(NewsUSA) - Like many veterans, Brian Owens, 53 from Kentucky, knows all too well that the invisible burdens of military service can linger long after the uniform comes off. For Brian, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, it was his heart that felt the ongoing impacts the most.  

Veterans face an increased risk of developing hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, a condition that affects an estimated 37% of the U.S. veteran population.¹ Research from a large cohort study found that both combat exposure and combat injury were associated with higher odds of developing hypertension.² For Brian, this is significant as men are already more likely to develop high blood pressure - 50.8% of adult men compared to 44.6% of women - and face greater cardiovascular risk over time.³

Treating hypertension early on is essential as the condition can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns if left untreated.^4,5 Brian’s treatment journey started like most do, being prescribed medication for high blood pressure and making changes to his diet and exercise routine. For Brian, the medication was helpful at first, but over time, his blood pressure increased, even with multiple prescriptions. “I was on five or six different medications at one point,” Brian recalls. "I was doing what I was supposed to, but I wasn’t getting better.” 

Brian’s experience reflects a wider problem: controlling the “silent killer” is often elusive, and medication is not always enough. In fact, up to 50% of patients can’t maintain a routine to take medication within one year.^6,7 

After years of trying and seeing little progress, Brian started to feel helpless - like blood pressure control was out of reach. While working at Norton Healthcare, Brian ran into Dr. Matthew Sousa, an interventional cardiologist, who helped him seek answers for his uncontrolled high blood pressure. Dr. Sousa and Debbie Davis, a nurse manager at Norton Healthcare, helped him learn more about his treatment options and ultimately decide on a path forward.  

“After telling Debbie and Dr. Sousa my story and concerns, they asked if I’d be open to a new procedure that could help,” Brian said. After discussing his options with his doctor and seeing if he would be a good candidate, Brian decided to move forward with a minimally invasive treatment called the Symplicity^TM blood pressure procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy to calm overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to high blood pressure.⁸ 

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which uses the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, can help reduce blood pressure numbers when other options, such as lifestyle changes and medications, haven’t worked. In fact, at three years, the average number of patients taking medication saw an 18.5 mmHg reduction in office blood pressure, although results may vary.⁹ The procedure may deliver sustained blood pressure reduction.^{**10, 11} 

Since having the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, Brian has experienced a reduction in his blood pressure.*** Now, Brian is sharing his story in hopes of helping others, especially fellow veterans. “It’s something a lot of veterans are dealing with, but don’t talk about,” he said. “If my experience can help someone else ask the right questions or explore new options, it’s worth it.” 

Between volunteering with Toys for Tots, raising two daughters, and staying active through competitive shooting, Brian is embracing a new chapter with renewed energy and a healthier outlook on life. 

To learn more about renal denervation and the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, visit beyondHBP.com. Risks associated with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure include, but are not limited to, pain and bruising. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about treatment options. 

*Brian has received compensation in the past from Medtronic for sharing his experience with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.  

**Data available through three years.  

***This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure. However, individual results may vary.   

1 American Heart Association Newsroom. Joining Forces to Address Hypertension Among Veterans in Las Vegas. https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/joining-forces-to-address-hypertension-among-veterans-in-las-vegas. Published March 8, 2023 
2. Howard, J. T., Stewart, I. J., Kolaja, C. A., Sosnov, J. A., Rull, R. P., Torres, I., Janak, J. C., Walker, L. E., Trone, D. W., & Armenta, R. F. (2020). Hypertension in military veterans is associated with combat exposure and combat injury. Journal of hypertension, 38(7), 1293–1301. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000002364 
3 Fryar, C. D., Kit, B. K., Carroll, M. D., & Afful, J. (2024, October). Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among adults aged 18 and over: United States, August 2021–August 2023 (NCHS Data Brief No. 511). National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db511.pdf 
4 Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678. 
5 High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024. 
6 Jung O, Gechter JL, Wunder C, et al. Resistant hypertension? Assessment of adherence by toxicological urine analysis. J Hypertens. 2013 Apr;31(4):766-74. 
7 Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306. 
8 Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177. 
9 Kandzari, DE. SPYRAL HTN-ON MED 3 Year Data. Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference. October 2025. 
10 Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, Kario K, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. April 9, 2022;399(10333):1401–1410. 
11 Mahfoud F, Mancia G, Schmieder R, et al. Blood pressure and MACE reductions after renal denervation: 3-year Global Symplicity Registry results. Presented at PCR e-Course 2022." 

US-SE-2500758 v 3.0 

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company 

Important Safety Information   

The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure (BPP) is a minimally invasive procedure approved to help lower high blood pressure. The procedure is approved as a complement to treatments you may already be trying, such as lifestyle modifications and high blood pressure medications that might not be adequately controlling your blood pressure.   

Receiving the Symplicity BPP should be based on a joint decision between you and your doctor. Consider the benefits and risks of the device and procedure. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether or not the Symplicity BPP is right for you.  

If you have a pacemaker or an ICD, your doctor will follow up with steps to take ahead of the procedure if you decide it is right for you.  

At the time of your procedure, your doctor may detect certain anatomical conditions (e.g., your blood vessels are too big or too small) that do not allow the blood pressure procedure to continue.  

You should not receive the procedure if you cannot tolerate medications that are required for the procedure, like atropine, nitroglycerin, systemic blood thinners, or certain pain medications. These medications are to help you in case your heart rate drops too low, you experience pain, or your blood vessels tighten during the procedure. You should not receive the procedure if you are pregnant.  

The Symplicity BPP has not been studied in patients: • Who are breastfeeding • Who are under 18 years old • Who have isolated systolic hypertension (only the “top number” of your blood pressure is high) • Who have secondary causes of high blood pressure   
• Who have had a renal stent placed less than 3 months prior to the procedure • Who had a prior minimally invasive treatment in their renal arteries (stenting, angioplasty, or prior renal denervation)  

Potential risks of the Symplicity BPP (note that you may experience other problems that have not been previously observed with this procedure): • Allergic reaction to the imaging solution • Damage to your arteries • Future narrowing of your arteries • Arterio-enteric fistula (an abnormal connection between your aorta and your gastrointestinal tract) • AV fistula (an irregular connection between an artery and a vein) • Bleeding or blood clots • Bruising where the device enters your body (mild or severe) • Cardiac arrest or heart attack • Death • Deep vein thrombosis • Swelling • Slow heart rate • Infection • Low or high blood pressure • Damage to your kidneys that may cause one or both to stop working • Nausea or vomiting • Peripheral ischemia (lack of blood supply to your limbs) • Pulmonary embolism (a sudden block in your arteries that send blood to your lungs) • Pseudoaneurysm (blood collecting on the outside of a vessel wall causing a balloon-like widening) • Pain or discomfort • Skin burns from the failure of the equipment during the procedure • Exposure to radiation • Stroke  

For further information, please call and/or consult Medtronic at 800-633-8766 or the Medtronic website at medtronic.com. 

(NewsUSA) - As you set New Year’s resolutions, add one that takes just minutes and can make a real difference: protect your skin and get suspicious spots checked. Skin cancer is prevalent, but when caught early, it’s also highly treatable. Here are 10 facts and tips to start the year smarter about prevention and options.

1. About 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with more than 3 million new cases recorded yearly nationwide.

2. There are more cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined, and at least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

3. The incidence of skin cancer is rising faster than that of any other cancer, making prevention and early detection more important than ever.

4. UV damage happens year-round, even when it’s cold. UVB rays, the leading cause of sunburn, peak in summer, but they can still damage skin in winter, especially at high altitudes and around reflective surfaces like snow, water, and sand. UVA rays are present all year and can penetrate clouds and glass, so it’s possible to damage your skin while indoors or in the car.

5. The most common risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are:

•  Lighter colored skin
• Advanced age
• Lots of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure over one’s lifetime
• Frequent sunburns
• Use of tanning beds
• Previous case of skin cancer
• Long-term or severe skin injury or inflammation
• Weakened immune system

6. U.S. veterans are nearly three times more likely to develop skin cancer than the general population.

7. Black and Hispanic individuals tend to have poorer prognoses and survival rates when they receive a skin cancer diagnosis. Each year, nearly 1-in-4 Hispanic adults and 1-in-10 Black adults experience at least one sunburn, showing that no skin tone is immune to damage from the sun.

8. The traditional treatment, Mohs surgery, dates to the 1930s and involves repeated use of a scalpel to remove suspect tissue layer by layer. It can be a good option for some, though it may result in scarring and, in some cases, reconstructive repair.

9. There is a Medicare-covered nonsurgical alternative treatment available, called Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also known as IGSRT or GentleCure. Patients who are not good surgical candidates, or those who wish to avoid the pain, recovery time, or cosmetic issues often associated with surgery, may prefer a proven noninvasive alternative.

10. GentleCure uses FDA-cleared technology and is supported by clinical research. Documented outcomes include a success rate exceeding 99%, with more than 125,000 patients treated in dermatology practices nationwide. Of patients surveyed, more than 99% said they were happy with their treatment decision and would recommend GentleCure to a friend or loved one.

More information is available at GentleCure.com.

(NewsUSA) - Chilly December air can make for an ideal time to get your fitness routine started. That’s because seasonal changes naturally affect our bodies and habits.

While it may be a magical moment to set new health goals and improve your quality of life, it might seem easier said than done.

Adjusting eating habits, developing a workout plan, and staying motivated can be tough at any time—but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a health coach can make the journey to better health more enjoyable and effective.

“Coaches walk alongside people as they grow, learn, discover, and utilize their strengths to be the healthiest versions of themselves,” said Emily Adams, a program manager of coach performance at American Specialty Health (ASH).

Adams explains that coaches can be especially helpful for aging adults because they may be facing new health and well-being challenges. Some fitness programs like the Silver&Fit™ Healthy Aging and Exercise program, available through an ASH subsidiary, even offer coaching at no additional charge for members.

Adams and the ASH Well-Being Coaches provide quality support for Silver&Fit program members, helping them reach fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle goals through phone or video sessions. She explains that health coaches can create personalized plans based on your specific needs, guiding you toward success.

EATING HABITS

Adams says health coaches can offer nutritional guidance, helping you make the most of seasonal harvests and encouraging you to set goals that include nutrient-rich foods like carrots, beets, broccoli, spinach, grapefruit and apples. They can also help you discover healthy recipes, manage portions, and ensure your meals keep you energized and satisfied.

WORKOUTS

Autumn is perfect for outdoor activities such as brisk walks, hikes, or bike rides, says Adams. Indoor fitness classes—from yoga and Pilates to kickboxing and dance—also offer exciting variety when temperatures drop. Coaches encourage you to try new activities, help you overcome barriers, and ensure you stick with your commitments.

MOTIVATION

Staying motivated is crucial for long-term success. Health coaches provide strategic support to help you remain committed and enthusiastic. They help in setting realistic, achievable goals and breaking each down into manageable steps that you can track and celebrate progress along the way.

Adams adds that marking your achievements and recognizing even small successes can boost your motivation and help you stay on track. So, no matter what season it is, partnering with a health coach can lead to a more enjoyable and effective journey to better health.

(The Obesity Society) - Obesity is a chronic disease affecting over 100 million Americans. Despite its prevalence and serious health consequences, widespread insurance barriers limit access to FDA-approved GLP-1 treatments.

Fortunately, that may be changing.  The Trump administration and FDA-approved GLP-1 manufacturers recently announced a partnership to expand access to these potentially life-saving medications by lowering monthly prices to $299 for cash-pay patients and covering millions of Medicare patients with a $50 monthly copay. It’s time for states—who, under the deal, can purchase FDA-approved GLP-1s on the same terms as Medicare—and private insurers to step up and do their part by covering these treatments. Otherwise, some patients may continue to turn to unsafe compounded GLP-1 knockoffs.

Patient Safety Is at Risk

Compounding is meant to be a narrow solution for those with unique medical needs that cannot be met by FDA-approved medicines. But large-scale compounders are unlawfully selling mass-produced GLP-1 knockoffs that are not vetted by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality and often include untested changes—posing a serious public health risk.

For instance, some compounders are adding ingredients like B12 without medical indication and falsely claiming their products are personalized, when in fact they are making the same changes to all their unapproved knockoffs without regard to patient need. These knockoffs carry significantly higher risks, including over twice the rate of hospitalization.

Access to FDA-approved GLP-1s Is More Important Than Ever

Obesity management medications are critical interventions for a serious chronic disease that is related to several other health conditions, and they can help reduce long-term spending on the many costly health complications associated with obesity. This is why it is critical that states, employers, and commercial insurers expand coverage for FDA-approved treatments.

Meanwhile, patients should take precautions by speaking with a trusted healthcare provider and avoiding risky compounded products that falsely claim to be proven safe and effective.

For credible, science-based guidance on comprehensive obesity care, visit www.obesity.org.

(NewsUSA) - November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the more than 380,000 babies born too early in the U.S. each year. For families whose little one arrives weeks or months earlier than expected, understanding advances in premature infant nutrition can help reduce complications during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) journey.

Feeding Preemies Better 

For the smallest, most fragile preemies, nutritional advances over the past two decades have dramatically improved health outcomes. Today, babies born as early as 22 weeks can not only survive, they can thrive.

Premature babies need 20-40% more calories and protein than full-term babies. This is why doctors often add something called a nutritional “fortifier” to mom’s breastmilk or donor milk to provide the extra nutrition these babies need for healthy growth and development.

There are two types of fortifiers available: cow milk-based and breastmilk-based. In the U.S., both are labeled "human milk fortifiers," however only those from Prolacta Bioscience are made from 100% donor breastmilk, free from cow milk and corn syrup. This difference can be life-changing, especially for babies born weighing 2.75 pounds or less. Studies spanning the past two decades have shown that cow milk-based fortifiers increase the risk of serious complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease.

Knowledge Drives Real Change

Multiple studies show fragile preemies fed fortifiers made from donor breastmilk have better outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, compared to preemies fed cow milk-based products.   

What preemies are fed in the NICU doesn’t just matter today — it impacts tomorrow’s milestones. Most recently, an independent study evaluated the association between an exclusive human milk diet and motor function impairment at 3 years of corrected age. Read more about the published findings.

This is why leading advocates for premature infants and their families, such as the National Black Nurses Association, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, NICU Parent Network, Project NICU, Once Upon a Preemie Inc., and many others support the adoption of breastmilk-based nutrition in the NICU for the smallest, most fragile preemies, particularly to address health disparities.  

Access to nutritional options can help reduce these disparities and improve outcomes for all premature babies, regardless of their background. Recent data points to the preterm birth rate among Black babies as 1.5 times higher than the rate among all other babies, and the infant death rate of Black babies is nearly twice the national average, according to the March of Dimes.

Parents Have a Choice in the NICU

This year alone, more than half of the Level 3 & 4 NICUs in the U.S. have used 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers for their smallest patients. If your baby is in a NICU that doesn’t provide this option, talk to your care team. Hospitals nationwide can order Prolacta’s breastmilk-based fortifiers for overnight delivery, even if they don't routinely offer them. Knowing your options helps ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive. Use your voice, since your little one can’t use theirs.

(Mitch Jelniker) - Veterans face higher lung cancer risk from military exposures. Early screening and clinical trials save lives. Honor their service this month.

America’s heroes risked everything to protect our freedom, yet many remain unprotected from one of the deadliest threats they face at home: lung cancer. A simple, painless scan, a low-dose CT, can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But despite its proven power to save lives, far too few Veterans are getting screened.

For those who served, this gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s deeply personal. Military service can mean exposure to asbestos, burn pits, radon, and other toxic substances that dramatically increase lung cancer risk. The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed to identifying and screening Veterans at risk, yet thousands still go without this potentially lifesaving test.

Let's ensure that “thank you for your service” also means protecting their health.

Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler knows firsthand the critical importance of early detection. A routine low-dose CT scan caught her cancer early, and she credits screening with saving her life.

“It’s a simple test that gave me more time,” says Butler. “I tell every Veteran I meet: if you qualify, get screened. It can save your life, too.”

Now, Butler is helping to lead a new mission to inspire others to participate in cutting-edge blood-based research that could revolutionize cancer detection. 

Scientists are developing simple blood tests that may one day identify lung cancer and other cancers through a single vial of blood.

These next-generation tests rely on biomarkers, which are molecular “fingerprints” from tumor cells circulating in the blood, that can also guide personalized treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

Veterans are once again at the forefront, volunteering for clinical trials that are accelerating this research. 

“Our Veterans are heroes in more ways than one,” says Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA Health’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “By participating in studies and screenings, they’re not only protecting their own health but helping advance science for everyone.” 

Dr. Moghanaki and Donnita Butler are partnering with Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) through its Breath of Honor program, an initiative dedicated to increasing lung cancer screening among Veterans and raising awareness of clinical research opportunities. Together, they’re spreading the message that early action can mean the difference between life and loss.

“Tomorrow’s treatments are available today through screening and clinical trials,” says Dr. Moghanaki. “Veterans deserve access to both.”

Learn more to find out if you qualify for lung cancer screening, explore clinical trial opportunities, or learn more about LCFA's Breath of Honor program, visit LCFAmerica.org.

About LCFA

LCFA is dedicated to dramatically improving survival rates and quality of life for people diagnosed with lung cancer. Through funding innovative research, amplifying patient stories, and raising awareness, LCFA brings hope to the millions impacted by the world’s deadliest cancer. Learn more at lcfamerica.org.

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday lights go up and the to-do lists grow, parents everywhere are navigating a season that should feel joyful, but all too often doesn’t. According to KinderCare Learning Companies 2025 Parent Confidence Index, six in ten parents surveyed say, “I feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a parent.”

That’s a clear signal: parenting, even during the season of cheer, can feel like a pressure cooker. 

Here are five mindful strategies to help parents protect their mental health through the holidays, and one way KinderCare is stepping in to offer a meaningful gift for parents.

1. Trim the expectation tree

We often bring to the season an idea of “perfect” traditions, picture-worthy moments and magic. But the pressure to hit that mark is heavy. Give yourself permission to let some things slide. Try prioritizing one meaningful activity rather than every option on the list.

2. Schedule a pause

Between school concerts, errands, social obligations and caring for little ones, the days blur. Carving out even 15 minutes of quiet, such as coffee alone, a short walk or a few mindful breaths, can shift the tone. Treat this pause like an appointed meeting you can’t skip.
And if you can delegate some household tasks: ask a partner, family member or friend to give you a break.

3. Connect with your “village”

It’s not just you. More than half of parents say their friends’ mental health worries them. That means you’re part of a collective experience. Reach out to another parent, share the real talk and lean in together. A short check-in call, or even a quick group text chat, can help you realize you’re not alone.

4. Frame “good enough” as the new perfect

Holiday cards show smiling families; social media posts show ideal tablescapes. But behind the scenes, late bedtimes, meltdowns and mismatched socks are still real and still ok. When you accept that “good enough” is enough, you reduce your mental load. Your children don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be engaged, present and calm.

5. Gift yourself the gift of time

Arguably, the best gift you can offer yourself (and your children) is time. Time to recharge, time to reset, time to show up as your best self. That’s why KinderCare Learning Companies is offering something meaningful for busy families: a day of free care at select KinderCare Learning Center locations and Crème Schools nationwide now through December 31. This offer gives parents breathing room, whether to shop for and wrap gifts, finish tasks, rest, or simply enjoy being present.

A final holiday mantra

“Self-care is parenting care.” By protecting your own mental health, you’re actually giving your children a more grounded, peaceful parental presence, which means richer memories, more genuine joy and less invisible stress. With simpler expectations, intentional pauses, connection to fellow parents, acceptance of “good enough,” and that invaluable gift of time, you can steer your holiday season toward something heartfelt and sustainable.

Because beneath the glitter and hustle, what truly matters is presence. Peace. A parent who feels okay, rather than frantic.

(Diane Mulligan) - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is among the most aggressive, deadliest forms of lung cancer, yet it’s still too often overlooked. For decades, treatment options were limited, offering little hope to those diagnosed with SCLC, until now.

In 2013, Congress passed legislation that mandated the National Cancer Institute create a scientific plan for treating patients with less than a 50% chance of surviving 5 years. This included SCLC. With this focus on research, SCLC, once considered a hopeless diagnosis because of its swift spread and resistance to standard treatment, is now seeing real momentum. Breakthrough research has increased the number of treatment options by 67% giving doctors new tools and patients new reasons to hope.

Because of research, treatments like the recently FDA-approved Tarlatamab belong to a class of drugs called bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), which harness the immune system to combat cancer. Another treatment, Lurbinectedin, slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.  There are also next-generation approaches, such as CAR T-cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugates, and many others, now in clinical trials. Clinical trials, once a last resort, are rapidly becoming a front door to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Early detection is critical. Screening is the best way to find SCLC early.

Wendy Brooks knows this firsthand. Wendy had a history of lung cancer in her family. She pushed hard to get screened, and her cancer was caught early, rare for this disease. Through two clinical trials, Wendy has kept the cancer confined to her lung and is living fully. She credits screening and participating in clinical trials with saving her life.

“I’m here today because of research,” Wendy says. “I want others to know there’s hope, and clinical trials can be a lifeline.”

Thoracic oncologist Dr. Jacob Sands echoes that optimism: “I have patients more than five years out from that initial diagnosis doing great, living their lives and not on treatment. And I’ll go as far as to say that I think some patients are cured of their incurable disease.”

Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) is raising awareness of the lifesaving power of early screening, new treatments, and the growing promise of clinical trials for people facing SCLC.

LCFA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating lung cancer through research, education, and awareness programs. Committed to improving patient outcomes, donations to LCFA fund innovative research projects, educational initiatives, and advocacy for increased resources for lung cancer research.

Donate today to fight Lung Cancer at LCFAmerica.org

**Image Captions: 
Wendy Brooks, Lung Cancer Patient (header image)
Dr. Jacob Sands, Thoracic Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

(NewsUSA) - Do you ever notice a flutter in your chest? Feel unusually tired even after a good night’s sleep? Get winded from walking up the stairs when that never used to happen? These little signs might not feel like a big deal, but they could point to something more serious: atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, affecting more than 60 million people.¹ In the U.S. alone, over 12 million people are expected to be living with the condition by 2030.²

Yet, awareness remains surprisingly low. A nationally representative survey sponsored by Medtronic found that nearly half of Americans haven’t heard of AFib.³ Because symptoms can be mild or easy to brush off, many people don’t realize they may be at risk. But without proper diagnosis and treatment, AFib can lead to major health complications, including blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.⁴

Know the Symptoms of AFib

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This disrupts the heart’s normal rhythm and reduces its ability to pump blood efficiently. Over time, this can strain the heart and affect overall health.

Common signs of AFib include:

• A fluttering or irregular heartbeat
• A sensation that the heart is racing or skipping beats
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort or pressure

Because these symptoms can show up gradually, many people don’t connect them to a heart condition. In fact, according to the Medtronic-sponsored survey, one in four people said they wouldn’t take recurring symptoms like heart fluttering or fatigue very seriously, even if they lasted for months.

“The survey findings are a wake-up call—too many people haven’t heard of AFib or don’t recognize its symptoms as something worth acting on,” says Khaldoun Tarakji, MD, MPH, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Cardiac Ablation Solutions at Medtronic. “By recognizing the early signs and talking with a healthcare provider, people have a better chance of managing AFib before it leads to more serious complications.”

Take Control with New AFib Treatments

Medications have long been the first choice for treating AFib, but they don’t work for everyone. In fact, about half of patients find that medications either don’t fully relieve their symptoms or cause unwanted side effects.^5-7

Newer, less invasive treatment options – like ablation procedures – are becoming more widely available, yet many people don’t know they exist.³ Despite their effectiveness, more than half of Americans have never heard of ablation procedures. One promising approach, called pulsed field ablation, uses short, controlled bursts of electrical energy to correct the heart’s rhythm without damaging nearby healthy tissue. This treatment can be used alongside medications or, in some cases, as an alternative.

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing fatigue, heart flutters, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling and explore all the treatment options that might help you feel better.

To learn more about AFib and pulsed field ablation, visit Medtronic.com/Afib.

References

1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
2. Colilla S, Crow A, Petkun W, Singer DE, Simon T, Liu X. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112:1142–1147.
3. Medtronic Data on File. Morning Consult. 2025. National Tracking Poll on Atrial Fibrillation Awareness. Sponsored by Medtronic. Online Survey, n= 2202. August 16–18, 2025.
4. Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke. August 1991;22(8):983-988.
5. Andrade JG. Ablation as First-line Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation. Eur Cardiol. 2023;18: e46. 
6. Al-Jazairi MIH, Nguyen BO, De With RR, et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation and heart failure: results of the RACE 3 study. Europace. 2021;23(9):1359-1368. 
7. Valembois L et al. Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD005049.  

This content was published with support from Medtronic.

About the Medtronic-Sponsored Survey:

Medtronic engaged Morning Consult to conduct a nationally representative survey to gain insights into consumer perceptions and awareness of atrial fibrillation and related treatment options. The survey was deployed among 2,200 U.S. adults between August 16 and August 18, 2025, using an online survey.

(NewsUSA) - The cancer treatment landscape is undergoing a profound shift. Patients, healthcare providers and advocates are seeking alternatives that deliver both clinical efficacy and quality of life. At the forefront of this movement is GentleCure™, a proven, noninvasive treatment for the most common type of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer. 

Dermatologists nationwide are reporting a surge in patient awareness of GentleCure. Patients are increasingly drawn to this Medicare-covered, nonsurgical therapy that allows them to maintain their normal routines without interruption. More than 125,000 patients have been treated with GentleCure across 400 dermatology practices, with thousands more receiving treatment each day. Notably, over 70 practices have introduced GentleCure just this year, a clear signal of its growing role in dermatology.  

Aaron S. Farberg, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and editorial board member for leading medical journals, including Dermatology & Therapy and SKIN, affirms the trend. 

“At the five Texas practices for which I serve as Chief Medical Officer, we’ve seen a significant rise in patient demand for this noninvasive option,” Dr. Farberg notes. “While not every case of skin cancer is appropriate for GentleCure, thoughtful consultation with our board certified dermatologists ensures proper use and shared decision-making. For those treated, both the medical outcomes and patient satisfaction have been exceptional.” 

GentleCure harnesses Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT), a state-of-the-art combination of technologies designed to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. 

Using low-level x-ray energy, GentleCure destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The precision comes from high-resolution dermal ultrasound imaging, which maps the cancer in real time and enables the provider to deliver exactly the right dose. Quick and painless treatment delivery is repeated over several weeks, with minimal impact on a patients’ daily lives. 

The therapy’s success is supported by 17 clinical studies, which document cure rates exceeding 99 percent, matched by equally high patient satisfaction scores. 

Demographic trends are amplifying the need for noninvasive skin cancer care. As the  population ages and life expectancy rises, the incidence of skin cancer continues to climb, particularly among those with extensive sun exposure. Many older adults also face health conditions that make surgery riskier. 

The statistics are sobering: 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, adding up to more than 3 million new cases annually. Against this backdrop, GentleCure provides a safe, effective, and patient-friendly alternative that aligns with the realities of modern dermatology care. 

The growing adoption of GentleCure reflects a broader cultural and clinical shift toward noninvasive, patient-centered oncology care. As practices continue to embrace this technology, they expand their treatment capabilities and empower patients with choice, comfort, and confidence in their care journey. 

For more information, visit GentleCure.com