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Medscape
4 days ago
- General
- Medscape
How Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference in PsA
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dactylitis, enthesitis, peripheral arthritis, skin and nail psoriasis, and spondylitis, occurs in around 10%-30% of people with psoriasis. While several pharmacological treatment strategies exist, PsA continues to significantly impact patients' pain levels, functional capacity, and mental well-being. Along with joint and skin manifestations, PsA is associated with several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), central sensitization syndrome, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, gout, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, and uveitis, all of which negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Patients with PsA are also more likely to experience psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression. Given these challenges, nonpharmacological interventions play a key role in disease management. Healthy lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and quitting smoking — along with psychological interventions — are essential to improve PsA and QOL. Here are common nonpharmacological interventions that can improve symptoms and QOL of patients with PsA. In their treatment guideline, the American College of Rheumatology and National Psoriasis Foundation (ACR/NPF) recommend nonpharmacological interventions for PsA, including acupuncture, low-impact exercise, massage, occupational therapy, physical therapy, smoking cessation, and weight loss despite weak evidence for all except smoking cessation. The Importance of Physical Activity in Reducing Inflammation Physical activity and targeted exercises play an important role in reducing inflammation, disease severity, and outcomes in patients with PsA. Studies have found that exercise, particularly when combined with dietary modifications, can improve PsA symptoms. The ACR/NPF recommend low-impact exercise over high-impact exercise for managing PsA. In their guideline, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology notes regular physical activity as an integral part of care for patients with PsA. Regular exercise, including resistance training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises may improve and preserve joint function, reduce inflammation, and enhance QOL in patients with PsA. A 12-week single-blind parallel randomized controlled trial by Silva et al found functional training and resistance training similarly improved disease activity, functional capacity, functional status, general QOL, and muscle strength in patients with PsA. The Link Between Diet and Inflammation in PsA Dietary interventions focused on weight loss alleviate mechanical strain on the joints and reduce the risk of CVD in patients with PsA. Weight loss has also been shown to improve disease activity. Moreover, research suggests some dietary modifications, along with exercise, can improve PsA disease outcomes independent of weight loss. Diets rich in saturated fats or certain omega-6 fatty acids while anti-inflammatory diets can improve PsA symptoms and disease activity. Among various anti-inflammatory diets, the Mediterranean diet has gained the most popularity as studies have found it to be associated with lower disease activity in patients with PsA. According to the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation, patients with PsA may consider the Mediterranean diet on a trial basis in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. The NPF medical board also emphasizes increased intake of fiber, complex carbohydrates, monosaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although other dietary interventions for improving PsA are less studied, a case report by Lewandowska et al found a whole-food vegan diet improved PsA symptoms a 40-year-old woman. Further research, however, is needed to confirm the role of vegetarian or vegan diets in modulating PsA disease activity. Smoking: What Role Does It Play? The association between smoking and the development of PsA remains inconclusive, with studies yielding mixed results. At the population level, smoking is positively associated with PsA. However, some studies suggest smoking increases the risk of developing PsA, while others indicate no significant association between cigarette smoking and the progression of joint damage. Beyond disease onset, smoking has been linked to poorer treatment outcomes in PsA. An observational cohort study by Højgaard et al found that patients with PsA who smoke had poor responses to treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors and were also less likely to adhere to their treatment plan. Additionally, smoking is a risk factor for CVD and other comorbidities common in PsA. Therefore, smoking cessation is an important lifestyle intervention for patients with PsA — not only to improve treatment efficacy but also to reduce the risk of other comorbidities, thereby improving the QOL. Integrating Weight Management in PsA Care The relationship between PsA and obesity appears to be bidirectional: Research has shown obesity is a common risk factor for developing PsA and that joint dysfunction and reduced physical activity due to PsA itself may result in weight gain. Patients with PsA and obesity often exhibit higher disease activity and poor response to treatment. An interventional study by Klingberg et al showed weight loss treatment with a very low energy diet improved disease activity, pain, fatigue, and C-reactive protein in patients with PsA and obesity. Similarly, another study by Klingberg et al also reported improvement in PsA disease activity after 12 months of weight loss treatment. In addition to diet and exercise, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists and incretins associated with weight loss may benefit patients with PsA and obesity. However, research on the effect of such drugs on PsA is quite limited still and requires further investigation. The Bidirectional Link Between Sleep and Inflammation In addition to obesity, there also appears to be a bidirectional relationship between PsA and sleep disorders. Persistent sleep disorders in PsA may be interconnected with inflammatory disease activity, chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological distress, creating a vicious cycle where each factor intensifies the others. Prolonged and significant decline in sleep quality reduces overall QOL and increases a patient's risk of developing CVD, hypertension, and metabolic disorders, comorbid conditions associated with PsA. Prolonged deterioration of sleep quality can negatively impact the QOL of PsA patients and increase the risk of developing hypertension, CVD, and metabolic disorders. Several lifestyle changes can help to improve sleep quality in patients with PsA. These include maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and improving the patient's sleeping environment. Additionally, medications used to treat PsA — such as guselkumab, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab), and the Janus kinase inhibitor filgotinib — have shown potential in improving sleep outcomes in patients with PsA. The Psychological Burden of PsA Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are common psychological comorbidities of PsA that have a negative impact on QOL. The odds of being diagnosed with behavioral and mental health disorders are higher in patients with PsA compared to the general population. Even with treatment, studies have shown that PsA affects patients emotionally, socially, and occupationally, underscoring the importance of comprehensive management since targeting the inflammatory activity of PsA alone may not improve the QOL. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-established psychological intervention that can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in patients with PsA. It can also improve sleep quality in PsA patients. Although research is limited, the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve psychological distress may in turn improve overall QOL in patients with PsA. Although research on this is limited, CBT can prove to be beneficial in improving mood disorders and the overall QOL of PsA patients.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa softball names sixth head coach in program history
Iowa softball names sixth head coach in program history Following a relatively successful 35-18 season, considering the multiple in-season head coaching changes endured throughout the 2025 campaign, Iowa Director of Athletics, Beth Goetz, announced on Wednesday that former Hawkeyes star Stacy May-Johnson would become the program's sixth head coach. May-Johnson played at Iowa from 2003-06, where she was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and the 2003 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. In 2003, she was a part of the Hawkeyes squad that won both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championship. She still ranks in the top 15 in program history in career games played, runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, and batting average. 'I am thrilled to be coming back to Iowa City and to once again be a Hawkeye,' said May-Johnson. 'I look forward to leading Iowa softball to Big Ten Championships and the Women's College World Series, and creating a championship culture both in the classroom and on the field.' In addition to playing at Iowa, she served as a student assistant for the Hawkeyes in 2007 and later as an assistant coach from 2011-14. Outside of Iowa, May-Johnson gathered plenty of coaching experience, including head coaching stints at Utah Valley (2020-21) and, most recently, Fresno State (2022-25). She was also a volunteer assistant at Louisville (2008-10), an assistant at Louisville (2015-16) and Purdue (2017), and associate head coach at Eastern Kentucky (2018-19). 'We are thrilled to welcome Stacy May-Johnson back to Iowa as the new head coach of our softball program,' said Goetz. 'Stacy is a proven leader with a deep understanding of what it means to be a Hawkeye. Her experience as a standout student-athlete, combined with her coaching success and commitment to developing young women on and off the field, makes her the ideal person to lead our program into its next chapter. We are excited for the future of Iowa softball under her leadership.' During her time at Fresno State, May-Johnson saw the Bulldogs improve their win total year-over-year, notching 112 victories in four seasons. In 2025, she led Fresno to 37 wins and the Mountain West Championship title game. In her tenure, May-Johnson coached one Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, two MWC Pitchers of the Year, three NFCA All-Region, and nine All-Mountain West honorees. In the classroom, the Bulldogs had 41 Academic All-Mountain West selections and 28 Mountain West Scholar-Athletes. Before moving to California, May-Johnson spent two seasons as head coach at Utah Valley, where she coached seven All-WAC selections. Following her collegiate career, May-Johnson played professionally for the Chicago Bandits of the NPF (National Pro Fastpitch) and was a member of the United States National Team. She spent five years in the NPF where she was a two-time NPF Most Valuable Player. She was the 2006 NPF Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star and led the team to two titles. May-Johnson, who is one of six players to have her number retired with Chicago, led the NPF in home runs, hits and runs scored in each of her MVP seasons in 2008 and 2010. As a member of the U.S. Women's National Team, May-Johnson helped Team USA win gold medals at the 2011 Pan American Games, the 2011 and 2012 World Cups, and a silver medal at the 2012 World Championships. She was named the 2011 USA Softball Female Athlete of the Year. With the hire of May-Johnson, Iowa hopes her experience and knowledge of the game will elevate the program to new heights in the new-look Big Ten and on the national stage. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Choice Hotels International Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
NORTH BETHESDA, Md., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. "At Choice Hotels, we are dedicated to building a better tomorrow, today, by integrating sustainable practices across our business," said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Upscale Brands and Chief Sustainability Officer for Choice Hotels International. "Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and driving long-term value for hotel owners. We are proud of the progress we've made and remain energized to continue our journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow." Key Highlights of the 2024 Sustainability Report Carbon Emissions: Choice Hotels has reported its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions for the first time, alongside Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Choice has calculated its full greenhouse gas inventory as an important step towards fulfilling its commitment to set science-based targets. National Parks Foundation: Choice Hotels also announced a collaboration with the National Park Foundation (NPF). Choice will contribute $150,000 through an annual donation to the foundation and has launched a new feature that allows Choice Privileges members to convert points into donations. The partnership aligns strategically with Choice's branded hotel footprint, with 95% of U.S. hotels located within a 90-minute drive of a national park, and its guests' affinity for visiting national parks. The partnership will also allow Choice to contribute to NPF's mission of supporting and enhancing America's national parks for present and future generations. Your Community, Your Choice: In 2024, Choice's "Your Community, Your Choice" grant program celebrated its fifth anniversary, donating a total of $275,000 to local nonprofits since its inception. The 2024 grant recipients include organizations that address food security, veteran support, aid for abuse and trafficking victims, youth education, animal shelters, and more. Through this program, Choice supports causes that are meaningful to hotel owners by offering grants to local organizations. Awards and Recognitions: Choice Hotels has been honored with several awards in 2024, including: Recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies in 2025 by Newsweek and Statista, underscoring Choice Hotels' dedication to making a positive global impact through its various sustainability initiatives. Received an inaugural 2024 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Award for the installation of CarbinX at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Minnesota, in collaboration with CleanO2, making it the first hotel in the world equipped with this technology that sequesters CO2 emissions. Honored with the PACT Freedom Award for its leadership and innovative approach to help prevent human trafficking. To download Choice Hotel's 2024 Sustainability report, please visit: Subscribe to receive Choice Hotels news updates via email here. About Choice Hotels® Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, with over 7,500 hotels, representing nearly 650,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A wide-ranging portfolio of 22 brands that includes full-service upper upscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy properties enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Economic Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Manipur RS MP Leishemba Sanajaoba hopes for a govt in the state in next 2 months
Leishemba Sanajaoba Synopsis Leishemba Sanajaoba hopes for a popular government in Manipur soon. Sambit Patra visited Manipur and met with key leaders. He also met former Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Twenty-one MLAs urged the formation of a government to ensure peace. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February. The assembly's tenure lasts until 2027. Manipur's Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed hope that a popular government would be installed in the state within the next couple of months. ADVERTISEMENT The lone Rajya sabha MP in a programme said, "We have placed personal ambition above the state's interests. The imposition of President's Rule happened because we prioritised power and self-interest over Manipur's welfare. " Recently BJP's northeast in-charge Sambit Patra visited Manipur. The state has been under President's rule since February this year. Patra visited Churachandpur and met key leaders, including Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, who survived a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, also held meetings with Churachandpur legislator L M Khaute and leaders of the Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF), who submitted a memorandum outlining their came back to Imphal and held a meeting with former Chief minister N Biren Singh. A senior BJP leader said, 'There were some MLAs present in the meeting.' ADVERTISEMENT He met Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh, BJP MLA Shyamkumar Singh and BJP MLA and former minister L Susindro Meitei. There was a meeting with Naga People's Front (NPF) leaders Awangbow Newmai, Khashim Vashum.' NPF is an ally of BJP in visit comes nearly a week after 21 Manipur MLAs wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to form a "popular government" in the state, which is under President's rule to ensure peace and normalcy. ADVERTISEMENT An MLA who does not want to be named said that among the 21 MLAs, most of MLAs belonged to BJP and MLAs of National People's Party (NPP), NPF and two independent legislators were part of the letter of the MLAs to the Prime Minister and the union home minister said that the people of Manipur welcome the President's Rule with lots of hope and expectations, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy in the state have been seen so far. ADVERTISEMENT Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 13. The 60- Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President's Rule, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till BJP falling to find a consensus candidate for the chief ministership, President's rule was imposed on, four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government for the second term, resigned on February 9, following ethnic violence. ADVERTISEMENT A senior BJP leader, who did not want to be named, said, 'There are too many candidates in the fray for the chief minister ship. Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and former Municipal Administrations, Housing and former Urban Development minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh were vying for the chief minister's post.'He said two former ministers, including Th Biswajit and Govindas Konthoujam were also in the race. Over 260 people were killed, more than 1,500 injured, and over 70,000 people displaced after the ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo people on May 3, 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March', organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. NEXT STORY
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
PCI's Strategic Expansion News, VIP Event, and Show-Stopping Booth Grab Headlines at NPF
WESTON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Who said lightning doesn't strike the same place twice? Well, that's certainly not the case for Postal Center International (PCI), as once again, the largest USPS mailing event of the year—the National Postal Forum (NPF) held at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 27-30, 2025—served as the stage for electrifying moments at PCI's booth. This strategic growth [to the West and Mid-Atlantic regions] allows us to support our clients, bringing our signature mail presort excellence to these new markets. - Ismael Diaz, President & CEO of PCI. Share This year's event had 5,600 attendees, a 70% increase compared to the previous year's attendance. There was tremendous anticipation about the July 2025 Postage Rate Increase that could be felt across the entire exhibit hall, which brought significant traffic to PCI's booth, as PCI is now the premier first-class mail presort partner in the country. The attendees were eager to hear how PCI's mail presort expertise could help them offset the imminent July Postage Rate Increases by reducing postage costs and improving mail delivery. PCI was honored to host the Acting US Postmaster General, Doug Tulino, at its booth to meet the company's executive team for pictures and witness how PCI provides value to clients across the country. The PCI booth was the talk of the show, attracting a steady stream of visitors. Brian McGrath, PCI's CIO, hosted sessions on how PCI's technology streamlines mail operations and demonstrated PCI's custom Client Portal. William Levinson, PCI's VP of Operations, hosted sessions on how PCI uses AI technology to support our logistics strategy to provide an end-to-end chain of custody for clients' mail. The hottest ticket in town was the PCI VIP Event, held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with scores of guests gathering at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center to mingle with PCI's President & CEO and his executive team. The event offered clients, partners, and prospects an exclusive opportunity to explore how PCI's multi-channel business solutions can accelerate mail communications and drive ROI. The night's highlight was President & CEO Ismael Diaz's announcement, sharing the next steps in PCI's National Expansion Plan, now covering the West and Mid-Atlantic regions. 'This strategic growth allows us to support our clients, bringing our signature mail presort excellence to these new markets,' said Ismael. Innovation wasn't the only draw. The PCI Hydration Station returned with impact, encouraging guests to refill their complimentary PCI-branded reusable water bottles while embracing the message: 'Take a Sip of Change.' The eco-conscious feature highlighted PCI's focus on sustainability by helping reduce single-use plastic. Another high-visibility win came through PCI's sponsorship of the official NPF event badges, ensuring thousands of attendees saw the PCI brand the moment they checked in—another strategic branding move that built on last year's successful sponsorship. Tom Roberts, Senior Vice President of Client Experience at PCI, said: 'NPF gives us a unique platform to connect directly with our clients, prospects, and USPS partners to network and support industry initiatives." With a client-centric focus, strategic alignment with USPS priorities, and a passion for innovation and sustainability, PCI left an indelible mark at NPF 2025. For more information about PCI and its initiatives, please visit Postal Center International (PCI) was founded in 1984 and is a leading mail, print, signs, fulfillment, promotional, packaging, and marketing solutions partner. Under the leadership of President & CEO Ismael Diaz since 2006, PCI has become renowned as one of the nation's fastest-growing postal and mail processing organizations and among the largest state-of-the-art printers. The company's family of brands employs more than 600 associates with locations in the Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, West, and Mid-Atlantic regions, with a footprint totaling 562K square feet. PCI delivers exceptional solutions to enterprise clients in banking, financial, healthcare, insurance, hospitality, and government nationwide. PCI is a HIPAA-compliant Certified Minority Owned Diverse Supplier at the state and national levels. It holds multiple security, sustainability, and quality certifications, including HITRUST CSF®, TruSight, FDR, PCI DSS, SOC 2 (Type 2), FSC, SFI, PEFC, and G7.
