Category: Health

These posts cover all sorts of topics related to health and wellness. For tips and tricks to stay healthy or improve your health, check out these posts!

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Health

7 Vitamins for Heart Health: Do They Help?

lThere are many benefits of taking vitamins, but are there benefits of taking vitamins for heart health?

If there were a single vitamin or a group of vitamins found to prevent cardiovascular disease or any heart-related problem, you would know about it. The world would know about it, and everyone would be taking it daily.

No studies currently show any single or combination of vitamins has the power to prevent heart problems.

What studies do show, however, are the advantages of taking vitamins over significant periods. Vitamins can improve the functioning of vital organs, which will, in turn, benefit your heart. For example, taking a vitamin that enhances blood flow means your body can do a better job at pumping blood to your heart and body. Healthy blood flow is good for heart health.

Further, merely taking a vitamin without implementing positive lifestyle actions may prevent you from receiving the most benefits of the supplements. Simply put, you can’t take a vitamin, then eat junk food and lay on the couch all day.

Vitamins work best in conjunction with other healthy behaviors like exercise, eating healthy, and mindfulness.

Before You Buy

Before you start purchasing vitamins, you can do a few things to help narrow the search. Only buy vitamins from reputable companies. Buy vitamins from your local pharmacy. They typically only stock vitamins from companies that have solid reputations.

Talk with your pharmacist, especially when the price is a factor. Your pharmacist can help you understand why one product is more expensive than the other and which one will work best for you. Your local pharmacist can also tell you if the vitamins you choose will interact with any medication you are currently taking.

Then, after being advised by your pharmacist, you can start to pick the vitamins to improve your heart health.

Choosing the Right Vitamins for Heart Health

Knowing which vitamins to take that can indirectly improve heart health can be confusing because there are so many vitamins from which to choose. It seems like for every letter of the alphabet; there is at least one vitamin. Aside from vitamins, minerals, essential oils, nutraceuticals, and other options offer a wealth of advantages.

Because deciding which supplements to take can be overwhelming, we have done the research for you. Below, you can learn more about the recommended daily vitamins for heart health to take and at which dose.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids or Fish Oil

Inflammation is harmful to the body, especially the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower inflammation. Studies have shown a direct connection between reduced heart-related events in those taking fish oil type supplements.

Just 1 mg a day is enough to improve heart health.

2. Coenzyme Q10

People with heart problems have been shown to have a deficiency in coenzyme Q10. This supplement can help the heart pump blood more efficiently, preventing issues like congestive heart failure. Also known as COQ10, this supplement used to help people suffering from statin-associated myopathy syndrome.

The recommended daily dose can range between 200 and 400 mg. Work with your doctor to figure out the right dose for your body’s needs.

3. Red Rice Yeast

Red rice yeast is the over the counter version of cholesterol-lowering statins. In supplement form, it contains monacolin K, which is an ingredient in the prescription cholesterol medicines. One of the best benefits of these vitamins for heart health and cholesterol is that you can see significant improvements in just a few weeks.

Daily beneficial doses can range from 3 to 10 mg and can depend on gender, weight, and other medications you are taking. Therefore, seek consultation before starting the supplement.

4. Vitamin D

It is challenging to get the amount of Vitamin D you need through just a healthy diet. Because Vitamin D has shown to be linked to cholesterol and bone health, it’s worth taking in supplement form. Some studies have linked it directly to heart health. Your doctor and pharmacist can help you determine the dose you need to take.

Lab work in which your blood is tested can give definitive results on whether you are deficient in Vitamin D.

5. Fiber

Fiber helps your digestive system work properly, reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and bad cholesterol. Eating a diet with the right amount of fiber, even in supplement form, can help maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity is linked to heart disease. If fiber can help control weight gain, it’s worth adding to your daily regimen. It would help if you were getting at least 25 mg of fiber a day for positive benefits.

6. Zinc

Zinc is essential to good health and is found in the cells of your body. Its function is to help your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. It’s essential to strive for around 10 mg a day of zinc.

When your body cannot fight infections, they can spread throughout your body and into your blood. You then run the risk of infected blood being pumped to your heart. This can turn a simple infection into a severe and life-threatening matter.

7. Magnesium

Getting a good night’s sleep is something many people don’t get due to stressors from work, home, or both. Magnesium may be able to help you rest better. It relaxes you by aiding nerve impulses in working correctly. It does the same for metabolism.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. Having a deficiency can cause an imbalance that can affect energy, muscles, and protein formation.

Reports claim magnesium is beneficial in fighting Type 2 Diabetes, which has direct links to heart health. It can also improve athletic performance, prevent migraines, lower blood pressure, and fight inflammation in the body.

The recommended daily dose of magnesium is between 300 and 350 mg for women and between 400 and 450 for men.

Final Thought

In conclusion, the more you know about your body, the better you will choose the right vitamins for heart health, cholesterol, inflammation, blood pressure, and more. Don’t get lured by advertisements or advice of non-professionals.  Instead, educate yourself about each vitamin by researching it online. Also, work with your doctor and local pharmacy to get advice that will genuinely benefit your heart health.

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Health

Diabetes Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month, we aim to provide more information on the disease including risk factors, symptoms, and prevention options. 

The Center for Disease Control reports one in ten Americans have diabetes. That’s over 34 million, and an estimated 88 million have pre-diabetes.

A disease affecting this many people is alarming. That’s why so many researchers and doctors are paying attention and taking action. One of the most critical steps in helping Americans combat this disease is education. This Diabetes Awareness Month, Burt’s Pharmacy strives to educate our patients on diabetes.

The more you know, the more powerful you become in prevention, intervention, and for some, a reversal of diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, discussed below. But first, read about two crucial factors: insulin and glucose.

Insulin and Glucose Basics

There are a couple of essential processes that contribute to diabetes. One is how insulin works in your body. Insulin is a hormone that comes from the pancreas. The cycle begins when the pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream. As the insulin moves around, glucose is released into your cells, preventing glucose buildup in your bloodstream and keeping your sugar levels low. The glucose or blood sugars become fuel for your mind and body once they enter your cells.

When you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks your pancreas cells that produce insulin. This means insulin cannot send sugars (glucose) into cells, and you experience sugar buildup in your bloodstream.

In those with Type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells become resistant to insulin and its ability to send sugar into your cells for energy. This resistance causes the pancreas to go into overdrive. It wants to make more insulin, but it cannot keep up. The sugars get stuck in the bloodstream, causing a buildup.

You may ask, how does a person get diabetes? The answer lies in risk factors that have been commonly found in those with the disease.

Common Risk Factors

For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are risk factors that do not guarantee you will get diabetes. They mean you may be predisposed to the disorder.

Genetics can play a considerable role in Type 1 diabetes. If you are born with specific genes, you risk the chance of developing diabetes. Family history also plays a role. Many people diagnosed with diabetes have relatives who also have diabetes.

Genetics and family history are also risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. They are not the only ones, however. Weight is a significant contributor. The more fatty tissue you have, the more your cells become resistant to insulin.

Women who have a polycystic ovarian syndrome, having gestational diabetes, inactivity, poor nutrition, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels can factor in developing Type 2 diabetes.

You should look for specific symptoms when trying to figure out if you should be tested for diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes symptoms include:

  • Extreme thirst and drinking many liquids to try and satisfy that thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Type 2 diabetes include:

all the above, similar to Type 1 diabetes. However, the longer you avoid controlling glucose levels with treatment, you can experience additional symptoms:

  • Yeast infections
  • Dark patches on your skin
  • Neuropathy
  • Foot pain

As time goes on, dark patches can spread and may appear in creases on your body like your armpits, groin, and around the neck. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans.

Because diabetes affects your immune system, infections become harder to fight. Besides yeast infections, conditions can include skin, vaginal, bladder, and other viral or bacterial infections.

Eyesight may worsen, and you face the chance of having irreversible nerve damage if your diabetes is not controlled. Wounds heal slower, and some people have lost extremities due to this disease.

There are many things you can do to prevent these negative symptoms or consequences from happening.

What You Can Do

The first step is to begin spreading awareness this Diabetes Awareness Month. If you are concerned, work with your doctor, or endocrinologist, to get an accurate diagnosis. Your physician should use lab work to help determine if you have diabetes. The Hemoglobin A1C test, fasting plasma glucose test, and an oral glucose tolerance test are among the most used assessments.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan, including medication. But medication alone will not work long-term. Your doctor will teach you how to monitor your blood glucose daily.

Your treatment plan will include lifestyle changes—specifically, diet and exercise. Working with a diabetes nutritionist is a great benefit that is often covered by your insurance. You can learn foods that help you control diabetes and foods to avoid.

Changing your diet is not always easy, especially if you have other family members who can eat junk food and not gain weight. But just because they don’t gain weight doesn’t mean they are at their healthiest.

If you can get your family and friends involved in diet and exercise changes, all of you will benefit. Support is key to successful lifestyle modifications. Your support team can include friends, family, doctors, counselors, and even your local pharmacist, who can provide a great deal of information on your type of diabetes.

If you learn you do not have diabetes or want to avoid the chance of getting diabetes altogether, there are preventative steps you can take now.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes today. But for Type 2 diabetes, there are many. If you are having symptoms and want to take action now to avoid complications later, be proud. You realize how vulnerable physical and mental health can be when it is not a priority. You can succeed in preventing a diabetes diagnosis.

Prevention truly is critical. Manage your weight with diet and exercise. If you are low in vitamins and minerals, ask your local pharmacist which supplements can help you get healthy. They can tell you the purest, most effective items.

Keep researching and talking to professionals to learn more about diabetes. Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, spread this information on diabetes to help keep you and loved ones safe and healthy.

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Health

The 4 Types of Vaccines to Know

Most people are aware of vaccine shots, but did you know that there are actually four types of vaccines?

Seek out the bad guy, kill it, keep people safe and healthy, repeat.

Sounds like a movie about superheroes and villains. In a way, this is true. Only in this case, antibodies are the superheroes; viruses and bacteria are the villains. They are a specialized type of soldiers within your immune system, working to keep you healthy.

Antibodies are called to action only when they are alerted by the immune system that danger is near. For example, you come into contact with bacteria that causes the flu. Once bacteria enter your body, the immune system produces antibodies, instructing them to find the bacteria and eliminate it.

The more training the immune system and antibodies have, the stronger they become. The problem is that to get the necessary training; the antibodies need germs to fight. Because humans don’t go out of their way to contact germs, scientists found a better way to help the immune system get the training it needs: they created vaccines.

What Are Vaccines?

Vaccines are essentially a weaker version of a disease. For example, a flu vaccine is made out of the flu, but it has been transformed into a strain meant for training, not infecting. This transformation takes place in a lab, at the hands of scientists.

The theory behind a vaccine is that the more exposure your immune system has to a virus, the better it becomes at fighting it off. Instead of waiting around for natural exposure, your immune system can start learning how to protect you immediately with a vaccine. It’s a preventative measure.

The World Health Organization reports immunization saves between two and three million lives every year. Vaccines not only prevent you from getting a disease, but it can also keep you from passing on a disease from you to someone else with a weakened immune system.

There are four main types of vaccines created to help train your immune system for fighting off germs.

1. Live-attenuated Vaccine

The term attenuated is a synonym for weakened. Therefore, vaccines that are considered live-attenuated contain a live version of a virus that has been weakened, making them perfect teachers for those with healthy immune systems. Those with already weak immune systems are not recommended for this type of vaccine.

Measles, mumps, and chickenpox vaccines are examples of live-attenuated.

These types of vaccines work so well that most people only need one or two doses to last them a lifetime of protection.

2. Inactivated Vaccines

When discussing vaccines, the term inactivating can also mean something is killed. When scientists are creating inactivated vaccines, they kill the germs during the process. This doesn’t mean they don’t work, however. Inactivated vaccines fight viruses and bacteria very well.

Multiple doses may be needed simply because they are not as strong as live-attenuated vaccines. An example of an inactivated vaccine is the polio vaccine. Others include:

  • Rabies
  • Hepatitis
  • Flu shots

3. Subunit, Recombinant, Polysaccharide, and Conjugate vaccines

Okay, so there are four vaccines listed for a third type. This can be easily explained. They are created in the same manner, using specific pieces of a germ.

Subunit vaccines are sometimes called acellular. They use subunits of the germ or smaller parts of the virus or bacterium. You may be familiar with the DTaP vaccine, the one used for whooping cough. This is an example of a subunit vaccine.

Recombinant vaccines are made with yeast or bacterial cells. A small piece of DNA is extracted from the germ. We want the immune system to fight. For example, if training the immune system to fight off the shingles infection, a small DNA piece will be taken from the shingles germ. That piece of DNA is inserted into cells where they can grow and then be transferred into yeast to be used in a vaccine.

Recombinant vaccines also include:

  • Hepatitis B
  • HPV
  • Meningococcal disease

Polysaccharide vaccines are inactivated subunit vaccines. They are made up of sugar molecules that form a long chain. This type of vaccine is especially important in protecting you against pneumococcal disease.

The pneumococcal disease doesn’t sound so bad at first. It mainly causes ear and sinus infections. But upon closer look, if left untreated, this disease can quickly lead to pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis.

Conjugate vaccines. The term conjugate means connected or joined together. This germ type can be sneaky because it houses an outer coating, protecting the antigen by disguising it. This makes it hard for antibodies to recognize it. It is a real villain. But not one that can’t be killed.

Scientists created conjugate vaccines that train the immune system to seek out this outer coating. Once found, they connect to them and then attack. One example of a conjugate vaccine is the Hib vaccine. Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae disease. Especially for children, Hib can be dangerous, which is why it is essential for children to get immunizations beginning at a young age. When it creates ear infections, it’s not so scary. When it becomes a blood infection, it can be deadly.

4. Toxoid Vaccines

Some bacterial diseases produce toxins in the body unless you have taken a toxoid vaccine. Weakened toxins are called toxoids and help train your immune system to fight parts of a germ that produce poisons.

The toxins you get in this type of vaccine are inactivated, so you never have to worry that you are getting live toxins injected into your system.

When you get a tetanus shot, you are getting inactive tetanus toxoids. When you get a diphtheria shot, you get those inactive toxoids. The DTap shot is a result of this.

Even though we have just experienced the COVID19 pandemic, it’s helpful to know there are still many types of vaccines and ways to protect ourselves against the more common viruses out there. It’s like having a secret weapon to fight the bad guys. In this case, the more common viruses and bacteria in existence.

If you have more questions about any of the vaccines available, reach out to us today. We can help.

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11 Surprising Causes of GI Irritation

Gastrointestinal problems affect roughly 11% of Americans, but what causes such issues? Here are 11 potential causes of GI irritation.

Stomach and abdominal pains are a nuisance at best and debilitating at worst, and can turn a perfectly beautiful day into a struggle. Unfortunately, diagnosing the source of the problem isn’t always easy; many, many illnesses and irritants can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Some of these causes are obvious, while others may not be quite so apparent.

Despite the fact that the GI irritation causes listed here are less common than, say, eating spicy food, knowing about them can improve your ability to spot a problem if and when it occurs. As always, if you believe you’re experiencing any of the issues on this list, speak with your local pharmacist or physician to seek a diagnosis and explore potential solutions.

1. Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are by far the most complex and confusing GI irritation cause. Not every patient will experience drug interactions, and it isn’t always easy to determine the drug that’s causing the issue if the patient is prescribed multiple medications.

Because drug interactions are so nuanced, it’s important that you always tell your pharmacist about every drug you take when getting a new prescription.

As for suspected drug interactions and your GI tract, certain drugs may be more likely to cause GI irritation than others, especially if you’re taking more than one at a time. Watch for common triggers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Aleve, and steroids like Prednisone — both can cause GI symptoms, though fewer people recognize Prednisone as a trigger. Likewise, certain beta blockers may cause irritation, too, yet patients don’t often make the connection.

2. Gastritis

Gastritis refers to almost any symptom resulting from GI irritation. This includes swelling of the stomach walls, ulcers, and intestinal inflammation.

Gastritis itself can occur for a long list of reasons (including many of the reasons on this list). However, many patients don’t realize that it can be self-perpetuating. You develop gastritis due to medication, and then the swelling itself causes further irritation and pain.

Sometimes, even stopping the trigger for gastritis itself isn’t enough; acid reducers or anti-irritants may become necessary to halt the condition for good.

3. Erosive Gastritis

It’s impossible to know for sure if you have erosive gastritis without an endoscopy, but there are telltale signs. If you’re experiencing sharp pains and burning sensations in or around your stomach, and you’ve experienced ulcers, it’s very likely that you’re experiencing erosive gastritis.

This form of gastritis withers away the stomach lining, and as you may expect, that causes pain and other unpleasant sensations. Ulcers form in various areas of the stomach, heartburn may occur, and enough irritation may even cause internal bleeding.

Fortunately, bleeding due to erosive gastritis is rarely severe or life-threatening, barring unusual circumstances or complex drug interactions. Nevertheless, it can become severe and may even result in anemia or stomach perforation. If you’ve been diagnosed with erosive gastritis, it’s a good idea to seek medical care if you experience pain, dizziness, or weakness for any extended period of time.

4. Medications

Chronic use of NSAIDs, like Aleve and Advil, gradually wear away at the stomach walls with chronic use. The effects don’t typically manifest with short-term use of these chemicals for the average patient, but may become obvious faster in sensitive patients. Any patient who has experienced issues like gastritis, ulcers, heartburn, or acid reflux in the past should take these medications with extreme care due to the heightened risk for GI irritation.

Stronger pain medications, on the other hand, can cause these issues in much shorter periods of time depending on the dosage. This includes:

Narcotics are especially problematic because they slow stomach emptying and reduce bowel transit time. This can leave foods sitting in the stomach or upper bowel where they may cause irritation and reflux. If the dose is high enough, some patients may even experience paralytic ileus.

5. Stress

Stress itself is a GI irritant because it directly impacts how your stomach processes food and how much acid you produce. If you’re suffering from extreme anxiety or going through a life-altering process, emotional symptoms could very well manifest as GI irritation. It’s very easy to throw the delicate chemical balance in the gut off, especially if both adrenaline and endocrine systems are hyperactive or imbalanced due to stressors.

As an added note, health conditions like thyroid and endocrine disorders that produce anxiety as a side effect (including Cushing’s Disease) may have the same impact on your stomach. If you suffer from endocrine issues, and begin to experience stomach pain, see your doctor for an evaluation.

6. Bacteria

This form of gastritis is commonly caused by the H.pylori bacteria. This bacteria lives in your stomach and secretes toxins that damage the stomach lining slowly over time. H. pylori is the number one cause for ulcers, and infects nearly half of the world’s population at any given time.

While there’s no vaccination to treat H. pylori, it is more than possible to treat it when it occurs. Treatments take a multimodal approach by counteracting the effects of the toxin itself through acid normalization, and then eliminate the bacteria with oral antibiotics.

It is important to note that in many cases, patients don’t experience symptoms from H. pylori except in the most severe of infections. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t experiencing irritation; damage just occurs slowly over time.

7. Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is one of many forms of vitamins B12 deficiency. In the body, B12 aids in the formation of red blood cells. Without it, your body won’t keep up with cellular destruction that goes along with life itself, and one of the side effects of this process is a weak stomach lining. Patients with pernicious anemia are much more likely to experience stomach pain, ulcers, GI irritation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menetrier’s Disease

Menetrier’s Disease is thought to result from an infection of some kind, potentially relating to HCMV or H. Pylori. It causes the ridges along the stomach walls to enlarge and fold up, resulting in excessive mucus production that causes proteins to leak from the bloodstream into the stomach. This shortage of proteins is accompanied by a decrease in acid levels due to the lowered amount of production cells. There are various treatments for this condition, but no known cures.

9. Crohn’s Disease

Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes Crohn’s Disease (CD), but there are strong hints to genetics and other environmental factors. It causes the bowels to inflame and scar which results in fatigue, pain, and malnutrition. The severity of these symptom ranges from mild to potentially life-threatening, and in some cases, CD may even cause malnutrition or indicate a need for surgery.

There’s no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are many treatments available, including compounded Crohn’s medication to lessen the effects. It’s very often possible for patients with CD to enter full remission and live healthy lives. Even when full remission isn’t possible, careful monitoring and management remains on the table.

10. Celiac Disease

A small number of patients experiencing GI irritation may actually have a disorder called Celiac Disease. This condition refers to an allergy to gluten, a chemical found in wheat and most grains. Having a gluten-free diet for these people isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack finger-like projections in the small intestine. As a result, they fail to properly absorb nutrition. The immune system’s attack also results in GI irritation, pain, swelling, and even damage throughout the bowel.

Treating Celiac Disease isn’t easy. Current research shows that the best way to counteract this disease is to remove gluten from your diet permanently.

11. Other GI Irritation Causes

It’s more tempting to look for the more serious causes of GI irritation than the simple ones. Acidic and spicy foods are perhaps the most apparent victim when it comes to stomach issues, especially for people who struggle with an overproduction of acid.

Gas buildup is one source patients often overlook when trying to eliminate stomach pain. Eating almost any starchy food will cause your bowel to produce gas through digestion, and that means cramping, flatulence, and stomach pain.

Cut down on your pasta, potatoes, and corn intake if you’re experiencing stomach pain or excessive flatulence. Stick with a low-FODMAP diet and see if it reduces symptoms. Most fruits are a source of gas buildup, as are certain vegetables like onions, asparagus, and artichokes.

Conclusion

There are so many sources of GI irritation that it’s virtually impossible to self-diagnose your stomach troubles. Many simple ailments can be dealt with through lifestyle changes, including improved diet, increased water intake, or prescription antacids.

Herbal remedies like grapefruit seed and licorice root extracts may also help, but should only be taken under the watchful eye of a medical professional. If you need more information about GI irritation, speak with your pharmacist today.

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How to Stay Healthy While Working From Home

As many Americans continue working from home, we are learning how it may affect our health. Here’s how to stay healthy while working from home.

The idea of allowing people to work from home used to be considered a fringe benefit and a distant dream. The pandemic has changed all of this, and turned the possibility of working from home into a requirement for many. After the initial glow of freedom from office constraints wears off, many find that the technicalities of working from home are more difficult than the idea seemed to suggest. The following are some tips to stay healthy while working from home.

Tip #1: Create A Schedule

One of the biggest disruptions to the life of the average employee during this pandemic has been to our routines and schedules. Instead of getting up early to get ready for our morning commute to the office, many of us have learned that we can drag ourselves out of bed at the last minute, grab some coffee, and go to work in our pajamas. While this lack of structured routine can initially feel like a luxury, it can take a toll on our mental health, over time.

The importance of having a routine is instilled in us from the time we are children. We learn that, in order to stay organized, focused, and on-track, we need to have a game plan for our day and week. The work schedules that existed, pre-pandemic, forced many of us to keep up this structured approach during adulthood. Now, our adulthood requires even more maturity, as we have become responsible for restructuring our own daily work activities.

Rather than allowing the various events of the day to carry us along on the unpredictable current, we do well to take our days of working from home by the reins. Select a time to wake up each morning that allows for as much activity as you engaged in before working from home. Determine a specific time to take your daily shower and to practice similar hygiene routines as practiced when going into the office every day. Set your alarm to go off during regular lunch and break periods, and commit to stepping away from the computer and work phone during such times. Set another alarm to remind you when it is the end of the working day, and commit to leaving the remaining work for tomorrow.

Tip #2: Designate A Work Environment

Along with having a good work routine established, it is important to create a dedicated work space to help you stay healthy while working from home. Balancing home life with work life is challenging enough. Trying to separate the two worlds while occupying the same environment makes doing so even more difficult. Failing to find a way to erect boundaries between work and personal space can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout for those working from home.

While our ability to create an entirely separate home office may depend on our available space and funding sources, there are ways to make the distinction without making drastic changes or purchases. Those on a laptop may be using the dining room table as a desk, but unplugging the computer and putting it away after 5 p.m. can change the feel of the space during dinner time. Those using their desktop for both work and leisure can similarly decide to remove all work papers from the desk at the end of the working day, and can make logging out of all work accounts into a symbolic gesture of unplugging from the office.

Tip #3: Value Ergonomics

Many of us who are working from home have noticed that we are moving around much less. Not only are we not having to take the short walk from the parking lot to our office, there are no office stairs to climb and no necessary treks across the office to drop off paperwork. This lack of required movement can take a toll on our bodies, and the importance of using proper posture is even more vital to stay healthy.

The study of ergonomics has determined, for years, that office workers benefit from using comfortable chairs, height-appropriate desks, and naturally accommodating keyboards. Just as these features reduce back pain and chance of injury in the office, they do so for those of us who are working from home. Consider putting some money into your physical comfort when designing your home office space.

Tip #4: Use Your Sick Days

It can be very tempting, when no one is actually around to observe our dripping nose or flushed face, to continue working from home when not feeling well. The removed burden of having to explain our sickly appearance to our office coworkers can be enough to convince us that we should soldier on and get our daily workload done, even though part of our mind is screaming at us to go back to bed.

While working from home, it is important to remember that what you are doing is operating on the clock for an employer. Just as you would not be timid about using your sick days to stay home from the office, use them to stay away from your work tasks. Taking care of yourself is just as important – and some might say even more important – while working from home.

Those personal hours are accumulating just the same as they were, before, and they are designed for you to use when you need a break. Don’t forget that mental health is part of the package, as well. The use of sick days as mental health days is increasingly supported by employers across the nation. It’s important to utilize these sick days to stay healthy.

Tip #5: Get Outside

For far too many Americans, the only outside time we see during the work week is during our commutes and lunch breaks. Work hours are designed to take up the bulk of our daylight hours, and this is particularly true during the winter months. Health experts have known for centuries about the health benefits of feeling sunlight on our skin.

With the lack of commuting taking place during the pandemic, and with the convenience of walking into the next room to have lunch, making sure that we spend some time outdoors each day requires concentrated effort to help you stay healthy. Dedicate at least one of your scheduled break times to going outside and soaking up some rays.

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How to Boost Your Immune System (During COVID-19)

Protecting your immune system is always an important task. It has become even more vital as we begin our new decade with the global pandemic of COVID-19. Here are 5 ways to boost your immune system during these uncertain times.

This coronavirus is notorious for preying on those who are already at risk due to a lowered immune system. The most logical and practical defense is to do all that we can to ensure that our bodies are up to the task of fighting it off. Thankfully, there are many simple things we can do from home to help our bodies prepare.

1. Reduce Stress

Stressing out is one of the most damaging things we can do to our immune system. When we suffer from stress, the hormone cortecorsteroid releases into the blood stream. This hormone signals the body to reduce the number of infection-fighting white blood cells that our body would otherwise produce. Our natural defense system against illness is lowered when we are stressed and anxious.

Stress is also one of the chemical reactions that is largely under our own control. While we may not be able to dictate the situations that we encounter, we are capable of determining our responses to the them. Stress is an evolutionary response to danger, and is also known as our flight-or-fight response. In earlier times, this response would keep our ancestors alive when faced with a warring enemy or a hungry lion. Modern encounters don’t typically present such imminent threat to our safety. Learning to apply coping skills – such as taking one day at a time and practicing mindfulness –  can reorient our psyche to calm down and stop panicking over situations that are not an immediate danger.

2. Get Good Sleep

During sleep, your body and brain go into a repair cycle, helping to boost your immune system. Some of the proteins that are released  by the body as an agent to fight disease and infection are produced while we sleep, and less sleep means less of these proteins are made. Sleep also provides our brains with the opportunity to go through a sort of decluttering process, which can help to relieve the anxiety and stress that accumulate over the course of a day.

Obtaining a better night’s sleep often comes down to purposefully initiating routines that help us to wind down and get ready for bed. Some easy adjustments include:

    • Not consuming caffeine after a certain point in the day
    • Choosing a regular bedtime
    • Staying away from the smartphone or television while in the bed

If you need a kick-start with teaching your body to sleep on a schedule, certain prescriptions and supplements may be helpful.

3. Exercise Regularly

The benefits of exercise are numerous, but it is important as exercise can help boost your immune system. The idea behind this concept involves the way that cardiovascular exercise increases blood circulation.

Increased blood circulation means that the infection-fighting cells that tend to gather in certain areas of the body have the opportunity to move throughout. In essence, getting your blood pumping is also sending these little soldiers on patrol. Immune-boosting exercise doesn’t need to be vigorous, but it does need to be regular.

4. Focus on Nutrition

While our current society has made some strides toward promoting the benefits of good eating habits, there is still a lack of focus on what healthy eating actually does for the body. The primary function of food is to provide our bodies with the fuel needed to run efficiently. Similarly to how putting higher quality oil and gas into a car will keep it running better and longer, putting high quality foods into our bodies will keep us healthier and more full of energy.

When the body is under attack from foreign invaders, such as virus and bacteria, the immune system requires more energy. It will pull this energy from the food consumed at the time – such as that bowl of chicken soup that grandma so wisely promoted – or from the nutrition stores that already exist in the body. If the body is undernourished or malnourished, the infection-fighting cells do not have much arsenal to draw from. An effective defensive immune system will be able to utilize a store of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

5. Consider Supplements to Boost Your Immune System

Ideally, all of your nutritional needs to boost your immune system will be met by the range, quality, and quantity of healthy foods that we are consuming on a daily basis. This ideal, however, can be hard to obtain along with accommodating our busy lifestyles. In order to make up for the lack of adequate nutrition often found in Western practices, some turn to nutritional supplements and vitamins.

A person’s age, sex, and specific health needs can impact the need for, and the effectiveness of supplements. Remember to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist before beginning a supplement regime. With that disclaimer in hand, the following are some of the supplements that help the body to boost the immune system.

    • Vitamin C: This stimulates the production of antibodies, which are used to identify foreign invaders.
    • Vitamin D: Vitamin D provides fuel for the immune system cells of the body.
    • Vitamin A: This helps the body to repair skin and tissue, which improves the barrier between our bodies and any infections which seek to infiltrate it.
    • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which protects cells against free radicals.
    • Zinc: Zinc stimulates the immune system and promotes healing of wounds.
    • Ginseng: Ginseng has many nutritional uses, including overall regulation of the function of the immune system.
    • Echinacia: Echinacia helps to increase white blood cells, which are the body’s primary infection fighters.
    • Quercitin: Quercitin is both an antioxidant, and an anti-allergen.
    • Glutathione: Glutathione helps to balance the immune system in fighting off infection and reducing inflamation.
    • N-Acetyle Cysteine: NAC assists in keeping the immune system healthy and helps to repair cell damage.
    • Melatonin: Melatonin is a substance that is naturally produced by the body. It helps in regulating sleep schedules and boosts ability to obtain high-quality sleep.

Final Thought

Learning how to boost your immune system is important, especially now. These 5 techniques can help protect your body from bacteria and viruses and improve your quality of life. Your pharmacist is a great resource for finding the best plan for you – just call!

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Health

Falls Prevention Awareness Day: 8 Ways to Promote Healthy Aging

There are many ways to help promote healthy aging, including reducing falls and improving home safety. This Falls Prevention Awareness Day, learn how you can keep your loved ones safe.

In 2008, community leaders took initiative to bring senior health to the forefront by declaring the first week of each fall season to be Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falling as a senior can result in more devastating and long-lasting consequences than it does for a youth, and can impair ability to continue on with a life of independence.

This year marks the 12th annual event of bringing awareness to ways of preventing the conditions which can lead up to experiencing a debilitating fall. This Falls Prevention Awareness Week, promote healthy aging with these 8 tips.

1. Be Mindful of Symptoms

There are many physical factors that can contribute to an incident of falling in seniors. It is important to  stay aware of signs that our body may be giving us that it is time to take extra precautions. Eyesight and hearing loss can increase risk that we won’t notice hazards that are coming our way.

Difficulties in balance can turn normally simple tasks into a daredevil stunt. And decreasing bone density can mean that a short fall can turn into a long period of physical rehabilitation. Many of these noticeable symptoms can be a sign of underlying health conditions. Infections in the bladder or urinary tract, for instance, can cause symptoms of dizziness and decrease in motor skills.

2. Stay Active

Falls prevention can be improved with simple activity. One of the most important things that we can do for our aging bodies is to keep them moving. While we may not be able to pull off the physical feats that we did during our youth, keeping the body well-oiled through regular activity can help to avoid the unexpected strains, aches, and pains that seem to come from nowhere. Target activity levels for seniors include 2.5 hours a week of aerobic activity.

This is the type of activity that gets your heart pumping and encourages oxygen to move through the body. A brisk, daily, walk with your partner or pet can be a great source of exercise for those with high mobility.  There are also a myriad of exercise videos available online, which can provide direction for increasing heart-rate right in your living room. For those lucky enough to have access to a pool, swimming is a great way to engage in low-impact cardio.

3. Insist on Efficient Doctor Visits

While some of us are fortunate to have a physician who really takes the time to explore our questions and complaints, many other patients can feel rushed and dismissed by a busy doctor. When arranging for a doctor visit, it is important that you or your loved one come prepared with a list of concerns to discuss.

As previously noted, there are many health factors which can contribute to frequent falling. Falls are not simply due to age. If your physician insists on writing off all of your uncomfortable experiences as a normal part of aging, seek a second opinion.

4. Practice Brain Health

As we grow older, many of us tend to recognize that our cognitive processing speeds are not as sharp as they once were. Retaining new information can become difficult, and retrieving stored information can become a chore. While it was once believed that our brains ceased the ability to change and grow after childhood, it is now understood that our brains remain flexible and open to new information throughout our lifespan.

Engaging in regular mental exercises such as puzzle solving and learning new skills can help to increase the focus and awareness necessary to avoid accidents. Getting adequate sleep also ensures that the brain has its full functioning powers available throughout the day.

5. Nurture Mental Health

Depression is a widespread issue in America. For seniors, depression can result from struggling with the unique scenarios that arise in later life. Chronic health issues, the passing of loved ones, and decreased ability to operate independently can all play a role in putting an older person at risk of developing depression.

Some of the symptoms of depression include inability to think clearly and lack of motivation to be physically active. Making sure to avoid the pitfall of depression through seeking mental health support can also make a difference in how well you are able to tend to your physical safety and improve falls prevention.

6. Be Prudent With Medication Management

While doctors help to make sure that we receive the medications we need, they are not with us 24/7. Sometimes, the medications that we are diligently taking may also be impeding our ability to remain clear headed and coordinated. If you notice changes in your physical or cognitive functioning after beginning a new medication or receiving an adjusted dosage, be sure to note these changes with your doctor.

7. Remove Hazards

An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure. In spite of all of our best efforts to keep yourself in top shape, there is always the possibility that an unexpected rug corner or wet floor surface can take us by surprise.  Consider enlisting the help of a family member or professional when examining your house for fall hazards.

For falls prevention, make sure that loose edges of floor coverings are secured to the floor with rug tape, and that there is adequate walking space between pieces of furniture. Move dishes and cookware to lower shelves to avoid having to obtain items from over your head. Adding bathroom safety features such as a walk-in bath tub and hand rails can also be useful, as bathrooms are notorious for slip-and-fall incidents.

8. Stay Engaged in Community

There are studies which have shown that staying social is one of the best ways that older adults can ensure that they are staying healthy. While the science behind the positive effects of socialization is not entirely known, elders who stay engaged in community report less instances of physical and mental health problems.

Humans are social creatures, and we tend to gain a sense of fulfillment from knowing that we are enjoyed and needed by others. Staying involved in local community groups and activities is a great way to improve overall physical, mental, and emotional health.

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Health

8 Wellness Tips to Improve Quality of Life

With the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing a drastic disruption to life as usual. These 8 wellness tips can help bring comfort and improve your quality of life. 

As human beings, we tend to find comfort in our daily routines. The pandemic is forcing many of us to adapt to an entirely new reality. This period of finding our new groove and then settling into it can be stressful. The following are some tips to keep in mind as you move toward finding peace in the current storm.

1. Remember That You Are Not Alone

Being required to socially distance from others can definitely make it feel like we are on our own deserted island. Many of us are only venturing out of the house for vital tasks, such as going to work and buying groceries, before quickly locking ourselves back inside.

When you are tempted to feel overwhelmed by the isolation of it all, it can help to remember that your friends, family, and neighbors are simultaneously experiencing the same scenario. We may be on our individual islands, but there are countless other, islands as far as we can see. For inspiration about ways to remain connected to others during this time of distancing, check out how the Italians were able to keep their spirits up during quarantine.

2. Acknowledge and Replace the Negative Feelings

Anyone who has tried in vain to make a negative feeling go away knows that feelings don’t always respond to rational argument. Rather than seeking to avoid or battle against the negative emotions when they come, try just sitting with them for a spell. By accepting the feelings and applying mindfulness techniques, we can actually minimize the intensity and duration of them.

On the heels of allowing yourself the opportunity to simply accept the negative feelings is the practice of learning to replace them with more positive experiences. This is often what people will turn to drugs and alcohol for, only to discover that those particular types of experiences have dire consequences. Instead of seeking short-term replacements, try to engage in at least one enjoyable activity each day. This can range from scheduling time to read a book, go on a walk, spend time in the garden, or soak in a warm bath. Whatever it is that provides you with happier, healthier, feelings, make sure you are doing it on a regular basis.

3. Avoid the News

While positive stories are sometimes peppered between the headlines, news sources are notorious for focusing on everything negative that is happening in the world. Avoiding the news is one of the most difficult wellness tips to follow. During this pandemic, in particular, there has been an unceasing onslaught of reporting on tragedy, civil unrest, floundering economies, and natural disasters.

Spending too much time focusing on these negative events can cause the stress to bleed over into our every day experience. When you notice that you are beginning to read news stories or listen to broadcasts with a furrowed brow, take that as a sign that you need to take a break from the daily updates.

4. Focus on Your Present

One way to relieve anxiety about what may be happening in the world is to purposefully decide that you are going to singularly focus on what each day has in store for you, personally. Anxiety is a future-oriented disorder, and it is full of ‘what if’ scenarios. Many of our worries and fears don’t actually ever come to pass, which means that the time we spent trying to predict the future was pointless.  Instead of trying to predict what might happen, find ways to make each, present, day more meaningful to yourselves and your loved ones.

5. Set Realistic Goals

The demands that are placed on people during COVID-19 are uniquely challenging, making it difficult to follow some wellness tips. Many are having to learn to work from home, and some are having to simultaneously find ways to care for and educate their children. Still others are out of work, and finding it difficult to locate an active employer who isn’t flooded with applications from a multitude of hopefuls.

When you are devising expectations and goals for yourself, don’t forget to take into consideration how much of the world is not operating per usual. Be kind to yourself, and allow yourself a wide range of time and options for accomplishing things.

6. Take Care of Your Physical Health

The effect that our physical health has on our mental and emotional wellbeing is often overlooked.

Studies have shown that there is an intimate link between the mind and body. When one is in distress, the other isn’t often far behind. The reverse of this is also true. Making sure the body is healthy can have a positive effect on mood, and can clear the mind for making the important decisions required for functioning under our current conditions. Spending some time focused on exercise and nutrition is all the more important the longer that we stay stuck indoors and glued to our computer screens.

7. Educate Yourself

Some of the fears and worries that we are prone to have during this time come from not knowing what is going on. While the news may not be the best source of quality information, spending some time in reliable research can help to equip with knowledge that can be useful for smart planning. When researching a topic of interest or concern to you, it is important to be able to discern the intention of the source. For balanced information, try searching for published journal articles and other sources of data which seek to inform, rather than to persuade.

8. Focus on Others

This is one of the most important wellness tips. It can be difficult to do when we are feeling low, but deciding to turn outward in order to focus on others can actually provide us with relief from our own stress. It is pretty difficult to think about ourselves at the same time that we are actively considering the needs of someone else.

As a bonus, helping others also provides us with an oxytocin boost, which helps to calm and elevate mood.

Final Thought

With everything going on these days, it’s important to remember to take time for yourself. Use these wellness tips to bring comfort, joy, and laughter into your daily routine. Do you still have questions? Contact our pharmacy today!

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Health

8 Important Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

As pet owners, your pet is not just an animal – they are an addition to your family and you want to ensure their health and safety. Monitoring your pet’s health is essential, and it’s important to know these 8 signs of diabetes in dogs and cats.

Having a loyal dog or cat friend is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. We want our furry friends to be around as long as possible, and we will go to great lengths to ensure their wellbeing. Part of this care involves monitoring our pets for signs and symptoms of impending health problems. Diabetes is one of the pet health issues that can be mitigated with early detection and proactive measures. Keep an eye out for these important signs of diabetes in cats and dogs.

What Contributes to Dog and Cat Diabetes?

We want to spoil our animal companions with love and affection. When it comes to providing food and treats, our desire to pamper can end up causing harm. Dogs and cats are primarily carnivorous animals, meaning that they are designed to digest proteins and fats. Pets who are consistently fed a diet of carbohydrates are more at risk for developing diabetes, as they are not designed to process the amount of sugar that comes with a grain-based diet and glucose-rich treats.

Another factor in the development of pet diabetes is a lack of consistent, sustained, exercise. Our pets may go for romps in the yard or expend some energy excitedly welcoming us home from a long day at work, but these short bursts of activity are not enough to assist with healthy bodily functioning. Dogs and cats who do not get at least 20 minutes of sustained cardiovascular activity per day are at greater risk for developing diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

Loving dog and cat owners know the disposition of their animals. Many of the initial signs of diabetes in dogs and cats are easily observable by an attentive caregiver. Changes in behavior – such as with eating and toilet habits or decrease in activity – are telltale signs of a problem. The following are some specific changes in behavior which may indicate that your dog or cat will benefit from a trip to the veterinarian.

1. Lethargy

The first symptom of diabetes that is often observed is lethargy. You may notice that your dog or cat isn’t as interested in walks or playtime, and is preferring to lounge around more than usual. This decrease in energy is sometimes mistaken for a symptom of advanced age, or the mellowing out that occurs with maturity. With a diabetic pet, the low energy is related to an increase in blood glucose levels.

2. Increased Hunger

One of the effects of improper insulin intake is increased hunger. Cells which are not receiving an adequate amount of insulin will signal to the brain that the body is still in need of food. As a result, your pet will want to eat more. While it may seem odd, this increase in food consumption can actually be accompanied by noticeable weight loss. The weight loss is due to the body burning fat stores as a source of energy.

3. Increased Urination

Signs of diabetes in dogs and cats also includes increased urination. In the case of a diabetic pet, the kidneys will begin to work overtime. The goal of the kidneys is to reduce the excessive amount of glucose that is left in the blood stream after cells are unable to process it. This expelling is accomplished through urination. You may notice that your dog or cat is needing to go outside more often, or that there are more accidents than usual.

4. Increased Thirst

With increased urination comes increased thirst. Along with the glucose, the kidneys will be expelling larger amount of water and fluids from the body, which leads your pet to spend more time at the water bowl. This excessive thirst can indicate that your furry friend is also at risk of dehydration.

5. Bladder Infections

Other signs of diabetes in dogs and cats include infections. Glucose is a sugar, and sugar attracts bacteria. While your pet is urinating, not all of this sugar will be expelled. The glucose which remains in the bladder can put your pet at risk of developing a bladder infection, and the glucose which remains in the urinary tract can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI.) When diabetes is left unchecked, it can eventually result in your pet losing the ability to sense when a bathroom break is needed.

6. Cataracts

This sign of diabetes is more common in dogs than in cats, and not all dogs will develop cataracts as a symptom. Glucose, which remains unmetabolized can contribute to a buildup of sorbitol inside the lens of the eye. If the build up of sorbitol becomes too high, the lens can actually rupture.

7. Muscle Weakness

A dog or cat with diabetes may begin to tremble when standing or indicate that they are unable to move freely. You may observe that your pet begins to walk more gingerly, as though favoring the hind legs, or that your pet no longer desires to jump around. This symptom of neuropathy can be painful for your pet, and can be difficult to treat or reverse.

8. Sweet Breath

If you notice a sweet or fruity smell coming from your pet’s mouth, you might be observing diabetic ketoacidosis. A pet who is not able to process the amount of glucose in the blood stream will begin to burn fat as fuel. Breaking down fats too quickly can result in blood levels which are acidic. A sweet smell from the breath is a sign that these acidic levels are too high.

What To Do If You Notice Signs of Diabetes in Your Pet

If you notice these signs of diabetes in dogs or cats, the first thing that is recommended is a visit to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to draw blood samples to determine the presence of elevated glucose in the bloodstream of your dog or cat. Veterinarians also have the ability to prescribe pet medications, which often come in the form of a twice-daily injection of insulin for your pet. Chromium supplements may also be prescribed to help your pet with glucose absorption.

Your veterinarian may also recommend some natural remedies for assisting your dog or cat to better absorb or eliminate glucose. These treatments include the addition of antioxidants – such as vitamin C and E – and fish oil. These supplements may help your pet to better absorb insulin, and can help to protect from the tissue and organ damage that can occur from the persistent fluctuations in insulin and glucose. Cinnamon is another natural supplement that may be useful. It is also an antioxidant, and can help your pet’s body to regulate blood sugar more effectively.

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Health

Senior Safety Tips for Staying at Home

As COVID-19 continues to move across the United States, it’s more important than ever to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy with these senior safety tips for staying at home.

Studies shared by the CDC prove that risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19 increases with age. This is especially true after age 50. Someone who is 85, for example, has a much higher risk for complications than someone who only turned 50 last week. That’s why it’s so critical that seniors, caregivers, and loved ones work together to limit exposure and prevent transmission in the first place.

The best way to stay safe and healthy remains the same: stay at home as often as you can, and don’t venture out unless you have to. But there are other actions you can take to help avoid COVID-19 no matter where you are. Stay healthy and avoid infection with these important senior safety tips.

1. Know Your Risks

When it comes to COVID-19, virtually everyone has at least some risk for contracting the disease. But certain demographics, including seniors, are at an increased risk for extreme side effects, such as pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke. You need to be aware of your personal risk factors if you want to stay safe.

Here’s how to figure out where you stand.

– General Risks

Research shows that transmission risk increases each time you come into contact with someone outside your “bubble.” The more often these encounters occur, the higher your risk for becoming sick – especially if they occur in crowded indoor spaces. Continue to limit contacts and practice social distancing as you can.

– Personal Health Risks

One of the most important senior safety tips is understanding your own personal health situation and how it may be a risk factor. If you are immunocompromised, taking biologics, undergoing chemotherapy, have just had surgery, or suffer from some other moderate to severe health condition, you may have a higher risk for complications than the average person. You might have a higher risk for contracting coronavirus in the first place, too.

– Lifestyle Risks

Your lifestyle might make you more likely to suffer from severe illness if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. Smoking and obesity, for example, have been linked to severe illness and poor treatment outcomes. Not getting enough exercise and excessive alcohol intake may also increase your relative risk for complications.

Most research also shows that a fast response to COVID-19 results in a better prognosis. If you feel sick, it is extremely important that you contact your doctor or seek treatment right away. Don’t wait until you are extremely ill to get help.

2. Follow Public Health Guidelines for Senior Safety

Local, state, and federal health authorities continue to monitor COVID-19 through constantly changing conditions. These senior safety tips include knowing where to find their recommendations and how to contact them, should you need assistance.

  • Your own local Department of Public Health may have information and services available to help you cope. They also provide daily updates on cases and coronavirus research. Some locations may also facilitate COVID testing.
  • The CDC has a wealth of information available to help you stay safe in the pandemic. This resource is available 24-7 and is updated on a daily basis to contain the most pertinent info you need. Check here to learn more about coronavirus, how to avoid it, how to cope with it, and how to stay well.
  • The California government also has a website set up to help you learn more about COVID-19. This is an excellent place to get information about local changes to stay-at-home orders, closures, and where to find help if sick.
  • The California Department of Aging also has a database of information available specifically targeted to senior safety. This is an ideal place to find information that applies specifically to those over age 50.
  • Don’t forget your pharmacist! Your local pharmacy plays an important role in helping people understand and respond to coronavirus. They can help you better understand the illness, determine your risk factors, or even cope with the symptoms, should you become sick. All you have to do is call!

3. Get Medications By Mail

Need medications? There may be an easy and effective way to access them without ever stepping foot into a brick and mortar store. Just ask your local full-service pharmacy if they offer mail-order medication services. This easy and convenient service ensures that you don’t need to leave home, but don’t have to go without.

Mail-order medication services work on a fairly simple basis. You order and pay for your prescription in advance, typically online or over the phone. The pharmacy fills it as they normally would, but sends it out by trackable mail instead of holding it for you. All you need to do is sign for the package once it arrives.

In most cases, you can expect to receive your medicine within a few short days, especially if you live in the same area as the pharmacy you order from. This process could take up to two weeks if you order from a non-local provider. Nearly all medications, except for narcotics, are eligible for this service.

4. Order Medical Supplies From Home

Need ostomy supplies, insulin needles, blood sugar testing equipment, or even just a replacement cane? Maybe you just need to temporarily rent a walker while you heal from an injury. Your pharmacy can help you fulfill this need, too.

Ordering medical supplies from home is quick, easy, and simple – just call the pharmacist and let them know what you need. They’ll arrange to have your supplies mailed or delivered to your door, letting you stay safe and cozy right at home.

Note that some medical supplies (e.g., IV tubing and machines) may require a prescription. If you’re out of refills, or aren’t comfortable visiting your local doctor’s office due to symptoms of COVID-19, don’t go without. Reach out to your pharmacy anyway – they may be able to contact your doctor about a phone-in RX instead.

5. Take Advantage of Delivery Services

Delivery isn’t just for medical supplies or prescriptions! Whatever it is you need, you can probably have it delivered right to your door. These services provide immense value to vulnerable seniors, for whom every potential exposure counts.

  • Your local pharmacy may be able to have over-the-counter medications, basic first aid supplies, and general pharmacy goods delivered to you, too. Don’t be afraid to ask about this service, even if you just need some Tylenol for a headache. They may even offer same-day delivery!
  • Order from virtually any brick and mortar business, including restaurants, grocery stores, and more, with PostMates. This service operates via an easy-to-use smartphone app that instantly matches you with couriers operating within your local area. This, too, can limit potential exposures.
  • Driving service Uber also provides delivery of goods sourced from virtually any local business. Order food, party supplies for a special stay-at-home birthday party, pet supplies, or even equipment to repair a leaky sink. Whatever it is you need, they can help you access it.

Seniors should take advantage of these services whenever they can. But caregivers, loved ones, and anyone else who visits on a regular basis should use them, too. This will help reduce the potential for third-party exposure and infection. These senior safety tips are essential to keep those you love safe. Do you have more questions? Contact Burt’s Pharmacy today!

 

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