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| WILSON PHARMACY NEWS ARCHIVE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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HEALTH NEWS |
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Clean out the old and breathe in the new Terri Rogers is a Respiratory Care Practitioner
for Wilson Pharmacy's Health and Wellness Program for Employers
in the All Americas Region.
Tis the season, so many of us know what Spring brings...
itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and pain, sneezing... just some symptoms of
allergies thanks to the beautiful green grass and flowers, etc. in this
area. I never thought beauty could be also accompanied by so much pain.
Oh well, if you are taking medications for your allergies, instead of
ignoring them like I did, you are feeling much better by now.
A more severe illness is Asthma. Symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is a tightening of the tubes that carry air into the lungs, and often, the obstruction of air passages with mucus. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood. It also tends to run in families. Luckily, just as asthma can worsen, the symptoms can also get less and reverse, usually with lifestyle changes. Children for example, as they get into their teens, spend more time inside, so that will decrease their exposure to pollen if that is their trigger. Unless you treat the inflammation, the disease will persist. Here are ways to reduce allergens at home (depending on your trigger):
By Terri Rogers, RCP
What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes your lungs more sensitive. Sensitive airways react to things in the air that irritate them. When they are irritated, the lung lining becomes inflamed or swollen and thickened. The muscles around the airways begin to squeeze (or spasm) as a result of the irritation. Mucus that is thicker than normal may also be produced. Together these three things 1) swelling of the lining, 2) muscle spasm, 3) thick mucus, reduce the room inside the airways for the air to flow through. This can make breathing difficult, if not impossible. Asthma can be controlled or managed, but not cured. When uncontrolled, asthma can be disabling. It is seldom fatal, but unfortunately the death rate is rising. It is important to know that treatment can reverse asthma symptoms. Employee productivity can be affected by this simple awareness both at the worksite and at home. It is important to treat even mild symptoms so that you can keep the symptoms from getting worse. By learning what you can do to help your asthma, you can have fewer and milder episodes. Learn to recognize what things trigger asthma symptoms. Keeping track of these symptoms and where they occur helps the prevention. Try this checklist of triggers to start:
Once you find out your triggers, you can do something to prevent your asthma episodes or attacks. This gives you control. The result is that when and if you have attacks, there is a good chance that they will be less severe and less frequent. Cigarette smoking is a trigger that must be avoided. If you smoke, you need to quit. Smoking cigarettes will make your asthma worse, and if you breathe the smoke from someone else's cigarette, you may have an asthma attack. Children are especially at risk when they breathe secondhand smoke. Studies show that children of smokers are more likely to suffer asthma attacks and their asthma gets worse. To control asthma episodes when they occur, you will have to work out a plan with your doctor that includes:
A quick-relief short acting bronchodilator (beta adrenergic/beta2-agonist) may be prescribed if you have occasional symptoms - less than once or twice a week. This may be all you need to control your asthma symptoms and is taken when you need it. A long-term control anti-inflammatory medication such as a corticosteroid is given to reverse and prevent the swelling that causes the symptoms of asthma. So if you have symptoms more than twice a week, you may need an anti-inflammatory medicine. You need to take this medicine every day. Employee productivity can be affected by asthma awareness both at the worksite and at home. By learning what triggers your asthma and what you can do to help your asthma, you can have fewer and milder episodes. Terri Rogers is a Respiratory Care Practitioner for Wilson Pharmacy's Health and Wellness Program for Employers in the All Americas Region. MAMMOGRAMS – WHO NEEDS ONE?
The American Cancer Society predicts that 182,800 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone. Early detection and improved treatment can save the lives of many of those individuals. For many years records have been kept of patients with breast cancer. In the majority of cases the cause is unknown. The statistics help determine what historically happens that increases the risk of a person developing breast cancer. Because mammograms can detect cancer at an early stage, most experts agree that the following should have precautionary mammograms:
What to look (feel) for: A breast lump, which may be as small as a garden pea and feel hard or gristle like, drainage from the nipple, or changes in the breast shape or skin texture. When beginning self exams, it is good to make a note or drawing and identify what you find. Review your findings each month. This will help you identify if there are any changes. Changes should be reported to your doctor immediately. An annual clinical examination by a physician will also reinforce your monthly exam results. If a lump is suspicious, there are further diagnostic procedures available. Not all breast lumps are of cancer concern. Additional tests may include ultrasound, needle aspiration, and tissue biopsy. Having a non-cancerous lump or cyst checked by the doctor is GOOD News and that’s OK. It is not a useless trip. What is not good news is not finding a lump so that you can have it checked as early as possible. Treatment is dependent on the stage when diagnosis is confirmed, location, type and extent of tissue involvement. The present rate of breast cancer occurrence is one in eight U.S. women (considering all ages). Lets do all we can to avoid becoming a statistic. Need additional information? Speak with your personal physician, call the American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER. BACK
TO TOP
By Jackie Perkins, RN For those who are fortunate to grow up as part of
a loving family and receive loving care and nurture as a child, there
comes a time of role reversal.
A time when the patriarch and/or matriarch needs that same kind of
loving care and nurture. As medical treatment and medical research
advance in all avenues of health promotion (good nutrition, regular
exercise, weight control, stress management, smoking cessation etc.)
the average lifespan continues to increase.
Care giving can be the extension of a close relationship but can also carry great responsibility. Not only is physical assistance often required it may become necessary to make tough social and business decisions that affect the entire life of that loved one. It is important to be sensitive of their need to feel included in making those decisions. It is important that the caregiver also take care of himself or herself. Some suggestions: Solicit help from family and friends, find a support group, and openly talk with someone. It's okay to have feelings of fear and frustration and to express them to an objective listener. Be honest with self. Set aside a slice of life for self and other family members. Nurture a sense of humor to be able to laugh at their unusual remarks and behavior (and your own). The caregiver must balance his or her own needs and desires. That loving parent does not choose to become dependent and in fact, may have difficulty accepting their own plight. Sometimes personalities change from kind to cantankerous. Each care giving situation is as unique as each individual accentuated by differing diagnoses, physically restricting problems, pain, dementia, Alzheimer's or some combination. Some situations can effectively be managed at home, others not so. In the home care situation it may be advisable for the primary care giver to continue a career and employ an experienced home health nurse to assume the responsibility for a shift each day. The stay-at-home caregiver must arrange for time away from the situation on a regular basis. The Family Medical Leave Act
provides employees the opportunity to provide parent eldercare in
such situations. Although it is sometimes difficult to manage a
workload and schedule demands never-the-less the FMLA accommodation
allows for up to 12 weeks (unpaid leave) per year. As your workforce
matures it is advisable to have a plan of action to meet your business
needs when such weeks or intermittent days are needed away from
the office. Employers have a right to ask for a statement verifying
the need for the employee's presence (from the physician attending
the parent). The same process must be followed with every employee
requesting FMLA The caregiver and their immediate family will be
experiencing legitimate stress. Employer assistance in working out
the details of FMLA will be advantageous. For more detailed information
contact any of the following:
Wilson Pharmacy Home Health: (423)-928-7898 FMLA information: www.dol.gov/dol/organization.htm Children of Aging Parents: www.caps4caregivers.org National Family Caregivers Association: www.nfcacares.org Fourteen Friends: Guide to Eldercaring (Broadway Books) By Jackie Perkins, RN Causes: More than 200 different viruses are known to cause cold symptoms. Most of these seldom produce serious illnesses, others can produce infections. Viruses grow best at temperatures about 91 degrees, the temperature of the human nasal mucosa. Colds are spread by inhaling respiratory secretions or droplet particles suspended in the air from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Influenza causing viruses are also contracted in this manner. Is it a cold or the flu?
Know the difference. The two conditions are similar in that both are
viral but the flu can lead to more serious problem including pneumonia.
Signs of a cold include: stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing PNEUMONIA is a more serious respiratory infection. A chest X-Ray may be needed to diagnose and locate the infection. There are different types of pneumonia dependant upon the causing agent and method acquired. For example viral , the most common type usually follows a cold, flu or other viral infection, bacterial pneumonia may also be a progression of other infectious processes. Mycoplasma pneumonia is usually mild and is often called walking pneumonia which may last as long as 4 to 6 weeks and may respond to antibiotics. Persons with compromised immune system are also at risk for fungi or parasite lung infections. Prevention of Respiratory Diseases. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent transmission. Wash for at least 20 seconds in warm soapy water. Healthy lifestyle habits, adequate rest, wholesome nutrition including fruits such as apples and pears that are high in flavonoids (known to protect the lungs), and regular moderate exercise are important defense mechanisms. As with all respiratory diseases damage to airways by smoking increases ones risk. Another preventive measure; do not touch nose, mouth or eyes with hands, use a tissue. Viruses can survive 3 to 4 hours outside the nasal passages such as on doorknobs, handrails, pens, etc. Using a virus-killing disinfectant for cleaning may help prevent spread of infection. Vaccinations. Influenza vaccine usually prevents or lessens the effect of flu. These are usually available by last of September at physician offices or a clinic can be held at your business location. Persons age 50 and above and those with chronic illnesses (heart, lung, diabetes, kidney disease and some cancers) with weaken immune system are advised to seek additional protection offered by a Pneumococcal Vaccination. Like the flu shot, the pneumonia vaccine cannot cause the disease because it is made from a component that is not infectious. Symptomatic Treatment for respiratory disease includes adequate rest, plenty of fluids, gargling mild warm salt water, petroleum jelly for a raw nose and aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache or fever. Caution, no aspirin for children and teenagers with any viral disease. Other over the counter medications may be used to relieve symptoms. Always read the label. Antibiotics DO NOT kill viruses and should be reserved for bacterial complications or secondary infections. Treatment for those who do get flu or pneumonia is best prescribed by a physician and is most effective if started within 48 hours of onset. Knowing the difference between viral and bacterial infection can help reduce health care costs and decrease absenteeism. Do not take antibiotics or other prescription medications if a physician did not prescribe them for you. Do not take other family member's medications. Employees can help control prescription drug costs by only taking what is prescribed to treat a specific illness. Additional references National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Successful Diabetes Management By Joni Foard, Pharm.D.
Employer Education and Support is Essential Approximately 16 million people in the United States have diabetes, which means that one out of every 20 people has this disease. This effects the workforce of most employers. Diabetes is a disorder that affects how your body turns sugar and carbohydrates into energy. The problem is closely related to a substance called insulin and your body's ability to make and use it properly. Understanding Symptoms of Diabetes Employers can benefit by understanding the symptoms of diabetes and to create programs to help employees at risk of diabetes or with diabetes to manage their diabetes. Here are some signs of diabetes that your employee should be looking for:
Complications of Diabetes When an employee's blood sugar consistently stays high, their diabetes is out of control. Uncontrolled diabetes can eventually lead to complications for your employee and higher health costs and reduced productivity for the employer. Complications may include:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends taking action to improve diabetes control. Employers should consider support for their diabetic employee. For example, testing (HbA1c) is a laboratory, rather than a home blood test and thus the employer should strive to open access to this testing. According to the ADA guidelines, patients treated with insulin should have their HbA1c measured every 3 to 4 months. All patients with diabetes should have this test performed at least twice a year. Although there is currently no cure for diabetes, it can be managed successfully. You can usually prevent high blood sugar problems from becoming more serious by following a routine that should include:
Type 1: In this type of diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin shots to live. That is why it is also called "insulin-dependent diabetes." Less than 10% of people with diabetes have type 1. Although it most often begins when people are young, it may also occur in older adults. Type 2: In this type of diabetes, the body makes insulin but cannot use it properly. Type 2 is also called "noninsulin-dependent diabetes" because the people who have it may not have to take insulin shots. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for 90% of people with diabetes. Gestational Diabetes appears during pregnancy in women with no previous history of diabetes and usually disappears after pregnancy. Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for diabetes later in life. Joni Foard, Pharm.D. is a Consultant Pharmacist for Wilson Pharmacy's Health and Wellness Program for Employers in the All Americas Region. By Steve Lane, Pharm. D.
The end of the year is upon us, and so is the time for holiday parties and festivities. This makes it a good time to remind you of the danger of mixing alcohol with medications. The simple fact is that alcohol is also a drug and is subject to drug-drug interactions just like all other medications. The risk is real. The government ranks drug-alcohol combinations as the leading cause of all drug-related deaths in the United States. The risk of alcohol related problems increases with age because as we get older, our bodies lose lean body mass, gain body fat, and therefore, lose total body water. Since alcohol is water soluble, it gets distributed into our total body water. In essence, the older individual will have a higher blood alcohol concentration because his/her body will have less water to dilute out the alcohol. Many people believe that a drug-alcohol interaction only occurs if you drink a certain type of drink. Actually, a drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. All three of these contain 0.5 ounces of alcohol. No matter what type of drink you have, alcohol can alter the way your medicine works. For instance, some drugs, such as aspirin, can actually increase the effects of alcohol. Conversely, alcohol can decrease the effect of antibiotics. The table below summarizes some important drug-alcohol interactions.*
This is just a sample of the hundreds of drug-alcohol interactions that can occur. To stay safe, always remember :
Share these tips with coworkers, friends, and family. Have a safe and
happy holiday season! Many of us grew up with emphasis on tan skin either because
it was supposed to be healthy or because it was fashionable but medical
evidence suggests we take a closer look at this issue.
The skin is the largest organ of your body and the one that directly interacts with the world. It's purpose is to help regulate body temperature and to protect you from harmful effects of the environment such as bacteria. The skin of youth is moist, soft, and elastic. The texture of the skin makes normal changes with time. Skin that has been overexposed to harmful UV sun rays ages more dramatically. Collagen and elastin (two types of protein substances essential to keeping connective tissue supple and elastic) clump together, break down and thicken. This causes wrinkling. Wrinkling associated with sun exposure can be prevented by regular use of sunscreen and moisturizers. The skin deserves and needs protection. Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer and early treatment is frequently successful. There are three types of skin cancer associated with unprotected sun exposure Basal cell and squamous cell can usually be detected and successfully treated. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and without adequate, early diagnosis and treatment can spread into lymph nodes and internal organs. TIPS Use moisturizing sunscreen or sun block anytime you are exposed to the sun, on cloudy summer days about 80% of the UV rays get through to you. The SPF (sun protection factor) should be at least 15. When swimming remember to reapply periodically. Whenever possible plan outdoor activities before 10 am or after 3 PM when the sun rays are most intense. Take a good look (with the use of a mirror) at ALL areas of your skin and repeat this exam periodically. This way you will notice any change in any spot or skin area. Particularly look for any mole or skin spot that changes color, shape or size. Look for asymmetrical lesions. Be sure to show your physician any area where you notice a change from your previous observations. Ask your physician or pharmacist about whether medication you take causes your skin to be more sensitive to the suns rays (several medications do so, examples are Acutane, Sulfa drugs, Retin-A products, some diuretics, Tetracycline and several other antibiotics. Be sure to check medication labels about sun sensitivity. For answers to many questions and detailed information about sun exposure, UV rays, tanning, and sunscreen protection check the Center for Disease Control website under cancer prevention and control. What we do now affects our skin health in years to come. By Jackie Perkins, RN What happens? In addition to damage done by spending time in the sun without UV protection other sources of damage include tanning beds, welding arcs and sun reflection on water or snow. Inner eye UV burns often leave scar tissue that interferes with vision. UV radiation from the sun is at its highest between 10 am and 4 pm or anytime when your shadow is shorter than you. Eye safety tips Protect children For additional information speak with an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist or other medical professional and check the web site of the American Academy of Ophthalmology @ www.aao.org or a Medical Library. Eye safety is not magic, but it is essential for prolonged
strong and healthy eyesight.
Fireworks Safety Information Source: Prevent Blindness America
Prevent Blindness America warns that there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the splendor and excitement of fireworks at a professional display. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in recent years fireworks have accounted for approximately 5,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms from June 23 to July 23. One quarter were eye-related. The total estimate for fireworks-related injuries in one year is 7,600. These figures do not include those treated in non-emergency room settings or those left untreated. While most injuries occur with legal fireworks, some states are debating legalizing an even broader range of fireworks. Heavy lobbying by the fireworks industry, promising more tax revenue through fireworks sales, may result in an increase in fireworks-related injuries. Fireworks statistics show:
If an accident does occur, what can you do right away to minimize the damage to the eye? These eight action can help save sight:
By Jackie Perkins, RN By Jackie Perkins, Director of Wilson Pharmacy's
Health and Wellness Program for Employers
Bite back this summer! During the spring and summer months, it is hard to ignore the appearance of all the common insects. While most insects are simply a nuisance, others can cause anything from a mildly painful bite to a severe allergic reaction. Anyone who spends even a small amount of time outside is exposed to these potential hazards. The most common culprits are bees, wasps, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting ants. While prevention is the key, treatment of bites and stings after they occur is also important. Bees and wasps are generally aggressive only when threatened. The head and neck are the most common sites of stings, followed by the arms and legs. Pain is usually immediate, followed by rapid swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the sting. If you are allergic to bee stings, you may have a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction consisting of shortness of breath, wheezing, hives, nausea, vomiting and fever. Allergic reactions need immediate medical treatment. A stinger that is still in the skin needs to be removed. Scraping it with a blunt object such as the edge of a credit card is most effective. Do not try to remove the stinger with tweezers because that can worsen the person's reaction. It is best to wash the area with an antibacterial soap and water, cover it with a clean white cloth or gauze and apply cold pack to reduce pain and swelling. Mild bee or wasp stings can usually be treated with an antihistamine (such as Benadryl), over- the- counter cortisone cream, or calamine lotion for the itching. If you have known severe allergic reactions to bee stings, then you should have a bee sting kit (EpiPen or Ana-Kit) in your possession at all times. You should also consider wearing a Medic Alert tag to let others know of this and any other allergies you may have. This summer has already shown an unusual proliferation of ticks. Two concerns are the possibility of Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. You can remove a tick the same as a stinger, being careful to remove the entire insect not just the venom sac. Wash the area and apply antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Watch the area carefully for several days. If there are symptoms of redness and /or rash around the area or if general symptoms occur such as headache, fever, weakness and muscle/joint pain of flu-like symptoms be sure to seek medical care. Again, prevention is an important key. Anytime you have been outdoors in wooded or grassy areas it is a good idea to check for the presence of insects and remove them immediately. In order to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood
of getting stings or bites, the following guidelines should be observed:
Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or sweet- smelling perfumes;
avoid angering bees or wasps by coming in close contact with their
nests; and keep sweet-smelling foods or drinks tightly covered, especially
if you know bees are nearby. Insect repellants with DEET are effective
against some insects and can be applied on exposed areas of skin,
however, repellents containing permethrin should be used only on clothing
not on skin. If you use insect repellant be sure to read and follow
directions on the label.
A little precaution will assure that summer fun outside is just what is should be - fun. During the spring and summer months, it is hard to ignore
the appearance of all the common insects. While most insects are simply
a nuisance, others can cause anything from a mildly painful bite to a
severe allergic reaction. Anyone who spends even a small amount of time
outside is exposed to these potential hazards. The most common culprits
are bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and biting ants. While prevention is the
key, treatment of bites and stings after they occur is also important.
Bees and wasps are generally aggressive only when threatened. The head and neck are the most common sites of stings, followed by the arms and legs. Pain is usually immediate, followed by rapid swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the sting. If you are allergic to bee stings, you may have a severe, life- threatening allergic reaction consisting of shortness of breath, wheezing, hives, nausea, vomiting and fever. Allergic reactions need immediate medical treatment. A stinger that is still in the skin needs to be removed. Scraping it with a blunt object such as the edge of a credit card is most effective. Do not try to remove the stinger with tweezers because that can worsen the person's reaction. Mild bee or wasp stings can usually be treated with an antihistamine (such as Benadryl), over- the- counter cortisone cream, or calamine lotion for the itching A home remedy for itching consists of a paste of unseasoned meat tenderizer (Adoph's) and water applied to the location of the sting for 10 to 15 minutes. Ice applied to the site of the sting also often decreases the skin reaction. If you have known severe allergic reactions to bee stings, then you should have a bee sting kit (EpiPen or Ana-Kit) in your possession at all times. You should also consider wearing a Medic Alert tag to let others know of your condition. In order to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of getting stung, the following guidelines should be observed: Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or sweet- smelling perfumes; avoid angering bees or wasps by coming in close contact with their nests; and keep sweet-smelling foods or drinks tightly covered, especially if you know bees are nearby. BACK
TO TOP
By Jackie Perkins, RN
Director of Wilson Pharmacy Health and Wellness Program Two of the most important positive actions a person can take toward good physical health are: 1. Eating a nutritionally sound, well balanced diet and... 2. Participating in regular physical activity. Good nutrition is necessary to nourish body tissues and assist vital organs to maintain optimum function. Strict or fad diets are not recommended, they become tiresome and you will loose interest. The best answer is for you to make healthy choices whether you are eating out or at home. Important points to follow - EAT BREAKFAST. Sample breakfast would include FIBER has a tremendous influence on the digestion process. Fiber helps remove excess cholesterol and thus reduce coronary heart disease. The bulk of fiber when taken with adequate fluids also protects against colon cancer (one of the top three fatal cancers for men). Sources of fiber are mostly grain foods; oats, bran, brown rice, corn, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, potato skins and Dried Beans and Apple peeling. (Be sure to pick up your apple and mixed beans today). THE FOODS YOU EAT ALSO IMPACT YOUR MOOD.
Good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. Variety is important. Do not attempt to stop eating everything you like, just be aware of the choices you make. Fuel your body with nutrients that will improve your long-term health. Minor additions of nutritious food can be easy. If you usually eat only one or two servings of fruits & vegetables each day, add at least one at lunch and one at dinner. Try adding fruit as a snack between meals to supply the nutrients you need. Treat meat as just one part of a meal, not the focus. Read labels. Some will surprise you. Choose foods lower in sodium, sugar and saturated fats and higher in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber. References for additional
information:
BACK
TO TOP
By Jackie Perkins, RN
Director of Wilson Pharmacy Health and Wellness Program The more you know about foods the more capable you are to choose foods that promote a healthy body for you and your family. A table, "Nutrition Facts", is now mandatory on all processed food. Labels for meat and poultry follow U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines while most other foods fall under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fresh fruits and vegetables are not required to bear labels. Remember to have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Many food packages also have a pyramid of food categories that help us determine at a glance how to choose a variety of foods that promote a healthy body. Our choices do make a difference in maintaining our body systems and preventing disease. Rather than worrying with a reasonable serving of some favorite food your focus should remain on the habitual practice of good nutrition and the difference it makes long term. When reading labels, serving size is very important. All other information on the label pertains to the listed serving size. You may decide to have only ½ that amount or even twice that amount, just know what you are getting. An example: Bread labels. Check the fat, sodium or fiber in bread you need to know if this amount is in one slice or two slices. Get in the habit of checking the serving size first.Next on the "Nutrition Facts" you will see calories and calories from fat (per serving). For the average healthy person about 30% or less of our total calories per day can come from fats. This equals about 60 Grams per day and less than 1/3 of those can safely be saturated fat mostly from animal and poultry sources. Because of the prevalence of heart disease, obesity, diabetes complications, high blood pressure, cancer and osteoporosis in our country the values that most affect those conditions are listed. Elsewhere on the label you may find words that are also regulated
but have some leeway in interpretation. LOW means the food is limited in amount per serving : low saturated fat = 1gram or less low fat = 3 grams or less low cholesterol = 20mg or less, 2 grams saturated fat low sodium = 140 mg or less low calorie = 40 or less per serving LIGHT means half the fat, 1/3 the calories or half the salt of its regular counterpart OR it may refer to color and texture of the product. REDUCED, LESS, FEWER means 25% less of a nutrient or calories in the product GOOD SOURCE means one serving contains 10 to 19 % of the daily value for the nutrient mentioned Armed with this type information we can make healthier food choices. Poison Prevention - Basic Tips to Keep You & Your Family Safe By Jill Radford, Pharm.D. Poisons can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. However, most poisonings occur by ingestion. You may be surprised to know that medications are involved in the most accidental poisonings, followed by household cleaning products, personal care products (hair spray, perfume, etc.), and plants. Prevention is the key to keeping an accidental poisoning from occurring in your home. So how do you poison proof your home?
Jill Radford, Pharm.D. is a Clinical Director for Wilson Pharmacy's Health and Wellness Program for Employers in the All Americas Region. BACK
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By Jackie Perkins, RN Spreading laughter and
a positive attitude - good for business (and for life)
Norman Cousins started the world thinking about the advantages of laughter. Norman Vincent Peale wrote the textbook on The Power of Positive Thinking. Larry Wilde, Gzzy Gesell, Barbara Johnson, and many other humorists (authors) help us gain an appreciation for the gift of laughter and a positive attitude. Dr. Margaret Stuber of UCLA pointed out a huge amount of research suggesting that stress undermines the disease-fighting immune system. Since laughter helps lighten or ease stress then it has a positive effect. Yes, there are definitely times to be serious but laughter does have it is appropriate place, even and especially in the workplace. Yes, take your work seriously but do not take yourself so seriously. If you give a big smile and don't get one in return you are 2 points ahead of that person in the game of life. Keep trying. Genuine smiles and laughter should be contagious and once we have that we must never let anyone give us an antidote. Take an inventory to see if you really need to lighten-up. Humor and positive encouragement are ways to open and ease the flow of communications. Know what makes your co-workers smile and feel good. For some people this is an inborn skill, for others it takes practice to become proficient. Spend a few days thinking about ways to develop a more positive attitude and lighten up then begin the adventure. We know that body language is the best-remembered portion of what we say. I mention work situations because we spend a great deal of our time in that environment but the same positive attitude is helpful in all of life. It has been said this day is all we have, do not miss any of it being sad, remorseful or lonely. You may find it helpful to have a list of some amusing thoughts to read when things really get tense and you can take a ten second break. It really is not selfish to do what would make your day better; it could also improve the attitude of others around you. If you drive daily, you may have an occasion to see "road rage". A horrible new way people are expressing himself or herself. When something on the roadway doesn't go, as you would like, what action will make your day better? Anger, disgust, threats, screeching tires, hard looks OR a smile. Smile as true smile as you would to a sweet child, whistle or sing or have a cassette or CD of quality music available. The American Institute of Preventive Medicine determined that stress plays a role in two major killers - heart disease and cancer. One of the institute's recommendations is that we make a list of amusing thoughts that lighten up our day. Call them mini ways to wellness. Review them often and add new ones. We live in a wonderful world, even with the threats of terror, but lets not let that invade the greatness of a country like ours. Positive thinking, good communication and laughter start with each individual. We choose how we look at things and how we affect others. Lighten up! It will be healthy for you and good for the environment. Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner can put on some pounds.
However with some careful planning for the holiday eating season, Thanksgiving through New Year's, healthy eating can prove to be very positive and productive experience. Moderation of portion sizes makes a difference. But then whatever made us think we have to eat like there may never be another meal? Let's look at some of the healthful aspects of traditional Thanksgiving foods. Turkey - We need to equalize our focus so that meat at any meal is thought of as one item, rather than the central focus. A serving of turkey has 150 calories and 5 grams of fat and 25gms of protein and 20% of the day's supply of minerals such as Zinc that boost the immune system to ward off colds and others virus conditions. If you are the cook, stuff the turkey with some healthy fiber items such as wild rice, celery, onions, water chestnuts, nuts and whole grain bread crumbs. Sweet Potatoes - A must have dish for Thanksgiving. About ½ cup provides 300% of the daily requirement for Vitamin A as beta carotene, a plant product that fights off cancer. Their cousin, Yams have somewhat less beta carotene. Cranberry Sauce - A source of antioxidants, to fight cancer and fiber to help lower cholesterol. It's also a great source of Vitamin C. Enjoy! Mashed Potatoes - Be sure to wash thoroughly and leave the skin on and ½ cup will supply 100 calories and a large dose of potassium good for blood pressure control. Cook with pre-roasted garlic cloves instead of adding gobs of butter and salt. Pumpkin Pie - This dessert ranks as top-of-the-list for good-for-you desserts. Mashed pumpkin oozes with beta carotene and lutein to fight off macular degeneration, which afflicts millions of older Americans. If you make your own pumpkin or any other cream pie use nonfat evaporated milk to reduce saturated fat calories. Also, don't feel obligated to eat every last crumb of the crust. Green Vegetables & Fruit - Add your favorite green vegetable or mixed vegetable dish choosing from such foods as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc. to complete your nutritional needs for the day. Like most things in life, MODERATION is the key. Keep portions reasonable and enjoy the variety. Sooooooooo, go ahead, plan, prepare and eat a good Thanksgiving dinner and have leftovers so that you can have enjoyable, healthy food after the "big day". Make some freezer dinners for later. Keeping the holiday menu healthy will keep you healthy and strong for the long winter ahead. As you prepare or plan for Thanksgiving dinner take a moment to remember how wonderful it is to have such an opportunity. God Bless America! Walking for Fitness By Jackie Perkins, RN
BRISK WALKING IS GOOD EXERCISE Physical fitness has become an important part of life for millions of people and rightly so. One of the most popular exercises is walking. Brisk walking improves cardiovascular functioning, builds musculoskeletal strength and endurance, helps reduce effects of stress, burns calories, and is inexpensive. Also, there is less susceptibility to injury in walking than many other forms of exercise. A little wellness education and planning can help prevent employees from having to take sick days or having reduced productivity because of poor cardiovascular functioning, musculoskeletal strength and endurance. Getting Started:
Try Walking. A healthy lifestyle also incorporates other wise choices. Exercise alone is not the whole answer to better health. Other factors such as good nutrition, stress management, adequate rest and relaxation and not smoking are very important. Encourage your employees to join other employees in walking for fitness. Keep a record of walking time and distance for all employees that participate. They may walk on sidewalks near their worksite, in any park, in their home neighborhood, at a school track, wherever they choose. For walking an unmeasured area make note of the time you start and complete your walk. This is completely on the honor system. All employees are invited to participate in this program. And you may want to do your friends and/or family a favor and get them started walking with you. Regular Routine. Developing a regular routine is very important. It is best to walk every day but at a minimum every other day. At the end of each month recognition may be given those walking regularly (at least 30 min every other day) and to those walking the greatest number of miles. Running and jogging can also be counted but if you are not accustomed to doing that it is better to start with walking. When to walk? This will be your choice - early morning, part of your lunch period, afternoon or evening. Just keep a record of your walking. This walking cannot include any part of your work assignment. This is for purposeful walking for exercise. If you have any health problems, if you have not had a physical exam in the past year, and/or if you are age 45 or over check with your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program. Walking Tracking Chart Guidelines:
By Jill Radford, Pharm.D
GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSUMER National Pharmacy Week, October 22-28 provides a good opportunity to remind employees & their families on the importance of medication education. Last year, 2.7 billion retail prescriptions were dispensed, and this number is expected to exceed 3 billion this year. When you begin a new medication, whether it is a prescription or an over-the-counter medication, it is your responsibility to make sure you use that medicine correctly, understand common side effects, and to follow-up with your physician or pharmacist if an unexpected problem occurs. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is critical that you know why you are giving the medicine, and how to give it correctly. It is not always easy to take medications correctly, especially if you have to take more than one. It can be even more difficult to keep track of your medications if you visit more than one physician or use different pharmacies. That's why National Pharmacy Week's theme is "Educate Before You Medicate!" There are certain questions you should ask before you leave the doctor's office with a new prescription, and several you should ask the pharmacist when you get the medicine filled. With every new prescription, ask your doctor:
Therefore, remember to ask your doctor and pharmacist specific questions. Keep an updated list of your current medications and allergies, and use only one pharmacy. You, your physician, and your pharmacist are a team - working together to provide you with the best health care possible. By being an active team player, you will not only improve your quality of life, but you will help avoid any potential errors that can occur. Jill Radford, Pharm.D. is a Clinical Director for Wilson Pharmacy's Health and Wellness Program for Employers in the All Americas Region. Now that Propulsid is going off the market, folks
are looking for an alternative for heartburn and other GI disorders. Janssen
will stop selling Propulsid on July 14th. Alternatives: Reglan
works about as well as Propulsid to improve GI motility... but
causes more adverse effects. Erythromycin can also increase GI
motility... it's sometimes effective for treating diabetic gastroparesis.
Actonel is now approved for osteoporosis. Actonel
is a bisphosphonate... similar to Fosamax. But until now, Actonel
was approved only for Paget's disease. The new indication is to prevent
or treat osteoporois in postmenopausal women... or in patients taking
glucocorticoids. Actonel will come in a new 5 mg tablet for osteoporosis.
Patients should take 5 mg/day for both prevention and treatment. Actonel
reduces the risk of vertebral fractures by 49% in postmenopausal women
after 3 years. It also helps prevent fractures of the wrist, arm, leg,
and hip. Actonel should be taken on an empty stomach... and patients
should not lie down for 30 minutes afterwards.
GRAND OPENING of our Johnson City Home Medical Equipment Showroom HEALTHSPAN ® Mediserve Medical Equipment Cordially invites you to attend the GRAND OPENING of our HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SHOWROOM On December 7 th , from 8:30 am - 7:00 pm at Knob Creek Market Place 2517 Knob Creek Road Johnson City, TN 37601 (423) 952-0293 (next to Fuddruckers)  Come by and register for DOOR PRIZES to include: A Whirlpool! A $100 Local Mall Gift Certificate! A Day at a Local Spa! HELiOS ™
is a new way to think about oxygen therapy. The small size, portability,
and long-lasting duration of HELiOS means a return to a happier, healthier
lifestyle with less obtrusive and conspicuous oxygen delivery. Patient
compliance and outcomes can be considerably enhanced. HELiOS is the oxygen
system that is right for patients who desire greater ambulation and are
candidates for a conserving device. The benefits of HELiOS are:
The Japanese Ministry of Health has invited HEALTHSPAN
President & CEO Craig Jeffries to be a seminar presenter for a program
entitled: Facts and Current Issues of Homecare in Japan and the United
States Focusing on Medical Devices for Home Use.
The seminar is organized by the Japan Association for the Advancement of Medical Equipment with scheduled programs in Tokyo and in Osaka. Jeffries will address top executives of Japanese manufacturers and distributors of health care products, technology and services about the utilization of home care products provided by HEALTHSPAN Services, Inc through its Mediserve Medical Equipment, Wilson Pharmacy and Healthspan Specialized Nursing & Therapy Services operating divisions. Jeffries, a health care attorney and Executive Director of the Health Industry Distributors Asoociation, prior to coming to Johnson City in 1995 as President & CEO of HEALTHSPAN is an internationally recognized expert on home care, medical technology and health care policy. HEALTHSPAN's operating divisions provide pharmacy, home nursing, private duty, home medical equipment and respiratory services and are accredited with commendation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. HEALTHSPAN serves East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. For more information, call (423) 926-3338. BACK
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(Arlington Heights, IL) The National Certification
Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) announced that Cheryl Reardon,
D.Ph., CDE, has achieved Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) status by
successfully completing the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators.
Candidates must meet rigorous education and professional practice experience
requirements to be eligible to take the examination. Achieving the CDE
credential demonstrates to patients and employers that the health care
professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting
quality of care for patients with diabetes. There are currently more
than 12,300 diabetes educators who hold the CDE credential.
Reardon has been a member of the clinical pharmacist team at Wilson Pharmacy since 1988 during which time she has used her clinical knowledge and diabetes education to help educate diabetes patients of all ages on how to manage their disease state. NCBDE was established in 1986 to develop and administer a certification program for health care professionals who teach individuals with diabetes how to manage their disease. NCBDE is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of diabetes education through the development, maintenance, and protection of the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential and the certification process. NCBDE supports the concept of voluntary, periodic certification for all diabetes educators who meet educational and experience eligibility requirements. For more information on NCBDE, call the national office at (847) 228-9795 or visit the web site at www.ncbde.org. or visit Wilson Pharmacy. BACK
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(Johnson City, Tenn.) - A local pharmacy will help the public get a step ahead of the upcoming flu season by holding two vaccination clinics on Wednesday, October 30th. Wilson Pharmacy will provide flu vaccinations at its Kingsport store at 1657 East Stone Drive in Kingsport between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on October 30th. Beginning at 1:30 a.m. and continuing until 5:30 p.m. vaccinations will be offered at the pharmacy's Johnson City store at 525 North State of Franklin Road. A minimal charge for the vaccinations will be charged for the preventative medicine service. For more information, contact Jackie Perkins, RN, Director of Health and Wellness, at Wilson Pharmacy (423) 926-3338 or visit Wilson Pharmacy. New
Location beginning August, 2001 of our Kingsport
Pharmacy
Something to Feel Good About Women in Pharmacy Program gives view of Pharmacy, November 13, 2003 Electronic Helper dispensing Drugs, Good Service at Wilson, November 17, 2003 Wilson Pharmacy Gold Card Program At May's monthly Chamber Breakfast, the Chamber of Commerce
of Johnson City, Washington County, and Jonesborough recognized HEALTHSPAN
for being one of the oldest members of the Chamber of Commerce. Wilson
Pharmacy, the division that was later broadened to encompass HEALTHSPAN,
began its original membership in the 1960's. Today HEALTHSPAN continues
its support and involvement in the region through active membership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||