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Over the past 10 years, researchers have learned Alzheimer’s disease starts much earlier than the onset of symptoms – 10-20 years before an individual, family member or friend might notice the signs of the debilitating disease. Researchers are looking for a diverse group of people ages 50 or older who have normal thinking and memory function.How the Internet Can Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
(Family Features) Over the past 10 years, researchers have learned Alzheimer’s disease starts much earlier than the onset of symptoms – 10-20 years before an individual, family member or friend might notice the signs of the debilitating disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.5 million Americans, of all races and ethnicities, age 65 and older currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, which is expected to grow to more than 7 million people by 2025. The first-of-its-kind Alzheimer Prevention Trials Webstudy (APT Webstudy), funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to increase the pace of research by enlisting thousands of healthy volunteers who can quickly be enrolled in clinical trials focused on preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Enrollees in the APT Webstudy can use the internet to help stop the disease while being alerted to changes in their own memory function. “In order to change the lives of the numerous people and their loved ones who will be affected by Alzheimer’s, we need everyone to get involved with prevention efforts,” said Paul Aisen, MD, co-principal investigator of the APT Webstudy. “The bigger the army of volunteers, the faster we can work to prevent this terrible disease.” Volunteers can access the Webstudy when and where it is convenient for them, such as on their computer or tablet, or even a public library; anywhere they can access the internet. Volunteers participate in regular online memory testing. If there is a change in memory function, eligible volunteers are alerted and may be invited to a no-cost, in-person evaluation at one of the research sites across the country. “This is an opportunity for everyone to help future generations avoid the suffering caused by Alzheimer’s,” Aisen said. “With enough volunteers, we will be one step closer to seeing the first Alzheimer’s survivor.” Researchers are looking for a diverse group of people ages 50 or older who have normal thinking and memory function. Volunteers must be willing to answer a few questions about their family and medical history and provide information about their lifestyles. Volunteers will take online memory tests every three months, each one about 20 minutes long. If you are interested in participating, visit aptwebstudy.org to learn more. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Alzheimer’s Prevention Trials
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Why home delivery of prescription medications may be a very smart - and money saving - move for you!
One big change transforming how we receive health care services is home delivery of prescription medications. But is this option right for you? Susan Peppers, vice president of pharmacy practice at Express Scripts, answers the six most frequently asked questions about home delivery for prescription medications.
(BPT) - In recent years, technology has changed every aspect of our daily life. We interact with friends and family on social media, use the GPS to guide us to our desired destination, and products we buy online are delivered right to our home.
One big change transforming how we receive health care services is home delivery of prescription medications. But is this option right for you? Susan Peppers, vice president of pharmacy practice at Express Scripts, answers the six most frequently asked questions about home delivery for prescription medications. 1. Is home delivery an option for the medications I take on a regular basis? Home delivery is best used when you are on medications for a chronic condition because it removes the burden of remembering to get a prescription refilled by the patient and encourages adherence to the prescribed therapy. These drugs, which can also be referred to as maintenance medications, are the ones your doctor prescribes to manage long-term health conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. 2. Could I save money through home delivery? Yes. When using home delivery for your prescription medications you will receive a 90-day supply. This could save up to approximately 66 percent in out-of-pocket expenses when compared to the cost of filling prescriptions at retail. With no-cost standard shipping, home delivery could be a great way to also save on gas costs associated with the trip to the pharmacy. 3. What if I have questions about my medications? Home delivery pharmacies include 24/7 access to specialist pharmacists, trained in chronic and complex diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, available online or on the phone. A pharmacist can answer questions regarding your medication or a reaction you may be having to your medication all in the privacy and convenience of your home. These pharmacists are also at work behind the scenes reviewing prescriptions before they are dispensed to prevent the possibility of harmful interactions. 4. Will I get my next prescription on time? Medications are automatically sent in advance of when your previous prescription will run out and usually delivered within four days. You can also call or go online to check on the status of your order. If you are traveling for an extended period within the U.S., you could request the medication be delivered to the address where you will be staying. 5. Why can home delivery be good for my health? In addition to saving time and money, studies have shown that home delivery can improve adherence to medications. Adherence, or taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor, is one of the most important things you can do to manage chronic conditions and improve your health outcomes. 6. How do I make sure my temperature-sensitive medication is properly managed through home delivery? Temperature-protective coolers can ensure medications stay within a safe temperature range — even if the package is sitting outside for several hours after delivery. At Express Scripts we use new technology that takes into consideration the acceptable temperature range for each medication and the entire forecasted weather patterns that the medication will pass through along its journey to the patient’s home to determine how and when to deliver the medication. “A home delivery pharmacy is a great alternative for those wanting to save money on their prescription medications,” said Peppers. “With a dispensing accuracy rate that is greater than 99.9995 percent, and leading-edge systems and technology that carefully monitors each prescription, we are proud to continue forging new paths in healthcare.”
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Angela, an early-stage breast cancer patient, used the test to inform her treatment.
While no two breast cancer patients — or their tumors — are alike, there is only one predictive genomic test to help doctors prescribe individualized treatment with definitive information about the benefit of chemotherapy. The test, which is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance providers, can help patients with early-stage breast cancer determine if they are among the approximately 70,000 women each year who can avoid chemotherapy and its unnecessary side effects while still receiving effective treatment.
(BPT) - New results from the largest ever clinical study of early-stage breast cancer patients are changing the game when it comes to who should receive chemotherapy treatment.
The study, called TAILORx (Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx)), used the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® genomic test to determine exactly who will benefit from treatment with chemotherapy. Approximately 260,000 women are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer each year in the U.S., and each of them must decide if chemotherapy is necessary to treat their disease or if they can be effectively treated with hormone therapy alone. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the groundbreaking study clearly identified that 70 percent of women with early-stage breast cancer receive no benefit from chemotherapy and the minority of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving. Dr. Ray Lin, co-director of the Breast Cancer Program at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center in San Diego and one of the principal investigators of the study, has been using the test to inform personalized treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients at his medical practice for several years. “The recent results, which studied more than 10,000 women, are changing the way that doctors around the world treat the disease by making regular use of the Oncotype DX test in breast cancer diagnosis and individualized treatment,” said Lin. With this new information, doctors can now provide patients with a clear yes or no recommendation about undergoing chemotherapy based on their genomic test score. Used for early-stage breast cancer patients, the test assesses the level of activity of 21 cancer-related genes generating a Recurrence Score result — a number between 0 and 100. A Recurrence Score result in the range of 0-25 means that cancer is less likely to come back if treated with hormonal therapy alone and that chemotherapy will not change the clinical outcomes in most patients over hormonal treatment. A Recurrence Score result in the range 26-100 suggests a greater risk that cancer will come back, and that chemotherapy is very likely to provide substantial benefit in reducing this risk in addition to hormone therapy. At age 42, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer after her annual mammogram. Following a mastectomy, her doctor recommended hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. She was hesitant to pursue chemotherapy after learning about its immediate side effects and potential long-term effects. As a mother of four, she was worried that chemo would inhibit her ability to care for her family and her parents, who relied on her. Then, her friend suggested she ask her doctor about the test to help her make a more informed decision about whether or not to undergo chemotherapy. “My Oncotype DX score was a 22 and provided me with information I could count on to create an optimal treatment plan for my cancer, giving me increased confidence to forgo chemotherapy,” said Angela. She recommends checking out www.mybreastcancertreatment.org to learn more about her story and for patient-friendly resources on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. While no two breast cancer patients — or their tumors — are alike, there is only one predictive genomic test to help doctors prescribe individualized treatment with definitive information about the benefit of chemotherapy. The test, which is covered by Medicare and most private health insurance providers, can help patients with early-stage breast cancer determine if they are among the approximately 70,000 women each year who can avoid chemotherapy and its unnecessary side effects while still receiving effective treatment. Patients and caregivers can visit http://www.mybreastcancertreatment.org/ to determine if they are eligible for the test and for resources to help explain treatment options and prepare for appointments. KEYWORDS
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Helpful Tips to Choose the Right Doctor for You and Your Family
Choosing a new doctor is an important decision that nearly everyone experiences at one time or another, whether it’s finding a new family physician or pediatrician after a move or searching for a specialist after being diagnosed with a condition such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer. This information can help you find the right physician for your and your family.
Choosing the Right Doctor for You and Your Family
(Family Features) What matters to you when finding a doctor to treat you or your family members? A recent survey commissioned by the American Board of Medical Specialties found that four out of five people ranked Board Certification as an important factor when selecting a doctor, second only to whether the doctor is covered by their insurance. Choosing a new doctor is an important decision that nearly everyone experiences at one time or another, whether it’s finding a new family physician or pediatrician after a move or searching for a specialist after being diagnosed with a condition such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer. When selecting a physician, you want to know the doctor you choose is qualified and that you and your family will receive the best care. Board Certified doctors hold themselves to a higher standard and have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in their specialty. This higher standard has been found to be important to patients. “Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your health,” said Richard E. Hawkins, MD, president and chief executive officer, American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the leading not-for-profit organization overseeing physician certification in the United States. “Today’s patients have a greater expectation for quality. Board Certified physicians offer people confidence that their doctor has the specialized knowledge, skills and clinical judgment to provide the high-quality care they expect and deserve.” 
What is Board Certification?
To find a Board Certified doctor near you, visit CertificationMatters.org. Photos courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:American Board of Medical Specialties KEYWORDS
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Exciting new research on how Nicotine may help treat memory loss
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is testing whether the nicotine patch can improve memory and functioning in people who have mild memory loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Nicotine to Help Treat Memory Loss?
(Family Features) A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is testing whether the nicotine patch can improve memory and functioning in people who have mild memory loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The largest and longest running study of its kind, the MIND (Memory Improvement through Nicotine Dosing) Study is looking for 300 volunteers at sites across the United States who have mild memory loss but are otherwise healthy, non-smokers over the age of 55. “The MIND Study will provide valuable information for researchers with regard to early memory loss that is associated with normal aging and early Alzheimer’s disease, but we need volunteers if we are going to succeed,” said Dr. Paul Newhouse, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine and lead investigator for the MIND Study. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in five people age 65 or older have mild memory loss or MCI and are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Currently, there is no FDA-approved medication indicated to treat this condition; however, nicotine stimulates an area in the brain known to be important for thinking and memory, and scientists believe it could be an effective treatment for adults with MCI. “People often think nicotine is addictive and harmful because it is in tobacco products, but it’s safe when used in patch form,” Newhouse said. “Nicotine is an inexpensive, readily available treatment that could have significant benefits for people experiencing mild memory impairment.” The MIND Study needs 300 people to enroll in sites across the United States. Researchers are looking for healthy, non-smoking adults over the age of 55 who are in the earliest stages of memory loss to participate in the MIND Study.
Potential study volunteers can learn more by visiting MINDStudy.org or calling 1-866-MIND-150. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Memory Improvement through Nicotine Dosing (MIND) KEYWORDS
Could you have a heart attack? Reduce your odds through these tips.
(BPT) - Many Americans consider themselves well-informed and attentive when it comes to their health.
That’s why it's so puzzling that many remain unfazed by the threat of heart disease. That was among the findings of the MDVIP Heart Attack IQ Survey, a national study showing Americans are more concerned about cancer than a heart attack — even though cardiovascular disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, heart disease is the underlying cause of one in three U.S. deaths. Many Americans don’t take it seriously because they believe most heart problems can be treated with medication or surgery, while others simply procrastinate when it comes to adopting healthier behaviors that help prevent heart disease. As a result, many are surprised when faced with a life-threatening heart attack, which can happen to anyone at any age. While the average age for a first attack is 66 for men and 70 for women, the risk increases significantly as soon as men reach 45 and women reach 55. “Despite the statistics, people assume a heart attack is going to happen to somebody else, but not to them,” said MDVIP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrea Klemes. “Heart disease can be dangerously silent, which is why it’s important to know your risk factors and the steps you can take to minimize them.” Gloom and doom aside, awareness of the issue is the first step, and there is much you can do to prevent heart disease. Some 80 percent of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Consider these suggestions for reducing your risk of heart attack: * Partner with your primary. Your primary care doctor is your first line of defense in helping prevent heart disease. Make sure you partner with a physician who has the time to identify and discuss your risk in detail, who will work on a plan to control your risk factors and who can provide ongoing support to keep you motivated and accountable. Physicians like those in the MDVIP network maintain smaller practices so that they can devote more time to each patient and provide the coaching needed to keep them on track. * Stay up to date on screenings. When’s the last time you had your blood pressure and cholesterol checked? But don’t stop at the basics. Most heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. You also want to get a read on whether you have inflammation in your arteries or insulin resistance, both of which raise your heart disease risk. You can only act on what you know, and knowing your numbers is key to early detection. * Make heart-healthy changes. Creating and sustaining healthy lifestyle habits can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar in check and lower your risk for heart disease. So don’t skip your exercise, weight management or smoking cessation programs. Just make sure you consult with your doctor before changing your diet or beginning a new exercise program. * Sleep more, stress less. While often overlooked, insufficient sleep and excessive stress can put strain on your heart over time. Both can also influence your eating habits, mood and overall health. Most adults need seven to nine hours per night; if you’re getting that and still feel tired, consider asking your doctor for a sleep apnea test. Also, try starting a regular practice — whether it’s a yoga class, deep breathing or a daily walk outside — to better manage stress. Take the Heart Attack IQ quiz and learn more about finding a preventive physician by visiting www.mdvip.com/HeartAttackIQ.
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There is little information available about epithelioid sarcoma. Patients, advocates, doctors and researchers across the United States are aiming to educate people about this ultra-rare cancer and the unmet need for an effective, tumor-specific treatment. Consider these facts about ES.The Rarest of the Rare
What to know about a cancer you may not have heard of(Family Features) A woman celebrating her 40th birthday, a young boy starting second grade or a college grad about to begin his career. All three could develop a rare form of cancer known as epithelioid sarcoma (ES), a form of soft-tissue sarcoma. What are Soft-Tissue Sarcomas and What is Epithelioid Sarcoma? How Rare is Rare? According to the American Cancer Society, a rare cancer is defined as fewer than six new diagnoses per 100,000 people per year. ES is an ultra-rare cancer. According to available epidemiology and case reports, it is estimated about 600 people are properly diagnosed in the U.S. and Europe each year. What are the Most Common Types of ES and How Do They Impact Diagnosis?
Dealing with a Diagnosis? For people faced with a sarcoma diagnosis, it’s important to get a second opinion from a sarcoma specialist. These specialists have extensive knowledge of STS and can determine what form of sarcoma one may have, what stage it is and the best course of treatment. The specialist may confirm the diagnosis with a physical examination, a scan or a tissue sample (biopsy) of the area. It’s common to feel a range of emotions after a diagnosis of ES, according to Clear View Health Partners, including:
What Treatment Options are Available? For patients with early stage ES, many elect to have surgery to remove the tumor, which may precede or be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatment, according to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. If the cancer returns or spreads, a patient may undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy. New treatment options are being studied through clinical research, which is why seeking a specialist in the field is important if one is faced with a diagnosis. As with many cancers, early detection is important and can increase survival or successful treatment. Typically, the distal form of ES is associated with more favorable survival rates than the proximal form. 4 Things to Do to Address ES Today 1. Don’t ignore your bumps and lumps, see a doctor as soon as possible. 2. Learn more about epithelioid sarcoma and its symptoms. 3. Seek a second opinion. 4. Find support if you’re faced with a diagnosis. 
An ES Diagnosis JourneyIn the spring of 2008, Maria Voermans’ 4-year-old daughter requested an “airplane ride,” and as Voermans lifted the young girl up with her legs, she had to make an “emergency landing” because of some sudden and significant pain in her upper right thigh. After a few months, the pain persisted. Voermans continued to jog and play sand volleyball, thinking nothing of it. At the recommendation of her primary care physician, she took some anti-inflammatories and tried to rest, which wasn’t easy to do as a single mother of two young children. Two more months went by and her leg caused increasing problems. She could feel something in her leg, but never considered it a “lump” because it was not visible on the outside. Voermans took matters into her own hands and visited a sports medicine orthopedic specialist for further testing. An MRI found a mass in her right leg and she was referred to one of the few musculoskeletal oncologists in Wisconsin, her home state. He ordered a biopsy, which on Voermans’ youngest daughter’s third birthday confirmed her worst fear: it was a rare form of cancer called proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma, and it was stage three. Her biggest concern was not living to experience future holidays, birthdays, graduations and other life milestones with her daughters. Voermans underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and had surgery to remove the tumor. As of July 2018, Voermans reports the cancer has not returned. Today, she’s a wellness coordinator supporting other people diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing treatment or post-treatment. She’s able to use her own cancer journey to provide empathy to others, and it’s brought satisfaction to the whole experience. Content courtesy of Epizyme, Inc. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Doctor talking to man) SOURCE:Epizyme, Inc. KEYWORDS
Don't let a trip to the gym lead to a bout with the flu....or MRSA!
(BPT) - In the winter, we tend to be in closer quarters indoors and constantly around friends and family. It is important to be conscious of infectious diseases, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which are spreading rapidly among public places like gyms and schools. MRSA prevention should continue at home, especially for groups at higher risk, like student athletes.
Taking simple measures at home and on-the-go can help you to protect and safeguard your health, environment and family from dangerous bacteria and viruses, including MRSA, this season. Clorox teamed up with Jeanine Thomas, MRSA survivor and founder of MRSA Survivors Network; former NFL player Brandon Noble, who has been personally affected by MRSA; and Saskia v. Popescu, hospital epidemiologist and infection preventionist, to share the following expert tips: 1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds — the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice — or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. “Winter is a prime season for stomach bugs and diarrheal illness, so it’s important to stay vigilant with hand hygiene,” said Popescu. Be extra cautious in public settings like gyms, locker rooms, households and schools, where these viruses are increasingly spreading. 2. Keep to yourself and do not share personal items, such as towels or razors, which contact bare skin. MRSA is easily spread by skin-to-skin contact or touching contaminated items or surfaces. It is also resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. 3. Act fast and take care of cuts and open wounds by covering them up with a clean, dry bandage until healed. Seek a medical professional if the wound worsens or doesn’t heal quickly. “When I contracted MRSA, it changed my life. I had no idea such a disease existed and would pose as a threat to my career, health and overall well-being,” said Noble. 4. Use a barrier, such as a towel or clothing, between skin and shared equipment at the gym. MRSA prevention should continue at home, especially for groups at higher risk like student athletes, as MRSA bacteria can remain on surfaces after someone touches them, making it possible for someone else to pick them up. 5. Regularly clean countertops and other surfaces in your home. “Keeping your germs at bay in the kitchen is easy,” said Thomas. “Just mix 1/2 cup bleach with one gallon of water, wipe surfaces and leave solution on for 5 minutes and then rinse.” The CDC recommends disinfecting surfaces which are likely to contact skin with an EPA-registered disinfectant, like Clorox Regular Bleach with Cloromax. MRSA is one common superbug that can be potentially deadly. Caused by a type of staph bacteria often found on the skin and in the nose, MRSA is easily spread by skin-to-skin contact or touching contaminated items or surfaces. It is also resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 72,444 infections and 9,194 MRSA-related deaths each year in the U.S alone. “In 2000, I had ankle surgery and ended up infected with the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA. The infection spread to my bone marrow and bloodstream and required many surgeries and rehabilitation,” said Thomas. “Since then I have been dedicated to advocating for patients and families to help inform them and bring awareness of the disease and prevention measures to the general public.” “I wish I had known the simple ways to prevent the spread of this disease, like I do now, as that could have made all the difference,” said Noble. As germs and illnesses spread quickly, especially in close-proximity areas, taking proactive steps to prevent common viruses and bacteria from spreading in the home, at schools and in locker rooms is more important than ever. Learn more on how to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, such as MRSA, at Clorox.com.
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