(BPT) - Self-care is such a popular buzzword that it can be hard to understand what the term means, let alone what counts as self-care. Broadly speaking, self-care is anything you do to care for your …

(BPT) - Heart health is an important issue for everyone but is a particular concern for the Hispanic community. According to the American Heart Association, 52% of Hispanic men and 43% of Hispanic women nationwide have a form of heart disease, which can often lead to death.

Celebrity chef, cookbook author and "Despierta América" star Jesus Diaz (AKA Chef Yisus) personally knows that behind these statistics are tragic family stories. Having recently lost his own mother due to related health issues, Chef Yisus is helping to spread awareness on this issue and urge the Hispanic community to think about what they consume in their day-to-day. That's why in honor of Cholesterol Education Month, he's teamed up with Mazola^® Corn Oil to share easy-to-make recipes anyone can make, like the following Reina Pepiada Arepas, which replaces lard with corn oil.

A simple and effective change you can make this Cholesterol Education Month is to simply replace lard, butter, margarine or other higher saturated fat oils with heart-healthy¹ Mazola^® Corn Oil, which has natural cholesterol-blocking plant sterols that can help protect you from bad cholesterol². In fact, Corn Oil has the highest amount of naturally occurring plant sterols per serving compared to any other popular cooking oil, containing three times more cholesterol-blocking plant sterols than olive oil and 40% more than canola oil³, a win-win for the whole family!

Reina Pepiada arepas

Prep time: 10-15 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes; Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

Arepas

• 2 cups of precooked white cornmeal flour
• 2 cups of water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 cup of Mazola^® Corn Oil

Chicken-Avocado Salad (Filling)

• 1 large ripe avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 medium white or red onion, finely diced
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Arepas

1. Preheat the oven to 305°F.
2. Combine the arepa flour with the salt and the water in a large bowl. Spread your fingers apart and make a claw with one hand and start circling the flour mixture. Make a fist a couple of times to bring the clumps of dough together, then squeeze to break apart any remaining larger dough pebbles.
3. Poke a couple of holes in the dough and add the 1/4 cup of Mazola^® Corn Oil, then knead again. The goal is to get the dough dry enough so it doesn't stick to your hands or the side of the bowl, but not so dry that it cracks when you squeeze a little chunk of it between your fingers. If necessary, add 2 more tablespoons of water and knead to combine one more time.
4. Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spread with a Mazola^® oiled paper towel.
5. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces — each should weigh about 4 1/2 ounces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a disk about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1 inch tall.
6. Working in batches, if necessary, place the disks in a single layer in the skillet and cook until a golden-brown crust has formed on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side, 5 minutes more. Re-oil the skillet for each additional batch.
7. Place the arepas directly on the oven racks and bake until crusty all over and the insides feel slightly hollowed out, 20 to 25 minutes.

Chicken-Avocado Salad (Filling)

1. Combine the avocado and lime juice in a medium bowl and mix, mashing the avocado with a fork as necessary.
2. Stir in the onion, chicken, cilantro, a sprinkle of pepper and a generous sprinkle of salt.
3. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
4. Serve on top or in the arepas.

To view this recipe (and others), find more inspiration, and learn more about how you can incorporate heart-healthy¹ Mazola^® Corn Oil into recipes this Cholesterol Education Month, visit www.Mazola.com.

DISCLAIMERS:

¹Very limited and preliminary scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 tablespoon (16 grams) of Corn Oil daily may reduce the risk of heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in Corn Oil. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim. To achieve this possible benefit, Corn Oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One serving of this product contains 14 grams of Corn Oil.

²USDA FoodData Central (2019). Corn oil has plant sterols content of 135.6 mg/serving vs. 29.8 mg/serving for olive oil. Based on analysis of corn oil and April 2019 USDA FoodData Central data for olive oil.

³Based on analysis of corn oil and 2013 USDA comparison of other cooking oils: Corn Oil has plant sterols content of 135.6 mg/serving vs. 30.0 mg/serving for Olive Oil, 40.8 mg/serving for Vegetable Oil and 93.9 mg/serving for Canola Oil.

It’s rare to attend an outdoor party in warm weather without hearing people complain about mosquitoes. They swat away, sit in campfire smoke, cover up with blankets and eventually just give up and go indoors. On the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of people who don’t seem bothered by mosquitoes in the slightest.

(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges and altered ways of living across the globe. Now, more than two years later, the effects are still felt widely. Many non-emergent clinical services were limited or suspended during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which may have adversely impacted epidemics of public health importance, such as HIV, and access to testing, which is a cornerstone of prevention efforts.^[1] While adjusting to a new normal, it’s time to reprioritize making routine HIV screening a normal and important part of self-care.

In 2019, an estimated one in eight people living with HIV in the US were unaware of their status,^[2] and in 2016 nearly 80 percent of new HIV infections were transmitted by people who didn’t know they had HIV or were not in care.^[3] Further, HIV diagnoses have greatly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[4] According to a recent analysis, the number of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded HIV tests conducted by the country’s health departments plunged by nearly half from 2019 to 2020.^[5] Another report indicates that HIV diagnoses dropped by 17% from 2019 to 2020, after declining by no more than 3% annually since 2016, likely due to disruptions to HIV-related services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.⁴

To help normalize HIV testing, Gilead launched Press Play, a resource to encourage routine testing as a regular part of self-care and help deter negative emotions or stigma associated with HIV screenings. HIV testing is for everyone – the CDC recommends people between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and some people may benefit from getting tested more often.^[6] Press Play provides information about what you can expect during an HIV test, next steps to take after a test, and other tools – including options for finding an HIV testing site or ordering a free at-home test – to help make test taking easier.

“With Press Play, our goal is to normalize routine HIV screening as an important part of self-care by providing resources to help you get tested and information on your options once you have your test results – no matter the outcome,” said David Malebranche, MD, MPH, Senior Director of Global HIV Medical Affairs at Gilead. “Once you know your HIV status, you’re on your way to moving forward. You can connect with your HCP to understand options to help prevent or treat HIV.”

While it’s natural to feel nervous about getting tested for HIV, no matter the test result, there is power in knowing your HIV status. By knowing your status, you are better equipped to discuss prevention or treatment options with a health care provider. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, there are several options available to help prevent or treat HIV.

The only way to know your HIV status is through testing. It’s time to reintroduce testing into self-care routines and work together to help put an end to the HIV epidemic. To learn more about HIV testing, find HIV testing sites, or order a free at-home test, visit Press Play’s website at hivtestnow.com.

(BPT) - For U.S. Air Force Veteran and father, Juan Reyes, being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was a “devastating blow.” Reyes, who had just adopted three children, knew his diagnosis would redefine their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, ALS — more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease — is an incurable, progressive disease of the nervous system that leads to muscle weakness and eventual loss of function including walking, speaking, swallowing, eating and breathing. Veterans, like Reyes, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS than those who have not served in the military. Despite the difficult news, Reyes and his family made a conscious choice to “embrace their now” and live each day with purpose and happiness.

“We had a choice to make — allow ALS to consume us, or live our lives boldly,” says Reyes. “We could have lost control of our future had we decided to let ALS be our compass. This disease infiltrates many aspects of our lives, yet we simply don’t let it consume us.”

To fully “embrace their now,” Reyes and his family have decided to create unforgettable memories together by traveling and going on adventures with each other. In fact, together with his wife and caregiver, Meg, Reyes is taking a series of RV trips across the U.S. this year to help spread awareness of ALS and meet others living with the disease. Acting as an advocate and mentor, Reyes is open about his experience with ALS, sharing what he's learned along his journey, to help encourage others to “embrace their now.”

Reyes and his family are focused on making the most of every moment they have with each other, and they encourage others living with this fatal disease to do the same. Here are five tips from Reyes that help him cope:

1. Live in the present

“Embrace your now,” without worrying too much about the future. This mindset can help you “take life by the horns” and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones.

“Everything else takes a back seat to being present. This is not complicated, but it can be difficult for some,” Reyes says. “Being present means exactly that, nothing more: visiting, helping, learning. Enjoy your life the best you can.”

2. Be open about ALS

Don’t avoid difficult topics when it comes to ALS, but instead, have very honest, real conversations with your family — even with children.

“Our family is very pragmatic — we just say that ALS is something Dad has,” Reyes explains. “My wife and I choose to remain in control by talking about and communicating all aspects of this disease with our children.”

3. Accept support from others

ALS brings a multitude of changes for the person living with the disease and their families. Willing to be open and accept help and support from others can make a huge difference.

“ALS impacts your physical, emotional and mental health,” Reyes says. “But there is one aspect that can impact all of the above: self-imposed isolation. Accepting support from family, friends and my community has helped reduce my feelings of isolation.”

4. Partner with healthcare providers

Stay actively engaged with your healthcare team. Communicate frequently and discuss treatment options with your providers so they can help to find the best treatment options for you.

“Once the gravity of ALS settles in, allow yourself to catch your breath, then start planning with your healthcare team,” advises Reyes. “Your plan should encompass solutions for daily living, long-term arrangements, and treatment options.”

“When the prescription drug RADICAVA^® (edaravone) came up, we discussed pursuing this course. My doctor and I reviewed the benefits and risks of treatment, and while RADICAVA is not a cure, it has been shown to help slow the decline of physical function in a medical study,” says Reyes. “I felt comfortable moving forward with this option, but I encourage anyone diagnosed with ALS to actively work with their doctor on a treatment plan that’s right for them.”

RADICAVA^® and RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone) are indicated for the treatment of ALS. Do not receive RADICAVA^® or RADICAVA^® ORS if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS. See IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION below.

5. Share Your ALS Story

People in the ALS community have a lot to share. Questions and fears, as well as stories of courage and hope. Whether someone living with ALS is searching for more answers about the disease, or for new ways to live each day with purpose, hearing from others with similar experiences may make a world of difference. The Share Your Story program allows real people living with ALS and/or their caregivers to share their own experiences of living with ALS and why treatment with RADICAVA^® (edaravone) matters to them.

Sharing your story could help you cope with ALS through self-expression. "Releasing my thoughts, feelings and emotions about the disease has given me a sense of relief," Reyes noted.

Whether you Share Your Story by video or post, you could help others who live with ALS feel like they’re part of a larger community of support and understanding.

“I share my story because I want more people living with ALS to feel inspired and to understand they are not alone,” says Reyes. “By sharing your story, you could make an impact on how others live with ALS, too.”

Interested in sharing your experience with others? Call a JourneyMate^TM Resource Specialist toll-free 1-855-457-6968 or visit www.ShareYourALSStory.com to sign-up for a chance to share your story.

In addition to sharing his experiences online, Reyes will continue to share his story with others as he travels around the country. “I try to be as optimistic as possible. 'How?' you may ask? My answer is, 'Why the heck not!'” said Reyes. “Let me be clear though, it is immensely difficult to maintain a healthy outlook with such a relentless disease. Just know you are not alone on this journey.”

This content is sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and is intended for U.S. audiences only. Juan Reyes is an actual patient and is being compensated by MTPA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive RADICAVA (edaravone) or RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS.

Before you take RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma
• are allergic to other medicines.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS passes into your breastmilk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS or breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS?

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS may cause serious side effects, including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

• Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA or taking RADICAVA ORS and can happen after your medicine has been given.
• RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects and allergic reactions.

The most common side effects include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch or Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058.

INDICATION

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

For more information, including full Prescribing Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com.