Elizabeth Kennedy

Elizabeth (Liz) Kennedy is a senior product leader with deep experience building and scaling customer-centric products that integrate hardware, software, and services to deliver measurable business impact. She has spent over a decade leading innovative, computer-vision-and AI-powered products, including Amazon’s Echo Look and clothing Virtual Try-On, translating cutting-edge technology into intuitive customer experiences at scale. Her work at Amazon spanned defining end-to-end product requirements and customer journeys across ecommerce, automotive, and healthcare. Liz began her career in automotive new vehicle development at GM and Nissan and is now focused on bringing this blend of deep technical products, complex systems thinking, and customer obsession to mission-driven organizations in the Detroit region

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STRUGGLE: Regaining Control From An Often Misunderstood And Misdiagnosed Skin Condition

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Heart disease remains on the rise in the United States. Most people are aware of common risk factors like high blood pressure and bad cholesterol, but there’s one lesser-known, inherited heart disease risk factor that affects millions and is passed down through families. It’s called lipoprotein(a), (lip-o-pro-teen-a) or Lp(a), (L-P-little A) and experts say having a high level can independently increase the risk of having a heart event such as a heart attack or stroke.

Joining us now is Dr. Icilma (EYE-SIL-MA) Fergus, (Fur-GUS) Professor of Medicine, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Lynn, who is living with high L-p(a), to talk about this hidden heart risk and what you should know.

GUEST BIO

Icilma V. Fergus, MD, FACC, FASPC
Professor of Medicine
Director of Cardiovascular Disparities and Clinical Lipidology
Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Fergus is a board-certified professional in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, currently serving as the Director of Clinical Lipidology and Cardiovascular Disparities for the Fuster Heart Hospital at Mount Sinai. Her expertise lies in Preventative Cardiology, specifically focusing on Lipids and Hypertension, Women’s Heart Disease, and Cardiovascular Health Advocacy. She is Professor of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
With an active engagement in professional organizations, Dr. Fergus holds significant roles such as the past President of the Westchester board of the American College of Cardiology and past president of the Association of Black Cardiologists. She is also a past President of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Fergus passionately advocates for health equity and cardiac disease prevention. Her impactful contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Luminary Award from the American Heart Association, the Community Service Award from the Heart Valve Society of America, Young Black & Gifted, and Community award from Delta Sigma Theta in 2023. In addition, she has been featured on numerous publications and broadcasts, including “Here and Now” with Sandra Bookman on ABC

#HeartDisease #LPa #HeartAttack #Stroke #DrIcilmaFergus

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September is National Cholesterol Education Month, an annual observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol levels. The month is dedicated to educating the public about the heart disease risks associated with high cholesterol and the steps individuals can take to help maintain healthy levels.   It’s the perfect time to meet the animated characters called the “Lipid Lurkers”—a visual representation of an often-unnoticed risk lurking in patients’ artery walls. While they may look small and silly, they represent a very real and dangerous health threat. Fat and cholesterol are types of lipids transported through the blood. Certain types of lipids, particularly LDL-C or “bad” cholesterol, can lead to buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke.   This campaign was created to help educate and empower the nearly 100 million U.S. adults with high LDL-C—especially those who can’t take statins (medications to lower cholesterol) or who have uncontrolled cholesterol and haven’t reached their target levels despite treatment.   Now, there are solutions that offer an alternative to statins— additional options for lowering LDL cholesterol—while also lowering the risk of heart attacks and heart procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery    On Wednesday, September 10, LeAnne Bloedon, MS, RD, Vice President, Clinical Development at Esperion Therapeutics, will be available to discuss the havoc that too much bad cholesterol can cause inside artery walls—and how to lower your cholesterol.   She’ll also outline:   What high LDL cholesterol really does to your body (and why it’s often silent) Why managing cholesterol matters before your first cardiovascular event How the “Lipid Lurkers” campaign is making heart health more accessible, relatable, and even fun Who’s at risk—and what new options are available beyond traditional statins https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/esperions-lipid-lurkers-campaign-sheds-light-high-ldl-cholesterol-hiding-artery-walls

#septembercholesterol #cholesterol

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DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) IN DOGS? OA IS A CHRONIC AND PAINFUL JOINT DISEASE THAT CAN SEVERELY AFFECT YOUR DOG’S HEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

STUDIES SHOW 40% OF DOGS FEEL PAIN FROM OA, BUT ONLY ABOUT HALF GET DIAGNOSED.^[i],[ii]

FOR PAIN AWARENESS MONTH, VETERINARIAN DR. COURTNEY PIERCE, MEDICAL LEAD FOR CANINE PAIN AT ZOETIS (“ZOH-EHT-ISS”), IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT HOW OA AFFECTS DOGS, INCLUDING INSIGHTS FROM HER DOG ERNIE’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE DISEASE, HOW TO LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF OA PAIN AND AVAILABLE TREATMENT OPTIONS TO HELP CONTROL THE PAIN CAUSED BY OA.

[i] IHS Markit. (2021) Canine and Feline Pain Market 2021: Animal Health Market Analysis.​

[ii] Wright A, Amodie DM, Cernicchiaro N, et al. Identification of Canine Osteoarthritis Using an Owner-Reported Questionnaire and Treatment Monitoring Using Functional Mobility Tests. J Small Anim Pract. 2022;63(8):609-618.

BIO  

Dr. Courtney Pierce received an undergraduate degree in animal science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University. She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from King University. She is a small animal general practitioner with special interests in surgery and pain management, feline medicine, and compassion fatigue prevention in veterinary health care workers. She is a certified as a “Cat Friendly Veterinarian” and Compassion Fatigue Profession (CCFP). Dr. Pierce lives on a small farm in Damascus, Virginia with her husband, two young boys, four rescue dogs, one orange cat, and several chickens.

Short:

Dr. Courtney Pierce is a small animal veterinarian with special interests in surgery and pain management and is the medical lead for canine pain at Zoetis. Dr. Pierce lives in Damascus, VA with her husband, two boys and a variety of companion and farm animals.

#dogs #drcourtneypearce #courtneypearce #veterinarian #medical

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Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can feel like a constant struggle – a life that may be disrupted by debilitating flare-ups and fear of hospitalization. 

Impacting more than 14 million adults, COPD is a progressive disease that damages the lungs and airways making it difficult to breathe. And sadly, it’s a leading cause of death in the U.S.

Here’s the frustrating truth: even with daily maintenance inhalers, nearly half of patients still have dangerous symptom flare-ups, also known as exacerbations. These flare-ups aren’t just inconvenient, they can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups, and a high risk of hospital admission. Just one flare-up increases the likelihood of recurrent flare-ups and related hospital admissions. Why are these flare-ups so persistent?

Evolving science has shown a critical piece of the puzzle: eosinophilic inflammation. This type of inflammation (swelling) in the lungs can be a driver of COPD symptoms, especially for those who experience frequent flare-ups.

What to know: Including a blood eosinophil test in routine screenings, combined with a doctor’s evaluation and diagnostic tools, can help identify if eosinophilic inflammation is making COPD worse. By understanding an underlying cause of flare-ups, a doctor can develop a targeted treatment plan to manage COPD and potentially reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Alexis Smith, DO, Pulmonary Disease will discuss the challenges facing those living with COPD to help manage COPD and try to break the cycle of flare-ups.

Interview courtesy: GSK

#COPD #chronicobstructivepulmonarydisease #AlexSmith #GSK

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June Is Dedicated to Myasthenia Gravis Awareness

www.myasthenia.org

Myasthenia gravis (MG) (Mai-uhs-thee-nee-uh   gra-vuhs) is a rare, chronic, heterogeneous, and unpredictable autoimmune disease.

MG results from a problem in signaling between nerves and muscles. This problem happens in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the place where nerve cells and muscles communicate. Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is caused by antibodies in your immune system that get in the way of signals between nerves and muscles at the NMJ that can weaken muscles throughout the body.

Shanaz, a single mom and interior designer in Los Angeles, was living an active life in 2022 when she began experiencing trouble swallowing and was diagnosed with gastroesophageal disease. That diagnosis didn’t feel quite right to her. In 2023 her symptoms took a turn for the worse: She lost her vision and couldn’t talk or swallow. At that time, she was correctly diagnosed with gMG.

Those living with gMG may experience a variety of symptoms that can make activities of daily living very challenging – activities like talking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, brushing teeth or hair, or even getting up from a chair. Those living with gMG may appear healthy on the outside, but what is happening on the inside can seriously impact every part of life.

Shanaz’s story highlights the challenges of misdiagnoses and delayed diagnosis, and underscores the critical role of self-advocacy in navigating complex medical conditions. Shanaz will tell her story. She’ll be joined by Dr. Said Beydoun (Suh-eed Bay-doon) who will discuss the symptoms and triggers of gMG and a treatment option that addresses the underlying causes of the condition.

Interview courtesy: UCB, Inc. (References available on request)

#gMG

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Joining us today to learn more about P-B-C is Dr. Steven Flamm, a liver expert at Rush University Medical Center, and Rosetta who is living with P-B-C and has advice on how to become an advocate for your health.

iqirvo.com

Steven Flamm, MD, FAASLD, FACG, is a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition who is board certified in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology.

Flamm cares for patients with acute or chronic liver disease, including patients with viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver, autoimmune liver disease and patients with cirrhosis. He also cares for patients who require liver transplantation evaluation and who have hepatocellular carcinoma. Flamm is also helping to lead and build a robust clinical research program for patients with liver disease.

He believes in the importance of making care easily accessible, whether that is a thorough in-office consultation for patients with chronic liver disease, those in need of potential life-saving transplantation or by bringing tertiary care for patients to multiple locations in the community. Flamm is readily available to discuss any patients with liver-related issues or who require in-patient transfers with providers.

Rosetta’s Bio

Rosetta is a loving wife and mom to five kids—plus three dogs and a cat. She is also living with a rare cholestatic liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and speaks about her experience in hopes of empowering others to advocate for their health.

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May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

FLEAS, TICKS, AND WORMS, OH MY!

EXPERT TIPS ON FELINE PARASITE PREVENTION

Cats are funny creatures. One minute they want their space, and the next, they want to cuddle up on your lap (or they completely ignore you until it’s dinnertime). While it may sometimes seem like your cat could be hiding from you, the reality is they form bonds with their humans and are dependent on us

These bonds are mutually beneficial. Cat ownership has been found to lower stress, decrease the risk of allergies in children, and improve your quality of life. That’s why it’s important for cat owners to do all they can to protect their pets, especially when it comes to common parasites.

While some parasites are most active in the spring and summer, your cat is at risk year-round. Especially now, from Heartworm Awareness Month in April to Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, learning about potential risks and how to protect your cat is crucial. This includes understanding common misconceptions around feline parasite prevention.

One such misconception is that only outdoor pets are affected by parasites – in fact, cats of all lifestyles are susceptible. Even indoor cats can be exposed, as parasites can be brought inside by other pets and people. A flea infestation or tick bite can spread disease and hinder your bond with your cat. Between seeing your cat constantly itching and finding flea dirt in your home, these parasites can cause stress and frustration for you both.

There’s also a misunderstanding that parasite prevention medication is only needed seasonally; however, parasites are a constant threat, and year-round protection is the key to a happy and healthy cat. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a well-experienced pet parent, it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian about the right protection for your cat.

On Tuesday, May 6th, Dr. Amber Whittle, Medical Affairs Manager of Feline Parasiticides at Zoetis, will be available to talk about the joys of cat ownership and how cat owners can protect their furry friends against parasites. She’ll explain what owners should be aware of to help keep their cats healthy, so they can have a happier, stronger bond at home.

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Medication can help manage symptoms, but treatment benefits often diminish or become less consistent over time. Patients report alternating states between “ON time,” when the medication is working well, and “OFF time,” when it no longer provides symptom benefit and movement-related symptoms return.

These on-again, off-again changes are disruptive and unpredictable – but a new treatment may help.

The FDA recently approved a treatment that offers a new approach to treating these motor fluctuations – without the need to resort to invasive surgery. 

On Wednesday, April 23^rd, during Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, we are pleased to offer the opportunity to hear from expert Dr. Stuart Isaacson, Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center. He can discuss the current treatment landscape, the importance of managing OFF episodes and the potential impact of this new treatment.

This interview is sponsored by Supernus.

#parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #onapgo #supernus

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