FOR YOUR HEALTH: Pharmacists share must-have medications for every household

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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.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Breathe Easy: Now Is a Great Time to Clean Your HVAC System

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When the temperature climbs, it’s a hot idea to get your HVAC system professionally cleaned.

(NAPSI)—As the weather warms, many homes begin to shift into cooling mode. Air conditioners are turned on, windows are closed to keep the heat out, and people start spending more time indoors to escape rising temperatures. So this can be an excellent time to think about not only comfort, but air quality inside your home. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, ways to prepare for the warmer months is by cleaning your HVAC system’s air ducts.

Why the Ducts

Over the course of the winter, your HVAC system likely worked hard to keep your home warm and comfortable. During this time, dust, dirt, pet dander, mold spores, and other debris can build up in the ductwork. When you make the seasonal switch to cooling, all of that built-up gunk can start circulating through your home, affecting the air you and your family breathe every day. For individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory concerns, this can lead to discomfort or even health complications.

That means now’s the time to schedule a professional HVAC system cleaning. A clean HVAC system improves indoor air quality, supports healthier living conditions, and helps your equipment run more efficiently. When air ducts are clogged with contaminants, your system has to work harder to push air through, which increases energy consumption and can shorten the life­span of your equipment. Cleaning your ducts can help reduce energy bills, improve airflow, and eliminate unpleasant odors caused by dander and mold inside the system.

Beyond personal comfort, there’s a bigger picture to consider. A clean HVAC system contributes to a healthier environment as well as a healthier home. By improving your system’s efficiency, you’re reducing the energy needed to keep your home cool, which supports energy conservation and sustainability.

What to Watch For

There are a few signs that it may be time to schedule a professional HVAC cleaning:

1. You notice more dust than usual around your home, even after cleaning.
2. You or your family experience increased allergy or respiratory symptoms.
3. There’s a musty or stale smell when the system runs.
4. You’ve recently completed a home renovation or construction project.
5. It’s been several years since your last duct cleaning.

Whom to Look For

To ensure your system is cleaned properly and thoroughly, always hire a certified professional. It helps to know that NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) sets the industry standard for HVAC cleaning, and certified professionals follow a strict code of ethics and best practices to ensure the job is done right.

Learn More

Visit BreathingClean.com to learn more about the importance of HVAC system cleaning and find a NADCA-certified professional in your area, so this season, you take the steps to breathe cleaner, fresher air all summer long.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: 8 tips for healthy eating

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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.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What Employers Want You to Know About Hospital Pricing

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(NAPSI)—Americans are struggling with rising healthcare costs, driven in large part by unchecked hospital pricing practices. When large hospital systems abuse their pricing power, local employers, small businesses, working families, and communities feel the resulting impacts—through soaring premiums, shrinking wages, and cuts to services we all rely on. The result: higher healthcare costs, fewer options, and risks to patient care.

So, who pays?

In reality, everyone does. Healthcare costs are rapidly outpacing both inflation and wage growth, increasing the burden on employers and working families to make up the difference. As a result, data show premiums are steadily rising – today, the average annual premium for a family of four exceeds $25,000. For now, employers are paying roughly $19,000 of that cost, while employees contribute more than $6,000 from their paychecks a year, on average – not to mention the added burden of increased cost-sharing, such as copayments and coinsurance. Moreover, the average premium for family coverage under employer-sponsored health plans has increased by 24 percent in the last five years. This is not sustainable.

Employers want to offer competitive and comprehensive health coverage but keeping up with rising prices presents new challenges each year. More than half of employers report needing to make cost-cutting changes, like scaling back benefits or shifting costs to workers, according to a 2024 nationwide survey of employers. For most families, this means higher healthcare premiums and smaller paychecks, making everything from your monthly grocery budget to planning for home improvements or a vacation harder – or completely out of reach.

Now, employers are pointing to concerning trends in spending that could make it financially unsustainable to provide healthcare benefits within the next five to 10 years.

What’s behind these concerning trends?

Hospital bills are the leading driver of healthcare costs for working families, per a 2023 report from the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. In 2023, Americans collectively spent $1.5 trillion on hospital care—equaling nearly a third of total healthcare expenditures in the US.

Spotlight on three hospital pricing practices and how they drive higher healthcare costs

Behind these eye-popping numbers is a troubling reality: large hospitals and health centers have built sophisticated pricing mechanisms that maximize their profits at the expense of local employers and working families. We believe in continuing to provide the healthcare services working families depend on, and so we call on policymakers to rein in these abuses with greater transparency, accountability, and oversight.

Profiting off a program intended to benefit patients

One example of such practices is how non-profit hospital systems are exploiting the 340B Drug Pricing Program (340B program), a little-known government program that is intended to help low-income patients access care. The 340B program provides hospitals with deep discounts on medicines that they then turn around and mark up for employers that provide health benefits. Ultimately, employers are forced to either cover the added costs of these hospital markups or pass them on to their employees.

“[There is a] large and growing body of evidence that 340B is often a shell game that has a substantial impact on commercial healthcare prices,” says Shawn Gremminger, President & CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. “Hospital prices and healthcare premiums continue to rise across the country with employers and employees bearing the brunt.”

Data show that between 2005 and 2023, the 340B program exploded from $2.4 billion to $66.3 billion as hospitals turned it into a profit engine, using the proceeds to buy up additional physician groups and hospitals, expanding their reach into affluent areas where they can further exploit the 340B program by accessing patients with employer-sponsored insurance. These practices are leading to large, consolidated hospital systems that can dictate healthcare costs by curbing competition, reducing choices, and driving up prices for everyone – all while their profit margins grow.

Buying up local hospitals and practices and limiting options for care, which often comes at a higher cost

Another troubling trend in hospital pricing is the ever-growing consolidation of hospitals and health systems. When hospitals merge, prices jump. Data show hospital mergers may lead to price increases that can range anywhere from 3-65%. When hospitals acquire local doctors’ offices, patients are left with fewer options and often face higher costs for the same services. Research suggests the expansion of the 340B program may be contributing to this consolidation, particularly affecting rural communities as larger hospital systems are incentivized to purchase 340B-eligible rural health centers and specialty outpatient practices to extend their 340B footprint.

Deploying opaque business practices

Perhaps most alarming is hospitals’ deliberate lack of transparency. One in four hospitals do not comply with federal price transparency requirements, according to a 2024 report from Advisory Board. Many hospital contracts contain “gag clauses” that prevent employers from accessing or sharing their own healthcare price data. This allows hospital systems to set prices that bear no relation to actual costs of care, leaving employers on the hook for surging prices—case in point, a recent report by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions found that employers and other plan sponsors pay anywhere from 150-700% of Medicare rates for identical hospital services.

Learn More

For more information on efforts to ensure fair pricing, visit hospitalpricingabuse.org.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Understanding COPD

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COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a term used to describe chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Often, COPD is caused by inhaling pollutants, which includes tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke, but other causes of COPD can be fumes, chemicals and dust found in work environments, and genetics.

Two of the most common conditions of COPD include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a condition where your airways are inflamed. This causes mucus to build up, which can lead to symptoms including:

Frequent coughing or cough that produces a lot of mucus.

Wheezing

  • A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
  • Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
  • Tightness in your chest.

Emphysema

In emphysema, the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs are damaged, causing the air sacs to lose their shape. The damage can also destroy the walls of the air sacs, leading to fewer and larger air sacs instead of many tiny ones. This makes it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms of COPD

Often, people may not recognize the symptoms of COPD until the disease has progressed. COPD can decrease the flow of air going in and out of your lungs, making it hard for you to breathe. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but these are the most common:

Increased shortness of breath/breathlessness. Frequent coughing (with and without mucus), wheezing, tightness in the chest. Unusual tiredness. COPD affects many people – chronic lower respiratory diseases, including COPD, are a leading cause of death in the United States.

If you think you are experiencing any of these COPD symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.

COPD causes and risk factors can vary from person to person, but can include: Smoking, exposure to air pollution, breathing secondhand smoke, working with chemicals, dust, and fumes, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and a history of childhood respiratory infections.

The 4 Stages of COPD

A COPD diagnosis and assessments by your doctor can also help identify how far your COPD has progressed and what grade/severity you are. How fast COPD progresses can vary from person to person.

COPD can be classified into 1 of 4 grades based on your ability to breathe. This is determined by specific lung function tests.

Each grade is determined by a calculation taking into account the results of two breathing tests (spirometry), as well as other factors, which include your age, sex, and ethnicity.

The higher the grade (grade 4 being the highest), the more advanced your COPD is.

Grade 1

Severity of airflow obstruction: ≥80 percent of normal percent predicted FEV1.

Mild: Commonly, in this stage, COPD causes mild symptoms, and some patients have shortness of breath.

Grade 2

Severity of airflow obstruction: 50 to 79 percent of normal percent predicted FEV1.

Moderate: Many may seek help for COPD symptoms like shortness of breath.

Grade 3

Severity of airflow obstruction: 30 to 49 percent of normal percent predicted FEV1.

Severe: Typically, in this stage, COPD symptoms worsen and flare-ups may be more frequent.

Grade 4

Severity of airflow obstruction: <30 percent of normal percent predicted FEV1.

Very severe: This is known as the most severe stage of COPD.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Can fiber help you lose weight?

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Dietitian answers 5 key questions

When it comes to weight loss, many people track their macros — i.e., their proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. However, as a humble nutrient, fiber is often overlooked. But what if this is the missing ingredient to weight loss success? Can fiber supplements replace whole foods? In this podcast, a nutritionist answers readers’ questions about fiber and more.

Nowadays, the internet is awash with articles, charts, and recipes centered around eating more protein — anything from a 30-gram-protein breakfast to high-protein drinks and more — to naturally lose weight. And although the key to achieving good weight loss results is indeed a higher protein intake, there is a nutrient that is often overlooked: fiber.

Fiber is crucial not only for digestive functioning but overall health. Studies have shown it can lower LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and protect against heart disease. Newer research also shows that fiber may promote weight loss and enhance sensitivity to insulin.

However, statistics show that less than 5 percent of Americans realistically meet their recommended daily fiber intake, which is on average up to 34 grams (g)Trusted Source for adult men and about 28 g for adult women. So, how can we eat more fiber?

What is fiber, and why is it important for our bodies? How can we tell whether we are eating enough fiber? Is it right to call fiber nature’s Ozempic?

Let’s differentiate between soluble and insoluble fiber while discussing the ideal daily intake for different people. We’ll also touch on how fiber supplements like psyllium husk compare with whole foods, weighing their benefits for our well-being. We will also look at how fiber plays a crucial role in fighting insulin resistance and its potential role in supporting weight management goals.

To discuss this and more is registered dietitian Lisa Valente, MS, RD. Lisa holds a Master of Science in nutrition communications from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and she completed her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital.

What are the best high-fiber foods?

After the podcast recording, for the readers of MNT, we also asked Lisa what her top favorite high fiber foods were.

“I will say frozen berries, fresh too, but frozen berries tend to be a little bit higher in fiber for a fruit. And when you buy them frozen, they’re just more affordable and easier to have on hand. [T]hey don’t go bad on you in a day — so, you can add those to smoothies or mix them into oatmeal or yogurt,” she said.

Lisa said her second choice would be whole wheat pasta and shared a fun fact about fiber.

“Brown rice only has one gram more of fiber than white rice, but whole wheat pasta has significantly more than white pasta. [It creates] like this nice fiber-rich carbohydrate base to your dinner to add some vegetables or protein to,” she said.

Her third choice was chia seeds.

“I sprinkle them on oatmeal, but you can also make chia seed pudding where you soak them with some milk or non-dairy milk and add a little bit of fruit. They’re very filling and they not only have fiber, but they also have omega-3 and a little bit of protein. So I feel like they’re sort of this tiny but mighty little seed where you can check off a lot of nutrition boxes at once. So if I had to pick three, that’s a good starting place for me,” she told us.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Living Longer? Great! Now Stay Healthier, Too

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An additional dose of the 2024/2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after the first dose adds a key layer of protection against severe illness for older Americans and people with weakened immune systems.

(NAPSI)—Americans are living nearly a decade longer than they were in the 1970s. That’s great news – but staying healthy into your 80s and beyond requires extra care and an eye towards prevention. The protection provided by vaccines plays a key role in helping keep you healthy and preventing severe illness and potential long-term complications, especially for older adults and individuals with immunocompromised conditions.

As people age, their immune system naturally weakens – it becomes slower at recognizing and fighting off viruses. At the same time, lungs become more vulnerable, and chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes can make it harder to recover from illnesses such as COVID-19. Similarly, people of all ages with weakened immune systems – whether from certain health conditions or medications – face a higher risk of severe illness because their bodies also struggle to mount a strong defense. In both cases, a reduced ability to fight infectious respiratory disease increases the risk of serious complications and hospitalization.

Vaccines Help Keep You Healthy

That’s why staying up to date on vaccines – especially for COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory illnesses like flu, measles, pertussis, pneumococcal disease, and RSV – is essential as we head into spring and summer. Vaccination helps boost our body’s immune response and provides an added layer of protection when traveling and gathering with friends and family. In fact, according to data from the 2024/2025 season, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with:

• A 45 percent lower risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 for older adults
• A 40% lower risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 for older adults with weakened immune systems
• A 33% lower risk of emergency department or urgent care visits from COVID-19 among adults 18 and older

Why It Matters Now

COVID-19 isn’t just a seasonal concern—it can surge at any time of the year, including during the spring and summer. Early in the pandemic, spikes were often associated with colder months, but we now know that outbreaks can occur during any season because the virus keeps changing so it can spread more easily from person to person. This makes staying up to date on vaccination even more important.

Spring into Summer with an Extra Layer of Protection

Immunity from previous doses can wane over time, leaving individuals—especially those 65 and older or with a weakened immune system—more vulnerable to severe illness. If you fall into one of these groups, it’s recommended that you receive another dose of the 2024/2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after your first dose to help maintain protection.
Talk to your healthcare provider to learn whether you should get another dose of the latest COVID-19 vaccine so you can enjoy time with family, travel, and everything else this season brings.
Learn more at: CVEEP.org/stayprotected.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Virtual Second Opinion Can Be A First-Rate Option

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Mike Pressler worried he would lose the active lifestyle he enjoys with his wife, Kathy, when he was told he needed an ostomy bag. A virtual second opinion would make all the difference.

(NAPSI) – A little research led to a big relief for one 70-year-old and his family—and it could help you or someone you care about as well.

One Man’s Story

His physicians told Mike Pressler he needed major surgery to remove an advanced recurrent polyp – a procedure that would leave him with an ostomy bag and threaten his active lifestyle.

As a gym-going, golf-playing 70-year-old retired school administrator who walks regularly and enjoys traveling with his wife, Kathy, Pressler was terrified.

“I was researching hard, trying to figure out any way I could get out of this,” he said.

The Problem

The polyp was non-cancerous, but the cauterization from a previous polyp removal was creating issues.

An Answer

He remembered a friend’s positive experience at Cleveland Clinic, which Pressler noted as having a “stellar reputation.” That led him to seek a virtual second opinion, which he learned he could obtain without leaving his home, through The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic.

Pressler signed up online and was impressed by the virtual second opinion program. They pulled, collected and compiled his medical records on his behalf, saving him time and effort. Soon after, the care team matched Pressler with Dr. David Liska, Chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, who then consulted with Dr. I. Emre Gorgun, a top robotic surgery specialist. Dr. Gorgun was confident he could remove the polyp without Pressler needing an ostomy.

Within just 10 days of starting the second opinion process, Pressler was scheduled for a new, less invasive procedure. That’s a common occurrence with this program, where 67% of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change.

Before the surgery, there was one potential hiccup. Radiology at Cleveland Clinic reviewed his existing MRI and CAT scan, and they were concerned there might be cancer after all, which prompted a sigmoidoscopy and biopsy to make sure.

“Dr. Liska calls me and says, ‘We’ve got to take a time out here.’ Now I’m kind of bummed again,” Pressler said.

The biopsy would prove to be a temporary roadblock and came back as non-cancerous. The surgery proceeded as planned and Pressler is back to working out, playing golf and traveling with his wife.

“The whole experience was totally positive from start to finish,” Pressler said. “From the intake nurse to the doctors and people behind the desks on the first floor. They are all exceptional in my experience.”

Why Get A Virtual Second Opinion

Sixty-seven percent of virtual second opinions recommend a diagnosis or treatment plan change. You may benefit from a second opinion if you:

• Have been diagnosed with a serious or rare health condition (a diagnosis is required for a second opinion).
• Have a condition that is not improving or is getting worse despite treatment.
• Have been told a health condition is not treatable.
• Are considering a treatment that involves significant risks, such as surgery.
• Need guidance choosing from multiple treatment options.
• Want confirmation about a diagnosis or treatment.

How It Works

Step 1: Registration and Live Intake with a Nurse Care Manager. They’ll take it from there and get you on your path to peace of mind.

Step 2: Records Collection and Expedited Matching. The Clinic does all the work of collecting your medical records, then matches you with a Cleveland Clinic Specialist in just a few days.

Step 3: Expert Second Opinion. Following an optional virtual visit with the Cleveland Clinic physician, your second opinion will be delivered via a written report.

Pressler urges other patients to visit The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic at www.clinicbyclevelandclinic.com/lp/vso/ and tap into Cleveland Clinic’s specialized expertise. Those who use promo code 2NDLOOK15 can get a discount on their virtual second opinion.

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Looking Out For Your Lungs: The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening

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A simple cancer screening could save your life – and your lungs may thank you for it.

(NAPSI)—Early detection is essential when it comes to lung cancer, and early diagnosis can save lives.

The Problem

According to the American Lung Association—the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research—lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet only 16% of people at high risk have been screened.

A Solution

Fortunately, annual low-dose CT scans can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent; emphasizing the need to ensure that eligible high-risk individuals, such as former and current smokers, are aware of their risk and feel empowered to talk to their doctor.

High-risk individuals include:

• Aged 50-80
• Smoked in the last 15 years
• Have a 20 “pack year” history (1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs for 10 years, or any combination of years and packs that equals 20).

To encourage lung cancer screenings, the American Lung Association and the Ad Council released new PSAs that ask: “If your lungs could talk, what would they say?” “The new PSAs are part of the ongoing Saved by the Scan campaign that first launched in 2017.
“There is hope. Lung cancer screening has played a critical role in the 44% increase in the lung cancer survival rate over the past decade,” said American Lung Association President and CEO, Harold Wimmer. “This new campaign will continue to raise critical awareness about lifesaving screening and encourage more individuals to take action.”

Over 1.3 million Americans have taken the Saved By The Scan screening eligibility quiz to determine if they are eligible for lung cancer screening. Among those eligible for lung cancer screening, 43% discussed the scan with their healthcare provider.
“By inspiring people to talk with their doctor about lung cancer screenings, we can offer hope for early detection, effective treatment and ultimately save lives,” said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer for the Ad Council. “We are proud to partner with the American Lung Association and Hill Holliday using the power of creativity – and a touch of humor – to remind former smokers and other high-risk individuals of the importance of getting screened.”

Early Detection Opens Doors for Treatment Options

Lung cancer survivor Denise Lee smoked for 40 years. One day on her commute from work, she saw a Saved by the Scan campaign billboard, leading her to speak to her doctor about getting screened for lung cancer. She got scanned, and learned of her lung cancer diagnosis before she had symptoms.

“The advantage of them finding it so early is that I had a lot more treatment options. I was able to have surgery, chemotherapy, qualify for a clinical trial. One of the advantages of early detection is that the goal of treatment becomes a cure as opposed to palliative. And I had so many treatment options.”

Understanding the Low-Dose CT Scan

The scan itself is quite straight forward and not scary. A low-dose CT scan is a type of X-ray that captures multiple images as you lie on a table that smoothly slides in and out of the machine. The process is open and non-claustrophobic, taking less than 10 minutes to complete. Although any screening can be emotionally challenging, getting the scan done early provides individuals with more treatment options if needed and peace of mind.

Learn More

For additional information and to check if you qualify for a low-dose CT scan, visit SavedByTheScan.org.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Menopause and Dry Eye: What Women Need to Know

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It would be wise for women with dry eyes to see their ophthalmologist.

(NAPSI)—It may seem surprising to some but dry eye is one of the most common conditions women going through the menopause experience.

“Dry eye is a complicated eye condition with various causes. It affects men and women of all ages, but women entering menopause are more likely to experience dry eye because of hormonal changes affecting the eye,” said Purnima Patel, MD, an ophthalmologist and volunteer for EyeCare America®, a program offering no-cost eye exams to uninsured or underinsured Americans.

Dry eye disease is a common condition that happens when your tears don’t adequately lubricate your eyes. When you blink, tears spread over the surface of the eye. This keeps the eye smooth, clear and comfortable. Dry eye can happen when you don’t produce enough tears, when you produce poor-quality tears, or your tears dry out too quickly. It can lead to red, irritated, tired or painful eyes.

Why Is Dry Eye More Common During Menopause?

During menopause, the body produces less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes during menopause are likely linked to dry eye disease, but the exact mechanism is not known, and more research is needed. In general, dry eye can result from lower tear production and reduced lubrication from the eye’s oil glands. This can cause a scratchy feeling or light sensitivity, making it hard to read or drive at night. It can also cause blurry vision.

What Should You Do if You Have Dry Eye?

Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, are the most common treatment for dry eye. Most are available without a prescription. It’s important to note that drops with preservatives can irritate your eyes if you use them too much. If you need artificial tears more than a few times a day, use drops without preservatives. These come in single-serving droppers. Warm compresses on the eyelids are another at-home treatment.

For some people, a few simple lifestyle changes can resolve dry eye. If you live in a dry place, consider using a humidifier. Direct fans away from your eyes. Take regular breaks from computers and smart phones. Protect your eyes from the wind by wearing wrap-around glasses outside. If you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes, use thicker eye drops such as an artificial tear ointment or gel just before you go to bed.

When Should You See a Doctor About Dry Eye?

If your dry eye is severe, visit an ophthalmologist to help determine the cause and the best treatment options for you. Based on your examination, your ophthalmologist may recommend a prescription eye drop or ointment, tiny plugs inserted into the eyelids to help keep tears in the eye longer, or other medications.

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care. During an eye exam, an ophthalmologist will look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye and determine the amount and quality of your tears.

“Not sure why you’re experiencing dry eye? Maybe you’ve tried over-the-counter drops, but your eyes are still bothering you? It’s best to see a doctor to figure out the cause of dry eye,” Dr. Patel said. “If you already use eye drops for dry eye and have been using the drops more than three times a day, that may be a sign to check in with your ophthalmologist about an additional treatment option that may work better for you.”

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help

Individuals who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for a no out-of-pocket cost medical eye exam through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america/patients.