FOR YOUR HEALTH: Profound Relief For Cancer Patients Facing Oral Side Effects

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An ingenious new rinse can provide relief from mouth sores and ulcers due to cancer treatment.

(NAPSI)—According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than two million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States a year. If you or someone you care about is among them, take heart: These days, the vast majority of people with cancer survive the disease.

What You Can Do

There are several approaches you can take, the NIH goes on to say, to combat cancer. These include: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, hyperthermia, immune therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy and surgery.

What About Side Effects

While side effects can vary with treatment and patient, it’s not uncommon for cancer patients to develop mouth sores, dry mouth, oral pain, and ulcer.

Fortunately, ioTech International has developed an advanced oral rinse called ioRinse MR™ specifically to provide substantial relief for cancer patients whose oral symptoms affect their quality of life and overall comfort, and impose a significant cost burden.

Leveraging ioTech’s proprietary molecular iodine technology, ioRinse™ MR offers a pleasant taste and provides immediate, lasting relief without causing tooth staining.

Transformative Relief from Cancer Treatment Side Effects

“Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause painful mouth and throat ulcers so severe that eating, drinking, and speaking become incredibly difficult, often necessitating feeding tubes,” explained Dr. Herb Moskowitz. “ioRinse™ MR provides a major benefit by supporting healing and providing instant relief while rapidly mitigating the severity and duration of these oral mucositis symptoms, enabling patients to resume their daily activities.

“We’re thrilled to offer ioRinse™ MR to support the well-being of cancer patients,” added Dr. Moskowitz. “ioRinse™ MR stands for Maximum Relief, aptly named for its breakthrough effectiveness in managing the painful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This product underscores a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who need it most.”

Oncologists and dentists who have recommended ioRinse™ MR to their patients report dramatic results. “Typically, patients find ioRinse™ MR more effective and faster acting than any other product they’ve tried,” Dr. Moskowitz shared.

Among the benefits of ioRinse™ MR are the following

The rinse is:

• Safe and easy to use
• Tested and proven effective in providing substantial relief from mouth sores, dry mouth, oral pain, and ulcers
• Not a cause of microbial resistance, non-staining and pleasant tasting
• Cost-effective preventative care
• A long-lasting breath freshener.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What are dual eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs)?

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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: The Dangers of Prolonged Thumb-sucking and Pacifier Use

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Thumb-sucking, finger-sucking or pacifier use should be discontinued before a child reaches three years of age. These habits can harm the eruption and position of the permanent teeth and affect the health of surrounding oral tissues.

(NAPSI) – While it is normal for small children to use a pacifier or their thumb to calm down or to stop crying, prolonged usage of either can lead to oral health problems down the line.

In general, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children up to the age of three will not face issues from the use of pacifiers or thumb-sucking, but if they keep that habit up as they age there can be major issues with their bite, their teeth, chewing, how their mouth rests and problems with their tongue.

Understanding Pacifiers

There are two types of pacifiers: conventional and orthodontic. Orthodontic pacifiers are generally flat bottomed and square, designed to imitate the shape of the mother’s nipple. Conventional pacifiers—which are often the type sent home with newborns from the hospital—tend to be round. While either option will soothe a child, the orthodontic pacifiers are the least likely to contribute to bite issues after teething.

These habits tend to persist because of physical and emotional stimuli, including boredom, hunger, stress, hyperactivity, pleasure, sadness and various kinds of disabilities. An increase in your child’s level of stress or anxiety can lead to the continuation of the thumb-sucking habit beyond a healthy age.

The Problems

There are five main issues that may arise from prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use:

• Open bite: Upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed.
• Increased overjet: Upper jaw and teeth protrude excessively forward.
• Chewing difficulty: Upper and lower teeth don’t articulate correctly to provide a solid chewing surface.
• Cross bite: Upper back teeth sit inside the bottom teeth and appear tilted inward toward the tongue, instead of lining up straight and fitting into each other.
• Tongue thrust compensation: An infant generally pushes their tongue out when swallowing, while children and adults rest the tongue against the roof of their mouth.

All five of these issues can cause too much pressure on teeth and jaw, leading to speech impediments, issues with facial development and gum problems—they can also eventually require surgery.

Some Answers

There are no ready-made recipes for stopping your child from thumb sucking or using a pacifier, but some of the more popular deterrents include:

• Adhesive plaster or tape on the digit
• Verbal reminders
• Reward systems
• Mittens
• Fidget spinners
• A replacement object to soothe your child, such as a blanket or toy
• Oral appliances
• Braces

Remember, children use their a thumb or a pacifier for a reason, so offering encouragement and helping them come up with other solutions to overcome boredom or anxiety is the way to go.

Dr. Dosch is Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Use Personal Health Records to Take Control of Your Own Health

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By using a new app, you can take charge of your well-being, make more informed choices, and stay on top of your health with ease.

(NAPSI)—Technology is making it easier for people to manage their health – in ways that may surprise you. Wearables in conjunction with health apps are transforming how people manage their health. These tools enable users to monitor vital signs, track healthcare activities, and manage chronic conditions with ease. By providing access to medical information, millions are making informed decisions about their well-being, improving their quality of life, and taking active steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

An Example

One easy-to-use app helps millions of people understand their health by tracking activity levels, sleep, exercise, heart rate, stress, and even what you eat. Called Samsung Health, it also offers challenges, tips, and coaching to help users set and meet their health goals.

By better understanding your personal health data, you can be in better control of your health and wellness goals. That’s why Samsung Health introduced Health Records, a new feature that gives users easy access to their medical records from clinics, hospitals and major health networks.

The new Health Records feature in the app guides users toward preventive care by offering meaningful insights and alerts that suggest proactive care steps, such as recommending medical tests or actions like scheduling your annual exam. Instead of relying on the hospital for your records, you have easy access to important data such as lab results, prescription records, list of medications, and past hospital visits.

One of the main reasons people use Health Records is because having all health information in one place makes it easy to stay in control of their health. Whether you’re tracking daily steps or managing a long-term health condition, having your health data in the app makes it simple to stay on top of things. And, with a holistic view of your health records, readily available at your fingertips, you can more effectively engage with providers.

With the ability to track everything from exercise to doctor’s appointments, medications, or test results, Samsung Health gives users more control over their health than ever before.

Learn More

To learn more visit https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-health.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What to Know Now to Help Protect Your Newborn from RSV

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You can protect your baby even before he or she is born by getting vaccinated against RSV while pregnant.

by Rebecca Norwick,
National Association of Nurse
Practitioners in Women’s Health

When I first started my career as a nurse practitioner, I saw pediatric wards fill each winter with children suffering from common infections that cause rotavirus diarrhea and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Since then and following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine nearly two decades ago, hospital visits for rotavirus have notably decreased.

Protecting Newborns Now

Today, we are in a similar position to help prevent RSV through a maternal vaccine given to protect infants at birth. Getting vaccinated while pregnant helps your body create protective antibodies that you can pass on to your baby. These antibodies can help protect your baby from diseases such as RSV during the first few months of life when they are most vulnerable.

While RSV can cause cold-like symptoms most of the time, it can be dangerous in infants and young children—and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. RSV season usually starts in the fall and peaks in the winter in most regions, which is why the vaccine is typically given from September through January. Because the RSV vaccine is administered seasonally, the protection passed to the baby will last for their first RSV season.

The good news is that if you or a loved one is pregnant, the maternal RSV vaccine is available now at no out-of-pocket cost to you through almost all insurance plans, including Medicaid and employer-sponsored plans. You should receive the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy if you are pregnant between September and January.

Vaccines have been recommended during pregnancy for decades and are our most effective tool against preventable respiratory diseases. They are also a critical part of routine prenatal care, adding an important line of defense against severe respiratory diseases that can leave pregnant people and their babies at an increased risk of complications. The maternal RSV vaccine can be administered during the same visit that you may receive other vaccines during pregnancy, including Tdap, flu, or COVID-19 vaccines.

All recommended vaccines are held to the highest standards of safety – meaning they are carefully studied and monitored for side effects. Having worked for 20 years in community health centers in underserved areas, I have witnessed firsthand the protection that maternal vaccinations provide. At one clinic, we even implemented a “cocooning” approach, vaccinating the entire family against flu to help protect newborns who are too young for vaccines. By ensuring the pregnant mother, father, siblings, and grandparents received their flu shots, we worked to minimize the risk of influenza spreading within families.

These days we can go a step further by providing early RSV protection to newborns during their first months of life. If you or a loved one is pregnant, ask your healthcare provider about the maternal RSV vaccine, along with other recommended maternal vaccines. Maternal vaccination is a powerful way to help strengthen your baby’s immunity and share protection before they are even born.

Learn More

For more information on maternal vaccines and their importance, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Hints To Help You Have A Better New Year

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If you struggle with mental health issues, a simple test can help your clinician if they are considering medication as a course of treatment.

(NAPSI)—The holidays have ended, and a new year has begun—a time when many embrace a fresh start by setting New Year’s resolutions.

This year, why not consider solutions rather than resolutions? The distinction is small but important—acting versus thinking. Mental health professionals think it’s a better way forward into 2025.

Expert Advice

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Johnson believes that the resolution mindset is an obstacle to action. “When we get stuck in our new year’s resolutions, part of it is just that we’ve gotten stuck in the process, stuck in the details, stuck in the weeds if you will,” Johnson said. “It’s struggling with ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda’ thinking patterns and reasons why maybe we haven’t been able to follow through and stick to those resolutions.”

Johnson recommends a new approach for her patients—and for us: simpler, concrete solutions with measurable results.

“Instead of setting a big resolution to try to lose 25 pounds, maybe setting a simple solution to reduce drinking soda to one can a day,” she offers. “For some, that’s quite a goal and quite a change, but it’s simple and it’s achievable and it’s measurable.”

Solutions can also mean an increased focus on your mental health. For those suffering from mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, setting and attaining goals can seem even more overwhelming. One important step for 2025 could be to find a mental health professional. Or, if you’re already taking medication for depression, anxiety or ADHD and still struggling, it may be helpful to talk to your clinician about the GeneSight test.

The GeneSight Psychotropic test analyzes how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The GeneSight Psychotropic test provides clinicians with information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on a patient’s genetic makeup. Along with a complete assessment of clinical and patient specific factors, Johnson uses the GeneSight test to help inform her medication treatment decision making.

“The GeneSight test is imperative to me as a clinician,” says Johnson, “but also a game changer to my patients. When I’m working with a patient, often multiple medications have failed them, and they are sick of feeling like a guinea pig.”

Johnson concludes, “The GeneSight test offers me a little bit more of a roadway to making a medication choice. And when you are anxious or depressed, lost, any light bulb, any hope, is such a blessing in that moment.”

Prioritize your well-being – Physical and Mental

As we step into a new year, prioritize your well-being—both physical and mental. Explore solutions that help you thrive and achieve your goals, moving beyond the usual resolutions for lasting success.

Learn More

Visit GeneSight.com to learn more about how the GeneSight test can help inform your mental health medication treatment plans.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Understanding Thyroid Health

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Once properly diagnosed, thyroid disease can be treated in many ways.

(NAPSI)—An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.1 During January, recognized as Thyroid Awareness Month, YARAL Pharma is raising awareness of thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Despite its prevalence, thyroid disease remains widely misunderstood, with many people unaware of its signs and symptoms.

The Role of the Thyroid

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules can significantly impact health and quality of life. However, up to 60% of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, often due to a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.1

Signs and Symptoms

Thyroid disorders can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations, and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms often resemble common day-to-day ailments, making them easy to overlook. As a result, many patients live with thyroid conditions for years before seeking treatment.
What Can Be Done

Treatment for thyroid disease varies depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Some common treatments include:2

• Antithyroid drugs: These medications stop the thyroid from producing hormones.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: A widely used and effective treatment involving the oral intake of radioactive iodine. Most patients who undergo this therapy eventually develop hypothyroidism.
• Beta-blockers: These medications don’t affect the thyroid but can help manage symptoms such as rapid heart rate, tremors, and nervousness.
• Surgery: In rare cases, a healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing the thyroid. Patients undergoing this procedure will need to take synthetic thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of their life.
• Thyroid hormone replacement: For hypothyroidism, patients typically take a daily dose of synthetic thyroxine (T4), a hormone that replaces what their thyroid can no longer produce.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease or have concerns about your thyroid health, don’t wait—talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options.

References

1. American Thyroid Association. Press Room. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid Disease. Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
Sponsored by YARAL Pharma, Inc.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Updated Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations Will Help Save Lives

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Karyne Jones

Karyne Jones says it’s a good thing the CDC now recommends that everyone over 50 get a pneumococcal vaccine.

(NAPSI)—Good news for those Americans over the age of 50 (and the people who care about them): You now have access to vaccines to stop the spread of pneumococcal disease, or pneumonia.

The change comes by way of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which updated its recommendation for pneumococcal vaccines, dropping the age to 50 from 65.

My Story

I know the importance of being vaccinated against this disease far too well.

In January 2018, I thought I had a bad cold. I was dealing with a terrible cough, chest pain, exhaustion. When I finally ended up in the hospital needing breathing treatments, we realized this was beyond a normal cold or bronchial infection. Pneumonia took me out for the next six weeks. I couldn’t work, I could barely eat or drink. I’m an otherwise healthy, on-the-go person. This disease leveled me. And because I was 64 at the time I caught it—I hadn’t yet been vaccinated. Make no mistake, I had my sleeve rolled up and was ready for my shot when my birthday rolled around later that year.

Too Many Stories

I’m far from the only person who has dealt with pneumococcal disease.

Roughly 150,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year with pneumococcal pneumonia and 1 in 20 of those patients die. The risk is greater for older Americans, as is the risk of their cases being fatal.

Pneumonia is a Particular Problem For Persons of Color

These numbers only increase for racial and ethnic minorities. Black people are more likely to get pneumonia, be hospitalized longer, and suffer worse economic impact than non-Blacks. This is in part due to the fact that Black Americans have far greater rates of chronic diseases—including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. African Americans are 60 percent more likely to develop diabetes than white adults.

Vaccination rates are also considerably lower for Black, Hispanic and Asian adults when compared to white adults.
I’m hopeful that streamlining timing of vaccines and the related recommendations will help boost vaccination rates. For far too many adults, there is considerable confusion about what vaccines you need and when, so adding pneumococcal at age 50, when most people know you also need your shingles vaccine is a good way to get more people protected.

An Answer

That is why my organization joined forces with other aging and patient groups to advocate for this important change.
As we are in the midst of another respiratory season, I urge all adults aged 50 and older to talk to their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

It could be a decision that saves your life.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal.

  • Ms. Jones is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Make restorative sleep the cornerstone of your resolutions

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As you set your 2025 goals, don’t forget one resolution that can transform every aspect of your health and happiness: better sleep. Rest isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential for achieving your wellness ambitions. This year, make restorative sleep the cornerstone of your resolutions.

Sleep fuels every part of your life. It impacts your mood, memory, productivity, and even your ability to stay motivated. Poor rest can sabotage your other goals, whether it’s eating better, exercising more, or managing stress. Better sleep means better results in everything you do – and PeachSkinSheets are here to help.

Implement these healthy habits to start meeting your sleep goals:

Wind down: Dedicate 30 minutes before bedtime to relaxation, screen-free.

Exercise regularly: Just 150 minutes per week can improve sleep quality by 65 percent.

Cool down: PeachSkinSheets’ moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating fabric is designed to keep you comfortable all night long. Warm sleepers stay cool, cool sleepers stay cozy, and everyone wakes up feeling refreshed.

Choose quality bedding: The right sheets can make all the difference. With PeachSkinSheets, you’ll enjoy unrivaled softness, durability, and performance tailored to your sleep needs. Their unique lightweight, athletic-grade microfiber ensures your body stays in its ideal sleep zone, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What to Do to Fight the Flu and COVID-19

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If you get COVID-19 or the flu, the faster you get proper treatment, the better your chances of a complete recovery.

(NAPSI)—You may not know it, but chances are you have at least one risk factor that could make you vulnerable for serious complications from flu, COVID-19 and other dangerous diseases. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and lung diseases including asthma and COPD increase your risk. Other common factors including being overweight, obese, pregnant, and even age—being 50 or older—can put you at greater risk for serious illness.

The good news is, you can protect yourself and those you care about.

The bad news is, too many people are not doing everything they can. Doctors say there’s been lower-than-optimal vaccination rates this fall.

What Can Be Done

The better news is, while treatments are not a substitute, nor a replacement for vaccines, there are several antiviral treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 and flu.

Antivirals work by preventing the viruses that cause flu and COVID-19 infections from making copies of themselves and spreading through the body. As a result, they can help limit more serious symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk individuals. Clinical trials have shown oral antivirals for flu can reduce the risk of hospitalization 60%, and a study from Yale found that the COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid reduced hospitalization by as much as 89% for high-risk individuals.

Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19 and flu are available with a prescription from a healthcare provider or, in many cases, from a state-licensed pharmacist. And they are most effective when they are started as soon as possible after being infected—within 5 days after symptoms begin for COVID-19 and within the first two days for flu.

These life- and lifestyle-saving medicines, however, are also not used as often as they should be for several reasons:

• Gaps in patient and provider awareness.
• Financial barriers, with potential increased out-of-pocket costs post government programs.
• Equity issues, particularly in underserved communities. Black patients are 35.8% less likely to receive an antiviral than are white patients, according to the NIH.
• The digital divide, limiting telehealth access in rural or low-income areas.
• Misconceptions about antiviral effectiveness, delaying treatment.

How To Help Yourself

Don’t hesitate. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, get tested and get treated. These drugs are most effective when they are started as soon as possible after being infected—within 5 days after the first symptoms of COVID-19 begin and within 2 days after flu symptoms begin.

As for cost and coverage, there are patient assistance programs, co-pay programs, and other plans to help ensure COVID-19 treatments will continue to be available at no or low cost for most individuals.

Plus, the CDC suggests, you may be able to avoid getting or spreading the viruses if, in addition to getting the vaccines, you:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wear a mask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Improve air quality at home by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Cleaner air can reduce the risk of exposure to viruses.

Learn More

Additional information is available at cveep.org/treatments.