(NewsUSA) - Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, lung cancer remains a leading cause of death for Black men and women. In the United States, estimates suggest that more than 73,000 Black individuals will die from lung cancer in the next year alone.     

While there are many new treatments for lung cancer, disparities persist across racial and ethnic lines. Given these disparities, Black Americans in particular should learn what questions to ask their doctors to optimize their care.  Specifically, they should ask, what is my biomarker?     

All lung cancer patients should ask their doctors about biomarkers, a new frontier in targeted therapy that may reduce or eliminate the need for chemotherapy and improve outcomes.     

Each cancer tumor is unique, and some have specific traits called “biomarkers.” If you identify your cancer biomarker, there may be treatments that target that specific biomarker, according to Dr. Sydney Barned, a doctor and lung cancer patient.     

“In many cases, these treatments mean taking pills instead of chemotherapy and radiation. Asking for biomarker testing is extremely important, not only in treating your cancer but also in improving your quality of life,” she says.     

“The doctors originally thought I had pneumonia, but I didn’t get better,” says Brandi Bryant, a mother of four and a lung cancer patient.     

“When more treatments didn’t work, I had a biopsy, and they diagnosed me with stage 4 lung cancer. I was prescribed radiation, chemo and immunotherapy (where your body attacks the cancer cells), but the doctors finally put me on targeted therapy where I take eight pills per day. Today, four years later, I show no evidence of cancer. It doesn’t mean the cancer is cured, but it means that it is not growing in my body,” she says.     

“Many people, especially patients of color, are diagnosed and treated by doctors who are not lung cancer specialists. So, it is important for you to ask whether your cancer has been tested for its biomarker before you start treatment,” Brandi adds. “Knowing my biomarker made the difference in my treatment and how much I can do with my kids,” she emphasizes.     

In Dr. Barned’s case, “Knowing my biomarker meant being able to finish my hospital residency. I am on targeted therapy to help my body fight my specific type of lung cancer. So, knowing my biomarker made a huge difference in my life.”     

Many breakthroughs, such as targeted therapy for biomarkers, come from research supported by the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA). “If you have lung cancer, ask your doctor to identify your biomarker,” Dr. Barned says. “Where there is knowledge, there is hope,” she adds.     

For more information, visit LCFamerica.org or text LCFA to 41444.

(NewsUSA) - Pulse Check: 3 Things You May Not Know About the Most Common Heart Rhythm Disorder

Atrial fibrillation (AFib), otherwise known as an irregular or fluttering heartbeat, is the most common heart rhythm disorder. In fact, nearly one in every ten people older than 65 have AFib.¹ September is National AFib Awareness Month, which is a great time to take a pulse check on your heart health. Here are three misconceptions about AFib and the facts you need to know.

Misconception #1: AFib Symptoms are Easy to Spot

This is not always true – some people don’t know they have AFib until they are diagnosed at a doctor’s appointment or it causes a larger medical concern. It’s often at routine checkups when AFib is diagnosed.  

For others, AFib feels like butterflies or a flopping fish in the chest, according to StopAFib.org.

AFib is a progressive disease meaning that when left untreated or undiagnosed, patients are five times more likely to have a stroke.² Knowing the signs and symptoms of AFib can help you and your doctor catch it earlier:    

• Heart sensations, sometimes called palpitations, which may include irregular, thumping, or pounding heartbeats    
• Feeling like your heart is racing    
• Chest discomfort or pain    
• Fainting or lightheadedness    
• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness

Misconception #2: Medication is My Only Treatment Option

Currently, medications to prevent and treat irregular heart rhythms, known as antiarrhythmic drugs, don’t work for half of people who take them.^3,4,5 Some patients with AFib may be candidates for a minimally invasive procedure called cryoablation. During the procedure, the Medtronic Artic Front™ Cryoballoon targets electrical signals to get your heart rhythm back on track and can be used as the first line therapy approach for a patient experiencing AFib.

Misconception #3: Everyone’s AFib is the same

According to StopAFib.org, different people experience different AFib symptoms. The best thing you can do is go talk to your doctor if you think you’re having symptoms. To better understand your specific condition, your doctor may recommend an insertable heart monitor that watches your heart continuously around the clock to detect abnormal heart rhythms including AFib.⁶  Long-term monitoring with the Medtronic LINQ™ family of insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) can help your doctor get a better picture of how your heart is doing over time and detect episodes of AFib. Because AFib is a progressive condition—meaning it worsens over time—early treatment is crucial. When a heart monitor detects AFib, your doctor can help you get on the treatment course that is right for you. Your long-term heart monitor will continue to give your doctor the information needed to know if your treatment is working or if you need to make changes over time.

Always talk to your doctor about risks, diagnosis, and treatment information.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ™ Family ICM’s include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material.  Risks associated with the Artic Front™ Cryoballoon may include bleeding and bruising where the catheter was inserted, cough, shortness of breath, infection, temporary or permanent stroke, severe complications leading to hospitalization or potentially death. Always talk with your doctor about risks, diagnosis, and treatment information for AFib.

To learn more about atrial fibrillation, available treatment options and to identify a specialist near you, visit: www.Medtronic.com/AFmonth    

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Worldwide Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation, A Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study    
2. Kannel WB, Wolf PA, Benjamin EJ, Levy D. Prevalence, incidence, prognosis, and predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation: population-based estimates. Am J Cardiol. 1998 Oct 16;82(8A):2N-9N. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(98)00583-9. PMID: 9809895.    
3. Wazni OM, Dandamudi G, Sood N, et al. Cryoballoon Ablation as Initial Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. January 28, 2021;384(4):316-324.    
4. Kuniss M, Pavlovic N, Velagic V, et al. Cryoballoon ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drugs: first-line therapy for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Europace. March 17, 2021:euab029.    
5. Andrade JG, Wells GA, Deyell MW, et al. Cryoablation or Drug Therapy for Initial Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. January 28, 2021;384(4):305-315.    
6. Majos E, Dabrowski R. Significance and Management Strategies for Patients with Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. J Atrial Fibrillation. February 28, 2015;7(5):1169.

(NewsUSA) -  

After more than two years of living through a pandemic, it’s not surprising Americans report overwhelming stress levels. But the situation is even worse for people living with psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated disease with an unclear cause, that impacts over eight million people in the U.S. In fact, according to new data from the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis experience depression more than the general U.S. population – a known trigger, along with anxiety, for onset or flaring of the disease.   While there’s no known cure for psoriasis, managing the disease is possible with the right treatment plan and  implementing healthy habits  including stress management. This August, during Psoriasis Action Month, taking small steps each day to combat stress can help put psoriasis to rest:

Catch Some Zs

Making changes to your sleep hygiene not only sets the stage for better sleep, but also leads to lower stress levels and better overall health. Going to bed at the same time each night can help regulate your internal sleep clock, which can boost your mood and reduce stress.

Limit processed foods – or skip them all together

Paying close attention to what you eat each day is a great way to improve your mood. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains are all natural ways to relieve stress, anxiety, and grief.

Get up and get moving

Exercise can be a fantastic stress reliever that can work within minutes. Simply taking a short walk, doing some breathing exercises or gentle stretches from the couch each day can help get you into a different frame of mind and make a difference. Moving more can also have a great impact on mood.

Rely on a strong support system

A support system is important for your overall mental health. During stressful times, friends and family may help you cope with difficult situations. NPF provides free support and resources to all those impacted by psoriatic disease, including caregivers, family, and friends.

Talk to your doctor

Each person experiences psoriatic disease in their own unique way, including its physical and mental impacts. What works for one person may not work for another. Talk to your doctor to find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Visit psoriasis.org for more tips and information about how relieve stress and put psoriasis to rest once and for all. 

(NewsUSA) - Accidents happen: you hurt your shoulder fixing that broken gutter or throwing a baseball, develop carpal tunnel syndrome from your less-than-ergonomic work-from-home setup, or you suffer from painful tendon or joint conditions such as arthritis.     

In the past, many people with these and other issues have felt they have no option but to go under the knife for major orthopedic surgery. However, advances in technology have allowed the evolution of the field of regenerative medicine, in which the body’s own cells, including platelets and stem cells, are taken from one part of the body and used to promote healing in areas where it is needed, and where blood supply is limited, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.     

“While not all surgery can be avoided, advanced technology and the emergence of regenerative medicine means the vast majority of conditions can be treated without surgery,” says Dr. Daniel Savarino, director of the Apex Center for Regenerative Medicine in Tinton Falls, NJ.     

For example, Dr. Savarino uses ultrasound imaging to target the exact location of an injury without the need for a large incision. People of all ages and activity levels can be treated with regenerative medicine, as no hospital stay is required, he adds.     

Regeneration in the body can occur in three ways. Molecular regeneration involves the small molecules that are the body’s building blocks, such as fats and carbohydrates; cellular regeneration involves the structures such as neurons that cause new cells to grow and reproduce; and tissue regeneration includes blood, skin, bone, or muscle.     

One example of regenerative medicine is the harvesting of stem cells to inject into injured areas and treat orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis of the joints, rotator cuff tears, meniscal tears in the knee, and tendon injuries such as tennis elbow. These stem cells become new cells in the injured areas to promote healing and repair without the need for invasive surgery.     

Another example of regenerative medicine is using the body’s own platelets and plasma (a technique called platelet-rich plasma injections, or PRP) to promote healing in damaged areas including tendons, ligaments, and muscles. PRP injections also have also been used to promote hair regrowth in individuals with hair loss.     

Although some orthopedic conditions do require surgery, that was traditionally less than 10% of the time. But with advances in regenerative medicine, it is now much less than that.  Dr. Savarino explains that he often treats patients who were told that major surgery was their only option. If patients are candidates for regenerative medicine, they can undergo minimally invasive procedures in an office setting instead. “Our motto is ‘Don’t Operate . . . Regenerate,’” he says.     

For more information, visit regeneratenj.com.

(NewsUSA) - The scorching sun is the major reason that skin cancer is the nation’s most common cancer type. But there’s seriously good news -- dermatologists can now cure most cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) without scalpels, pain, bleeding, infection, surgical scarring or the need for reconstructive surgery.     

Dermatologists around the country are rapidly adopting FDA-cleared, image-guided, superficial radiotherapy (SRT) as a patient-friendly treatment alternative to traditional Mohs surgery for common skin cancers.   

The contrast in these treatments, both of which generate cure rates above 99 percent, is startling. Century-old Mohs surgery involves the repeated cutting away of diseased tissue until skin samples viewed under a microscope show that only healthy tissue remains.     

With newer image-guided SRT, a patient visits the doctor for a few 15-minute sessions per week over several weeks. Each time, the doctor uses an ultrasound imaging device that lets them view a live image that distinguishes cancerous tissue from healthy tissue. Using those images, the doctor aims low-level x-rays at the treatment site, damaging and killing the cancer cells. The patient can see the tumor shrinking until it’s entirely gone. The procedure is painless, and there are no surgical scars to mark where the treatment took place. More than 500 dermatologists offer it, and that number is growing fast.     

Ruby Wepler, an 86-year-old, life long tennis player in Stow, Ohio, had Mohs surgery on her face three years ago. “It was very scary. You go into the office and they numb your face, cut that particular area and check to see if they got it all. And then you have to come back again and they go a little deeper if they didn't get it all. It was painful,” she says.     

“I was diagnosed again last year,” Ruby continues, “with cancer on my cheek and they suggested image-guided SRT. What surprised me was that it took no time at all. They went out of the room, pushed the button and a minute later they come back and it's all over. After a series of treatments, the cancer is gone and there's no scarring at all.”     

Surveys show a 99.9-percent patient satisfaction rate with image-guided SRT, which is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.     

For more information and to learn where image-guided SRT is available, visit GentleCure.com.

(NewsUSA) - A unique injectable drug shows promising potential to reduce some of the early brain damage caused by stroke, based on a newly published study using animal models. In other words, human victims of stroke might someday be able to regain or improve bodily functions, including key cognitive abilities.     

Approximately one of every 19 deaths in the United States in 2019 was due to stroke, according to the American Heart Association. The only current FDA-approved drug for treatment of stroke does not repair damage and must be administered within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. When a stroke happens, lack of blood flow to the brain causes the deaths of millions of neurons. Individuals who survive any type of stroke are at an increased risk for debilitating loss of function in areas of speech and language, as well as difficulty with overall motor coordination, walking and cognitive function.     

The new drug, currently known as NVG-291-R, is designed to help repair damage caused to the neurons in the brain after a stroke. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati tested the drug by inducing strokes in mice. They found that the drug not only created new neuronal connections but also enhanced movement of stem cells to the area of the brain damaged by a stroke.     

The results were encouraging, according to the researchers.     

“There was significant improvement in motor and sensory function in the mice -- essentially the ability to walk, grasp objects and detect the presences of objects on their paws.  Additionally, there was an improvement in spatial learning and memory,” they said in a press release.     

Another encouraging finding was that the drug was similarly effective when given up to seven days after the stroke occurred. Most other treatments in development for stroke damage must be administered within 24 to 48 hours of a stroke to be effective, the researchers noted.       

The drug was developed by NervGen, a biotech company focused on treatments to promote nervous system repair.     “The current standard of care for stroke is one approved drug administered to less than 10% of those suffering, and it only works by limiting ongoing damage in those receiving it,” says NervGen’s  CEO, Paul Brennan.     

“If the meaningful recovery of function shown in this study translates in a clinical setting, our drug will redefine stroke therapy.”     

The study findings were published in the medical journal Cell Reports.       

Visit nervgen.com for more information about evolving treatments for nervous system damage from injury or disease.

(NewsUSA) - Despite the documented success of the various COVID-19 vaccines in preventing serious illness and death across a range of ages, many people in the United States, especially in rural communities, remain hesitant to getting vaccinated.     

However, a new public service announcement focusing on love, respect, and humility is making inroads to encourage COVID-19 vaccination in rural communities. The GreenShoots Foundation, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to uplifting people across the social fabric of America, was launched in 2021 by Arkansas native and NYC-based financial services veteran Ted Huffman and his wife, Cheryl Huffman.     

The foundation’s inaugural project is a COVID-19 vaccine awareness campaign focused on rural communities. The “Please Consider Vaccination” campaign includes outreach on radio, TV, digital media, and social media.     

In the campaign’s signature video, a father in a rural community, travels from his farm to a church and then a school, where he sees children safely crossing the street under the supervision of a crossing guard. In the next shot, the father arrives at a local vaccination clinic and says, “Let’s do this.”     

The campaign was first launched in communities in Arkansas in November 2021 but has proven so successful that it has appeared in areas of Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Montana, Maryland, Wisconsin, Idaho, West Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, Alaska, Michigan, Wyoming, Illinois, Tennessee, Utah, and Kentucky.     

In the three months after the release of the PSA campaign, Pulaski County, which contains Little Rock, Arkansas’s capital and largest city, saw an increase of 9% over similar markets in neighboring Mississippi without access to the PSA campaign. In fact, the areas without access to the campaign saw a drop in vaccination rates among the unvaccinated population during the same time period.     

“When you look at the success of this campaign, I believe it comes down to the representation of core human desires and needs, which are universal and apolitical, such as respect, health, and safety,” concludes Ted Huffman. ”We hope the word will continue to spread and encourage even more people to consider vaccination.”     

Looking ahead, the goals of The GreenShoots Foundation include shelter for the homeless, U.S. military veteran advocacy, and increased participation in the exercise of self-government.     View the video, titled “Life. Your Journey. Your Choice” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXnZMKqLkfk     

For more information about the GreenShoots Foundation, visit thegreenshootsfoundation.org. 

(NewsUSA) -  

By Scott Greenwell, PharmD,
Humana Pharmacy Solutions

Did you know you may have the option to have medications mailed directly to your home? If you ask your health care provider about prescription home delivery through a mail order pharmacy, they can send your script to the mail order pharmacy that is in-network with your health plan, and your medications will arrive at your home, safely and securely. If your plan has a preferred cost-share mail order pharmacy, then you may even save money on certain prescriptions.     

Consider the following tips to ensure you get the most out of prescription home delivery:     

• Get a 90-Day Supply: Many medications will allow for a 90-day supply, resulting in fewer refills and may result in cost savings for you.     

• Sign-up for Auto Refill: Many pharmacies, such as CenterWell Pharmacy (formerly known as Humana Pharmacy), will automatically deliver your next refill right to your door! If auto refill is not for you, sign up for emails, calls or text message alerts so you’ll receive a notification when it’s time for a refill.     

• Compare the Costs: Check to see if your plan offers a service which suggests alternative medications at lower costs.     

• Build a Personalized Medication List: Seeing multiple doctors usually means having several medications. Leverage your pharmacy or plan’s app or website to maintain a single, complete list of all your prescriptions to help avoid adverse reactions.     

• Ask About Additional Support: If you have a chronic condition, a specialty pharmacy can provide personalized resources. For example, CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy (formerly Humana Specialty Pharmacy) offers cancer patients the Cancer Center of Excellence -- a dedicated team of specialty pharmacists who can help answer questions, remove barriers to care, collaborate with health care teams on unique treatment plans and more -- while also delivering medications safely and securely to your home.   

With people in their 60s taking an average of 15 prescription drugs a year, prescription home delivery by mail can be beneficial for seniors. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage, like most Humana Medicare Advantage plans, or a Part D Plan, check to see whether the plan includes prescription mail order delivery pharmacies in the network.     

For more information about plans that include prescription mail order delivery pharmacies in their networks, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or go to Medicare.gov.     

To learn about Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or call 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Additional Information: Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization and a stand-alone PDP prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

Scott Greenwell, PharmD., is President of Humana Pharmacy Solutions, where he oversees the health plan’s pharmacy solutions. He is based in Louisville, KY. Y0040_GCHLPSGEN_M

(NewsUSA) - Mammograms. Colonoscopies. Dental Cleanings. There are many diagnostic exams that we may not enjoy; however, we follow the prescribed regimen for our health and well-being. Health experts are encouraging families and older adults to take the same approach to a newly recommended examination that many adults are avoiding: the Elderoscopy.   

 An Elderoscopy is an important assessment that examines living and financial issues, health, relationships, driving and end-of-life plans. Older adults and their loved ones may avoid conversations about taboo aging topics because they fear the subject is too uncomfortable or sensitive. In fact, research from Home Instead, Inc. and The Marist College Poll shows that nearly 1 in 6 Americans would rather have a colonoscopy than discuss end-of-life plans with their loved ones.     

“It can be difficult, especially for adult children, to accept that their loved ones are getting older,” says Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead.     

“But it’s important that families don’t wait until there is an emergency to put plans in place. With proper preparation, families can alleviate stress and the uneasiness that may arise when planning for the future.”     

Many families prioritize conversations about their wills and other plans for after death.     

Just as important, an Elderoscopy conversation is about living. It is about understanding older loved ones’ wishes and empowering them to live life to the fullest and age with dignity and respect. Hogan Eichenberger recommends the following tips when starting these discussions:       

Keep an open mind: Certain topics, such as how and when to stop driving or where to live, may evoke an emotional reaction. Try to put yourself in an older adult’s position, and seek to understand by listening to their concerns. Be mindful not to get offended by what you hear.     

Don’t dwell on uncomfortable discussions. Unless there is a time constraint, it may be best to return to a certain topic that is causing angst at a later time. Recognize that this is an ongoing discussion and that wishes should be revisited periodically. Ultimately, developing plans for aging should bring a sense of calm and assurance to all parties involved, knowing that the wishes of a loved one are understood.     

Express your own wishes. It may be easier for an older adult to talk through what they desire for their final years if the conversation feels like a two-way street. Discuss how you envision aging when posing questions to your loved ones.     

Bring conversation starters. Photos and family heirlooms can open the door to a conversation about aging plans and alleviate some of the pressure of having sensitive conversations. Older adults may enjoy reminiscing about the past while they talk about what’s next.     

While older adults may plan carefully for the financial aspects of retirement and what they will do with their free time, many often fall short of planning ahead for their later years. To help guide families in talking with older loved ones, Home Instead developed Elderoscopy. The program includes tools for families to initiate conversations around aging and identify their current planning needs.       

While an Elderoscopy is not an official medical procedure, it is a critical step in the aging process. For more information on personalized care provided by local Home Instead offices and resources for conversations about final wishes, visit: www.HomeInstead.com/Elderoscopy.

(NewsUSA) - In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, a majority of Americans report pain, but most are smart about safety when it comes to pain relief, including products with acetaminophen, a common active ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.     

Approximately two-thirds of American adults report ongoing pain in 2022, up 12 percent since 2019, according to results of a new survey conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation.     

Nearly 80 percent of the survey respondents report that their usage of OTC pain relievers has either stayed the same or increased over the past two years. Additionally, nearly 90 percent say they “always check the label of acetaminophen products to find the maximum daily dose,” an increase from 85 percent in 2019.     

The CHPA Educational Foundation has conducted a survey about consumers’ knowledge of acetaminophen safe use and the risks of misuse every three years since 2010. The survey results are being released in June to coincide with National Safety Month for an added opportunity to encourage and practice medicine safety with products containing acetaminophen.   

“With self-reported pain on the rise, consumers are turning to safe pain relief options now more than ever,” says Mary Leonard, managing director of the CHPA Educational Foundation. “It is encouraging to see consumers understanding how to safely choose and use products containing acetaminophen, and we know that educational initiatives have played a critical role in this increasing awareness,” she adds.     

“These efforts are bolstered by our long-standing participation in the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC),” according to Leonard, which is a group of leading health, healthcare provider and consumer organizations, including the CHPA Educational Foundation. The AAC established the “Know Your Dose” campaign in 2011 to educate consumers on how to safely use medicines containing acetaminophen. “We are thrilled to see education appears to be working,” she adds.     

Other encouraging findings from the survey show that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of adults in 2022 agree with the statement “two different acetaminophen medicines should never be taken together,” an increase from 56 percent in 2019. Also, 91 percent of respondents strongly agree they “Carefully consider how many acetaminophen pills or doses to take,” an increase from 89 percent in 2019.     

The results reflect the efforts of the AAC and the Know Your Dose campaign, which have reached millions of consumers and healthcare providers since 2011 with safe-use messages and free educational resources in both English and Spanish.   

 For more information, visit knowyourdose.org.