If you aren’t sure if your medications are heat sensitive or still viable, then contact or visit your local Community Pharmacy today, and we’d be happy to provide our recommendation. 

Why Heat Matters for Medication Safety

Most medications are designed to be stored at room temperature, between 59 and 86° Fahrenheit ideally. When exposed to excessive heat, the chemical composition of a medication can start to break down. That can make it less effective or, in rare cases, even unsafe.

Some medications are particularly sensitive to temperature, including insulin, inhalers, certain antibiotics, thyroid medications, troches, and nitroglycerin tablets. If left in a hot car or sunny window, these can lose potency far quicker than expected, sometimes without showing visible signs of damage.

Common Summer Medication Storage Mistakes

It’s surprisingly easy to expose medications to too much heat in the summer, especially during travel or busy outdoor days. Many people leave medication in a parked car while running errands or toss prescriptions into a bag or backpack without a second thought.

Even storing medication on a windowsill or in a bathroom can be problematic this time of year, thanks to the increased humidity and temperature swings throughout the day.

The inside of a car can reach well over 100° in a short time, which is more than enough to damage many medications, and other common storage locations can have similar issues in summer.

Safe Medication Storage Tips for Summer

To keep your medications safe, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A bedroom drawer or hallway cabinet often works well and is more ideal than a bathroom countertop, which tends to collect steam and heat.

If you’re traveling, consider using an insulated pouch or small cooler to transport medications, especially if they require refrigeration. Always keep medications in their original containers, which help protect them and include important information like expiration dates and dosing instructions.

If you are unsure on where to start with safe summer medication storage, here are a few key things to remember:

• Avoid leaving medications in your car, even for short periods
• Use insulated travel containers for heat-sensitive prescriptions
• Never store meds near windows or in direct sunlight
• Watch for signs of damage, like discoloration, melting, or unusual smells
• Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure about storage requirements

And if you’re heading out of town, it’s worth making a quick call to your local pharmacy to ensure you’re fully prepared with all your personal medication needs..

Avoid Medication Mishaps This Summer

When medication is stored improperly, it may not work as intended. For people managing chronic conditions, that can lead to reduced recovery rates or unintended side effects. Even something as simple as a melted tablet or a strange odor can be a sign it’s time to replace medication that’s been overexposed.

If you aren’t sure if your medications are heat sensitive or still viable, then contact or visit your local Community Pharmacy, and we’d be happy to provide our recommendation.

The post Preparing for Summer: How to Keep Your Medications Safe and Effective in the Heat appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

As many as fifty million Americans deal with allergies, with symptoms ranging from mild nuisances to severe blockage.

If you want to enjoy this spring free from pesky irritation, then a quick conversation with your pharmacist can provide the information and medication you might need. For fast and easy recommendations about navigating allergy season, contact us or drop by one of our locations in person.

Personalized Medication Recommendation

Searching for the right medication to offset your allergy symptoms can be a time-consuming experience, but contacting your pharmacist can save you time by identifying the most effective treatment based on your reaction to medication and personal history.

Some standard options for allergy relief include:

• Antihistamines
  • Orally ingested medication that blocks histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, to alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
  • Drowsy options like Benadryl
  • Non-drowsy options like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra
• Decongestants
  • Relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
  • Orally ingested options like Sudafed
  • Nasal sprays such as Afrin
• Eye Drops
  • Alleviate ocular symptoms like itching, redness, and watering for instant eye relief.
  • Eye drop options include Zaditor, Clear Eyes, and Visine
• Supplement 
  • D-Hist which creates support for nasal and sinus passageways for seasonal changes. Customers can find this supplement at Community Pharmacy.

There are subtle and overt differences between these medications, so having a pharmacist listen to your symptoms can help you find the right support for quick and easy relief from springtime allergies. 

Help Manage Allergen Exposure 

While the right medication can make life in spring more comfortable, managing your daily exposure level to pollen is another major step

Practical tips to reduce pollen exposure:

• Monitor Pollen Counts 
  • Stay informed about daily pollen with weather forecasts in your area to plan outdoor activities accordingly.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure 
  • Stay indoors during peak pollen times, typically early morning and evening.
• Keep Windows Closed
  • Prevent pollen from entering your home by keeping windows and doors closed, especially on high pollen days.
• Use Air Purifiers
  • Invest in HEPA-filter air purifiers to reduce indoor pollen levels.
• Shower and Change Clothes
  • After being outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• Wear Protective Gear
  • Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and consider wearing a mask when doing yard work or during high pollen days.

These tips become especially important if you are sensitive to air irritants, as conditions can fluctuate significantly from day to day within the quickly changing weather of spring.

Keep Your Spring Clear and Easy

Spring should be about sunshine and fresh air, not sneezing fits and itchy eyes. Combining the right medications with smart habits can significantly reduce or eliminate your allergy symptoms.
As always, if you have any questions about how to survive allergy season best, feel free to contact us or drop by one of our locations in person for answers from our team. 

The post Allergy Season Survival: How Your Pharmacist Can Help You Manage Springtime Allergies appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Doing so does more than bring mental relief and order, it’s also an important way to check in and ensure all the medication you have on hand is safe and usable. Making space for what matters doesn’t take long, ensuring your medication is quick and easy to find rather than a cluttered mess.

If you come across old medication while cleaning and are unsure about what to do with it, feel free to visit or contact us to ensure everything you have on hand is still safe to use.

Remove Medication and Check Expiration Dates

The best way to begin the spring clean of your medicine cabinet is to have a clear space, like a table nearby, and transfer everything from the cabinet there. While the cabinet is empty, give the surfaces a quick cleaning of any dust or build-up that might have occurred.

Then, turn to the medication on the table and inspect the expiration date on the label or packaging. Those past the date should be set aside and not returned to the cabinet.

These medications have likely lost some of their potency, and it’s best to bring them to one of our locations for safe, environmentally-friendly disposal. Additionally the DEA has a location locator of where to drop off your old medication safely. 

Group Remaining Medication by Category

With all the remaining medication still on the table, take some time to group them together by category so they are easier to find later. Some suggested categories for medication are:

• Pain relievers
• Allergy medication
• Cold and Flu treatment
• Digestive aids
• First-aid supply
• Condition-specific medication
  

By organizing them this way, and maintaining the organization within the cabinet’s shelves, the chances of accidentally using the incorrect medication drops dramatically.

Safe Medication Storage Tips

Almost all medications should remain in their original containers and within a cool, dry, and secure location.

Medication should be stored away from moisture, so home areas like kitchens and especially bathrooms are usually not the best place to store medication. Heat, humidity, and light can all degrade medication over time, so choosing a stable environment helps preserve both potency and safety.

If you have pets or children in the house, it’s helpful to have this place be out of reach for them, within a locked drawer, cabinet, or on a high shelf in an area not frequented by them.

A Clean Start for Spring

A well-organized cabinet isn’t just for tidiness, but a small step that can potentially make a big difference in daily life. An annual review and cleaning of your medication cabinet reduces misuse risk and ensures you have what you need when you need it.

When in doubt about what to keep, discard, or replace, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, as our staff is here to help ensure you stay safe, informed, and stocked with all the medication you might need.

The post Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet: How to Safely Declutter and Organize Your Medications appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Community pharmacies have long served as an avenue to break through these hurdles, offering convenient, accessible, and trusted support for a wide variety of common women’s health needs. If you or a loved one has specific questions or concerns about women’s health issues, contact our team today, and we can offer personalized advice on how best to move forward.

An Accessible Hub for Women’s Health Needs

Historically, community pharmacies have been the most readily accessible bridge between families and medical products and knowledge. Pharmacists offer personalized advice on common women’s needs, whether understanding the dosage or side effects of medication or helping them make informed choices regarding their unique health circumstances.

As women’s health needs change over time, the need for screening conditions becomes more important. We offer advice, therapy, and early detection tests for conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as:

• Adrenal Dysfunction
  • Identify imbalance adrenal gland patterns and offer treatment options 
• Thyroid Hormone Therapy
  • Restore normal thyroid function to help regulate body temperature and digestion
• Hormone Testing 
  • Saliva, blood, or combination testing for hormone-level testing
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Restoring those with deficient hormones back to natural levels
• Postpartum Care
  • Customized medications to solve women’s health issues like breastfeeding, stretch marks, diaper rash, and pediatric dosage forms
• Osteoporosis 
  • Testing this painful condition stemming from low bone density and offer preventative and treatment options
• Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia
  • Condition with recurrent brain fog, muscle pain, sleep issues that require testing and treatment for infections and conditions from which it stems 
• Skin Care
  • Cosmeceutical solutions for dry, oily, or aging skin, such as chemical peels, skin discoloration treatment, sunscreens, and customized topical therapy for cellulite

All of these tests, treatments, and products are currently offered at Community Pharmacy. If you think any of these conditions might be affecting you or a loved one, and you’d like to set an appointment to learn more, then contact us today for a full screening and consultation.

Reproductive Health Resources

Women’s reproductive health requires specialized support, and for every life stage, we have answers and products proven to help make a positive impact. Community Pharmacy offers:

• Vaccinations and Screenings
  • Vaccination for human papillomavirus, which if contracted, can lead to cervical cancer
  • Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
• Prenatal and postnatal care support products
• Birth control consultations
  • Guidance on over-counter options and prescription contraceptives
• UTI and yeast infection treatment
  • Symptom identification and access to medications for relief
• Menopause symptom management
  • Advice on bodily changes and recommended supplements

All these services and products are readily available at Community Pharmacy, making it easier than ever for women to stay proactive about their health, reducing barriers between themselves and the knowledge and products that can most readily help improve their lives.

Keeping Communities Healthy and Connected

In today’s busy world, community pharmacies offer women the products and personalized support they need to stay up to date on all the newest support care and tools available.

At Community Pharmacy, we take this role seriously, and our doors are always open to those looking for answers, whether through screenings, supplements, or lifestyle advice that will keep them at the highest level of health possible

If you have questions or concerns or are looking for advice regarding women’s health issues, visit or contact us today, and our trained staff will be happy to provide answers that yield real, positive results.

The post Breaking Barriers in Women’s Health: The Role of Community Pharmacies in Supporting Women’s Health Issues appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

How Pharmacists Make Medication Management Easy

Beyond filling prescriptions, pharmacists are medication experts who give guidance on how to ensure medicine is taken correctly. Some key areas of assistance they offer are:

• Checking for drug interactions, allergies, and side effects for patients based on their medical history
• Providing dosage and usage instructions
• Chronic conditions support and recommend supplement protocols and resources
• Offering immunization based on season and patient history
• Education on over-the-counter aids that work safely in conjunction with prescriptions and can help bolster effects

These are just a few of the ways pharmacists can step in and make life and medication management more straightforward, but further questions and systems are required to utilize their value truly.

Tips To Using Your Local Pharmacist More Effectively

To fully utilize the resources and knowledge of your local pharmacist, we recommend being upfront with questions about your prescriptions, especially new ones. 

Using the same pharmacy when possible for all medications helps ensure continuity and gives medication management a format that makes follow-through quick and easy. We developed two programs specifically designed to help you manage your medications more effectively

• Simplify My Meds
  • Service to synchronize all your monthly prescriptions so they are filled and can be collected simultaneously 
  • Save money and time with just one collection for an individual or your whole family
• Medication Adherence Packaging
  • Whether you plan to travel or want additional assistance with your medication, this program has our pharmacist review and ensure your regimen is the most effective option possible, along with large, custom-printed details of critical information

These tools help save time, money, and make medication management one less thing to worry about. If you have questions about managing your medication or want to set up a personalized program, call or email us today.

The Importance of Medical Adherence

Proper medication adherence and management are essential for recovering or maintaining a high level of health. By building familiarity and leveraging the expertise of your pharmacist, you help guarantee the best possible outcomes from your prescriptions.

Taking control of your medical routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, you can feel confident in your treatment plan. Visit and see how we can help keep you on track with everything you need. 

The post Understanding the Role of Your Pharmacist in Medication Management: Tips for Better Health appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

While everyone over the age of 16 in most states is eligible to donate blood, other variables are also to be considered. By understanding donor health and medication requirements, you can make a real, potentially lifesaving impact on someone’s life.

If you have specific questions about donating blood and would like to speak to someone to understand the process more fully, feel free to contact us today for a full breakdown. 

Donor Health Considerations

When it comes to donating blood, there are health considerations to take into account before going through the process.

For whole blood donation, here are some key requirements:

• You can only donate every 56 days
• You must weigh at least 110 lbs
• Minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5 grams per deciliter for women
• Minimum hemoglobin level of 13 grams per deciliter for men
• Cannot have received a blood transfusion within the last six months

This criterion shifts slightly if you are only donating platelets, particularly in terms of frequency, but with all forms of blood donation, you must be well-hydrated, fed, and feel healthy that day.

Donor Medication Considerations

Taking medication regularly and for specific circumstances can affect a person’s eligibility to donate blood, as strict regulations ensure recipients receive safe and healthy blood.

Some medications and circumstances that may disqualify you from being eligible to donate blood include:

• Blood thinners
• Antibiotics
• Exposure to countries designated a high risk for malaria
• Accutane and other common acne treatment medications
• Pain relievers
• HIV PreP or PEP
• Hepatitis B

Any of these medications taken recently will require a wait period for donors that ranges from 24 hours up to several months. 

For a complete list of blood donor medication, eligibility, and wait periods, click here or contact Community Pharmacy regarding your medication. We can let you know if you are eligible to donate.

Donate Today to Help Someone Tomorrow

Just donating blood once is estimated to be able to save as many as three lives, and the entire process takes less than an hour to complete. As each person can only receive certain blood types based on their own, hospitals need to have a varied and deep stock of all the variants.

Whether you’ve donated in the past or are looking to do so for the first time, there’s no better time than January to do so. Giving blood is a simple way to give back to your community, a gesture and action that can potentially save the life of a stranger or loved one in the future.

The post National Blood Donor Month: How Your Health and Medications Can Impact Your Donation appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Over forty million people reported flu cases with many symptoms, including fevers, nasal congestion, and head and muscle aches. While most are mild, the severe effects can be dangerous, especially for younger and older family members.

Navigating this upcoming flu season requires families to notice symptoms early and take practical preventative actions that give their bodies everything they need to move past the virus when it appears.

If you want advice on how best to protect your health from the pesky flu this season, contact us now to get started or speak with your local Community Pharmacy team member.

Consider a Flu Vaccination Shot

The body does all it can to fight infections, bacteria, and viruses, but sometimes it requires extra support to win the battle.

An annual flu vaccination is one of the most tried and true methods to give yourself that extra edge. This targets the most common strains of the flu to reduce the risk of catching the flu and, for those who still do, less severe symptoms. Recommended for everyone over six months of age with few exceptions, it’s an easy, practical step to offset the most harmful risks and effects of the influenza virus.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your flu shot, meet with us today, and we can start bolstering your body’s defense system immediately. 

Add Supplements That Help Fend Off the Flu

Beyond your standard flu shots, there are other practices you can implement to help your family stay healthy this holiday season and beyond.

Supplements are another safe and beneficial boost to help fight the flu or recover from its effects. We recommend adding the following to your daily vitamin intake routine for the winter months to come:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Probiotics
• Ginseng
• Omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish oil)
• Nac (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

We have a wide selection of high quality supplements available at the pharmacy that combine many of these vitamins to provide broad coverage and support immune health. Orthomune by Orthomolecular is a supplement we highly recommend. 

Along with a healthy diet, you can’t underestimate the impact of lifestyle choices. Getting enough sleep every night is key, as this is when our body rests, repairs, and fights off viral infections like the flu. Keeping your home environment clean and free of potential irritants can also lower the risk of your family encountering the flu by helping keep nasal passages clear. 

Keeping Your Family Free of the Flu

Nothing spoils a family getting together more than a quickly spreading case of the flu. Fortunately, the flu vaccination can stop the flu in its tracks. With immune-boosting supplements working in tandem, you and your family can overcome the negative symptoms quickly and completely.

If you have concerns about how best to prepare your family for the flu season or want specific recommendations on preventative actions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Keeping our community healthy, safe, and ready to enjoy winter from the holiday season beyond is what we do, and we’re happy to do so.

The post Navigating Flu Season: Tips for Staying Healthy and Protecting Your Loved Ones appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

The two have many similarities in symptoms, but by knowing what to look for that’s unique to each, you can then create a plan to offset their effects and return quickly to full health and relief.

If you have specific questions or concerns about seasonal allergies or the common cold and want personalized recommendations, then contact Community Pharmacy today, and we’ll be happy to offer advice on how best to identify your ailment and move forward.

Key Differences and Indicators

In terms of cause, the main difference between allergies and colds is that the former usually arise due to environmental irritants like pollen or dust. The common cold stems from viruses often picked up from contact with other people in daily life.

Both result in a person feeling tired, full of body aches, and sneezing. Usually, the onset of seasonal allergies occurs far more suddenly, usually within a few hours of exposure to allergens. The common cold builds more gradually in the system over days, and early indicators include a sore throat and, in some cases, a light fever.

One telling area that distinguishes the two is the type of nasal discharge you can expect. Seasonal allergies result in a lighter, clear, watery congestion, while the common cold results in a thicker mucus with yellow or green coloration.

Once you feel reasonably sure whether you have seasonal allergies or the common cold, you can enact a plan to bring you back to full health as quickly as possible.

The Roads to Relief

Luckily, both issues are fairly typical and have many proven remedies. For seasonal allergies, we recommend the following treatment options:

• Oral antihistamines like Benadryl, Claritin, or Allegra to soothe inflamed nose and throat area
• We also recommend Natural D-Hist for optimal nasal and sinus passageway relief.
• Decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin, Sinex, or Zicam for extra nasal clearing support 
• Avoiding outdoor environments with irritants, keeping windows closed and air inside well-circulated

While it’s true there’s no outright cure for the common cold, the following steps can help bring relief and speed up the healing process:

• Viracid, another natural supplement, combines key nutrients and botanical extracts to bolster a challenged immune system
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Ibuprofen for headache and fever relief
• Medication like Sudafed or Nyquil to relieve nasal congestion and help with uninterrupted sleep
• Herbal teas, humidifiers, and steam for further respiratory support

In both cases, maintaining a high level of hydration, plenty of rest, and proper nutrition gives your body all the nutrients and support it needs to fight off the ailment and recover fast.

Managing Illness and Moving Forward

It can be frustrating not to feel your best, but whether you have seasonal allergies or the common cold, it’s essential to manage the issue quickly and be patient with recovery. The body needs time to recover from these ailments, and it’s a process that cannot be rushed but requires patience and consistent support.

If your symptoms worsen after a few days, though, contact a healthcare provider for additional support and advice on how best to manage your situation and find a path back to health and relief.

The post Seasonal Allergies vs. Cold: How to Tell the Difference and Find Relief appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Medicare Part D Enrollment Basics

Every year, the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D runs from October 15th to December 7th, so new applications must be sent within this timeline for effective 2025 coverage.

Parts A, B, and C broadly cover hospital and medical insurance information, whereas Part D (where most annual changes occur) centers on medication costs.

Even for experts, it’s a complicated program, which is why we recommend all new applicants schedule a comprehensive plan review via phone or in-person appointment. In this brief meeting, our team can evaluate your options so you can move forward with the best possible coverage plan.

2025 Medicare Part D Costs Updates

The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act continues to impact Medicare, and these effects are scheduled to be implemented in 2025 and beyond. Some of the most significant and new changes for 2025 include:

• A $2,000 annual cap on all out-of-pocket prescription drug costs within Medicare
• Insulin cost cap at $35 a month via covered prescription
• New payment plan for patients to spread out costs with separate payments

Medicare Part D is divided into three phases that update annually concerning cost limit changes. Here’s what’s to be expected for 2025 in these areas:

• Phase 1: Deductible
  • Patients pay full price for in-network prescriptions until the deductible amount is reached.
  • In 2024, the annual deductible limit was set at $545.
  • In 2025, the annual deductible limit will increase to $590.
• Phase 2: Initial Coverage
  • Patients pay a fixed amount of copay or percentage of the negotiated cost of a prescription until they reach their out-of-pocket limit, which is $2,000.
  • In 2024, the initial coverage limit was $5,030.
• Phase 3: Out-of-Pocket (aka Catastrophic Phase)
  • Once the $2,000 out-of-pocket limit is reached, participants pay nothing else for covered medication

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) automatically tracks and records these costs, so the new pricing tier will immediately take effect when you reach a coverage limit.

How Community Pharmacy Can Help

With millions covered under its care, Medicare remains one of Americans’ most robust and effective healthcare programs. Understanding how it functions is essential to utilizing the services it provides.

There’s no better way to do so than by scheduling an appointment today with our team of experts, who can help you navigate all the new information and application details so you end up receiving affordable, effective coverage and medications at the lowest cost possible.

Medicare Part D annual enrollment continues until December 7th, so it’s time to take steps to ensure you have everything for continued coverage throughout 2025.

The post Medicare Part D 2025: Updates You Need to Know appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Unfortunately, it’s quite common, as an estimated 50% of treatment failures, 125,000 deaths, and 25% of hospitalizations occur after patients fail to follow medical prescription guidelines. It’s an easy but costly mistake to make, but by setting a few guidelines, staying on track when it comes to medication adherence can become a breeze, so you receive all the support you need to recover and stay healthy.

If you have specific questions about how to best follow medical adherence related to your unique situation, contact Community Pharmacy today for a free consultation from our staff.

Make Medical Consistency Easy

When it comes to medical adherence, we are happy to provide the right resources that help make sticking to your prescribed routine simple and easy.

We’ve developed two programs designed to help you accomplish your medical adherence goals:

• Simplify My Meds
  • Service to synchronize all your monthly prescriptions so they are filled and can be collected simultaneously 
  • Save money and time with just one collection for an individual or your whole family
• Medication Adherence Packaging
  • Whether you plan to travel or want additional security about your medication intake strategy, this program has our pharmacist review and ensure your regime is the most effective option possible along with large, custom-printed details of critical information

We developed each program after years of working with countless patients, so we know the common obstacles faced and the needs of people.

Other Medical Adherence Tips

As with any health endeavor, consistency and success are often found through a combination of programs and practices that combine for a greater effect than any one effort.

In addition to the programs above, we recommend you consider adding the following practices:

• Organize Containers
  • Put medicine containers in a set place where they are visible and accessible
• Set Alarms
  • Through applications, notes, or any other method, set alarms throughout life as intake reminders
• Track Progress
  • Keep a brief journal where you can track intake regularity along with feeling to chart progress
• Stack with Healthy Habits  
  • Combine medical intake with other habits like meals or exercise so they are easier to remember and more likely to occur.

If you struggle to maintain a regular medical adherence routine, then contact Community Pharmacy today, and we can help you form a plan that works for your needs.

Prevent Complications Tomorrow Through Consistency Today

Medical adherence is a critical component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By making your medical intake regular, easy, and part of your daily routine, you increase the likelihood dramatically of the medication having the intended effect.

After sticking with the new routine for about three weeks, you can form a new habit that prevents future complications, so you can fall into an easy and healthy habit pattern that serves you for as long as you need it.

The post The Importance of Medication Adherence: Tips for Staying on Track appeared first on Community Pharmacy.