For many people with cancer, getting a second opinion is a first rate choice.

(NAPSI)—There are nearly 5,500 new cancer diagnoses every day in the U.S., and many of these are for patients under the age of 50. As cancer cases continue to rise and affect more Americans than ever before, many oncologists are choosing to expand their care teams with specialists around the country.

Helpful Survey

A recent survey of specialists across the United States found that while 95 percent of doctors support or recommend a second opinion, oncologists were the most likely to recommend patients use virtual second opinions (VSOs) to seek expert advice on their diagnosis and treatment. The survey, fielded by The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, found that nearly half of oncologists “regularly” refer patients to a VSO, versus just 12 percent of doctors from other specialties.

“Cancer can present in a variety of ways, with dozens or hundreds of types and degrees that are unique to each patient,” said Dr. David Peter, Chief Medical Officer at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic. “Most oncologists understand the value of having someone with years or decades of experience in a specific cancer type review a diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s a second set of eyes that can save lives and add valuable insights to unique cases.”

Findings show this expertise pays off. In 70 percent of cases, the expert VSO recommended a change to the initial diagnosis or treatment plan. Further, 57 percent of patients had an improved diagnosis and reduced morbidity after seeking a second opinion.

When asked why doctors recommended a VSO to patients, 74 percent reported that it was to overcome geographic limitations, and 61 percent said it was to gain insights on rare medical conditions.

Why A Second Opinion

“Many people in the U.S. live in specialty care deserts, and the best person for your specific case might be all the way across the country,” Dr. Peter added. “Patients and providers are turning to virtual tools to make better care more accessible to everyone.”

“Once in a lifetime diagnoses should not be handled alone,” one doctor wrote in the survey. “Through virtual second opinions, patients have the opportunity to collaborate with physicians who handle rare diseases and chronic conditions on a daily basis, accessing a vast referral network of experts.”

Learn More

To learn more, visit The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic at clinicbyclevelandclinic.com.

Health care can be confusing, especially for older adults managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease­ – but you can make it easier on yourself.

(NAPSI)—Many older adults find health care hard to access and difficult to understand. In fact, a Harris Poll survey on older Americans’ experiences with the health care system found that 56 percent of respondents find it difficult and stressful to navigate. The good news is you don’t have to be among them.

It’s natural for health needs to change as you age, especially if you are managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cognitive health. Nearly 93 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition and almost 80 percent have two or more, which can be difficult to manage.

According to the survey, almost 52 percent of Medicare beneficiaries see more than three different physicians a year, and half of them recognize the need for help coordinating care with multiple physicians.

What Is Needed

The good news is that managing your health care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can take to simplify your health care journey and to have more control of your well-being. For example, I often recommend a few tips to the older adults I see as a physician and Signify Health’s chief medical officer:

• Establish a Trusted Primary Care Provider (PCP) Relationship: This isn’t just about having a doctor when you’re sick; it’s about building a trusted relationship with a provider you can openly talk with about physical and mental health concerns or changes. Seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, even if you feel well, can make identifying and managing new or existing conditions easier.

To make the most of your appointments and to help ensure you leave with an understanding of your key actions, try using these three questions with your PCP:

1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?

These questions from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement can be a helpful starting point for a conversation about your medical history, lifestyle and individual needs as well as next steps.

Having a good relationship with your PCP is invaluable for your care – they can help coordinate your care, refer you to specialists when necessary, and provide preventative guidance.

• Know Your Numbers: Many chronic conditions don’t show symptoms right away, so if you wait until something feels wrong, it might already be serious. Routine testing can help catch issues early and make a big difference in how well you can manage them.

One of the best ways to take control of your health is to “know your numbers.” That means staying up to date with screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and cognitive health.

• Develop a Personal Health Management Plan: Every older adult should have a clear health management plan. Not just “see the doctor once a year,” but a real plan – developed with your PCP – that includes medication schedules, nutrition, diet and exercise goals and what to do if symptoms change.

Having that roadmap enables a more proactive care approach and gives you and your family a clear path to follow.

Where To Get Help

Signify Health can help make these steps easier through In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). IHEs are available to eligible health plan members at no additional cost to them.

Experienced Signify Health clinicians­ – nurse practitioners, physicians and physician assistants­ – can visit you, in your home, at a time that is convenient for you.

These visits start with a simple conversation about your health. You can be screened for chronic diseases, learn important information about managing your health and discuss health concerns you may have. After the visit, the clinician will share information with you and your PCP (along with your health plan), empowering you to make more informed health decisions.

Additional resources and support may also be provided if needed to help you on your health journey.

What You Can Do

Taking control of your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can go to HelloSignify.com to see if you’re eligible for a no-cost, in-home visit and book an appointment. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to manage your health.

Sponsored by Signify Health, part of CVS Health.

As the school bells begin to ring and kids head back, millions of moms are excited to get a chance to get back to self-care. They spend the summer caring for the kids and everything else on their plate, leaving them feeling they have very little time for self-care. August is becoming the new self-care season for moms, as the kids head off to school, giving them plenty of time to prioritize themselves.
“Once the kids head back to school, it is the perfect time for moms to turn their priority to self care,” explains Dr. Brandon Richland, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Calif. “This is the time to focus on you, which will help you be better ready to help care for others, too.”

There’s an old saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Moms are often faced with having to try to do that, because they are spread so thin with all the things on their to-do list. For many, self-care takes a back seat to everything else they need to do, but this can have devastating consequences. Moms who don’t prioritize self-care are more prone to physical and mental health issues, including having lower self-esteem, more depression, and feeling less interested in exploring opportunities.

Gone are the days when moms were seeking perfection. Today, the new trend lies in moms wanting to look and feel their best simply. When they do, they are better able to care for others, happier, healthier, and ready to take on the challenges that life brings them. This is one of the reasons so many moms are prioritizing self-care once the kids are back to school. This is also when Dr. Richland gets a wave of women coming in for treatments that will help give them the boost in confidence that makes them feel great, whether posting family fun photos on social media, attending school functions, or meeting up with other moms for a lunch break.

As more moms find time this fall to refocus on their health, wellness, and confidence, they are exploring self-care options, ranging from skin rejuvenation to surgical restoration. Here are the top post-summer procedures that moms are having, according to Dr. Richland:

1. Skin Rehydration, Repair and Renew

Exposure to UV rays, chlorine, and heat can leave skin dry, dull, and damaged. Treatments like Hydrafacial, which deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses skin with hydration, are in high demand at this time of year. For deeper skin remodeling and fine line reduction, Morpheus8 radiofrequency micro-needling is also becoming a go-to for collagen stimulation and long-term rejuvenation.

2. Surgical Restorations: The Rise of the “Modern Mommy Makeover”

More moms are choosing to address post-pregnancy body changes through personalized combinations of breast augmentation or lift, tummy tuck, and body contouring. These procedures are popular because they help women feel confident and comfortable again in their bodies. For those considering surgery, advances in non-invasive technology are enhancing recovery outcomes. Tools like Morpheus8 are now being integrated into post-op care to help minimize scarring and improve skin texture around incision sites.

3. Mental and Physical Reset

Moms are often seeking support for their energy, metabolism, and overall wellness. With August being National Wellness Month, it’s a great time to speak with Dr. Richland about natural-looking surgical procedures, at-home medically supervised weight management, and more. Dr. Richland provides the solutions and advice women are seeking, helping them optimize their self-care goals, including a mental and physical reset.

“It’s an honor to help so many moms and women in general to feel their best,” said Dr. Richland. “Nobody judges women more harshly than they judge themselves. If I can help them love the skin they are in, then I’ve succeeded, which is a win-win for everyone. When moms make their health a priority they feel better about everything they do.”

Self-compassion is related to indicators of health and well-being, including positive affect, happiness, and optimism, according to research published in the Journal of Health Psychology. Despite this, they report that some women are hesitant to extend themselves compassion because they fear it will make them self-indulgent. This fear of self-compassion is associated with self-criticism, depression, and anxiety. They report that engaging in health behaviors positively impacts a mother’s health. They also point out that despite the demands of motherhood, women can become more self-compassionate by prioritizing health behaviors, and that many women who engage in health behaviors feel it makes them a better parent.

Dr. Brandon Richland is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his commitment to natural-looking results and exceptional patient care, with practices in Fountain Valley, Woodland Hills, and Las Vegas, he offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments tailored to each patient’s goals. Dr. Richland specializes in transformative mommy makeovers, including breast augmentation, lifts, reductions, tummy tucks, skin tightening, and body contouring, as well as advanced facial procedures such as facelifts, chin liposuction, and fat transfers. He also offers luxury treatments like red carpet ready Forma facials and other non-invasive solutions to help patients look and feel their best. To explore services, view before-and-after photos, and access current promotions, visit https://www.richlandmd.com

Source:

Journal of Health Psychology. Put MY mask on first: Mothers’ reactions to prioritizing health behaviors as a function of self-compassion and fear of self-compassion. February 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8978476/.

With the right healthcare supplies and expert support from your pharmacist, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.

(NAPSI)—A well-stocked supply of medicine must-haves can sometimes mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a potential emergency room visit. From summer sunburns to allergy flare-ups, headaches or tummy troubles, keeping stock of appropriate over-the-counter products—and knowing how and when to use them—can help to support health at home.

To help, CVS pharmacists across the country shared their top recommendations for what every household should consider having on hand, including some surprising items consumers might not think of. Whether you’re restocking your first-aid kit, preparing for seasonal allergies or updating your emergency supplies, CVS Pharmacy can make it easy to build a collection of essentials that support everyday and unexpected health needs.

Start With the Basics

While every family is different, pharmacists recommend the following basic categories:

• Pain and fever relief support: Oral options include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen and aspirin; topical pain relievers include diclofenac and lidocaine.
• Allergy relief support: Non-drowsy antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroids.
• Cold and flu support: Cough suppressants, expectorants, lozenges and a thermometer.
• Digestive aids: Antacids, anti-diarrheals and stool softeners.
• Skin and sun care: Water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least 30 SPF recommended), aloe vera, calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream.
• First aid kit supplies: Bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic spray, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, cold packs and tweezers.

Smart Additions You Might Not Expect

Once you’ve covered the essentials, pharmacists also recommend including a couple of often-overlooked items:

• Diphenhydramine: Available in both liquid and tablet forms for adults and children ages 6 and older. May help in allergy emergencies and is useful for short-term symptom relief while awaiting further medical care.
• Electrolyte packets: Handy for rehydration after illness or overheating. While not a substitute for medical attention in serious cases of dehydration, they may be helpful for early replenishment.

Tailor Your Medicine Must-Haves to Your Family

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when stocking up on medicine must-haves, and your selections should reflect you and your home. While the term “medicine cabinet” is commonly used, the bathroom is not the best storage place due to humidity.

Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place, unless otherwise specified. Keep them out of reach and sight of children and pets. Even simple items such as vitamins or pain relievers can be dangerous if they are accidentally ingested. Childproof containers and lockable cabinets can help prevent accidents and keep your home safe.

Homes with children should include children’s formulations of fever reducers and pain relievers. Always keep products labeled and dosage instructions handy. A pharmacist can help parents pick the right strength based on age and weight.

Older adults or those managing chronic illnesses may need products compatible with their prescription medications. A discussion with your pharmacist can help ensure you’re avoiding negative interactions and selecting the most effective options.

Prepare for Emergencies Beyond Just Supplies

Being prepared for an emergency means staying organized. Pharmacists recommend keeping a written record—either taped inside your medicine cabinet or stored nearby—with emergency contact numbers, a list of current medications with dosages, an allergy list, your primary health care provider’s information and a copy of your health insurance details.

CVS Pharmacy has a robust selection of health and wellness products and first-aid kits, plus travel-sized items for on-the-go support, and CVS pharmacists are available to help you choose the right products, especially if you’re managing multiple medications or looking for family-friendly options.

These 8 practical tips cover the basics of healthy eating and can help you make healthier choices.

The key to a healthy diet is to eat the right amount of calories for how active you are so you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use.

If you eat or drink more than your body needs, you’ll put on weight because the energy you do not use is stored as fat. If you eat and drink too little, you’ll lose weight.

It’s recommended that men have around 2,500 calories a day (10,500 kilojoules). Women should have around 2,000 calories a day (8,400 kilojoules).

1. Base your meals on higher fiber starchy carbohydrates

Choose higher fiber or wholegrain varieties, such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice or potatoes with their skins on.

Try to include at least one starchy food with each main meal. Some people think starchy foods are fattening, but gram for gram the carbohydrate they contain provides fewer than half the calories of fat.

2. Eat lots of fruit and veggies

It’s recommended you eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. They can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced.

3. Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish

Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including at least one portion of oily fish.

Oily fish include: salmon, trout, herring, sardines, pilchards, mackerel. Non-oily fish include haddack, cod, and tuna. You can choose from fresh, frozen and canned, but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

You need some fat in your diet, but it’s important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat you’re eating.

There are 2 main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

5. Eat less salt: no more than 6g a day for adults

Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Even if you do not add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-quarters of the salt you eat is already in the food when you buy it, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads and sauces.

6. Get active and be a healthy weight

As well as eating healthy, regular exercise may help reduce your risk of getting serious health conditions. It’s also important for your overall health and wellbeing.

7. Do not get thirsty

You need to drink plenty of fluids to stop you from getting dehydrated. The government recommends drinking six to eight glasses every day. This is in addition to the fluid you get from the food you eat.

All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, lower fat milk and lower sugar drinks, including tea and coffee, are healthier choices.

Try to avoid sugary soft and fizzy drinks, as they’re high in calories. They’re also bad for your teeth. Even unsweetened fruit juice and smoothies are high in free sugar.

8. Do not skip breakfast

Some people skip breakfast because they think it’ll help them lose weight. But a healthy breakfast high in fiber and low in fat, sugar and salt can form part of a balanced diet, and can help you get the nutrients you need for good health.

A wholegrain lower sugar cereal with semi-skimmed milk and fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and healthier breakfast.