drugs.Equally important, pharmaceutical companies will have a far better and lower-cost way to test drug candidates than testing on mice. It’s yet another key step towards personalized cancer treatment that will give every patient a much better chance of long-term survival.

(NewsUSA) – Colorectal cancer deaths are slowly declining, but shocking racial and ethnic disparities remain.According to the American Cancer Society, Latinos living in the United States are more likely to develop and die from this disease than those in many Central and South American countries. African-Americans are at least 41 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer than whites.Both groups are also less likely to get screened, and their cancers are often found later.What can be done?A growing number of medical groups, patient advocates and members of Congress say virtual colonoscopy – known medically as CT colonography – can overcome cultural stigmas and anxiety associated with this screening."CT colonography can attract those who would otherwise not be screened, allow doctors to remove more polyps before they become cancers and help people avoid getting this disease," says Carolyn R. ("Bo") Aldigé, president and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.The evidence is thereVirtual colonoscopy is an American Cancer Society-recommended screening exam. Studies show that it is as accurate as standard colonoscopy in most people – including those 65 and older.Virtual colonoscopy increases screening rates where it is offered in the U.S. and abroad. Former President Obama chose to have the virtual exam.Michael Sapienza, President and CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance, says the virtual exam can "jump-start screening by offering access to a less-invasive option that millions of screening age who choose not to be tested find more appealing."Unfortunately, the prep is the sameHowever, the virtual exam is far less invasive than standard colonoscopy. The CT scanner uses low-dose X-rays to make 3-D, moving images of the colon that doctors examine for polyps and cancer.The test does not require sedation. It is over in minutes. And you may not need someone to drive you to the exam. Afterward, you can go back to daily activities.Private insurers are starting to listenThirty-six states require that insurance policies sold in their state cover virtual colonoscopy. Insurers who take part in federal exchanges are required under the Affordable Care Act to cover the exam. CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and other insurers cover these tests irrespective of ACA requirements.Challenges remain for Medicare patientsScreening those on Medicare with virtual colonoscopy may cost nearly a third less than standard colonoscopy. Yet, Medicare is among a shrinking number of insurers that does not cover the test."We need more Medicare-covered options, including CT colonography, to increase Hispanic screening rates and save lives," says Elena V. Rios, MD, MSPH, president and chief executive officer of the National Hispanic Medical Association.Patient and provider groups want Congress to pass a new bill that would provide Medicare coverage for virtual colonoscopy."With Medicare coverage, CT colonography can increase screening and reduce unnecessary deaths," says Judy Yee, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee.Find more information on virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) at RadiologyInfo.org/virtualct.

(NewsUSA) – Hemophilia, a blood disorder in which the blood fails to clot properly, is a rare condition, but for those who have it, staying healthy can be challenging.The treatment for hemophilia is multifaceted, but it can include preventive care at home. Patients can give themselves infusions of clotting factors that are normally present in the blood to help prevent excessive bleeding episodes, which can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage.Repeated self-infusion as a preventive measure is associated with a lower incidence of the joint problems that can arise from excessive bleeding.In a recent study, 60 adult blood-disorder patients who self-infused experienced fewer joint problems by preventing the levels of clotting factors in the blood from falling below 1 percent of what is considered normal. Joint problems can become debilitating if left untreated, and patients may be unable to perform routine daily activities, attend school or work, or walk without a cane, walker, or other assistance.In addition, blood-disorder patients who self-infuse have reported feeling more confident and in- dependent, and appreciate the convenience of infusing at home, according to data from NCHS, a specialty pharmacy service for blood-disorder patients.Most importantly, the opportunity to infuse at home also may serve to motivate patients to take their medications as directed."Working to improve non-adherence among patients who intentionally stop their medications or intentionally disregard their prescribers’ instructions can be more of a challenge than simply helping patients remember to take their meds," according to a report from NCHS. "But if you understand why patients are making these choices, you may have better results."Common reasons why patients with a chronic disease such as a blood disorder fail to take their medications as directed include:* Concerns about the high cost of the medication.* Concerns about the medication’s side effects and whether it’s necessary.* Complexity of the treatment.* Communication issues with doctors about the value and benefits of the medication.Service providers like NCHS can help patients achieve more independence by offering discreet home delivery of medications, education and support. Services include detailed explanations about the use, dosing, storage, and side effects of medications so patients feel confident in their at-home care, as well as reimbursement expertise and caregiver education and counseling.For more information about NCHS and managing blood disorders, visit nchswecare.com.

(NewsUSA) – When scientists first read the entire genetic code of a human being in 2003, the monumental achievement promised a new era in medicine.What diseases we get, and how we respond to drugs, depends in large part on our own individual genes. Knowing our own genetic code, therefore, makes it possible to design specific treatments that work best for each person – an approach known as personalized medicine.This personalized approach turns out to be especially important in cancer treatment. Tumors that seem to be of the same type can actually have very different underlying genetic mutations. And because many of today’s drugs are designed to target particular genetic vulnerabilities of cancer cells, a drug that is effective for some tumors will fail for others.Realizing the enormous promise of personalized medicine hasn’t been quick or easy. It has required major scientific and technological advances to prove the links between genetic variations and diseases, and to dramatically lower the costs of identifying and sequencing genes.But recent progress has been impressive. In the last few years, more than one-quarter of all new drugs approved by the FDA have been personalized medicines. And by 2020, the total market for targeted therapies and gene tests is expected to top $149 billion per year.One of the many companies that have been driving this rapid progress is Pittsburgh-based Helomics. The company has developed clinical tests for key genes and other biomarkers in a whole range of different cancers. Studies show that a personalized approach using Helomics’ ChemoFx test brings a 14-month improvement in overall survival in patients with gynecologic cancer. The BioSpeciFx test, for example, examines the genes that are active in cancer cells to reliably inform the patient’s tumor response to drugs.Helomics is also expanding its reach with a new technology it calls D-CHIP™ and a strategic collaboration with Skyline Medical (NASDAQ:SKLN), which markets an innovative system for collecting and disposing of fluids from patients. So more and more in 2018, your drugs will be personalized just for you.

(NewsUSA) – As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce death and disability from stroke globally, the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke, and the Chinese Stroke Association (CSA), announced that Boehringer Ingelheim has joined a project launched with Medtronic to fund the development of a stroke care quality improvement program in China modeled after the AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program."Stroke continues to be the leading cause of death in China," says Yongjun Wang, MD., Ph.D, President of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University and executive president of the Chinese Stroke Association. "We are devoted to providing the platform for the education, training, clinical research and public education about the symptoms of stroke."Understanding the signs of stroke and reacting quickly are critical to increasing the survival rates and improving outcomes of stroke patients," says Ying Xian, M.D., Ph.D, FAHA, American Stroke Association spokesperson and Assistant Professor of Neurology and Medicine at the Duke University Medical Center and Duke Clinical Research Institute."The AHA-powered program that the Chinese Stroke Association is developing is significant given the prevalence of stroke – particularly hypertension – in the country, as well as the nearly 7,500,000 of Chinese people who suffer from a stroke."The adapted Get With The Guidelines program is a set of "best practices" that aims to continuously improve treatment, enhance the quality of care and prevent future strokes in China. Education about the signs and symptoms of a stroke is a component of the project and is applicable for first responders and emergency medical personnel."We feel honored to have the opportunity of working together with the Chinese Stroke Association, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Medtronic to reduce the burden of stroke in China," says Georg van Husen, M.D., Corporate Senior Vice President, head of Therapeutic Area CardioMetabolism, Boehringer Ingelheim."The work we have done to improve acute stroke care through our Angels Initiative with the World Stroke Organization and the European Stroke Organization will add great value to this program.""As a leading stroke care solution provider in stent retriever therapy, Medtronic is deeply committed to working in the global marketplace to improve the quality of stroke care around the world, and particularly in China," says Chris Lee, President and CEO, Medtronic Greater China."Our efforts with the American Stroke Association, Chinese Stroke Association, and now Boehringer Ingelheim to significantly improve the quality of stroke care across the country underscore that commitment. Boehringer Ingelheim joining us also adds to the scale and reach of the project and will bolster our collective efforts to make a significant health impact."

(NewsUSA) – More than 16 million Americans report that they suffer from a condition called dry eye, and the total number may be as high as 30 million.Women are twice as likely as men to endure this often-painful condition, with symptoms including irritated, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in the eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision.Why is dry eye more common in women? One reason is that computer use, makeup and contact lens wear can exacerbate the condition, explains John D. Sheppard, M.D., M.M.Sc., President of Virginia Eye Consultants. The hormonal changes associated with menopause and pregnancy may also adversely affect the eyes. And the incidence of dry eye rises with age.But now, women can find relief from these symptoms, thanks to an eyelid hygiene product from NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE MKT:NBY) called Avenova.A key root cause of many cases of dry eye is the dense population of bacteria growing on the eyelids and lashes."These bacteria can block glands in the eyelids that produce an oil that keeps our tear film from evaporating," Dr. Sheppard explains. "Without enough oil, the eyes dry up and become painful."The bacteria also release toxins that cause inflammation and produce an enzyme that compromises this crucial oil layer.First, Dr. Sheppard and his colleagues are directly fighting the bacterial overpopulation using Avenova ocular eyelid spray. The key ingredient in Avenova is Neutrox, a pure 0.01 percent formulation of hypochlorous acid, a substance that is naturally made by our human white blood cells to fight microbial invaders."Avenova does an excellent job removing the excess harmful bacteria," says Dr. Sheppard. "Moreover, it directly inactivates the lipase enzyme that breaks up our vital oil."Dr. Sheppard and his colleagues also manage dry eye by using oral Omega 3 and essential fatty acid supplements to help control inflammation.These natural, organic and extremely safe approaches are bringing huge improvements for Dr. Sheppard’s own patients. "Women may no longer need to suffer from this often-painful condition."

(NewsUSA) – The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke has developed new stroke rehabilitation tools for healthcare professionals and clinical providers, to help stroke patients achieve the best recovery outcomes and quality of life possible.The tools, which are developed through the AHA/ASA’s Together to End Stroke initiative, leverage recommendations from the first-ever, AHA/ASA issued Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Guidelines for healthcare providers, and call for intensive, multidisciplinary treatment.The Healthcare Provider tool-kit includes recommendations in the following areas (and more):* The Rehab Program* Prevention and Medical Management of Comorbidities* Transition in Care and Community InterventionsThe Patient and Caregiver toolkit is also available and includes:* Patient guide to making good rehab decisions, such as what to expect in medical rehab and how to choose the right rehab facility.* Patient quick sheet to rehab planning to ask the right questions at the hospital, before discharge, for rehab providers and questions family members should be asking.Together to End Stroke, which is nationally sponsored by Kindred Rehabilitation Services, elevates awareness that stroke is largely beatable through high-quality rehabilitation, patient support and implementation of the AHA/ASA’s Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Guidelines."The science of stroke rehabilitation is advancing rapidly, due to the development of new technology, and stroke outcomes are improving as a result," says Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of Neurology and Epidemiology at Columbia University.Stroke is a leading cause of serious disability. But there’s increasing evidence that rehabilitation can have a big impact on a survivors’ quality of life. In many cases, survivors regain skills and return to independent living. However, many survivors do not receive the appropriate level and amount of rehabilitation services needed to maximize recovery."Stroke is largely preventable, increasingly treatable, and, now more than ever, beatable. With the AHA/ASA and its alliances putting more strategic efforts in place, all of us can provide better care, which can translate into fewer stroke recurrences and less disability in stroke survivors," says Elkind.For more information and to access the free rehabilitation and recovery resources for healthcare providers and patients, visit StrokeAssociation.org/recovery.

NewsUSA) – A recent national survey commissioned by Panera Bread revealed that 99 percent of Americans do not know the amount of added sugar in a 20 fl. oz. serving of standard cola, with 83 percent of Americans underestimating the amount. To better support and inform guests, Panera Bread is the first national restaurant company to place calories and added sugar information directly in the hands of guests, by rolling out a new fountain beverage cup that lists the calories and added sugar in each of its six new craft beverages, as well as regular cola. See full-sized image here.

(NewsUSA) – The odds that you know someone affected by Alzheimer’s are high, considering that more than five million people are living with Alzheimer’s and more than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for those living with the disease.With the number of people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease expected to triple in the next few decades, to more than 16 million in 2050 it is not only individuals with Alzheimer’s who are impacted — their family members and friends can feel the toll of providing care for loved ones.As Alzheimer’s and other dementias impact a growing number of individuals and their families, communities must find ways to become more supportive and accessible to those living with these diseases.The Home Instead Senior Care network encourages Americans to pledge to learn more about the disease and how to compassionately engage with those who live with it.No matter who you are, you have something to learn — from caregivers and families of those living with Alzheimer’s, to business owners or simply those who want to be more respectful and compassionate to those they may meet suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia.Home Instead Senior Care invites everyone to participate in free online training based on your role.These educational courses, created by experts in dementia care, will help people learn how to better respond to the needs of those living with the condition and their caregivers.After the online learning sessions, participants are encouraged to share what they have learned with friends and family.Interested individuals can find a training course that can help at www.AlzLearn.com.Most courses take no more than one hour to complete. The website also includes a variety of other free resources and opportunities to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia. For example, Home Instead recommends these five tips to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia:1. Learn the symptoms. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/symptoms-and-stages to learn more about the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.2. Read an article about Alzheimer’s. Articles about Alzheimer’s can be found at http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/guide3. Watch and share the "I Will Remember You" video at http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/capturing-memories/video4. Take an E-Learning Class. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-education to find an online Alzheimer’s and dementia class that interests you.5. Spread the word. Take the Home Instead Alzheimer’s Learning Day pledge and share on your social media channels why you are participating.To explore more about Alzheimer’s and dementia care and family caregiving, find a Home Instead office near you at www.homeinstead.com/state