Good News To Go: Health & Wellness

Some 52% of Americans said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for them to get their prescriptions. That could be a number of factors, difficulty seeing doctors, getting to the pharmacy, and even a loss of health insurance due to high unemployment numbers.
The survey was commissioned by FemiClear for Genital Herpes, a new OTC treatment shown to be effective in reducing the severity of genital herpes outbreaks.
FemiClear has been working with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN and gynecological surgeon at Baylor Medical Center, to get the word out about the impact of COVID on Americans including the 1 in 6 women who suffer from genital herpes.
for video and more info, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/more-than-half-of-americans-say-they-are-having-trouble-getting-the-prescriptions-they-need-according-to-a-recent-survey/

People with Lung Cancer, Like Others with Serious Underlying Medical Conditions
Might Be at an Increased Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. This year, an estimated 228,820 adults (116,300 men and 112,520 women) in the United States will be diagnosed.

The fight against lung cancer continues with new research and scientific advances, including cancer experts investigating potential ways to treat the disease in earlier stages. Some of these latest findings in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including investigational studies in earlier stages of the disease, were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital talks on the latest news from ASCO in the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer makes up almost 25% of all cancer deaths. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer. In fact, about 80%-85% of lung cancer cases are NSCLC. About 40% of patients are diagnosed at a later stage of disease, such as Stage IV, when the cancer has progressed to other organs. Approximately 10-15% of NSCLC patients in the US and Europe, and 30-40% of patients in Asia have EGFRm NSCLC. The prevalence of EGFR mutations in early stage are estimated to be ~33% in a global NSCLC population.

Interview courtesy: AstraZeneca
for video and more info, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/new-research-from-prominent-cancer-meeting-for-those-with-lung-cancer/
#roy #harbst #yale #cancer #center #smilow #covid-19 #covid #19 #covid19 #lung #severe #illness #medical #risk #diagnosed #research #scientific #advances #disease #cell #nsclc #american #society #clinical #oncology #asco #virtual #hospital #astrazeneca

Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) can make working, maintaining relationships and juggling family responsibilities difficult. A global survey of 1,254 gastroenterologists and 2,100 adults with a self-reported history of UC revealed both men and women experienced the impact of UC on day-to day life, including emotional wellbeing.1

Now, with the added challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on emotional wellbeing is more important than ever.

Laurie Keefer, PhD, who is a psychologist with Mount Sinai Hospital’s IBD Center in New York City who specializes in the psychosocial care of patients with chronic digestive diseases, most notably Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis (UC). Allyson, who has a history of UC, to discuss the emotional impact of UC and share tips for those living with UC on how to have more effective conversations with their healthcare team. Both Dr. Keefer and Allyson have been compensated by Pfizer to appear in this interview today.

Before we start, it is important to note that results from the UC Narrative are not representative of all UC patients, and only reflect responses of those who took the survey.

BIO: Dr Laurie Keefer is an academic health psychologist and the Director for Psychobehavioral Research within the Division of Gastroenterology. She specializes in the psychosocial care of patients with chronic digestive diseases, specifically inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Dr. Keefer came to Mount Sinai in January 2016 from Chicago, IL to lead a subspecialty medical home for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

The Mount Sinai IBD medical home, known as GRITT-IBD(TM) focuses on gaining resilience through transitions as they occur across the lifespan of patients living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr Keefer's clinical and research interests are in the area of IBD disease self-management, gut-directed hypnotherapy, resilience, the psychosocial care needs of emerging adults with chronic disease and cognitive-behavior therapy. She is a sought after speaker and mentor. She chairs the Division of Psychogastroenterology within the Rome Foundation and is on the Council of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.

BIO

My name is Allyson and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in 2007 at the age of 29. In hindsight I am certain I had symptoms that went undiagnosed for years, if not back to childhood. My diagnosis and progression of my UC was quite rapid and debilitating, resulting in being bed ridden and hospitalized within less than a month. After 3 years of hospitalizations and a very poor quality of life, I made an emergent decision to have a 3-stage total colectomy. This process had profound impacts of my physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as self-image due to body changes, and I feel strongly about advocating for patients with UC. I feel I often went without a voice until I was able to learn to speak up for myself as I learned more about my UC. As there is no cure, I continue to manage my daily life in often challenging, or what would appear impossible situations to those without UC. I am resilient and strong in a way that I only learned through my UC journey. I live a fulfilling life that may require adjustments, and I am grateful for the opportunities to advocate.

Interview courtesy: Pfizer
for video and more info, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/living-with-ulcerative-colitis/
#ulcerative #colitis #uc #maintaining #work #relationships #juggling #family #laurie #keefer #allyson #sinai #hospital #new #york #city #nyc #chronic #digestive #diseases #disease #pfizer #covid #19 #covid-19 #covid19 #wellbeing #well #being #coronavirus #pfizer

Find Out More About this Condition. Capsian Patch, ... can be considered. a specific approved product is Qutinza
More than 34 million Americans – just over 1 in 10 – have diabetes1, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet, or more commonly referred to as diabetic nerve pain, is one of its most common complications.2
The painful symptoms associated with this nerve damage include numbness, tingling, as well as shooting or stabbing sensations that most often affect the lower extremities.3
Itis a progressive and debilitating complication of diabetes that will affect approximately more than 5 million Americans in 20204 and is expected to double by 2030.5
Joining us now to discuss neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy – or diabetic nerve pain – and this newly approved treatment option is Dr. David Simpson, Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Key Facts and Figures:
• The lack of effective, innovative treatment options has left many patients with a significant unmet medical need.
• The condition is more common in patients with type 2 diabetes and increases with age and duration of disease.
When you book a window, we’ll provide you with guest bio & suggested questions. The interview is courtesy of Averitas Pharma, Inc.
for video and more info, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/diabetic-nerve-pain-will-affect-approximately-5-million-americans-in-2020/

Raising Awareness About Liver Testing Alternatives
AN EASIER, LESS EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSIS
Non-Invasive Approaches Can Lower Risks and Cut Costs
Hearing that you need a liver biopsy can be worrisome. Yet, many patients undergo an uncomfortable and risky procedure when a less invasive--and less expensive--approach would achieve the same thing, all because they didn’t know that there were other options.

Liver biopsy is risky and invasive. In the case of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced stages of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), it can be unreliable and expensive. A typical liver biopsy can cost more than $7,000. For certain patients, advances in technology are offering new, non-invasive ways to get an accurate diagnosis without having to undergo a costly surgical procedure.

Non-invasive diagnostic options include:

● Ultrasound
● Shear Wave Elastography
● MRE (magnetic resonance elastography)

These non-invasive approaches can also mean fewer doctor visits, lower costs, a quicker diagnosis, and no surgical risk. Even so, many are unaware of their options and choose an invasive biopsy procedure due to lack of information.

A new awareness effort aims to change that by educating providers and empowering patients to make choices that will impact their health and their pocketbook.
for video and more info, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/fatty-liver-beyond-the-biopsy/

Chair Yoga for Seniors: Stretches and Poses that You Can Do Sitting Down at Home

By Lynn Lehmkuhl

One of the biggest concerns among aging men and women is the fear of falling. Chair yoga, or “yoga while seated, ”allows anyone to experience all of the benefits of an exercise program while near completely eliminating that concern. In Chair Yoga for Seniors, registered yoga practitioner and instructor Lynn Lehmkuhl offers your audience easy-to-follow yoga positions and stretches that can be done at home, while sitting down. Chair Yoga for Seniors outlines the physical and mental benefits that come with practicing yoga daily and provides instructions for numerous different exercises!  www.elderchairyoga.com

The routines found in Chair Yoga for Seniors can help your audience make daily exercise a reality and provide invaluable benefits such as increased energy and a boost in confidence.

There are 50 step-by-step, safe effective exercises included and Lynn Lehmkuhl can discuss the fundamentals with your audience:

·        The Full body warm-ups

·        Joint Rolls

·        Beginner routines

·        Intermediate Routines

·        Expert routines

·        Full body cooldowns

Lynn has been training me in chair yoga for quite some time now. I am 69 years old with complicated spinal issues, due to a lengthy illness. Prior to meeting my sessions with Lynn, I was out of shape and also out of balance. Since working with Lynn, I have become much stronger and balanced.

She is a perfectionist and her method is effective. If I’m no doing something correctly, she will stop me and correct my position. That way I cannever injure myself. Lynn’s outgoing personality and her dedication to her craft make her the perfect combination for me. I have already recommended hereto friends who are not ready for or interested in other forms of yoga.

- Sandra, Chair Yoga Client, Manhattan

As a physicaltherapist with a busy private practice in Manhattan, I can attest that the chair yoga that Lynn provides is a much-needed asset. Lynn’s bubbly personality along with her extensive knowledge base go a long way toward bringing both joy and a newfound physical prowess to her clients.

- Ron Meador PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Lynn has been providing Yoga and Exercise sessions for the participants and their caregivers of our social day program for older adults with dementia (CARE Program) as a volunteer on a weekly basis.

CARE participants are in the mid-to-advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Often, they are unable to communicate verbally, a participant in any proposed activities, and at times present problematic behaviors. This demands tremendous sensitivity and patience on the part of the staff to interact with and facilitate clients’ engagement in program activities. Lynn definitely represents those qualities.

At the moment Lynn enters the program’s room, with her presence it feels like we are all at ease, relaxed, and motivated to exercise. As the director of the program, I have been able to observe not only the highest levels of professionalism, skills and knowledge Lynn possesses, but also her deeply human, emphatic and creative approaches in her interactions with our clients, their caregivers, our staff and other volunteers.

Our program has been enriched by her spontaneity and wealth of ideas, as they encourage a wide range of expressions in our members. Her efforts in getting to know each of the participants and find the right channels to connect with them has resulted in positive changes, regardless of the different backgrounds and dementia levels of our participants. This is a beautiful and inspiring experience for my staff and I.

Lynn has been very successful in accommodating all, including our clients’ caregivers who look forward to each session she does for the program. Most of these caregivers are hard-working, immigrant women who, in addition to being isolated from their own families due to the demands of their work(often 24/7), have no time for personal entertainment, relaxation or self-care. They have expressed their appreciation for Lynn’s classes, which they believe not only help them engage their clients better but also inspires them to apply this knowledge when working with their clients at home.

My staff and I are enormously grateful for all the great work Lynn has done for us. I have personally felt immeasurable enriched in my  understanding of the power of yoga in our group setting. Something that we have not really anticipated to be such a successful activity - now has become one of the very best liked activities by our members.

We are extremely lucky to have Lynn, a great yoga instructor and a generous person, contribute to the success of our program.

- Elizabeth Hartowicz, CARE Program Director

Lynn has been working with my wife, who has been wheelchair-bound for many years as the result of several disabling medical conditions. The results have been striking. In her engaging and very friendly way, she has helped my wife to take steps toactivate herself physically and to herself engage in activities that were otherwise closed to her. Lynn is a persistent, gentle, engaging and knowledgeable.

- Henry Nunberg, MD

Lynn is a pleasure to work with! She is a very skilled, patient and compassionate facilitator for our Adult Day Program clients. She will be a strong asset to any organization with whom she chooses to work!

- Ruth Maderski, Program Director, New Jewish Home

Chair Yoga for Seniors: Stretches and Poses that You CanDo Sitting Down at Home

By: Lynn Lehmkuhl ·

Paperback: 164 pages ·

Publisher: Skyhorse; 1 edition (April7, 2020) ·

Language: English ·

ISBN-10: 1510750630 ·

ISBN-13: 978-1510750630

Lynn Lehmkuhl is a registered yoga teacher with additional specialized training in chair yoga and therapeutic yoga. In 2015, she trained with the preeminent chair yoga teacher, Lakshmi Voelker, in order to bring yoga to those who suffer from physical or cognitive impairments. In 2016, Lynn completed Adaptive Teacher Training which is the therapeutic application of yoga. In addition to working with her clients Lynn volunteers weekly at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood Alzheimer program. She lives and works in New York City.

For more video and info, go to link: http://goodnewsplanet.com/chair-yoga-for-seniors-stretches-and-poses-that-you-can-do-sitting-down-at-home/

PUZZLING SKIN CONDITION AFFECTS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
THE HIDDEN REALITY OF LIVING WITH A CHRONIC SKIN DISEASE

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an under-recognized and chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by an overactive immune system that can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. The symptoms of HS include recurrent, painful abscesses and lesions and can have a significant physical, mental and social impact. HS can be progressive and increase in severity over time.

HS also presents itself in sensitive areas like the armpits, groin and under the breasts and buttocks, so it may be hidden by clothing – leaving many to suffer in silence. Further, the lack of awareness around this disease may lead to patients going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for seven or more years. Patients may visit a number of doctors before finding a dermatologist with experience in managing HS to confirm diagnosis and determine a plan that best fits their specific needs.

Dr. Joslyn Kirby, a dermatologist with Penn State University, will bring greater understanding about HS by sharing how it’s more than just an inflammatory skin disease. Dr. Kirby will also discuss the importance for HS patients – along with their caregivers – to advocate for their care and seek out a dermatologist with experience treating HS who can help patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Interview courtesy: AbbVie Inc.

#november #healthy #skin #month #condition #meets #eyes #eye #chronic #disease #hidradenitis #suppurativa #hs #inflammatory #overactive #immune #system #undiagnosed #misdiagnosed #symptoms #recurrent #painful #abscesses #lesions #physical #mental #social #impact #increase #dermatologist #penn #state #university #psu #caregivers #treatment

CURRENT OUTBREAK:
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FOR HEPATITIS A
AN INFECTIOUS LIVER DISEASE

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PREVENTABLE DISEASE – FROM SYMPTOMS TO RISK FACTORS – AND THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION

Dr. Len Friedland, practicing physician, vaccine researcher and Vice President and Director, Scientific Affairs and Public Health, Vaccines, GSK

BACKGROUND:
October is National Liver Awareness Month, an important time to learn about vaccine-preventable forms of viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis A, a highly-infectious virus that affects the liver and can lead to sickness, hospitalization and even death, in some cases.[i] The US is currently experiencing a nationwide Hepatitis A outbreak, yet awareness and vaccination among adults remains shockingly low (~15%).[ii] After a consistent 20-year downward trend in cases, in 2017, Hepatitis A cases spiked nationwide, with 27 states experiencing active outbreaks in 2020. During this time, there have been more than 34,000 reported cases, with over 61% of infected people hospitalized, and 333 deaths, making it the largest person-to-person Hepatitis A virus outbreak in the postvaccine era.[iii],[iv]

DID YOU KNOW?

Anyone who isn’t vaccinated can be at risk for Hepatitis A as it can be spread person-to-person or through contaminated food or drink.1
People with Hepatitis A may not know that they are infected and can transmit the disease to others.1
Most people in the US have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A; creating opportunities for infection and spread. Additionally, more than half of older adults have never heard of or are unfamiliar with a vaccine for Hepatitis A (56%).[v]
Hepatitis A vaccination isn’t only for higher risk groups or people traveling to certain parts of the world. The general public can come into contact with the virus when traveling even within the US and through contaminated food. For example, where food is prepared and served by food handlers infected with the Hepatitis A virus.1
The CDC advises that anyone who wishes to be protected against Hepatitis A speak to their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination. Most commercial plans are required to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Raising awareness about Hepatitis A and vaccination is more important than ever.

Immunization rates for most vaccines across all age groups have dropped significantly during COVID-19 and adult vaccination rates have dropped by over 80 percent since the peak of the pandemic.[vi] Everyone, not just those at high risk, can talk to their doctor or pharmacist about all vaccine-preventable forms of viral hepatitis and other CDC-recommended vaccines that may be needed during their next well visit. It is important to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines to prevent unnecessary sickness and hospitalization, especially during the pandemic.[vii]
For more information, visit CDC.gov/hepatitis/hav.

Good News Planet Hepatitis Q&A

If someone has fatty liver, is it even more important to get the vaccination for hepatitis A and hepatitis B?

When living with fatty liver disease, it’s important to prevent any additional sources of potential liver damage. The US Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommends hepatitis A and B vaccination for people living with chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver disease and hepatitis C.1

What is the difference between Hepatitis A and B and how do you recognize it? Is there a different treatment?

Hepatitis A and B are both viruses that affect the liver, and can cause serious illness or even death, but are transmitted in different ways and can cause a different course of illness.1 Hepatitis A is highly infectious, and is transmitted through person-to-person contact or contaminated food/drink, and usually causes a short-term illness.1 Hepatitis B is transmitted from mother to child during birth, blood, or through sexual contact, and can cause short or long-term illness, depending on the age of someone when they contract it.[viii] In the current outbreak, Hepatitis A has been associated with a high rate of hospitalization (nationally 60% of cases), with treatment mainly administered to combat unpleasant symptoms.1,4 Short-term treatment of hepatitis B may be similar, but long-term hepatitis B infections may require ongoing antiviral treatment to manage the virus and prevent liver damage.[ix]

Can you get both [Hep A and B] vaccinations the same day and who gives this vaccination?

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations can be administered by a physician or pharmacist and can be given at the same time. The hepatitis A vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine series, for children 1 year of age and older, and adults, that can be completed in 6 months.[x] The hepatitis B vaccine is available in a 2-dose series for adults 18 years of age and older, which can be completed in 1 month, or a 3-dose series for all ages, which can be completed in 6 months.[xi] There is also a hepatitis A and B combination vaccine series available for adults 18 years of age and older, to provide protection against both viruses. While routine infant vaccination has been recommended for hepatitis A since 2006, and hepatitis B since 1991, most adults in the US are not protected against these viruses.[xii],[xiii] Nationally, only about 20% of adults 18 years of age and older have received even 1 dose of the hepatitis A vaccine and only about 25% of adults 19 years of age and older have completed the hepatitis B vaccine series.[xiv],[xv]

[1]  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for the Public. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview.

2  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among adults

with chronic liver disease. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805590/pdf/nihms934589.pdf.




3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Outbreaks in the United States. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/hepatitisaoutbreaks.htm.




4  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Widespread person-to-person outbreaks of hepatitis A across the United States. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2017March-HepatitisA.htm.




5 GSK Survey by The Harris Poll. US Awareness Poll-Adults 50-79 years of age and PCPs 18 years. July-August 2020.




6 Medscape. Vaccine Rates for All Ages Drop Dramatically During COVID-19. Available at https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/931913.




7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html.




8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for the Public. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm.




9 Mayo Clinic. Hepatitis B. Accessed at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366821.




10 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A VIS. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-a.html#:~:text=Children%20need%202%20doses%20of,months%20after%20the%20first%20dose.




11 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/rr/rr6701a1.htm.




12 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A Vaccination Coverage Among U.S. Children Aged 12--23 Months --- Immunization Information System Sentinel Sites, 2006—2009. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5925a3.htm?s_cid=mm5925a3_w.




13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule -- United States, 1995. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00038256.htm




14 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage Among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2016. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2016.html.




15 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination Coverage among Adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2017. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2017.html.

#hepatitis #october #liver #awareness #len #friedland #physician #vaccine #researcher #president #director #scientific #affairs #public #health #vaccines #gsk #covid #covid19 #covid-19 #symptoms #risk #factors #disease #cdc #virus #vaccination #infected #hospital #sick #pandemic