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Showing posts from March, 2023

Best supplements

It's important to note that a well-balanced diet should provide most of the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need, but m ost people can benefit from Vitamin D- is a nutrient that is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system, and many people don't get enough of it, especially those who live in areas with limited sunlight or who don't get enough sun exposure.  Vit C: airborne is great for boosting the immune system ( Don't mix this with any other vitamin)  Vitamin B Complex : This vitamin is important for immune system support, energy production, and the production of red blood cells. It is found in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans may need a supplement.   Calcium: This mineral is important for bone health. Many people do not get enough calcium from their diet, so a supplement may be recommended.  Magnesium  - is an essential mineral used by every organ in your body. It also plays a key role in regulating the body's normal stre...

Cough/Cold

 As a pharmacist for 10+ years, one of the most common question I encounter is, “What is the best medicine to take for the cold and flu?”  I would then follow up with, "What's your age and how long has it been? Do you have any other medical conditions?" If it's been more than 7 days and the symptoms are getting worse, then it's recommended to see the doctor.  Children under 6 years of age,  stay tuned for future posts.  -Get plenty of rest -Drink plenty of fluids -Use a humidifier to relieve congestion by adding moisture to the air.  -Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants, can help relieve symptoms. However, it's important to read labels carefully and only take medication as directed. Here are the common ingredients to look for in cough/cold medicine 1) Headache, Fever - Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 2) Muscle Aches—  Ibuprofen ( Advil ) I often recommend alternating the two drugs ...

Heartburn

Heartburn is a pretty uncomfortable symptom that many of us have experienced at some point. It's caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, which creates that burning sensation in our chest and throat.  Here's some helpful prevention tips: Avoid spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol Eat smaller and more frequent meals Avoid eating two hours before bed Maintain a healthy weight Quit smoking Reduce stress levels If lifestyle changes aren't enough, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve heartburn symptoms.  1. Antacids  Tums,   Rolaids   are great for short-term relief because they neutralize stomach acid quickly.  2. H2 blockers like  - Pepcid AC / famotidine   reduce acid production and can provide relief for several hours.  3. Lastly, if you experience heartburn frequently, or more than 3+/week, then start a course of 2 to 4-week PPI therapy. PPI stands for  Proton pump inhibitors  ...

Sleep

Did you know that getting quality sleep is super important for your overall health and well-being? It's true! Not getting enough sleep can actually lead to a bunch of health problems, like depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease.   But don't worry, there are some easy things you can do to improve your sleep quality, like getting regular exercise, cutting back on caffeine, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. Of course, sometimes these lifestyle changes aren't enough, and that's where sleep aids come in.   There are different kinds of sleep aids out there, like prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and natural supplements. Prescription sleep aids can be effective, but they can also be risky since they can lead to dependence and other adverse effects.  Over-the-counter sleep aids can also be helpful, but they're not recommended for long-term use because they can cause cognitive impairment and daytime drowsiness. This ...

Allergy season

How to prepare for allergy season Identify your triggers: Try to identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. This may include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them. Check the pollen count : Check the local pollen count in your area to know when the levels are high. You can use this information to plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Keep windows closed. Cool your home with fans or air conditioning. Keep your home clean: Regularly clean your home to reduce exposure to allergens. This may include vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding in hot water, and using an air purifier. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help thin mucus and reduce congestion. Be proactive: Start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start to reduce their severity. Mask : If you're going to be outdoors during high pollen counts, consider wearing a mask to reduce exposure to allergens. Examples...

Body moisturizer

During the winter months, cold weather and low humidity can lead to dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Here's some of body moisturizers that can help keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and smooth CeraVe Moisturizing Cream : This cream contains ceramides, which help to restore the skin's natural barrier, as well as hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain moisture in the skin. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used on the face and body. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream : This cream contains ceramides and urea, which help to hydrate and repair dry, damaged skin. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used on the face and body. Aquaphor Healing Ointment : This ointment contains petrolatum, which creates a protective barrier on the skin and helps to lock in moisture. It's suitable for dry, cracked, or irritated skin and can be used on the face and body. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ : This balm contains shea butter, niacinamide, and glycerin, which help...

skincare for acne-prone skin

If you have acne-prone skin, following a consistent skincare routine can help manage breakouts and keep your skin healthy. Here are the basic steps for an acne skincare routine: 1. Cleanse: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night, to remove oil, dirt, and makeup. Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water, which can dry out and irritate your skin. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser : This medicated cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid and is designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser : This cleanser contains 5% benzoyl peroxide and is designed for those with moderate to severe acne. It helps to unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria. Cetaphil Acne Face Wash : This gentle foam cleanser is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps to remove excess oil and dirt without over-drying the...