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As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, it serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to take charge of your health and well-being. At RWWC, we are committed to supporting individuals in their journey towards healthy aging by offering a range of preventative services designed to enhance overall quality of life.

One of the key pillars of our approach is providing comprehensive annual check-ups that include thorough blood work analysis. By proactively monitoring your health markers, we can identify potential issues early on and implement interventions to prevent the onset of diseases.

We emphasize the importance of annual gynecological check-ups to promote reproductive health and overall well-being. Our specialized team is dedicated to providing personalized care and empowering women to prioritize their health at every stage of life.

Nutrition counseling is another essential component of our preventative services. We believe that a balanced diet is fundamental to healthy aging, and our nutrition experts are here to guide you in making sustainable dietary choices that support your long-term health goals.

In addition to physical health, we recognize the significance of mental well-being in the aging process. Our psychology counseling services offer a supportive environment for addressing mental health concerns, managing stress, and enhancing overall emotional resilience.

As a part of our aesthetic approach to healthy aging, we also offer medical spa treatments designed to rejuvenate your skin, boost your confidence, and enhance your natural beauty.

Lastly, our weight loss programs are tailored to individual needs, providing personalized strategies to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve metabolic health, and enhance overall vitality.

This Healthy Aging Month, take a proactive step towards prioritizing your health and well-being. Let us be your partner in aging gracefully and living your best life. Contact us today to learn more about how our preventative services can support you on your journey to healthy aging.



Across social media, women are sharing their stories of getting pregnant on Ozempic. See how the drug may increase fertility and why experts caution hopeful parents against using the drug.
Ozempic has taken the weight-loss world by storm, promising relatively quick weight loss and sustainable results. But weight loss isn’t the only thing the drug has become popular for. In parenting and motherhood groups across the internet and on social media, the term “Ozempic babies” has begun to spring up as more and more people have reported getting pregnant while on Ozempic. The drug has not been approved for use to increase fertility, and this side effect has not been studied, so what’s happening? The “Ozempic baby” phenomenon can be traced back to two main factors that increase your likelihood of getting pregnant.

How Weight Loss Can Lead to Increased Fertility

The first reason is correlated with the weight loss patients typically experience when on the drug. “We know that weight loss can increase the rate of ovulation in women with irregular periods,” says Karen Wheeler, MD, FACOG, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates. “Women who lose weight with Ozempic who were not previously ovulating may start to ovulate and if not using effective contraception, may get pregnant while on Ozempic.” Wheeler also adds that weight loss can not only increase your body’s ability to ovulate spontaneously, but, women with a lower BMI also have increased pregnancy rates from assisted reproductive technology.

Ozempic’s Impact on Birth Control

The second reason that women may be getting pregnant on Ozempic has to do with the drug’s effect on birth control. While there have not been any studies showing that Ozempic specifically decreases the efficacy of oral contraceptives, Wheeler notes that the drug can cause nausea and vomiting, which can lead to decreased absorption and efficacy of birth control pills. Lauren Bishop, MD, ob-gyn, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Fertility Center, adds that weight loss medications, in general, may decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptive pills. “These medications can slow how the stomach is processing its contents, thus altering how birth control pills are absorbed and processed,” she says.

Why Getting Pregnant on Ozempic Isn’t Recommended

Despite the fertility-boosting benefits of Ozempic, Wheeler and Bishop both caution hopeful parents against using the drug to get pregnant or getting pregnant on Ozempic due to a lack of studies on Ozempic’s use during human pregnancy and adverse outcomes observed in studies among rats. “Pregnant rats who were given Ozempic had increased rates of fetal death, structural abnormalities and growth alterations,” says Wheeler. “It can take up to 6 weeks for Ozempic or similar medications to be gone from the body, so someone who is planning to conceive should stop Ozempic at least 2 months prior to conception.”

Those on Ozempic are recommended to take additional birth control measures under consideration until more is known about how the pill interacts with certain birth controls and the effects of the drug during pregnancy. “Women should avoid pregnancy through barrier method or long-acting reversible contraception such as IUDs,” says Bishop.

After working in the fertility space for years, Wheeler understands how frustrating the path to getting pregnant can be but urges women to continue to look past Ozempic and for other options that may work for them. “If you are overweight or obese and trying to conceive, please speak with your ob-gyn or fertility specialist about the pros and cons of different weight loss therapies,” she says.

If you’ve encountered difficulties on your path to growing your family, know that you aren’t alone. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people will deal with infertility in their lifetime. You can find support through our trying to get pregnant community forum here and learn more about infertility challenges and treatments here.


31/Jul/2024

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, can help people lose weight — and a new study says it may also help people quit smoking.

In the study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on Monday, researchers found semaglutide was associated with lower risks for tobacco use disorder-related health care measures, including reduced smoking cessation medication prescriptions and counseling.

The study compared 222,942 new users of anti-diabetes medications, including including semaglutide and seven others. Participants had both Type 2 diabetes and tobacco use disorder and, according to the findings, mostly showed differences within 30 days of starting the prescription when comparing the groups.

While it’s too early to suggest prescribing the drugs for smoking cessation, the findings suggest the need for more research to evaluate semaglutide’s potential for tobacco use disorder treatment.

This isn’t the first time an association has been noted between drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss and reduced cravings for things like smoking. Some doctors and patients have seen diminished cravings for nicotine, alcohol and even opioids as a unexpected side effect.

Why are researchers and patients seeing this? It has to do with how drugs like Ozempic work with the reward centers in the brain, Dr. Tamika Henry, founder of the California-based Unlimited Health Institute, previously told CBS News.

“When we think about the reward centers, it releases dopamine, which is our feel-good hormone. So what happens is, when you do a certain activity, dopamine surges – and you’re like, ‘Oh, I want to keep doing that,’ whether that’s indulging in alcohol, nicotine or even gambling,” she said. “How Ozempic works is, it decreases the surge of dopamine, and therefore the desire for that particular activity is decreased.”

However, the risk of negative side effects is also a factor to consider with these drugs, including for uses beyond weight loss.

“As you’re thinking about decreasing an addiction, yes, you want to do that, but is there also going to be some association with nausea? Are you also going to have problems with heartburn, fatigue?” Henry said. “The other thing is taking a medication is just part of it. You need to start to do the other things that help you along the way. Because if the medication is removed, then what happens?”



BioTE Medical has established the “gold standard” regarding pellet preparation. The BioTE method of hormone replacement is a time tested method of hormone optimization that was created from hundreds of studies performed on hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide to successfully optimize hormone levels of women as they meander through phases of perimenopause and menopause.

“After monitoring outcomes for tens of thousands of men and women who have benefitted from this therapy, we have found results have been better than expected with more than 96% of patients satisfied.” States Dr. Gray Donovitz, founder of Biote.

“Hormone replacement therapy by pellet implantation has been used with great success in the United States, Europe and Australia since 1938” Donovitz states. Pellets deliver consistent physiologic levels of hormones and avoid fluctuations of hormone levels.

Testosterone and estradiol may improve lipid profiles by reducing cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol. This has positive benefits on the cardiovascular system. The pellets not only prevent bone loss and increase bone density. Response to testosterone remains optimal (i.e., relief of depression, increase in bone density, relief from insomnia, relief from aches and pains, lessened anxiety, improved memory, concentration and increased energy.



Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic® (semaglutide injection), is alerting consumers that a counterfeit version of Ozempic, which reportedly contained insulin glargine instead of semaglutide, was purchased in a retail pharmacy in the United States.

Ozempic is a diabetes treatment that has gained widespread popularity as a weight loss drug, spurring a black market for the medication. In June 2023, United Kingdom reporters found Ozempic for sale on Facebook, and Nigerian authorities found fake Ozempic pens containing insulin in nine countries.

Novo Nordisk advises retail pharmacies to always purchase semaglutide medications “through authorized distributors of Novo Nordisk and reliable sources” and shared a list of tips to help health care providers and patients recognize signs that a medication may be counterfeit when purchasing Ozempic or other semaglutide injection products. Report from the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy)


27/Mar/2024

  • Oprah Winfrey hosted a new TV special highlighting the use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and the obesity epidemic.
  • On the special, Winfrey invited medical professionals to discuss how the drugs worked and why obesity is a disease, not a character flaw.
  • Experts are hopeful Winfrey’s use of her platform will help change the conversation around obesity and how it’s treated.

“For 25 years, making fun of my weight was national sport,” Oprah Winfrey said during the opening monologue for An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution, which aired Monday on ABC and is now available to stream on Hulu.

Though out of the spotlight, millions of people living with obesity have been the subject of similar comments throughout their lives.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 adults worldwide have obesity. Additionally, more than 160 million children and adolescents worldwide have obesity.

“I come to this conversation with the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment, to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose – or not lose – weight and, most importantly, to stop shaming ourselves,” said Winfrey, who in late 2023 revealed she was taking anti-obesity medicine and received both support backlash.

Experts who treat people with obesity say Winfrey’s efforts to reduce the shame and stigma around obesity are important.

“When celebrities speak about weight loss medications, and even weight loss in general, people definitely pay more attention, and it brings more interest in options available for weight loss,” says Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center.

In particular, Winfrey’s special called attention to five key takeaways about how we speak about obesity and the new range of drugs used to treat it, such as Wegovy and Zepbound.

Obesity is a disease 

The American Medical Association designated obesity as a disease in 2013. However, even people with obesity may not know that.

Scott Butsch, MD, noted on Oprah’s special that people have an “uneducated belief” that obesity is a matter of willpower and a “self-inflicted” issue.

“It’s not a matter of willpower,” said Butsch, the Director of Obesity Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute and a consultant for one of the pharmaceutical companies behind anti-obesity medications.

Winfrey compared obesity to substance use, another condition once thought of as a lack of willpower. She added that not everyone who drinks too much has substance use issues, but some do.

“Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental underpinnings,” says Christopher McGowan, MD, a gastroenterologist, obesity medicine specialist, and founder of True You Weight Loss. “For those individuals prone to obesity, their drive to eat may be more significant, their propensity to increase weight may be higher, and their ability to preserve weight is stronger. These factors cannot be overcome by willpower alone, nor are they the result of a lack of willpower.”

Butsch likened it to being underwater. Eventually, a person will need to come up for a breath. Similarly, someone with obesity will eventually regain weight (without assistance).

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy quiet “food noise,” keeping people fuller longer and reducing the drive to eat.

“It’s not a matter of willpower,” Butsch said on the special. “People who perhaps are thin might never think about food the way people who have obesity [do].”

The CDC also lists genetics, socioeconomic factors, and medications as potential causes of obesity, which it defines as a “complex disease that occurs when an individual’s weight is higher than what is considered healthy for his or her height.”

It’s why advice to “just diet and exercise” can fall short for people with obesity — they’ve likely tried, and it was not effective or sustainable on their own.

“There is still so much misinformation in our society that many patients and even healthcare providers still believe that obesity can be permanently reversed with enough willpower and counting your calories in versus out,” says Michael Glickman, MD, the founder and CEO at Revolution Medicine.

“As in the alcohol analogy, you would not tell a patient struggling with alcoholism that they should just willpower their way out of it. Alcoholism requires comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment, just as obesity should. The brain ultimately controls our body and our actions, and it should be the primary focus of our treatment approaches,” he added.

A 2019 scoping review of research from 2000 to 2017 suggested that individuals reported feeling patronized and disrespected, that all of their health issues were attributed to weight, and that they had low trust in their providers. They also mentioned avoiding the doctor.

Amy Kane, a mother who appeared on the special, noted that she dreaded going to the doctor before losing weight. Now, she looks forward to it.

Despite the notion that all health issues can be fixed by losing weight — through diet and movement — McGowan has seen many patients with obesity exercising more and putting a greater emphasis on dietary choices than normal-weight peers.

“The difference is that the battle is steeply uphill. A person with obesity has a differently wired brain, leading to greater caloric intake,” he says. “Is this an addiction akin to alcoholism? Not precisely, but the concept is similar. There is an innate, genetically driven drive to consume more, which is hardwired and challenging to overcome.”

Many people living with obesity feel shame

Guests like Kane tearfully recounted their feelings after a lifetime of living with obesity. Kane first felt shame in fifth grade when a peer called her “fat.”

“The bias against obesity is deeply ingrained in our culture,” McGowan says.

Winfrey called fat-shaming one of the last acceptable biases, and McGowan agrees, saying it has “devastating implications.” Again, the misinformation about why someone is living with obesity comes into play.

“Obesity has long been — erroneously — equated with laziness and a lack of willpower,” McGowan says. “Naturally, individuals affected by obesity may internalize this sentiment and direct the blame inward.”

Winfrey and Kane discussed the finger-pointing notion that living with obesity was a personal choice and the shame and confusion they felt when first-line treatments like diet and exercise weren’t enough.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking, and it’s tough to live in a world that is constantly making assumptions about you — solely because of your appearance — and not treating you nicely,” says Dr. Rachel Goldman, PhD a clinical psychologist and Ro advisor.

Now that Kane is no longer living with obesity, she says she’s treated differently, especially in clothing stores. Even her children are treated differently, she told Winfrey.

Overcoming shame associated with taking anti-obesity drugs

It’s almost as if people with obesity can’t win. They’re shamed for their weight. Then, they’re shamed for the way they lose it if they take a medication — like they’ve used a cheat code.

Kane waved off the criticism, chalking it up to misinformation. Experts say the idea is harmful.

“Belittling people for using these tools is extremely detrimental,” Ali says. “If people start thinking of obesity as a chronic disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes, then there may be less stigma associated with using the tools available.”

McGowan echoed these sentiments, saying it’s rooted in the idea that people can will their way out of obesity. He constantly hears patients tell him, “I don’t want to use a shortcut,” when discussing anti-obesity medications.

“If you need insulin for diabetes, it’s a life-saving treatment,” McGowan says. “But anti-obesity medications, or even bariatric surgery, are viewed as the easy way out.”

Hopefully, greater awareness of obesity as a disease will help curb this misinformation. However, Goldman says it would benefit people if we discussed the drugs differently.

“We need to shift the conversation away from weight loss drugs,” Goldman says. “If the focus is on weight, we are never going to get away from this shaming and the criticism that this is the easy way out. If we talk about this in terms of health and seeking treatment for a disease, the conversation will change — it will be less judgmental and more about emotion and empathy. It all starts with the words that we use.”

Anti-obesity medications are available for people under 18

Maggie Ervie’s mother, Erika, discussed Maggie’s journey — which included constantly feeling hungry as a child and her mother custom-making a Halloween costume so she could be a Disney Princess for Halloween.

Maggie tried sports, camps, and attending an obesity clinic. Maggie was 300 lbs. by the time she turned 11. Doctors feared she’d die young.

Maggie, now 15, had bariatric surgery and began taking Victoza at 13. Victoza isn’t as known as Ozempic or Wegovy.

Wegovy became available to people ages 12 and up in December 2022 after Maggie had already begun Victoza.

“Victoza and Wegovy are both GLP-1 agonist medications, but Victoza is taken daily, and Wegovy is taken weekly,” Glickman says. “Wegovy has also been shown in studies to be more effective for weight loss. Due to the convenience of weekly dosing and better efficacy, Wegovy is much more commonly used today than Victoza.”

Maggie was the subject of an article in The Cut, and the family has received criticism for putting her on medication at a young age. Erika implored people to “walk a mile in our shoes” before judging.

“This is a sensitive topic,” McGowan says. “The treatment of obesity in adolescents has additional layers of complexity, including the patient’s evolving maturity, family dynamics, psychiatric complexities, and social factors. But early treatment of obesity can delay or prevent future health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and premature death.”

Glickman mentioned Erika’s line was one of his favorites of the night and encouraged parents and adolescents to weigh risks and benefits with healthcare providers.

Anti-obesity medications are not an easy fix

Winfrey said she combined medications with hiking, running, resistance training, and consuming a “healthy diet.”

Even in clinical trials, like those for Zepbound, participants combine medication with lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise.

“Anti-obesity medications are not designed to be used in isolation and must be paired with a diet and lifestyle program,” McGowan says. “This is how they were studied in clinical trials, and we know that lifestyle modification remains the foundation of any chronic weight treatment.”

McGowan suggests working with a registered dietitian and personal trainer.

“You can only expect to lose weight effectively with help, support, and accountability,” McGowan says. “A comprehensive weight management program that offers medical supervision, nutrition counseling, and behavioral support is the optimal framework for success.”



Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich tapestry of African American history, culture, and contributions. Throughout the month of February, we pay tribute to the incredible individuals who have shaped our world through their perseverance, brilliance, and activism. This annual commemoration holds tremendous significance as it sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy of the black community.

The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson, along with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, designated a week in February as “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of two influential figures in African American history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, Negro History Week was expanded and officially became Black History Month, recognized nationally in the United States.

Black History Month serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and resilience of African Americans, highlighting their impact on shaping our society and inspiring future generations.

One of the core purposes of Black History Month is to educate and inform people about the significant events, movements, and figures that have influenced and transformed the world. This knowledge fosters a deeper understanding of the struggles against racial discrimination and provides inspiration for continued progress toward equality and justice.

Black history encompasses a vast range of disciplines and accomplishments. From influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama to groundbreaking artists including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Kara Walker, the contributions of Black individuals in various fields remind us of the power of diversity and the richness it brings to our society.

Moreover, Black History Month is a significant opportunity to address systemic issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity. It inspires discussions about social justice, promotes dialogue on racial equality, and encourages individuals and communities to take action against discrimination. By celebrating Black history, we actively work toward building a more equitable and understanding society.

Educational institutions, community organizations, and individuals play vital roles in observing and celebrating Black History Month. They organize a wide range of events, such as lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, and performances, to honor the achievements and contributions of Black individuals. These activities create spaces for learning, connecting, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the historical and contemporary experiences of the Black community.

However, it is important to remember that Black history should not be confined to a single month. The celebration and recognition of Black contributions should be a year-round commitment. By incorporating the narratives, stories, and achievements of African Americans into our everyday lives, we ensure that their voices and experiences are acknowledged and respected at all times.

This Black History Month, let us celebrate the rich legacy of African American culture, contributions, and resilience. Let us honor the countless individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping our world. But let us also recognize that our commitment to racial equality and justice should extend far beyond a month. Together, let us continue to learn, listen, and work toward a future where Black history is celebrated every day.

As Maya Angelou once said, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Let us face history with courage, celebrate its triumphs, and strive to create a brighter and more equitable future for all.



Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is a group of highly effective, well tolerated prescription contraceptives. There are 3 distinct groups of LARC. There is an injectable, a subdermal implant, and intrauterine devices. With the exception of the Paragard IUD, which is a copper containing IUD without any hormone, all other LARCs are progesterone only forms of contraception (meaning they do not contain the hormone estrogen).

Depo Provera (150mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an IM injection given in the deltoid or gluteal muscle every 3 months (4 times per year). It is the option with the highest dose of progestin and is the most likely to lead to amenorrhea (no menstrual bleeding). There can be a delay in the return of fertility after stopping Depo Provera. It is associated with a possible decrease in bone density especially in the first 2 years of use, although this is typically temporary and reversible. I recommend daily calcium and vitamin D supplements as well as regular weight bearing exercise in women using this LARC as their contraceptive choice.

The Nexplanon (68 mg etonogestrel) is an implant that is a 4 cm rod, about the size of a matchstick that is placed under the skin in the upper arm. It is designed to be easier to place and remove then an IUD and does not have the associated cramping and pain of IUD placement or removal. The Nexplanon can cause an irregular bleeding pattern. Amenorrhea is possible but about 15% of users will experience prolonged bleeding or more frequent bleeding. Nexplanon is to be removed in 3 years.

Intrauterine devices or IUDs makes up the largest category of LARC. The Paragard IUD is the only copper containing IUD. Because of this and its lack of any progesterone (hormone), it is associated with menses that may be longer and heavier. It is to be removed in 10 years. The Skyla IUD (13.5 mg levonorgestrel) has the lowest dose of hormone of any LARC and is a smaller size to better accommodate (be more comfortable) a uterus that has not experienced a full term pregnancy. It is to be removed within 3 years. The Kyleena IUD (19.5mg levonorgestrel) is also a smaller size IUD but is a contraceptive for up to 5 years. Both a Mirena IUD and a Liletta IUD contain 52 mg of levonorgestrel and are full size IUDs. The Mirena IUD has the approval to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years and both of these IUDs are contraceptives for up to 6 years. All IUDs are associated with cramping, bleeding, and discomfort with their placement and removal. All of the progestin IUDs can cause irregular bleeding patterns especially during the first 6 months of use.

LARC contraceptives offer the advantage of protection against pregnancy for a longer period of time without having to remember to take something that is daily, weekly, or monthly. Additional pros and cons of each LARC should be discussed prior to making a decision as to whether any LARC is the right choice for you.

Type:

Name and Link to Website:         

FDA Approved for:

Copper IUD

Paragard

10 years

Progestin IUD

Liletta

6 years

Kyleena

5 years

Skyla

3 years

Mirena

6 years (5 years for bleeding)

Arm Implant

Nexplanon

3 years



With summer coming to an end and autumn rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to begin thinking about how seasonal changes can impact us. The shorter days and gloomy weather that come with the winter months can trigger seasonal affective depression (“SAD”). 

SAD typically begins at the beginning of autumn and can affect our daily life – specifically how we think and how we feel. 

The onset of SAD can vary by person and location. Some people may experience symptoms after the first day of autumn since winter/autumn seasonal depression is related to sun exposure. This is when the transition to the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) begins. Also, in the U.S., northern areas have shorter winter days than southern areas, so SAD may kick in earlier in the north.

Common symptoms of SAD often include but are not limited to:

  • Feelings of sadness or depressed mood
  • Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite – usually eating more, craving carbohydrates
  • Changes in sleep – usually sleeping too much
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours
  • Increase in restless activity (such as hand-wringing or pacing), or slowed movements and speech
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide; attempts at suicide

If you are worried about the colder months ahead and the potential effects that the seasonal changes could have on your mental health, there are things you can do not only to prepare for it, but also to minimize the overall impact. Here are a few to consider:

  • Try to wake up early to make the most of the daylight hours. Limited sunlight is a common cause of SAD in winter. Because the sun is up for less time, our body has fewer hours to absorb it. Waking up an hour earlier may provide more access to the minimal sunlight available. 
  • Maintain a consistent level of exercise and a healthy balanced diet. Both are useful in elevating our mood and energy levels throughout the winter months. 
  • Keep a gratitude journal. It’s easy to get sucked into all the parts of the day that aren’t perfect, especially when we are already feeling down. Instead, make a point to write down what you are grateful for each day to remind yourself that there are good things too.
  • Consider getting a Light Box. It can be an effective way of replacing lost exposure to sunlight. A primary key to avoiding SAD is to start light therapy at the beginning of the fall. This is done by sitting in front of a therapy lamp for 20 to 30 minutes each day. This allows your body to produce and adjust essential chemicals while also helping reset your circadian rhythm. The light from the therapy boxes is significantly brighter than that of regular light bulbs, and is provided in different wavelengths. Experts usually recommend using the light box within the first hour after you wake up in the morning. Be sure to talk to your doctor first, if you are interested in using a light box.
  • Create a list of new things you’d like to try. If your lifestyle revolves around outdoor activities, winter can seem pretty jarring. So make a list of new things you can try during the colder months to keep you busy so you are not just sitting around inside.
  • Talk to your doctor about prescription antidepressants. When taking antidepressants for SAD, you’ll typically need to use the medication from autumn until spring so it’s important to talk to your doctor of the seasonal changes. It’s also important to pay attention to when the symptoms of SAD start, so you can talk with your doctor before the symptoms escalate.

Being proactive early about preparing for winter can improve your mental health long-term. Knowing that there are steps that you can take ahead of the seasonal changes can help you feel more positive about dealing with the colder months. And remember, it can always help to speak to a mental health professional leading up to or during the winter months if you think you are at risk for SAD.


14/Aug/2023

CNN – Citing “unprecedented demand,” drugmaker Novo Nordisk said Thursday it expects supply restrictions on starter doses of the weight loss medicine Wegovy to persist into 2024, several months beyond its previous prediction.

The company is prioritizing higher, or so-called maintenance, doses of the medicine so that patients who have already started taking Wegovy can continue to access the drug, Doug Langa, executive vice president of North America Operations, told CNN. Novo Nordisk had said in May it expected supply restrictions on lower doses to continue through September.

“We are going to continue to supply the market, but it’s just going to be on a limited form so we can have that continuity of care,” Langa said.

He emphasized “we’re still producing all strengths and we’re still supplying all strengths to the market.”

Supply has been constrained for many forms of medicines in a class known as GLP-1 agonists, which have rocketed in popularity as they produce greater magnitudes of weight loss than previously seen with older medicines. And new results this week of a landmark trial in people with cardiovascular disease showed Wegovy can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death by 20%, bolstering expectations for wider use of the medicine and, potentially, broader insurance coverage.

Wegovy shares the same key ingredient, semaglutide, as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, approved for type 2 diabetes. Langa said total weekly prescriptions of Ozempic in the US are now almost 500,000 — 200,000 higher than they were a year earlier — meaning half a million Americans have prescriptions for the drug.

“This pace of demand is challenging to keep up with,” he said.

For Wegovy, the figure is around 80,000, and had been as high as 100,000.

“Part of that is because we’re restricting some of those lower doses,” Langa said.

Competitor Eli Lilly is also having trouble meeting demand for its drug Mounjaro, approved for type 2 diabetes and awaiting clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for weight loss. Its key ingredient, tirzepatide, targets both the hormone GLP-1 and another, called GIP.

“Supply will likely remain tight in the coming months and quarters due to significant demand,” Lilly’s chief financial officer, Anat Ashkenazi, said on the company’s quarterly earnings conference call Tuesday.

“Because we’re seeing really unprecedented demand, we do still expect to see tight supply and some spot outages on Mounjaro through the end of the year,” added Michael Mason, president of Lilly Diabetes.

Both Lilly and Novo Nordisk are investing heavily in increasing manufacturing to try to meet global demand for these medicines, contracting with outside manufacturers as well as building up their own plants.

“This is categorically the largest unmet need that I know of in life science,” Novo Nordisk’s Langa said, noting there are 120 million Americans who would qualify to take Wegovy based on having a body mass index of 30 or more, the category for obesity. The drug is also approved for people with BMI of 27, in the overweight category, and a weight-related health condition.

“We’re seeing this unprecedented demand,” Langa said. “We’re super happy to be able to be bringing something that is so meaningful.”


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