A heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its internal temperature within safe limits. As a result, essential physical and mental faculties rapidly decline, and if left unchecked, a stroke can leave victims with loss of consciousness, seizures, and in particularly severe cases, death. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to both spot early signs and prevent heat strokes before they become a problem. Learning to recognize the early signs allows you to stop them in their tracks, and once you know what to be on the lookout for, you can then safely move through the remainder of summer with considerably less worry.

Whether it’s your skin or hydration level that needs some additional support and protection, at Community Pharmacy we have a wide assortment of tools that can help. Contact our team today, and we can help guide you to a product that makes sense for your situation and needs.

Early Signs of Heat Stroke

One of the more challenging aspects of preventing heat exhaustion and stroke is that it can take effect within a few minutes or gradually over several days. Some of the most commonly associated physical signs of heat exhaustion are:

• Increased Heart Rate (over 100 BPM)
• Raised Body Temperature
• Excessive Sweating
• Muscle Cramps
• Less Frequent Urination (with a darker coloration)

Any one of these might not be cause for alarm in isolation. However, if you notice several of them along with any of the following mental symptoms, then it might be time to stop and take preventative measures:

• Fatigue
• Sudden Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheaded
• Increased Agitation

If you notice these symptoms, then immediately move to a shaded, cooled place to recover and hydrate. This can provide some quick relief, and for long-term protection, take some time to consider further life adjustments.

How Best to Prevent Heat Exhaustion & Stroke

Heat exhaustion is a problem best approached and solved through a multi-layered approach. From what you wear, where and when you go, and what you consume, small adjustments to your daily routine can bring about significant protection against the harmful effects of excessive heat.

When it comes to clothing, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the majority of your skin helps limit the amount of UV your body will intake. Studies show that colors like white, red, and yellow are better at releasing heat than black or darker colors. Even with these layers, applying sunscreen can add another level of protection.

While we all want to stay active throughout summer, the early afternoon is typically when heat levels peak. By planning your outdoor exercise or errands in the morning or just before sunset, you can avoid the most dangerous time of the day.

Keeping a high level of hydration before and after prolonged sun exposure helps our body handle the heat better as it can tap into these reserves when necessary. This can be done by regularly consuming enough water proportional to your body weight along with eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Supplements also exist specifically to provide electrolytes and other vital nutrients the body sheds via sweat while under heat duress. Contact our team today, and we’ll be happy to provide you with recommendations.

Don’t Let the Heat Spoil Your Summer Fun

While the heightened summer heat creates obstacles for outdoor activities, there’s no reason to stay completely indoors while days are long and bright. With just a few simple changes and an awareness of heat stroke signs and risks, you can protect yourself from the risks and safely enjoy the rest of summer.

The post Early Signs of Heat Stroke (and how best to prevent it) appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Before you hit the road though, it’s worth taking the time to ensure your prescriptions are prepared to make the journey with you. Whether you have a specific condition that requires daily support or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, a solid travel medication strategy helps protect not just your health but peace of mind. 

There’s no guarantee that your destination will have a fully stocked pharmacy easily accessible, but by forming a medication packing plan, you can relieve any worries about what lies ahead.

If you have questions about types of travel medication that could be useful for your destination, prescription refills, or general questions, then contact the Community Pharmacy today, and we will be happy to make recommendations that match your needs.

Keep Medication Organized, Safe, and Accessible

While time on the road will certainly shuffle things around within your bag, having a set plan of organization helps reduce the likelihood of an item becoming lost or forgotten in transit. 

For medication, it’s helpful to have a designated bag or case that acts as the home base for all health-related items. A distinct color, such as red or blue, can act as an easy visual identifier when packing and unpacking your medicine.

Whether your medicine comes in pill, liquid, or cream form, one of the main dangers while traveling is the content becoming crushed. This risk can be offset with a hard shell case or placing your medicine container near the top of your bag, also making it more accessible should it be necessary for an emergency.  

If your travel plans involve flights, then it’s best to keep your medication within your carry-on should your checked luggage become delayed or lost. You can bring medically required liquids in carry-on bags over 3.4 ounces, but you must inform the officer at the checkpoint and they may need to inspect the container. It is best practice to carry these in a bottle with a prescription label.

For a full breakdown of how to fly with medicine, consult the full TSA guidelines on the subject to remove any risks.

Bring Prescriptions & Notes (especially abroad)

When traveling, it’s important to maintain a steady prescribed medication intake routine and have all your documentation on hand to avoid complications. Doctor’s notes, prescriptions, or other documentation can be useful should your bags be inspected or if you need more medication while in transit.

It’s helpful to have document redundancies in case the originals go missing or become damaged. Having digital copies on your devices and physical copies throughout your luggage gives you additional layers of security that can save you considerable time and hassle should they become necessary.

For those who are traveling abroad, it’s worth taking the time to research what medications are allowed and prohibited in your destination, and even layover countries, as this can vary considerably around the world.

If you are unsure about what you are allowed to bring, then give our team a quick call and we can clarify what types of medication are safe and permitted to travel with.

Set Additional Medication Reminders

There are few things as stimulating as travel, and it’s incredibly easy for healthy habits and routines to fall to the wayside within this excitement.

While this is to be expected to some degree, maintaining your regular medication intake timing is important to maintaining a high level of health. Set reminders in your phone or computer, adjusted for the time change between your original and end destination, to give you an additional safety net that automatically alerts you on medication timing and quantity.

Travel can provide us with invaluable relief from our day-to-day life, and inspire and challenge us on multiple levels within just a few days. Before you leave home though, take the time to develop a travel medication strategy, so you can then fully enjoy and embrace the new scenery around you.

The post Tips for Traveling with Medication appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Surprisingly, over 1.1 billion people currently are zinc-deficient, and this can have harmful effects ranging from stunted childhood development to slower wound healing in adults. By first understanding what zinc does and how best to then introduce it into your system, you can rest assured that your body has everything it needs to hum along in a healthy fashion.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your daily zinc needs, then don’t hesitate to reach out to the Community Pharmacy staff or stop by in person. We’d be happy to answer any questions so you can move forward with complete confidence in your personal health plan.

What Exactly Does Zinc Do?

Zinc supports many of its critical functions from sensory acuity to psychological balance.  This uniquely versatile mineral helps fuel our cells to perform their essential functions and contributes to aiding smooth neurotransmissions in the brain and reducing inflammation in the gut.

For males specifically, regular zinc intake has been linked to higher testosterone levels, prostate protection, and retaining healthy hair.

Common signs of zinc deficiency include:

• Unstable gut and stool
• Hair loss and frail nails
• Loss of appetite
• Slowly healing wounds
• Decreased sensory perception

If you exhibit one or more of these symptoms, then it might be time to consider boosting your zinc intake and the best means is through supplemental support.

Best Ways to Raise Zinc Level

While certain foods like oysters, meat, lentils, seeds, and chickpeas can help raise your body’s zinc level through traditional means, the most efficient way is through consuming concentrated amounts in the form of dietary supplements.

Brimming with beneficial mineral support, we specifically recommend the following two products that are proven to bolster a body’s zinc back to healthy levels:

• Zinc A.G. 
  • Specifically beneficial for those with sensitive gastrointestinal tract
• Reacted Zinc
  • Made with chelated zinc and highly absorbable

Zinc intake needs vary depending on age, weight, and sex, but health experts recommend anywhere from 4 mg (infants) to 40 mg (adults) as a generally safe daily amount. 

We carry each of these products at Community Pharmacy along with many other mineral supplements, multivitamins, and other helpful health products. Stop by and see our full selection or call today to speak with our staff! 

Zero in on Healthy Zinc Levels

Ensuring your body has everything it needs to function can feel like a constant balancing act but we have more support tools than ever at our disposal. Whether you need zinc support or another supplement to shore up your dietary needs, Community Pharmacy is here to help you find your answer.

Feeling better today and protecting your tomorrow doesn’t need to be a complicated matter. With a little time and effort to find your ideal form of zinc support, you can enjoy the countless physical and mental benefits of whole-body health.

The post Top Health Benefits of Zinc Supplements appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Excessive unprotected sun exposure has been linked to an increase in skin cancer risk. Too much ultraviolet radiation can permanently damage our skin cell’s DNA, eventually leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Experts estimate one in five Americans will encounter skin cancer and related issues at some point in their life but there are preventive steps you can take to protect yourself this summer. While using UV-protective sunscreen works wonders to protect our skin from these negative effects, it’s still important to be mindful of the early signs of skin cancer so they can be properly and promptly addressed.

Beware of Brown, Blue, or Black Spots

Throughout the seasons our skin reacts to the changes in the environment. Little changes like dryness or pigment fluctuation are all our body’s natural reactions to the seasons and are no cause for alarm.

While some variation is perfectly normal, the appearance of discolored spots or new moles can be an early warning sign of skin cancer that should be addressed immediately. Even if the mole has been examined in the past, if you start to notice a change, then it’s worth having a professional take another look. Especially so if these areas become especially tender, itchy, or painful to touch and do not disappear after several days or weeks.

If you notice new moles or discoloration appear and do not fade, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact the experts. 

Non-healing Blisters & Sores 

Summer is perhaps the most physically active month for most people, and with all this action comes the occasional blister, scrapes, and sores. While bumps and bruises need simply time to heal, if these areas are healing slowly or not at all, then this could be an early sign of skin cancer as well.

Lingering sores that become scaly or crusty with discoloration around the edges are notably worrisome as it means the body’s immune system is under considerable stress. This could mean early stages of melanoma, a type of invasive skin cancer that spreads quickly if left untreated.

Take these signs seriously as soon as they become apparent, especially if they occur after long periods of unprotected sunlight exposure. The earlier the issue is caught, the faster and more effective the solution will be.

Unusual Swelling, Rashes, and Redness

While we all love the glow of a healthy tan from the summer sun, if your skin becomes unnaturally swollen and red, then this too could be a red flag of possible skin cancer. 

Monitor the area closely, and if it fails to fade and subside after a few days, then contact a medical professional immediately. These patches can be traced to everything from a mere allergic reaction to early-stage skin cancer, and time is of the essence should it be the latter.

Keeping skin healthy and protected throughout summer means not just having the right products before prolonged time outside, but a plan in place should these troublesome signs appear. While moles, blisters, and swelling are often benign and can heal on their own, there’s no sense in risking your skin’s health and the longer you wait, the worse the problem can become.

If you should ever have any questions about preventative skin practice or identifying suspect spots, then speak with a Community Pharmacy representative. Our trained staff will be happy to answer questions and recommend solutions so you can continue to enjoy that beautiful summer sun without worry.

The post Holy Mole-y: Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch Out for this Summer appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Our gut health affects everything from our immune system, metabolism, and mental health, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure a healthy GI tract. Fortunately, we have more information, treatments, and tools than ever to protect our digestive system. By learning to recognize GI-related symptoms and taking timely preemptive steps, intestinal problems can be avoided and a healthy gut maintained.

How to Recognize GI-Related Symptoms

One of the most important things we can do to protect our complex gastrointestinal system is to be mindful of early GI-related symptoms. By addressing the signs as soon as they appear, you can save yourself from health risks and discomfort down the road.

Some common symptoms of GI include:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn

If you experience one or more of these symptoms for an extended period of time, contact your nearest Community Pharmacy location to schedule testing. Treatment varies considerably depending on each case, as it’s essential to know the exact root of the issue in order to fully resolve it.

Often it’s easy to mistake other symptoms to be GI-related, and while the following might be concerning, they typically do not correlate to a gastrointestinal issue.

Some non-GI symptoms are:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain Fog
• Weight Gain
• Autoimmune Illnesses
• Pain (joints, headaches, etc.)
• Inflammation

If you start to exhibit some of the listed symptoms of a GI-related issue, it’s important to take countermeasures quickly. Left unchecked these symptoms can spiral into more serious problems such as damaged gut lining (aka leaky gut), dysbiosis, or intestinal inflammation.

To avoid these uncomfortable issues, pharmacists recommend you implement the following practices into your everyday life.

Best Gut Health Protective Practices

When it comes to gut health, the best remedy is taking a proactive stance to stop issues from ever forming.

One of the best measures you can take is to decrease stress whenever possible in your daily life. Stressful situations cause the body to produce cortisol to create quick energy, but this comes at the cost of breaking down gut lining, muscles, and lowers the immune system as a whole. This correlates to a higher risk of GI pathogens like parasites, worms, fungi, yeast, and bacteria taking hold and decreasing our body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Of course, you cannot understate the importance of eating a balanced and healthy diet on your gut health as well. Regularly consuming the right probiotics and supplements has been linked to an increase in overall gut health, but before committing to this path, it’s best to know the specifics of your situation.

If you are concerned about the state of your gut health, then connect with Community Pharmacy today to set up a time for a few simple tests. Common GI pathogens can be easily detected and treatment dispensed based on your unique results along with general gut health guidance.

Guarantee Gut Health 

You can’t put a price on feeling your best, and having a healthy gut is essential to maintaining energy levels, a strong immune system, and feeling physically and mentally sound. 

Right now, Community Pharmacy is offering free health consultations for gut-related issues. If you have ever been curious about the current state of your digestive system, then there’s never been a better time than now to gain insights guaranteed to help improve your gut health.

The post Safeguard Gut Health – What Pharmacists Want You to Know appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

While alcohol is generally safe to consume in moderation, there may be a risk in doing so while taking some prescription medicines. Becoming aware of the risks and avoiding dangerous combinations is essential, and you should be particularly careful of mixing alcohol with these three common prescription medications.

Pain Medications 

Following an injury or serious medical procedure, often doctors prescribe medication to help mitigate the discomfort and manage pain. The most common forms are classified as opioids, which are extremely effective at pain relief.

However, these medications are particularly dangerous to mix with alcohol, as they amplify effects such as dizziness, disorientation, slowed breathing, and in large quantities, can even lead to death. Be on the lookout for the following types of opioids, and when prescribed, it is best to abstain from any alcohol consumption until you are fully recovered and the medication has cleared your system. Some examples include:

• Oxycodone 
• Hydrocodone
• Codeine 
• Morphine

If you ever have questions or concerns about what is safe to consume while taking prescription medication, then contact us at Community Pharmacy. Our trained team of professionals will be happy to help explain what is and is not safe for your particular situation.

Benzodiazepines 

Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to help combat seizures or panic attacks, as they essentially tell the brain and the rest of the body to slow down. However, they can be habit-forming , and their usage should be limited to small quantities for a short time while the body recovers and requires external medical support. 

As alcohol is a depressant, this makes for a dangerous combination with drowsiness-inducing Benzonadiazepines. These medicines act on the same receptors as alcohol and using them in combination should be avoided.  Some medications in this class include:

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Alprazolam (Xanax) 
• Lorazepam (Ativan) 
• Diazepam (Valium) 

Drinking alcohol while consuming this medication is potentially harmful as it can lead to amplified feelings of sluggishness, loss of inhibitions, and ultimately can delay the healing timetable. 

Antibiotic: Flagyl (metronidazole)

When infections, bacteria, or parasites take hold within the body, antibiotics like Flagyl are often prescribed to deal with the issue.

Even in an otherwise healthy body, alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach, induce nausea, and cause other digestive issues. However, when alcohol is consumed with metronidazole, patients will experience extreme stomach upset and projectile vomiting. 

It is important to consider even small amounts of alcohol that may be present in mouthwash or other foods that are consumed. Any amount of alcohol combined with this medication can result in negative consequences. 

Recovering from illness sometimes simply requires time and patience while the body heals. During this time, it’s pivotal to give the body proper support and nutrition—but equally so—to not introduce any volatile substance like alcohol that can set progress back.

If you have been prescribed medication and are unsure if it’s safe to consume alcohol, or any other medication or substance, it’s best to play it safe while your body is vulnerable. For further assurance, contact us at Community Pharmacy, and we will be happy to share all the information possible to help guide you in the right direction.

The post Medication & Alcohol – Three Dangerous Combinations to Avoid appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

As February is American Heart Health Month, there’s never been a better time to adopt practices that benefit your heart like fish oil. The supplement comes in a wide range of options though, so knowing what and where to look is important before adding them to your daily supplement intake routine.

As with any health choice, it’s always a good idea to consult trained experts for advice before making any decision. At Community Pharmacy, we’re always here and happy to help guide you to the right product to fit your health needs

Key Indicators of Quality Fish Oil

The human body does not produce fatty omega-3 acids naturally, but all the cells from muscles to brain tissue benefit from the presence of these essential fats. When looking for a fish oil supplement, the three primary ingredients to keep an eye out for are:

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

When choosing a fish oil supplier, look for ones that contain a balanced combination of DHA, EPA, and ALA levels. Additional indicators that you’ve found a quality fish oil source are third-party certification of efficacy, and clearly labeled harvesting sources in terms of water quality and fish type.

Find Your Fish Oil Dosage & Type

Once you find a brand of fish oil that has a healthy balance of omega-3 acids, the next step is to be mindful of dosage, usually measured in milligrams (mg).

Fish oil dosages can vary significantly in tablet, softgel, and liquid form, and usually, only half of the total amount is the all-important DHA, EPA, and ALA chemicals our bodies need. In a 1,000 mg tablet for example, anywhere between 250-500 mg of DHA, EPA, and ALA can be found, which aligns with standard needs, while the other half is other helpful but less important supplements for heart health.

For typical adult males, the total recommended dosage of fish oil is around 1,500 mg per day. For women, this level drops to around 1,000 mg. Most people will gain the support they need with just a single serving, but those whose diet severely lacks these key fatty acids might require two to give their bodies the support they need. 

Alternative formats like liquid and tablet forms exist, but users should read the supplement instructions carefully to understand the serving size as they relate to their needs. Regardless of format, once opened, keep these supplements in the refrigerator to prolong their usefulness and retain freshness.

While fish oil overconsumption poses no serious health risks, going over 3,000 mg can lead to mild halitosis, nausea, and digestive issues.

If you are concerned or confused about how much fish oil to take per day, then contact a Community Pharmacy team member, and our team can recommend a supplement that’s sure to meet your dietary needs.

Hook a Fish Oil That Feels Good

If you aren’t a fan of seafood, but still want all the health benefits of a varied, balanced diet, then finding a fish oil supplement is a surefire way to shore up your body’s omega-3 needs. 

Come visit us at Community Pharmacy today to find and stock up on your fish oil supply. In doing so, you give your heart, skin, and overall health an easy, effective tool to feel and look your best.

The post American Heart Month: How to Choose the Right Fish Oil Supplement appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

While the desire for healthy change is common this time of year, unfortunately, statistics show that all too often the follow-through comes up short. Throughout the United States, 39% of adults set annual goals, but only 36% of them make it past the first month with their new habits intact. Whether you are looking to lose weight or add muscle, why it’s so difficult can feel like something of a mystery.

Whether for learning a new skill or achieving a set goal, coaching is a time-honored tradition that’s proven to work. When taken in tandem with a dietary system like our doctor-developed protocol, you have everything necessary to burn fat, build muscle, and revitalize your personal health habits.

At Community Pharmacy, we aim to dispel uncertainty and make healthy living a clear path forward for anyone regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. If you contact our representatives today, then we can set up a health consultation to evaluate your current physical health level, discuss what you would like to change, and how best to achieve your goals.

Habit Stacking Leads to Success

While it’s easy to set a habit, actually following through is by far the more difficult part. Creating a new routine can feel strange and off at first, so it’s best to approach change with an intentional strategy in place that helps us build incrementally toward health goals.

Habit stacking is a wonderful tool to do just that. In essence, you add a desired behavior on top of one you already do regularly. For example, if your goal is to run a mile a day Monday through Friday, and you typically watch an hour of television in the evening, you’d layer the two on top of one another by setting a new rule such as, “Before I watch an hour of television, I will run a mile.”

This practice wires the two activities together in your mind, connecting the positive associations of one with the other, and making both far more likely to occur than just one.

Coaching can be particularly effective in setting up these systems as they evaluate your current habits and lifestyles, and can spot the areas of potential gain. We all have something of a blindspot when it comes to objectively viewing our habits, so an outside perspective is particularly effective here for those looking to enact change.

Along with helping set up new habit systems that lead to weight loss, coaches can be a powerful accountability tool that helps keep you on track toward your fitness goals in the long run.

Accountability is a Powerful Motivator

It’s easy to stay motivated in the early stages of fitness when we are eager and excited, but in the weeks and months that follow, exercise and dietary restrictions can start to feel stale and unsatisfying.

The risk of letting healthy new habits fall to the wayside can be mitigated by a coach who can help you stay accountable to your goals even when motivation levels are low. If your health system and weight loss plan are limited to just a few applications and yourself, it’s easier to skip days and let progress slip. Coaches bring structure to weight loss programs and provide the support and encouragement we all sometimes need to continue.

The positive effects of a coach aren’t just limited to motivation though, but also the feedback system that shows us the payoff of all our hard work.

Positive Feedback Fuels Growth

Human brains are hardwired to respond to feedback, and a major effect of having a personal coach is the feedback they provide. Coaches can help clients keep track of essential fitness data like calories consumed vs. burned, protein intake, weight fluctuation, and strength increase.

For those looking to lose weight, it’s no secret that limiting carbohydrate intake encourages the body to burn fat reserves at a faster rate. The ideal protein weight loss program helps clients track this data themselves, which adds an additional layer of relevant data to their health program.

With coaching and effective data tracking in place, it won’t take long to see results. Once you start to notice physical changes and see the direct correlation between your efforts and results, it’s far easier to continue with healthy habits. It might take weeks or months to hit lofty goals, but receiving earned positive feedback spurns the mind and body forward in a way unlike anything else.

Having a coach there who helped you start your journey from day one and was there for each little success and stumble adds an element to the system that’s difficult—if not impossible—to replicate by just exercising alone.

Once you see, feel, and know a coach’s system works, it’s far easier to continue with a program, even if it pushes you outside your comfort zone at times.

Making Change Requires the Right Tools

There’s nothing easy about weight loss, and every person might require a different set of tools to find success. Taking the time to find a coach whose methods and personality mesh well with your own is as—or perhaps more—important than any exercise equipment, gear, or support technology. Humans are social creatures by nature, and having someone by your side, and pushing you when you need it most, helps us push through discomfort and unlock a healthier mindset.

No coach or health program will magically shed the weight away, but they can make the path forward easier for us. We all need a little external support and encouragement sometimes to get over physical and mental humps, and coaches are trained experts who do just that for clients of all types.

If you are interested in evaluating your current health and setting new weight loss goals, then contact the Community Pharmacy team today. We can help identify your best health system fit and help you take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle that lasts through this year and the next. 

The post Why Combining Coaching and Weight Loss Works appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

If this sounds like you, know that you aren’t alone, as a recent survey found that 88% of Americans consider the holidays to be the most stressful time of the year. 

The biological roots of the stress response come from cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Stressful or difficult situations trigger the body to release this powerful hormone, which increases the heart rate and disrupts the natural rhythm of the body’s systems.

While you can’t ever hope to outright eliminate all the sources of stress, what we can control is our reaction. In doing so, the harmful effects of stress can be minimized and a happier, healthier, holiday season enjoyed.

Recognize the Signs of Stress

There’s a noticeable difference between being busy and suffering from holiday stress. One of the best ways to combat stressful feelings is to develop an internal awareness that recognizes the telltale signs. 

Here are some of the physical and mental warning flags of stress:

• Constant fatigue
• Higher resting heart rate
• Decreased appetite 
• Heightened irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irregular muscle tension
• Spotty memory
• Restless mind

It is completely normal to experience these feelings at one point or another throughout the holidays, and it’s important to not overreact from just one difficult day. If you begin to notice several of these signs piling up in your daily life, however, and they last for multiple days, then it might be time to take steps to relieve yourself of some stress.

If you are unsure if the signs you are feeling and seeing are stress-related, then contact our staff at Community Pharmacy today. In doing so, you can catch holiday stress early by being on the lookout for these signs.

Once you know what to look for when it comes to holiday stress, you can plan an effective response strategy to cope in a healthy manner.

Develop Healthy Coping Strategies 

When feelings of stress begin to mount, two of the most effective coping strategies to develop are healthy exercise and diet habits. 

Even a quick twenty-minute trip to the gym can work wonders in reducing cortisol levels. If you’d rather do something less intensive, a simple walk around the neighborhood can get the blood moving and dissipate some of the stress.

Similarly, our diet plays a large role in how we physically feel. While we all love the sugary treats and general indulgence of the holidays, it’s important to note that these foods in excess can have negative effects and compound feelings of stress. Similarly, alcohol can be detrimental to our health, and while it can feel effective in relieving stress at the moment, in excess it can increase feelings of stress.

It’s ok to enjoy yourself during the holidays, but be mindful to establish a healthy balance and system to keep your body and the digestive system stable and strong. 

Counter Holiday Stress With Supplements

As we know cortisol makes stress occur chemically, you can also take supplements to give some much-needed aid to the overstimulated adrenal glands.

Supplements that contain the following are proven to provide a protective blanket against stress:

• L-Theanine
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Valerian Root
• Vitamin C
• B-complex vitamins
• Ashwagandha

A multivitamin containing one or more of these vitamins can be the ideal boost to help with holiday stress. At Community Pharmacy, we offer a wide variety of supplements that are proven to provide whole-body health, and our staff can find the perfect fit for your unique needs. See our store locator here, and you can add a little stress relief to your life today. 

When taken in conjunction with a healthy diet, and exercise, supplements can give you a powerful tool that makes holiday stress less intense and far more manageable. 

At the peak of a stressful time though, one of the best things we can give to ourselves is some space and support.

Make Space For Yourself & Support

Throughout the busiest time of year, sometimes even the best habits and tools fall short of keeping stressful thoughts and feelings at bay. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, then prioritize time for yourself and rely upon a trusted support network.

Even a few intentional minutes spent alone can be just what we need to catch our breath and lower stress levels. Consider adding a quick breathwork or meditation practice to your routine, as even a six-second break in this manner can help reduce cortisol levels and subsequent feelings of stress.

Sometimes, a person just needs to vent a bit to relieve feelings of stress. Finding a friend or family member removed from the source of stress can be a healthy way to verbalize and process a difficult situation. This is far better than bottling things up inside and hoping the feelings just go away on their own.

Exercise, diet, and supplements play a large part in perhaps the most important way to cope with holiday stress—a healthy sleep cycle. Set the table for successful sleep by avoiding screens for an hour after and before sleep, and avoid consuming anything caffeinated in the afternoon. Throughout the busiest time of year, giving yourself the gift of solid sleep works wonders against feelings of stress.

At Community Pharmacy, we want to put effective tools in the hands of our clients so they can enjoy the holiday season without stress dragging them down. If you have stress-related or general health questions, contact us today, and we’d be happy to recommend helpful products or create personalized treatment programs based on lifestyle, diet, and pharmaceutical-grade supplements that are proven to work.

While we all want our holidays to be full of cheer and warm memories with those we hold most dear, realistically, there will be times of stress along the way as well. Recognizing and preparing for them can help minimize their effects so that we can move forward into the New Year with a healthy body and mind.

The post How to Manage Holiday Stress appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

We have a comprehensive guide you can read here about how Medicare works in detail, and for those new to the program, understanding all the core aspects is key. However, every year new changes are adopted and implemented, so staying up to date on these updates becomes vital to use the system effectively.

For those who have Medicare on their mind, we will do a quick overview of how the program works before diving into the 2023 updates and notable changes you should be aware of as we head into the new year.

How Medicare Works

As early as three months prior to your 65th birthday, Americans become eligible to enroll in the Medicare healthcare program. If this applies to you, then you can begin your application process here to get the process started.

Medicare most often is used to replace employer-based health insurance, and the four primary aspects of the program are:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
• Medicare Part C (Private Insurance)
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Medication Insurance)

Parts A and B (Original Medicare) are used to cover core medical services like hospital visits while Part C (Medicare Advantage) can be understood as private-insurance alternatives that bundle all the services found in the other sections.

Part D is where changes most often occur, as it deals primarily to cover the costs of prescription medications that “Original Medicare” does not cover. Medicare Part D has four phases of coverage that users need to be aware of before and during enrollment in the program. The basic breakdown of what phase entails can be found below, and in bold, the notable financial changes for 2023.

• Phase  1: Deductible
  • Patients pay full price for in-network prescriptions until the deductible amount is reached.
  • In 2022, the annual deductible limit was set at $480.
  • In 2023, the annual deductible limit will increase to $505.
• Phase  2: Initial Coverage
  • Patients pay a fixed amount copay or percentage of the negotiated cost of a prescription until they reach the initial coverage limit.
  • In 2022, the initial coverage limit was $4,430.
  • In 2023, the initial coverage limit will increase to $4,660.
• Phase  3: Coverage Gap (aka Donut Hole)
  • Generally, patients pay 25% of the retail costs of their prescription medications until the coverage gap limit is reached.
  • In 2022, the coverage gap limit was $7,050.
  • In 2023, the coverage gap limit will increase to $7,400.
• Phase  4: Out-Of-Pocket (aka Catastrophic Phase)
  • At this phase, patients pay a small coinsurance percentage or copay dollar amount on eligible drugs. 
  • In 2022, this translated to $3.95 for generic medications, $9.85 for brand-name, or 5% of the total cost (defaulting to the highest amount of the three).
  • In 2023, these limits will increase to $4.15 for generic medications and $10.35 for brand-name.

Typically these limits increase along these lines year over year to meet rising costs and inflations, but they aren’t the only changes to Medicare of which you should be aware. Often bills are passed specifically to alter the program based on new issues and growing trends, and by understanding these, more fluid navigation of the program becomes possible.

At Community Pharmacy, we understand that this is quite a bit of information for an individual to take in and digest on their own. That’s why we offer free appointments for clients, where our trained staff can help you review your Medical Part D benefits and ensure you are on the right track within the proper enrollment period.

Other Notable Changes 

Some of the most significant changes to the Medicare system come as a result of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Signed into law on August 16, 2022, this extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to efficiently reduce the cost people pay for treatments.

For those who require regular insulin treatment, the cost per month has been capped at $35 as part of the Part-D coverage. This is fantastic news for those who live with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and require regular insulin shots, pens, or pumps as treatment.

Additionally, those who have Medicare Part D coverage will now pay nothing for an expanded list of vaccinations. These include:

• Influenza (flu) shorts
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) shots
• Shingles
• Hepatitis B shots
• Tdap Vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough)
• COVID-19 vaccine shots
• All commercially available vaccines deemed reasonable and necessary to prevent illness

These changes ultimately curb the cost of vital treatments and expand the protective umbrella Medicare provides. These welcome changes will take effect within just a few months, and if you feel like they might affect you or a loved one, contact a Community Pharmacy team member to ensure you are set up to receive the benefits you need.

Possible 2024 and Beyond Medicare Changes

While the above changes are set and guaranteed for 2023, the program will continue to adapt to meet the challenges and needs of the years ahead.

Some ideas that are currently being negotiated and could become law as soon as 2024 are:

• A hard cap on out-of-pocket total prescription costs.
• Granting Medicare the ability to deal with drug manufacturing directly to negotiate costs
• Part D expansion for low-income subsidies.
  • Help seniors with low income pay premiums and medical costs.

In 2025, we can expect more caps to out-of-pocket expenses along with an expansion of the medication list to include more common and costly ones. These changes are fluid, so if Medicare affects you or a loved one, then keep a close eye on the news as it develops to stay up to date.

What Medicare Means to You

The annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D, known as Open Enrollment, is October 15th through December 7th each year. Medicare Part D enrollment is a confusing process, and many aspects may change year-to-year:

• Patient’s maintenance medications
• Patient preference
• Plan formulary medications

Did you know that insurance plans can change year-to-year? Insurance plans know patients typically opt to stay in their plan because it worked well for them the prior year, but they can increase their prices the following year and change the medications previously covered! Don’t get stuck in a plan that is no longer right for you or your loved one.

Community Pharmacy helps patients and caregivers navigate through the confusing process of Medicare Part D Open Enrollment season by offering personalized Medicare Part D reviews. You can schedule an appointment with our expert pharmacist to receive some comparable options and the education to empower your decision.

Benefits of Medicare Part D reviews:

• Patients/caregivers feel more confident choosing a Medicare Part D plan
• Patients save by choosing a more affordable plan
• Patients are able to continue receiving their prescriptions at Community Pharmacy

Medicare has become one of the most successful and widely used programs by the American people, and the program has provided hundreds of millions with affordable medical care throughout the years. If you or someone you know is on the verge of qualifying for Medicare or would like to review plan options during Open Enrollment season annually, then take steps today to ensure you enroll successfully and continue filling prescriptions at your preferred pharmacy.

For a personalized plan review, set an appointment with your local Community Pharmacy today, and rest easy knowing you will be insured and protected for years to come.

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