(NewsUSA) - As the cold of winter fades, spring brings a fresh sense of renewal—and for many, it’s the first time in months they’ll be showing off their legs again. But for some, the thought of revealing their legs can come with hesitation. This may be especially true for those with varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects more than 30 million Americans.¹ These enlarged veins, visible just beneath the skin, are not just a cosmetic issue – they can signal underlying vein disease that causes blood to flow backward and pool in lower leg veins, causing pain and discomfort.

Varicose Veins as More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue

While cosmetic concerns and wanting to feel comfortable in your skin can be reason enough for treatment, varicose veins may also be a potential sign of a more urgent health condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment.

“Varicose veins go beyond appearance—they can be a sign of underlying vein disease that can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, general discomfort in the legs, and in more advanced cases cause venous ulcers,” said Dr. John Laird, Chief Medical Officer for Peripheral Vascular Health at Medtronic. “If these symptoms are familiar, I would encourage you to reach out to a doctor who can do an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment to help you find relief from pain and other symptoms.”

Know If You’re at Risk and Learn How to Step Up Your Health

Varicose veins and vein disease don’t discriminate — anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can be affected. However, certain factors may increase your risk. A family history of vein disease, smoking, or obesity can make vein problems more likely.² Additionally, women who are pregnant, taking birth control, or going through menopause may experience a higher risk due to hormonal changes that can relax vein walls, making it easier for veins to swell.²

"Varicose veins can worsen over time if left untreated,” explained Dr. Laird. “But the good news is there are innovative treatments and simple self-care strategies that can help manage symptoms. Adopting a few healthy habits can make a significant difference."

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when possible, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing are all helpful steps.³ Dr. Laird also recommends wearing compression socks to support improved circulation and relieve discomfort.

Medtronic just marked the milestone of shipping over one million VenaSeal closure system units worldwide.

A Quick and Easy Option for Varicose Vein Treatment

While lifestyle changes can help manage varicose veins, they won’t cure them. For a more permanent solution, treatments like VenaSeal™ are gaining popularity. This medical adhesive is a quick and effective way to treat varicose veins with minimal recovery time— and may not require compression stockings following the procedure.^5-6  Following the procedure, your doctor can help you know when you are able get back to doing what you love— from outdoor activities to spending time with family.^4-7

Heather Anderson, a mom, avid runner, and boot camp enthusiast, opted for the VenaSeal procedure to treat her tired and achy legs. “The treatment was smooth. I was awake the whole time, felt no pain, and was incredibly comfortable,” Heather shared of her experience. “When it was done, I got up and walked right out. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Minimally invasive treatments like VenaSeal are becoming the go-to choice for people dealing with varicose veins. “More patients are choosing minimally invasive options to treat varicose veins,” Dr. Laird said. “Medtronic recently celebrated a huge milestone — shipping over one million units of the VenaSeal system worldwide, showing just how popular and effective this treatment has become.”

VenaSeal is a procedure where a small tube is inserted into the affected vein, and a specially formulated medical adhesive is used to seal the vein walls together. This reroutes blood to healthier veins, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort. The best part? While each patient experience is unique, pain is generally considered mild, and most are back to their daily activities with minimal downtime.^4-7

Break Free from Leg Pain this Spring

If you’re dealing with varicose veins, it might be time to take action. Life shouldn’t be limited by pain caused by vein disease. Relieve your leg pain and talk to your doctor about whether VenaSeal could be the right option for you – it’s a quick and effective treatment that can help you get back to enjoying the beach, the lake, the pool, or wherever your warm weather adventures take you.

For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.
7. Morrison N, Gibson, Vasquez M, et al. VeClose trial 12-month outcomes of cyanoacrylate closure versus radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(3):321–330. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.12.005.

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

¹ Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.

² Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643

³ National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins

⁴ Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.

⁵ Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.

⁶ Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

Mar 28, 2025 09:26 am

(NewsUSA) - For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

(NewsUSA) - As the cold of winter fades, spring brings a fresh sense of renewal—and for many, it’s the first time in months they’ll be showing off their legs again. But for some, the thought of revealing their legs can come with hesitation. This may be especially true for those with varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects more than 30 million Americans.¹ These enlarged veins, visible just beneath the skin, are not just a cosmetic issue – they can signal underlying vein disease that causes blood to flow backward and pool in lower leg veins, causing pain and discomfort.

Varicose Veins as More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue

While cosmetic concerns and wanting to feel comfortable in your skin can be reason enough for treatment, varicose veins may also be a potential sign of a more urgent health condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment.

“Varicose veins go beyond appearance—they can be a sign of underlying vein disease that can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, general discomfort in the legs, and in more advanced cases cause venous ulcers,” said Dr. John Laird, Chief Medical Officer for Peripheral Vascular Health at Medtronic. “If these symptoms are familiar, I would encourage you to reach out to a doctor who can do an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment to help you find relief from pain and other symptoms.”

Know If You’re at Risk and Learn How to Step Up Your Health

Varicose veins and vein disease don’t discriminate — anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can be affected. However, certain factors may increase your risk. A family history of vein disease, smoking, or obesity can make vein problems more likely.² Additionally, women who are pregnant, taking birth control, or going through menopause may experience a higher risk due to hormonal changes that can relax vein walls, making it easier for veins to swell.²

"Varicose veins can worsen over time if left untreated,” explained Dr. Laird. “But the good news is there are innovative treatments and simple self-care strategies that can help manage symptoms. Adopting a few healthy habits can make a significant difference."

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when possible, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing are all helpful steps.³ Dr. Laird also recommends wearing compression socks to support improved circulation and relieve discomfort.

Medtronic just marked the milestone of shipping over one million VenaSeal closure system units worldwide.

A Quick and Easy Option for Varicose Vein Treatment

While lifestyle changes can help manage varicose veins, they won’t cure them. For a more permanent solution, treatments like VenaSeal™ are gaining popularity. This medical adhesive is a quick and effective way to treat varicose veins with minimal recovery time— and may not require compression stockings following the procedure.^5-6  Following the procedure, your doctor can help you know when you are able get back to doing what you love— from outdoor activities to spending time with family.^4-7

Heather Anderson, a mom, avid runner, and boot camp enthusiast, opted for the VenaSeal procedure to treat her tired and achy legs. “The treatment was smooth. I was awake the whole time, felt no pain, and was incredibly comfortable,” Heather shared of her experience. “When it was done, I got up and walked right out. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Minimally invasive treatments like VenaSeal are becoming the go-to choice for people dealing with varicose veins. “More patients are choosing minimally invasive options to treat varicose veins,” Dr. Laird said. “Medtronic recently celebrated a huge milestone — shipping over one million units of the VenaSeal system worldwide, showing just how popular and effective this treatment has become.”

VenaSeal is a procedure where a small tube is inserted into the affected vein, and a specially formulated medical adhesive is used to seal the vein walls together. This reroutes blood to healthier veins, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort. The best part? While each patient experience is unique, pain is generally considered mild, and most are back to their daily activities with minimal downtime.^4-7

Break Free from Leg Pain this Spring

If you’re dealing with varicose veins, it might be time to take action. Life shouldn’t be limited by pain caused by vein disease. Relieve your leg pain and talk to your doctor about whether VenaSeal could be the right option for you – it’s a quick and effective treatment that can help you get back to enjoying the beach, the lake, the pool, or wherever your warm weather adventures take you.

For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.

(NewsUSA) - The American energy landscape is evolving, and with it, new opportunities are emerging for economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. Offshore wind energy stands out as a transformative solution, capable of revitalizing communities and securing a sustainable future.

At the heart of this transformation is a story of vision and adaptation. In Louisiana, Chett Chiasson has overseen Port Fourchon, a port vital to America's energy sector, for the last 15 years. Building on the port's extensive experience serving offshore oil and gas operations, Chett recognizes its potential to support America’s growing offshore wind industry. Chett’s work to integrate offshore wind into Louisiana's energy heritage exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking needed to power America's future.

Offshore wind energy presents numerous economic benefits for communities like Chett’s across the country. If all the planned projects are allowed to move forward, the offshore wind industry will bring an estimated $65 billion of investment in large-scale projects by 2030, creating an estimated 56,000 jobs across various industries. These are high-paying jobs in construction, maritime trades, and manufacturing, offering vital opportunities for professional growth. Beyond job creation, offshore wind projects stimulate local economies by creating new revenue for communities like land lease payments and tax payments.

The coastal states that are pursuing offshore wind energy are densely populated without more land area to grow other power sources. These big cities with surging demand for power have limited transmission and pipeline capacity. So offshore wind power is the best option for meeting growing electricity demand in short order, as the projects have already been under development for years. And producing wind energy here at home means greater energy independence and less reliance on foreign sources.

New polling data conducted by the Terrance Group shows bipartisan support for tapping into offshore wind’s vast potential. Nearly two-thirds of voters polled in 12 states favor offshore wind development both in the U.S. and off the coast of their own states. Support for offshore wind bridges party lines, with particularly high Republican support in states like Texas and Virginia. And majorities of voters agree that we should incorporate more clean energy like offshore wind into our energy mix.

Offshore wind energy represents a transformative opportunity to power our economy, create jobs, and ensure a sustainable energy supply. By embracing offshore wind as part of America’s all-of-the-above energy mix, we can create a bright future powered by homegrown American energy.

(Madison Roberts, Contributor) - The Rise of Digital-First Healthcare

The telehealth and direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare industries are undergoing a seismic transformation. The global online pharmacy market, valued at $69.25 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $210.35 billion by 2028. Similarly, the telehealth market, which stood at $144.38 billion in 2020, is expected to soar past $636 billion by 2028. These numbers underscore a massive shift in healthcare delivery, where convenience, technology, and personalization are becoming the norm.

At the forefront of this revolution is Bask Health, a telehealth infrastructure company that enables entrepreneurs to build and scale digital healthcare brands seamlessly. Whether you’re a doctor, pharmacist, or entrepreneur, Bask Health provides a fully integrated, white-label platform designed to remove the complexity from launching a telehealth business.

Unlike traditional healthcare platforms, which require businesses to piece together multiple systems—such as electronic medical records (EMRs), e-commerce tools, compliance frameworks, and pharmacy integrations—Bask Health provides an all-in-one, enterprise-grade solution that is powerful enough for large enterprises yet intuitive enough for small startups.

What is Bask Health?

Building a Fully Integrated Telehealth Business

Founded on the principles of flexibility, compliance, and ease of use, Bask Health is redefining telehealth. It offers a complete, no-code or API-driven platform for launching and operating DTC healthcare brands. Whether you're creating a weight-loss clinic, dermatology brand, or specialty pharmacy, Bask Health eliminates the need for custom development, expensive software engineers, or prolonged setup times.

Core Offerings

• White-Label Telehealth Engine – Build a branded telehealth business from patient intake to prescription fulfillment.
• End-to-End Compliance & Security – HIPAA, SOC-2, Surescript and LegitScript compliance ensure patient data is protected.
• Customizable Patient Workflows – No-code intake form builders, dynamic questionnaires, and asynchronous patient assessments.
• Built-In Pharmacy Fulfillment – Nationwide network of commercial and compounding pharmacies.
• E-commerce & Payments – Fully integrated checkout solutions for subscription and one-time purchases.
• Scalable API-First Infrastructure – Developers can build on top of Bask’s headless API architecture to create custom telehealth applications.

How Bask Health is Changing the Telehealth Industry

A ‘Shopify for Telehealth’ Approach

Traditional telehealth companies face a long and complex development process—finding an EMR provider, negotiating pharmacy deals, ensuring compliance, and building secure payment processing. Bask Health eliminates this friction by offering pre-built infrastructure that allows businesses to launch within days instead of months.

“We’ve built a platform that lets any telehealth entrepreneur launch a fully operational brand without having to reinvent the wheel,” says Bask Health’s CEO & Founder Zachary Dorf. “With built-in provider networks, automated prescription fulfillment, and seamless payments, we’ve taken care of the backend so businesses can focus on patient care.”

The Power of Automation & No-Code Tools

One of the standout features of Bask Health is its emphasis on automation and user-friendly design. Entrepreneurs without a development background can build patient intake forms, automate follow-up workflows, and manage prescriptions without writing a single line of code. This ease of use has made Bask Health the go-to platform for both first-time healthcare entrepreneurs and large-scale telehealth brands.

API-Driven Flexibility for Custom Solutions

For companies that require more advanced customization, Bask Health’s headless telehealth architecture enables developers to build bespoke telehealth solutions. The API-powered infrastructure allows seamless integration with third-party systems, payment processors, and analytics platforms.

Success Stories: How Businesses are Scaling with Bask Health

Case Study: From Concept to Nationwide Telehealth Launch

Phong Truong, PharmD, CEO & Founder of Ivy Rx had extensive experience in pharmacy but no background in software development. Yet, he was able to launch a nationwide telehealth platform in a matter of days using Bask Health’s no-code solutions.

“While my experience is in pharmacy, Bask’s doctor group and platform allowed for a seamless nationwide launch. I’m also not a developer, but with the no-code solutions, I was able to launch our telehealth business in just a matter of days. The platform’s ease of use and built-in tools helped me focus on growing our patient base while delivering top-tier healthcare remotely.” – Phong Truong, PharmD, CEO & Founder, Ivy Rx

Case Study: Driving Operational Efficiency for Established Healthcare Companies

Dr. Rebecca Emch, VP of Pharmacy Operations at Eden, credits Bask Health for streamlining internal operations and providing real-time business insights.

“Bask has been a cornerstone in our growth at Eden since we first started as a company. Their EHR solutions have not only streamlined our processes but also provided invaluable insights into our business that have helped shape our strategic decisions. They consistently deliver software upgrades that enhance functionality, keeping pace with industry needs. We truly appreciate how responsive they are to feedback, making improvements based on partner requests. Bask’s dedication to innovation and collaboration has been instrumental to our success, and we look forward to what the future holds.” – Dr. Rebecca Emch, VP of Pharmacy Operations, Eden

Case Study: Telehealth Startup Success

Paul DiMuzio, Founder of Locklab, highlights how Bask Health simplified his telehealth company’s launch:

“The Bask team really cares about their customers and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure we’re taken care of. The ease of use and turnkey nature of the platform really helped us launch our business. We couldn’t recommend them more to anyone starting a telemedicine company. Choose Bask if you want to be supported by a company that cares about your success.” – Paul DiMuzio, Founder, Locklab

The Future of Telehealth: Why Bask Health is Poised for Growth

With over 100 telehealth companies powered by Bask, the platform is already a dominant force in digital healthcare. As consumer demand for digital-first healthcare solutions continues to rise, Bask Health is positioned to be the leading infrastructure provider for entrepreneurs, pharmacies, and established healthcare brands alike.

The company is continuously evolving, integrating AI-powered analytics, advanced automation tools, and new pharmacy partnerships to further optimize the telehealth experience.

“We envision a world where launching a telehealth business is as simple as starting an e-commerce store,” says the Bask Health President and Co-Founder Elias Dorf. “We’re not just a platform—we’re an ecosystem that supports businesses in delivering exceptional patient care.”

Join the Future of Telehealth

Bask Health is democratizing access to digital healthcare entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an independent provider, a startup founder, or an enterprise organization, Bask Health provides the tools, compliance, and infrastructure needed to succeed in telehealth.

• Schedule a Demo – See how Bask Health can power your telehealth business.
• Talk to Experts – Learn how to integrate Bask’s platform into your existing operations.
• Start Your Digital Healthcare Journey Today!

(NewsUSA) - The newest generation of GLP-1 drugs has delivered life-changing benefits to patients managing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. And yet even though tens of thousands of lives would be saved each year by expanding access to GLP-1s, many insurers have declined to provide comprehensive coverage.

As a result, some patients have gambled with their health – likely unknowingly – by turning to compounded versions that are both risky and potentially less effective. These compounded GLP-1s—which are never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and do not undergo their gold standard review for safety, effectiveness, or quality—come from loosely regulated pharmacies that don’t have to follow the same manufacturing standards. It’s a combination that can lead to catastrophic harm. As one example, in 2012, a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to a New England-based compounder killed more than 100 people and sickened over 700 others across 20 states. It’s no wonder why FDA has repeatedly warned that compounded products can have “potentially serious health risks.”

Fortunately, the clock has run out on those risky copycats. The FDA has declared that both semaglutide and tirzepatide—the active ingredients in Wegovy and Ozempic, and Mounjaro and Zepbound, respectively—are no longer in shortage, which had created a loophole for compounders to produce them. A federal court recently declined to issue an injunction blocking the FDA’s tirzepatide decision. The effect of those decisions is to put a halt to the continued manufacture and sale of these substandard drugs.

Efforts should now shift to helping increase access to FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs. As GLP-1 medicines continue to grow in popularity, expanded insurance coverage is critically needed to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective treatments. Patients living with obesity deserve access to FDA-approved treatments just like patients with diabetes or heart disease. There’s no reason why they should be denied insurance coverage for proven medicines like GLP-1s.

Manufacturers have launched programs to help make FDA-approved GLP-1s more affordable for patients who must pay out of pocket—but that’s just a start. To truly improve access, obesity has to be treated like every other chronic disease. And that means increasing government and commercial insurance coverage. 

Unsurprisingly, some insurers claim that the cost of GLP-1s is too high. That’s a shortsighted view. Given the current obesity public health crisis, covering these drugs now will not only help improve the lives of millions living with obesity but will also help reduce the prevalence and health care spending on the many costly conditions associated with it, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and liver disease, among others. Robust coverage may also help more people join or return to the workforce and ultimately save billions in lost productivity.

Tens of millions of Americans are living with obesity and they deserve access to proven FDA-approved treatments—they should not have to settle for substandard alternatives. With the GLP-1 shortage resolved, policymakers need to focus on increasing GLP-1 insurance coverage so patients who need help managing chronic health conditions can access safe and effective FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines.  

(NewsUSA) - There is broad agreement across party lines that it takes too long to build anything in the United States.   A new energy generation project, like a solar or wind farm, that needs a federal permit takes an average of 4.5 years to secure it. Projects that only need state or local permits can go faster but still take unnecessarily long.
Some projects’ permit wait time is more than a decade. That’s twice the time it took to build the Hoover Dam or the Golden Gate Bridge.  Protecting the environment is critical, of course, but deployment of the energy infrastructure necessary to help our nation meet the growing demand for electricity while continuing to power our economy is being done in ways that are compatible with environmental protection.

While the industry has been accelerating investments in clean energy projects, manufacturing facilities and new technology, timely permitting is critical to unlocking the pipeline of projects that will unleash economic growth, create additional good-paying American jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.

Failure to reform our current permitting system puts clean energy projects that power millions of homes at risk of significant delay, along with 150,000 jobs and $100 billion+ of investment, including over 40 GW of projects reliant on the siting and permitting of new transmission lines.

Delays create uncertainty and raise costs for project developers that ultimately get passed on to the consumer. Delays can also have ripple effects throughout the economy—throwing off project timelines, the buildout of domestic supply chains, and the jobs and economic activity tied to these projects.

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) advocates for comprehensive permitting policies, working with members of Congress from both political parties to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and cut red tape—all while maintaining robust environmental reviews.

Clean power sources like solar and wind have minimal environmental impacts and proactively take steps to reduce even those and they provide economic benefits in the form of tax revenue, land lease payments and job creation. They also generate large amounts of electricity while diversifying America’s energy portfolio, which enhances reliability while benefiting consumers.

Expanding power generation and transmission is about as fundamental as you can get – we need more electricity to power our devices, factories, workplaces; really our entire lives. Having a dependable supply of electricity is not something we should ever take for granted. Reforming the permitting process is critical to setting the U.S on a path to greater energy security.

(NewsUSA) - As the cold of winter fades, spring brings a fresh sense of renewal—and for many, it’s the first time in months they’ll be showing off their legs again. But for some, the thought of revealing their legs can come with hesitation. This may be especially true for those with varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects more than 30 million Americans.¹ These enlarged veins, visible just beneath the skin, are not just a cosmetic issue – they can signal underlying vein disease that causes blood to flow backward and pool in lower leg veins, causing pain and discomfort.

Varicose Veins as More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue

While cosmetic concerns and wanting to feel comfortable in your skin can be reason enough for treatment, varicose veins may also be a potential sign of a more urgent health condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment.

“Varicose veins go beyond appearance—they can be a sign of underlying vein disease that can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, general discomfort in the legs, and in more advanced cases cause venous ulcers,” said Dr. John Laird, Chief Medical Officer for Peripheral Vascular Health at Medtronic. “If these symptoms are familiar, I would encourage you to reach out to a doctor who can do an evaluation and determine the best course of treatment to help you find relief from pain and other symptoms.”

Know If You’re at Risk and Learn How to Step Up Your Health

Varicose veins and vein disease don’t discriminate — anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can be affected. However, certain factors may increase your risk. A family history of vein disease, smoking, or obesity can make vein problems more likely.² Additionally, women who are pregnant, taking birth control, or going through menopause may experience a higher risk due to hormonal changes that can relax vein walls, making it easier for veins to swell.²

"Varicose veins can worsen over time if left untreated,” explained Dr. Laird. “But the good news is there are innovative treatments and simple self-care strategies that can help manage symptoms. Adopting a few healthy habits can make a significant difference."

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when possible, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing are all helpful steps.³ Dr. Laird also recommends wearing compression socks to support improved circulation and relieve discomfort.

Medtronic just marked the milestone of shipping over one million VenaSeal closure system units worldwide.

A Quick and Easy Option for Varicose Vein Treatment

While lifestyle changes can help manage varicose veins, they won’t cure them. For a more permanent solution, treatments like VenaSeal™ are gaining popularity. This medical adhesive is a quick and effective way to treat varicose veins with minimal recovery time— and may not require compression stockings following the procedure.^5-6  Following the procedure, your doctor can help you know when you are able get back to doing what you love— from outdoor activities to spending time with family.^4-7

Heather Anderson, a mom, avid runner, and boot camp enthusiast, opted for the VenaSeal procedure to treat her tired and achy legs. “The treatment was smooth. I was awake the whole time, felt no pain, and was incredibly comfortable,” Heather shared of her experience. “When it was done, I got up and walked right out. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Minimally invasive treatments like VenaSeal are becoming the go-to choice for people dealing with varicose veins. “More patients are choosing minimally invasive options to treat varicose veins,” Dr. Laird said. “Medtronic recently celebrated a huge milestone — shipping over one million units of the VenaSeal system worldwide, showing just how popular and effective this treatment has become.”

VenaSeal is a procedure where a small tube is inserted into the affected vein, and a specially formulated medical adhesive is used to seal the vein walls together. This reroutes blood to healthier veins, providing long-term relief from pain and discomfort. The best part? While each patient experience is unique, pain is generally considered mild, and most are back to their daily activities with minimal downtime.^4-7

Break Free from Leg Pain this Spring

If you’re dealing with varicose veins, it might be time to take action. Life shouldn’t be limited by pain caused by vein disease. Relieve your leg pain and talk to your doctor about whether VenaSeal could be the right option for you – it’s a quick and effective treatment that can help you get back to enjoying the beach, the lake, the pool, or wherever your warm weather adventures take you.

For more details, including important safety information, on VenaSeal, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/breakfree.

Sources

1. Gloviczki P, Comerota AJ, Dalsing MC, et al. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. J Vasc Surg. 2011;53(5 Suppl):2S–48S. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.01.079.
2. Mayo Clinic: Varicose Veinshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
3. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Varicose Veins https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins
4. Morrison N, Gibson K, McEnroe S, et al. Randomized trial comparing cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins (VeClose). J Vasc Surg. 2015;61(4):985–994. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.11.071.
5. Proebstle T, Alm J, Dimitri S, et al. Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European multicenter cohort study on cyanoacrylate embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2021;9(2):329–334. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.05.019.
6. Almeida JI, Javier JJ, Mackay EG, Bautista C, Cher DJ, Proebstle TM. Thirty-sixth-month follow-up of first-in-human use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(5):658–666. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.03.016.
7. Morrison N, Gibson, Vasquez M, et al. VeClose trial 12-month outcomes of cyanoacrylate closure versus radiofrequency ablation for incompetent great saphenous veins. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2017;5(3):321–330. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.12.005.