For Your Health Archives - The Town Line Newspaper

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Diabetes is More Common Than You May Realize

December 11, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

Early screening, lifestyle changes and personalized medical care can help you protect yourself from this life-altering disease.

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care for is among the 1 in 3 U.S. adults estimated to have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, or is among the nearly 40 million Americans the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates have diabetes, chances are good you or the person you care for won’t even know it.

That’s because nearly 90% of those who have prediabetes have no clear symptoms and aren’t aware they have it, and thus have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

One reason may be that people often think diabetes is a disease of old age and aren’t on the lookout. In fact, adults aged 45-64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S. and the country has seen increases in disease prevalence among those 18-44.

What You Can Do

Diabetes can affect health and quality of life at any age, but you can protect yourself three ways:

1. Be proactive – know your numbers, know your risk: From race and ethnicity, to genetics, weight and more, knowing your risk factors is the first and best step you can take in preventive measures to mitigate your risk of developing diabetes.
One of the top risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes is race and ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased mortality in ethnically diverse populations, specifically Hispanics and African Americans. Both Hispanic and African American adults are 60% more likely than non-Hispanic and non-African American white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes by a physician, with both populations being more likely to die or be hospitalized for the treatment of end-stage kidney disease related to diabetes.

2. Make good lifestyle choices: Strategies to stay as healthy as possible and prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases include:

• Make healthy food choices.
• Walk and integrate other forms of exercise into your daily routine.
• Stop smoking.
• Track your glucose levels.
• Get preventive testing and screening for kidneys, blood pressure, cholesterol and cancer.
• If you do develop diabetes, work with your primary care provider to develop and follow a diabetes care plan.

Modest weight reduction (5-10% of baseline weight) and increased physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week can reduce the incidence of diabetes by more than 50%.

3. Know your diabetes status: Get screened early (by age 35), especially if you have any risk factors.

Who Can Help

As part of Signify Health’s In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs), clinicians administer diabetes screenings while providing the personalized support and guidance you can take to prevent diabetes onset and better manage your health.

These clinicians will also review your medications and health status, while answering any questions you may have about your conditions. For people living with diabetes, these in-home screenings and services can be critical. As many as 60% of people with elevated HbA1c or sugar levels, for example, are not following their treatment plan.

Both Signify’s IHEs and the recently announced diabetes Focused Visits are designed to be supplementary to a doctor’s office visit, help close quality care gaps, slow chronic disease progression with education and customized care planning, and reduce hospitalizations—all from the convenience and comfort of a health plan member’s home.

To take the first step toward managing diabetes risks, visit the self-scheduling portal at www.HelloSignify.com to see if you’re eligible for an In-Home Health Evaluation.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What Are Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)?

December 4, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

You may be able to get more health care at less cost.

(NAPSI)—Over 12.5 million Americans are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, but many don’t realize this and could be missing out on some valuable benefits. People who qualify for both health care programs can enroll in a type of Medicare Advantage plan called a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), offered by Aetna® and other health care companies.

D-SNPs work with your Medicare and Medicaid benefits to help you maximize your benefits. They provide all the traditional benefits of a Medicare Advantage health plan, while also offering added benefits, such as flexible allowances, which can help pay for healthy food and certain over-the-counter items. Depending on the state where you live, some additional benefits that come with an Aetna D-SNP may include:

• Dental, vision and hearing coverage.
• $0 co-pays for covered Part D prescriptions at in-network pharmacies.
• Extra Benefits Card with a monthly allowance to use on certain everyday expenses, like healthy foods and over-the-counter items, such as aspirin and bandages.
• SilverSneakers® fitness membership.
• Fresh meals home-delivered after a hospital stay.

D-SNPs may also come with a personal care coordinator, who can help you find in-network doctors, arrange transportation and schedule appointments. They can also connect you with programs to help beyond health care services.

D-SNPs may help save you money. Most people pay little or no cost for their coverage. Covered Part D prescription drugs are available at no cost at in-network pharmacies, and doctors’ visits may also be fully covered at no cost to you.

If you qualify, a D-SNP can offer you more complete health care coverage so you can take charge of your health and access the care you need.

To enroll in an Aetna D-SNP plan, you must apply and prove that you meet the eligibility criteria, including having both Medicare and Medicaid. You will also be required to periodically prove that you continue to meet the plan’s requirements.

For more information about D-SNPs, call Aetna at 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. A licensed agent may answer your call. Or visit AetnaMedicare.com/DSNP.

Aetna Medicare is an HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our D-SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Volunteer Finds Community in Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

November 26, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

The Towler family takes a portrait at Fort Cavazos (previously Fort Hood) just months before a permanent change of station to Germany. Photo courtesy of Betty Towler

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care for is ever among America’s more than 2 million military personnel or in their families—or even if you’re not—here’s a story you may find inspiring:

Betty Towler met her husband, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Nigel Towler, over 20 years ago while stationed in Korea. When they returned stateside, Towler made a professional sacrifice for her family.

“I had to leave the military because my husband was deploying. We already had two kids.”

When her husband returned from Iraq in 2005, Towler started noticing changes.

“He was with us all the time when he came back. He wanted to hang out with his family, but he was drinking and that wasn’t normal.”

Towler had her hands full, raising two children with another on the way and impending permanent change of station orders to Germany. A month later, her husband deployed a second time to Iraq.

“We all felt it when he came back the second time. He would be there, but he was not there. The TV would be on, but he wasn’t watching it. His mind was somewhere else,” Towler recalls. “We could be sitting on the couch and he’s on one end and I’m on the other and it’s like an awkward but a very scary silence. It was like a void. And I felt I could fall into this darkness, and nobody was going to come for me, and nobody was going to help me.”

Towler said she tried seeking help but found little support as a dependent overseas. They turned to religion, but that didn’t bring her family the solace they were seeking either. When they returned stateside in 2011, little had changed.

“Everything was just so overwhelming,” Towler said. “All the things people were telling us to do, all the appointments. It was all too much. Even visiting with family: he hears everybody being loud, laughing and his brain was like, ‘I can’t do this. There are too many conversations going on at the same time. I love them but I can’t be around them. It’s too chaotic,’ he said. He’d be down for 2 to 3 days trying to recover from just hanging out with other adults.”
Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, but their family was largely unaffected. In fact, Towler sees it as a blessing. It gave them time to focus on their health.

“I signed up for a lot of webinars and a lot of online courses,” she shared.

One of these resources was the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN), a secure, online community that acts as both a resource directory and peer support network to over 12,000 military-affiliated caregivers. Using evidence-based peer-support programs, caregivers connect, share knowledge, learn new skills, and gain hope. Towler found support and solace from others just like her. Empowered by her newfound communities, she exercised her voice.

“We had to set boundaries. I was like, no, we need to tell them that we can only do two or three appointments in one week. It was too much. I had to learn to speak up, speak up for him and speak up for us.”

Now a Red Cross volunteer, Towler has been involved with the MVCN for the past five years, giving support to other military-affiliated caregivers going through the same challenges she did.

“We have about four calls a month. We’ll have some Zooms and some Slack chats just to really check in with the caregivers. I love how the older caregivers will share their experiences, like, here’s what we had to do, here’s the changes that happened in my house. Being part of this reminded me that I spent so much time caring for this one person, I forgot to make friends.”

Towler cares for her husband following his two deployments to Iraq, and the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network helps her do that by also helping her care for herself.

Learn More

For more information or to join the MVCN community, visit redcross.org/caregivers.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Help Protect Your Family Against Respiratory Illness Before the Holidays

November 20, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

You can arm yourself and your family against respiratory illnesses that can ruin the holidays and much more.

(NAPSI)—A bout of COVID-19 or the flu will put a damper on any holiday celebration. One of the most effective ways to help prevent these illnesses is by staying up to date on immunizations. If you haven’t received an annual flu vaccination and updated COVID-19 vaccination yet, it’s not too late to do so. Vaccinations to guard against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal pneumonia are also available and recommended for those eligible.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people six months and older, with rare exceptions, should get the updated annual flu vaccine. The CDC also recommends that everyone ages six months and older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, unless otherwise noted, to help restore and enhance protection against the currently circulating virus variants.

It’s especially important to protect those at increased risk of complications from severe flu or COVID-19 illness, such as adults 65 and older, people with certain immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions, infants, young children and pregnant women.

The CDC also recommends a single dose of any FDA-authorized RSV vaccine for adults ages 75 and older and those ages 60-74 at increased risk of severe RSV. The CDC just expanded the age group that pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for to adults 50 and older (previously it was 65 and older); the vaccine is also recommended for children younger than five years and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

“Crowded airports and train stations, large gatherings with family and friends and more time spent indoors as temperatures drop are all contributing factors to the spread of respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer at CVS Health. “Immunizations are the best protection against these viruses, and getting vaccinated now, before Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, makes sense because it takes about two weeks for the body to build up protection.”

What Else You Can Do

Chaguturu also recommends covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing throughout the day, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick to help prevent the spread of germs.

Who Can Help

Most insurance plans cover flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost, and other preventive vaccines may be available at no cost, as well. Check with your health care insurance provider to determine coverage.

Getting the vaccines can be easy. One way is to visit CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app to schedule an immunization appointment at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.

FOR YOUR HELATH: Take Charge of Tomorrow: Preventing Diabetes Health Problems

November 13, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

(NAPSI)—November is National Diabetes Month, when communities across the country spread awareness about diabetes.

Did you know that at least 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes? That’s 38.4 million adults and children.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can raise your risk of having health problems such as heart attack, stroke, cancer and diseases that affect your kidneys, eyes, teeth or feet. The good news is that preventing diabetes or managing diabetes as early as possible after diagnosis may help you prevent these health problems.

“Managing diabetes is a daily responsibility that can make a huge impact on staying healthy and preventing complications down the road,” said Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “I encourage everyone with diabetes to work with their health care team to learn how they can best manage their condition to maintain an active life and delay or avoid diabetes-related problems.”

Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes

You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese, are age 35 or older or have a family history of type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include having prediabetes or a history of gestational diabetes.

If you have overweight or obesity, losing 5 percent to 7 percent of your weight can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds, your goal would be to lose 10 to 14 pounds.

Visit the NIDDK website and use the Diabetes Risk Management Calculator to find out how much weight you might want to lose to lower your diabetes risk.

Manage Your Diabetes ABCs

If you have diabetes, managing your diabetes ABCs is an essential first step in preventing diabetes health problems. The diabetes ABCs are:

• A1C blood glucose level.
• Blood pressure.
• Cholesterol.
• Stopping smoking.

Health care professionals give the A1C test to measure your average blood glucose level over the last three months. Some people with diabetes also use devices to track their blood glucose throughout the day and night.

Research shows that keeping your diabetes ABCs in a healthy range can help prevent blood vessel damage and health problems from diabetes. Ask your health care team what blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels are healthy for you.

Make Lifestyle Changes To Build Healthy Habits

You can help prevent type 2 diabetes or manage your diabetes ABCs by building healthy habits and taking steps to:

• Plan healthy meals and snacks that are lower in calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt.
• Be physically active most days of the week.
• Reach or maintain a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking, vaping or using other tobacco products.
• Get enough sleep and take care of your mental health.

When planning meals, try to choose more fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products or dairy alternatives. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Walking is a simple way to be active. Invite a loved one or a friend to make walking a social activity. If you’re not active now or a health condition prevents you from being active, ask your health care professional about physical activities that are best for you.

Making lifestyle changes can be hard. Start slow and build healthier habits from there. Ask for help from your family, friends and health care team.

To learn more about preventing or delaying diabetes and diabetes health problems this National Diabetes Month, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov and follow us on social media @NIDDKgov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: There’s More To Vision Health Than Meets the Eye

November 6, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

An alliance of experts brings hope to people suffering visual function loss.

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care for is ever among the millions of people in the United States who suffer from a loss of visual function as the result of stroke, concussion, traumatic brain injury and other illnesses and conditions, there’s information you may want to see.

Understanding the Issue

Most seeking care are told that if their visual abnormalities don’t resolve on their own within the first year, there is nothing that can be done to rehabilitate visual field loss. It can be devastating, resulting in loss of the ability to work, drive, read and other important functions that are critical components to quality of life. Fortunately, many of these conditions have and continue to be rehabilitated through neuro-optometry.

Vision is more than eye health; it’s a complex process that relies on the brain’s processing functions to translate the information received from the eyes. The practice of treating the interaction of the eyes and the brain is known as neuro-optometry, but awareness of this field of practice—and access to physicians who specialize in it—is limited. That’s why a group of experts and innovators created the DeyeNAMICS Alliance. Its goal is simple, but its implications are profound. By raising awareness of neuro-optometry and creating the most rigorous standards of care, the organization seeks to revolutionize access and outcomes for patients.

Access is Critical

The life-changing care the group provides, however, is only as valuable as a patient’s ability to access to it. That’s why the DeyeNAMICS Alliance is committed to growing a nationwide network of quality providers to create more access points for patients. The Alliance’s core values are grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the dignity of a diagnosis and quality continuum of care.

A network of doctors is located across the country, and a goal is to have so expansive a network that everyone has a provider within an easily drivable radius—so there’s more care for more people with better outcomes.

Treatable Conditions

Stroke and TBI aren’t the only conditions that can produce loss in visual function abnormalities—and visual field loss is only one of several conditions people may develop. Patients with Lyme disease, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and other conditions can have other visual abnormalities that require more than traditional optometric care—and may also suffer from visual midline shift, which results in dangerous gait and balance problems destabilizing everyday motor function, making life far more difficult.

Conditions May be Complex, but Awareness and Access Can be Simple

With millions of people suffering, we all probably know someone struggling with one or more of the treatable conditions mentioned. The key is to educate and increase awareness of neuro-optometry and how to access it. To that end, the DeyeNAMICS Alliance created an informational website of easy-to-understand information and links to providers. A better understanding of how neuro-optometry can improve lives is as close as your phone or home computer.

Learn More

To learn more about how neuro-optometry works, see a comprehensive list of conditions it can treat and even schedule an appointment with a physician, visit deyenamics.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Medications and Wellness Essentials Delivered to Your Front Door

October 30, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

You can get the medications and other pharmacy items you need quickly without having to drop what you’re doing.

(NAPSI)—Whether you’re tied up at work, busy with school or just not feeling well, home delivery is a convenient and affordable way to get the products and medications you need. Good news: while home delivery from one major pharmacy isn’t new, the service has been enhanced and is faster than ever.

CVS Pharmacy launched 1- to 2-day delivery on eligible prescriptions nationwide back in 2018. Since then, the company has added more delivery options, such as on-demand delivery (or delivery in as little as three hours) and has expanded the products eligible for delivery.

It’s a core component of the company’s digital offerings and its effort to meet consumers’ unique health and wellness needs. Delivery is available through more than 9,000 CVS Pharmacy locations across the U.S. and 97% of Americans can access those services.

“Our wide array of delivery offerings allows us to get household products, health and beauty aids, and OTC and prescription medications to our customers and patients faster than ever before,” said Prem Shah, Executive Vice President, Chief Pharmacy Officer, and President of Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “We’ve led the way in prescription delivery and will continue to innovate to ensure we meet the demands of those who shop and fill prescriptions with us.”

How does prescription delivery work?

Getting products and prescriptions delivered to your door is quick and easy. The first step is to download the CVS Pharmacy app or sign up for text alerts. Patients then order their prescriptions or request refills as normal. When prescription orders are ready, the patient can review their order status and schedule one of several delivery options, if their prescriptions are eligible for delivery, on their CVS Pharmacy app or by clicking on a text message link.

CVS Pharmacy offers free on-demand and 1- to 2-day delivery of all eligible prescriptions through its ExtraCare+ membership program. For those who are not ExtraCare+ members, the fee for on-demand delivery in as little as three hours is $9.49 and 1- to 2-day delivery is $5.49. All options can be managed through the CVS Pharmacy app, SMS text messaging, CVS.com or by speaking with the local CVS Pharmacy team.

If a state allows, CVS Pharmacy offers prescription delivery on most types of medications. Some insurers do not allow prescription delivery and other exclusions may apply. You can learn more about CVS Pharmacy’s delivery options at www.cvs.com/delivery.

*FOR RX DELIVERY: Rx delivery is available for eligible prescription drug orders with qualifying prescription benefit programs and insurance plans. Order cutoff times may vary by delivery option and pharmacy location. Delivery fees apply and may vary by delivery option and location. Other restrictions apply. Click to learn more.

*FOR SAME-DAY DELIVERY (NON-RX): Same-Day Delivery is available for a fee with qualifying retail orders. Minimum order total required. Excludes select items and locations. Delivery window is an estimate and may be subject to delays. Click to learn more.

*FOR EXTRACARE PLUS: Membership is $5 per month or $48 annually plus any applicable taxes. Must have a valid ExtraCare® card to enroll. Membership requires recurring charges to your payment card and automatically renews until canceled. To enable certain digital, shipping and pharmacy delivery benefits, you must have a CVS® account and complete your digital profile online. CVS.com® shipping and same-day delivery are FREE for qualifying orders of at least $10 after the application of any coupons, rewards, or discounts and before taxes are applied. FREE Rx delivery is available for qualifying prescription orders and health plans. Delivery times may vary. Most stores are eligible for delivery. Other exclusions apply. Click for full EC+ terms and conditions.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Difficult Diagnosis Sparks Hope and Support for Others—Maybe You

October 23, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

Lisa Reed and a quarter million other Americans have pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease, but early treatment can make a big difference.

(NAPSI)—In 2022, Lisa Reed was eagerly anticipating her 70th birthday. She had plans to travel to Italy and was looking forward to spending more quality time with her grandchildren. But a persistent cough, worsened by a bout of COVID-19, led her to the emergency room in her hometown of Sante Fe. There, a series of tests, including a high-resolution chest CT of her lungs, revealed something unexpected: pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Symptoms of PF, such as chronic dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath, can often be confused with other more common illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In Reed’s case, her chest CT showed the presence of white tissue on her lungs—a characteristic sign of scarring and inflammation.

Like many others diagnosed with PF, Reed had never heard of the disease. Her internet search was startling, revealing that PF causes progressive and irreversible scarring in the lungs. It is part of a family of over 200 interstitial lung diseases (ILD) that affect more than 250,000 Americans.

Fortunately, Reed was diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. She quickly immersed herself in learning everything she could about PF. She discovered the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s (PFF) website, absorbing fact sheets, watching webinars, and exploring clinical trials and opportunities to get involved.

A friend of Reed’s who is a nurse practitioner suggested she reach out to the ILD clinic at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, a PFF Care Center Network site. She now receives care there from a multidisciplinary team of doctors including a pulmonologist, rheumatologist, cardiologist, and oncologist. She began an antifibrotic treatment to slow the progression of the disease.

As Reed started her treatment, her family received more unexpected news—both of her brothers were also diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The siblings believe their condition is familial, with each of them at different stages of the disease. One of her brothers has since undergone a double lung transplant and is doing well.

Reed firmly believes that self-advocacy is essential in getting the right care as quickly as possible. She has volunteered for clinical trials, participates in online support groups, and actively engages with the PFF. Throughout her journey, Reed has found the PFF to be a vital resource for trusted information and tremendous support.

“Whether it’s getting the right diagnosis, learning what treatments are available, or finding resources for caregivers, there are answers and support,” she said. “It’s impressive and wonderful.”

Now, Reed volunteers as a PFF Ambassador, sharing her story and helping others along their journeys. “The way to help myself is to help others,” she says.

Reed plans to attend a virtual PFF Education Symposium. She looks forward to learning about the latest research studies, how to live better with PF, and to connect with others navigating life with PF.

“Whether you’re newly diagnosed, or you’ve been living with PF for years, no one should face this journey alone,” said Reed. “There are so many ways we can help each other, both big and small. And there’s a whole community of people, resources, and support ready to help you through the PFF.”

The PFF Education Symposium is a virtual conference taking place Nov. 7-8. To learn more about PF and to register for the Symposium, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org/symposium.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: New Survey Reveals Knowledge Gaps About Breast Density and Cancer Risk

October 16, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

Ashley Dedmon looks at family photos with her father. With a family history of cancer on both her mother and her father’s side, Dedmon underwent genetic testing and learned she is a carrier of the BRCA2 mutation that predisposes her to breast cancer.

(NAPSI)—The latest Cancer Risk Survey: Breast Cancer Edition from Myriad Genetics shows that more than half (63 percent) of women do not know that breast density can reveal an increased risk of breast cancer.

Though dense breast tissue is normal, women who have it are at a slightly elevated risk for developing breast cancer. New FDA guidelines require that by September 2024, all breast imaging facilities must alert patients by letter if they have dense breasts, and provide recommendations that they contact their care provider for follow-up and risk assessment.

For women with dense breasts, additional screening methods such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in addition to mammograms to improve cancer detection rates.

Dense breasts present unique challenges in breast cancer screening, but awareness and proactive management can help mitigate these challenges,” said Dr. Ifeyinwa Stitt, an OB-GYN physician in Annapolis, MD. “By understanding their breast density and cancer risk, women can make informed decisions about their screening options and take proactive steps to prioritize their well-being.”

The survey also revealed that the majority (92 percent) of women understand detecting cancer early means they have more treatment options, which means a higher chance for better outcomes. However, only 66% of women believe annual breast checks are necessary.
While many women (40 percent) think they should receive additional screenings like MRIs or ultrasounds if they are if they are identified as having dense breasts, only 33 percent of those would consider genetic testing.

These findings expose a critical gap in understanding, as insights gathered through genetic testing may reveal patients at increased risk that would benefit from additional screenings to identify cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. By combining genetic insights, family history and other clinical factors like breast density, MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore® calculates a woman’s 5-year and remaining lifetime risk of breast cancer. If a woman is found to be at high risk, she then has multiple options available to her, including a change in medical management.

“Breast cancer has impacted my family since before I was born—my great grandmother, grandmother and mother all passed away from breast cancer. My mother lost her battle at only 42, when I was only 21-years old,” said Ashley Dedmon, a patient advocate for Myriad’s MyRisk with RiskScore test. “I want every clinician in the country who may not think genetic testing is necessary to hear my story. Your patients want and need this screening.” Know your risk, plan for your future. Learn more by visiting getmyrisk.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What You Need To Know About Vaccines On World Polio Day And Every Day

October 10, 2024/0 Comments/in For Your Health/by Website Editor

Rotary International says everyone should get the necessary vaccines, and anyone can support efforts to protect more people.

(NAPSI)—In the last 50 years alone, vaccines have saved 154 million lives—six people every minute for five decades. But measles, polio, and cholera outbreaks are on the rise despite being vaccine-preventable, and vaccines still urgently need funding. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is often the first indicator of immunization gaps.

About Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect people from certain life-threatening diseases.

Unfortunately, COVID interrupted life-saving vaccine campaigns, and now there’s a growing resurgence of vaccine-preventable infections, including polio and measles, around the world, including 13 outbreaks of measles cases in the United States.

Pointers on Polio

Consider that old scourge, polio. Efforts to eradicate it have been going on for decades. At its peak in the 1940s and 1950s, it affected between 13,000 and 20,000 people in the United States every year, many of them children. Thousands died, and many others were permanently paralyzed. Then, in 1955 Jonas Salk and in 1961 Albert Sabin developed and deployed vaccines and the number of cases dropped.

In the years following, Rotary International (https://endpolio.org) a global humanitarian service organization with more than 1.2 members around the world, initiated the global fight to end polio. Since founding the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, Rotary and its partners have reduce polio cases by more than 99.9% percent worldwide. Partners include the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Rotary International and its members have donated $2.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to help immunize 3 billion children and eliminate polio in 122 countries. As a result, in 2023, only seven cases of “wild poliovirus” (two in Pakistan, five in Afghanistan) were found. For the past 30 years, the World Health Organization’s Region of the Americas has been declared polio-free.

Rotary members are business, professional, and community leaders who share a commitment to making the world a better place. Rotary and its partners also use a new vaccine, nOPV2, to address variant polio virus outbreaks. Millions of doses have been administered. Rotary has advocated, distributed, and administered vaccines for 45 years.

More About Measles

Once, measles, too, looked like a success story. It was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

However, recent data show that U.S. MMR coverage among kindergartners is below the CDC’s 95% coverage target—much lower in some communities—and decreasing.

The CDC reports that measles is so contagious that if one person has it, The CDC reports, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not vaccinated. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Meanwhile, global measles activity is increasing, meaning there are more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States. That’s one reason it may be wise to talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if you plan to travel.

Concerning Cervical Cancer

Rotary is also involved in preventing this deadly disease—women diagnosed with cervical cancer are almost twice as likely to die of it than of breast cancer. Fortunately, cervical cancer is preventable and treatable.

The human papillomavirus, which is also called HPV and is responsible for more than 90% of cervical cancers, can linger in the body for a long time and eventually cause cancer. Getting vaccinated against HPV helps prevent most cases of cervical and many other cancers by giving the body a safe way to build immune system awareness of certain HPV strains.

To help, the Rotary Foundation has awarded more than $10.3 million in global grant funding for cervical cancer projects since 2014, and other Rotary projects have tackled this issue outside of global grant funding.