What Vaccinations Do

Vaccines are a modern marvel of scientific engineering, as they prepare the body for various diseases before they are ever actually encountered. By introducing a small, contained version of the virus, the body’s natural defense system reacts and begins to produce antibodies to combat the threat if it encounters it again in the future.

This essentially acts as a practice round for the body, so when the real virus is encountered, it has a response prepared and ready.

While vaccines do not outright stop an individual from contracting disease, they are proven to be incredibly effective at reducing the severity of symptoms for patients. This helps support a higher level of public health as a whole, as diseases spread slower and with fewer critical cases that require hospitalization.

How This Helps Serve Public Health

Vaccinations are a crucial component of the public health defense network. While they immediately help the individual avoid becoming seriously ill, they also stop the healthcare system as a whole from becoming overrun.

When major outbreaks like COVID-19 occurred and overwhelmed hospital occupancy capacity, the limitation of hospital beds and resources made treatment for unrelated issues like car accident victims, routine surgery, and other common cases more difficult to treat and perform in a safe and timely fashion. Ultimately, this made all injuries and diseases far more potentially dangerous. By cutting cases that require hospitalization down by an even small degree, a community’s health stands to greatly benefit.

Some vaccines slow the spread of contagious diseases, and others help nullify the most negative effects. Both of these serve to help keep hospital occupancy levels low, so medical resources and personnel can be directed where they are needed most.

The Value of Vaccines

Vaccines grant peace of mind to the recipient and require only a little foresight to schedule and attain.

While common side effects for most injections include muscle soreness, joint aches, and temporary fatigue, these usually only last one to two days for most vaccines. These are well worth avoiding the full-blown effects of the disease, whether it is a new flu strain or variant of COVID-19.

Unique medical history does affect what vaccines might be best for you and your family, and if you are in the process of making this decision, contact Community Pharmacy today. Together, we can talk over any specific concerns and needs and then set a course of action for your vaccination plan.

For both the individual and the community at large, vaccines are an essential cornerstone of public health that helps ensure the medical system continues to function unimpeded. 

The post The Importance of Vaccinations and Their Role in Public Health appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Identify Your Needs and Research

Before you start making calls and writing emails, it’s helpful to stop and think about what you are looking for in a primary care physician.

Contributing factors to consider are their public-facing reviews, proximity to your house, and perhaps most importantly, whether or not they are covered within your insurance network. This last aspect is critical so you don’t end up having to cover additional costs out of pocket unnecessarily.

If you know you have specific health problems, then it can be helpful to find primary care physicians who have experience in those fields. By outlining your needs, doing a little research, and finding what options best align with your needs, you can be well on your way to finding the right fit.

Ask Qualified Experts

Once you narrow down the field by identifying needs and basic research, it can then be helpful to ask medical experts for referrals. If you are switching physicians due to a move, ask your previous doctor who they might know and recommend in your new area.

At Community Pharmacy, we have an extensive network of qualified physicians throughout the area. Contact us via phone or email explaining your situation and needs, and we can make recommendations based on your unique situation and needs.

Schedule a Consultation

Most medical clinics offer a trial consultation, and this can be a great way for patients and physicians to initially meet to get a feel for one another.

After setting an appointment, you can outline a short list of questions and concerns to ask the physician. If the consultation meeting goes well and you feel confident about your choice, you can then be all set with your new primary care physician moving forward!

The Power of Primary Care

Consistency matters with healthcare, as having one point of contact for all your baseline medical needs makes getting treatment and medicine both faster and easier.

Establishing a primary care physician doesn’t just give peace of mind should a medical emergency occur, but also provides an important source of knowledge for minor issues that invariably come up from time to time.

Once you have a primary physician that you feel good about, then all the benefits of a healthy patient-doctor relationship will soon follow.

The post How to Select the Right Primary Care Physician for You! appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

When fatigue strikes, it can feel like an overwhelming wave, one that washes away our energy and motivation to pursue the activities that we love. It’s important to not give into despair though, and recognize that there are several avenues of effective action to reclaim our energy.

For thousands of years, mindfulness techniques of some form have been practiced around the world in almost every culture. In recent years, scientific studies have proven they yield practitioners countless benefits—including a renewed sense of energy and focus. By utilizing one or several within your daily routines, you can fight off fatigue and get back to what you enjoy most in life.

If you ever have any questions about how best to win your personal battle against fatigue, then contact the Community Pharmacy team today for grounded, practical advice.

Begin a Meditation Practice

There’s no more iconic mindfulness practice than meditation, a technique based on simply sitting down, staying within the present moment, and allowing the mind to rest.

Whether you practice for just one minute or ten, there are countless benefits to meditation which include:

• Reduce Stressed
• Lower Anxiety
• Enhanced Self-Awareness
• Better Sleep
• Decreased Blood Pressure

Along with a higher resilience against feelings of fatigue. By sitting down somewhere comfortable and not pursuing any thoughts too deeply, meditation creates a deeply relaxing, restorative space further enhanced by mindful breathwork.

Bring Breathwork into Your Daily Routine

Where the breath goes, the mind and body follow, and you can use your breath as a tool for helping maintain healthy energy levels.

Whether you are trying to increase alertness or slow down at the end of the day, breathwork techniques like abdominal breathing, equal breathing, or alternate nostril breathing are all beginner-friendly practices that bring near-instant relief.

Create a Restorative Sleep Schedule

The amount of deep sleep we have each night dictates our energy levels the next day, as it’s the time when our body renews and repairs itself. Yet up to 70 million report having sleep difficulties each year.

It’s critical to not take quality sleep for granted and to create an environment where rest naturally follows at night.

Some of the best ways to mindfully set the stage for sleep are:

• Establishing a regular sleep schedule at the same time each day
• Creating a calming bedtime routine to send a signal to your body that it’s time to rest
  • Having recurring scents or sounds can help strengthen this association
• Ensure your sleep environment is conducive to relaxation

Practice Mindful Consumption

We are what we consume in both a physical and mental sense, and doing so mindfully yields powerful results for our energy levels.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet provides the key nutrients we need to field both our bodies and mind. By ensuring we consume complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and plenty of hydration, our body receives the key vitamins, minerals, and energy it needs to optimally function.

Mentally, it’s best to be mindful of what we are consuming in a visual capacity as well. Excessive blue light from screens has a proven link to adverse physical, mental, and psychological effects, and by limiting our exposure to it (especially early in the morning and late at night) we give our eyes and minds a much-needed break.

Seek Support from Trusted Sources

If you are still feeling like you are hitting a wall when it comes to fatigue, then seeking external support is a powerful tool that can pinpoint the issue and deliver personalized results.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotional expression can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Mental health professionals provide a helping hand for those in need, one that can transform your relationship with your body, mind, and energy levels.

If you are interested in exploring this type of practice, then contact Community Pharmacy today and we can make recommendations based on your unique situation and needs.

Fend off Fatigue with Mindfulness Practices Today

One of the most beautiful aspects of mindfulness techniques is their accessibility, as they require very little but time and attention to begin. 

If you are tired of feeling fatigued and want to make a change, then consider adding one or more of these practices to your daily routine. The amount of energy we carry into each day deeply impacts our lives and those within them, and even a small change in habit can result in a significant boost to mental acuity.

The post Five Mindfulness Practices for Managing Fatigue appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Over the years Community Pharmacy has developed our Weight Loss Protocol, a system that has proven to work, whether you are looking to trim a few pounds or lose—and keep off—substantial weight. With a short fifteen-minute consultation appointment (offered in-person or through a video call) our staff can help you identify health goals and plot a practical route to reaching them in 2024 and beyond.

• We Use A Personalized Approach

Every person has different health needs, and our program gives people easy-to-follow instructions that suit their exact needs rather than a “one-size-fits-all approach.” Studies consistently show this personalized approach is far more likely to result in weight loss, and our team can deliver a personalized blueprint for a healthy life right into your hands.

• It Promotes Personal Accountability

After the initial enthusiasm for a new health routine fades, it’s extremely useful to have an outside partner to help you stay on track. Our weight loss program includes weekly follow-ups with our pharmacist to help you stay consistent with your progress.

• Tools That Last a Lifetime

No matter what stage of life you are in, the straightforward tips and tools provided by our weight loss protocol are timeless. Once you have them on hand, you can then call upon them whenever you want to take more active control of your weight.

• Long-term Education

Our program dispels uncertainty about long-held health myths and understanding diet and exercise on a deeper level. This kind of education proves immediately useful and can be a strong foundation for future health choices in diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

• It Makes Dieting Delicious

The word “dieting” can have negative connotations when it comes to taste, but with our program, the dishes aren’t just healthy but also quite tasty as well. With our program, you won’t have to feel like you are giving up all your favorite dishes, which makes sticking to the program all the easier.

• Find Activities That Fit Your Lifestyle

No one likes being forced into doing an activity, and our program helps you match activities that will keep you engaged while burning calories. As our program is adaptable, we can help you build a plan that involves physical exercises that align with your natural interests. 

• You’ll Develop Smarter Eating Habits

Becoming more informed about the food you consume helps develop awareness and habits that will help improve your health. Once you start to see—and feel—the positive effects of smarter eating like better sleep, more energy, and smoother digestion, it becomes easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• It Takes the Guesswork out of Weight Loss

By breaking down a diet into the core components of food consumed and activities completed across a time frame, it becomes easier to track progress. Our program removes guesswork behind guesswork and makes it a simple science that’s clear and easy to follow. 

• You’ll Maintain Muscle While Burning Fat

Maintaining muscle is the key to burning calories and fat throughout the body. Muscle is the key to lifetime longevity, and our program prioritizes protein intake to maximize muscle maintenance.

• Encouragement at Every Step

The right push at the opportune time can be something we all need sometimes. Our trained staff are available to answer questions at our Teasley location, and can provide support remotely if you live closer to a different Community Pharmacy location.

If you’re ready to undertake a weight loss journey proven to work and last, then our protocol can be just the structure necessary to help you reach your goals. Book an appointment today and begin the New Year with a positive movement to whole body health.

The post Top Ten Reasons Our Weight Loss Protocol Will Work For You appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

Created as an insurance coverage plan for those over 65, Medicare offers four levels of benefits that cover everything from hospital insurance to prescription medicine costs. If you are unfamiliar with Medicare, we put together this comprehensive guide so you can better understand the program. 

Medicare Enrollment Basics

Whether you are just now becoming eligible or need to alter your ongoing coverage, the open enrollment period for Medicare runs from October 15th to December 7th every year. Typically the area in which most changes take place is Medicare Part D, which primarily deals with prescription medicine costs that “Original Medicare” (Parts A and B) does not cover.

While Medicare has helped millions over the years, navigating the constantly changing program can be intimidating. This is why Community Pharmacy provides comprehensive plan reviews via phone or in-person appointment.

In just 30 minutes we can review your current plan and ensure you have the best coverage option selected so you can continue receiving your prescriptions at an affordable rate.

2024 Medicare Part D Costs Updates

While the cost of Part D insurance premiums is expected to decrease from an average of $56.49 in 2023 to $55.50 in 2024, Medicare Part D cost limits covered are expected to rise.

Divided into four phases, here’s a complete breakdown of Part D cost limit changes for 2024:

• Phase 1: Deductible
  • Patients pay full price for in-network prescriptions until the deductible amount is reached.
  • In 2023, the annual deductible limit was set at $505.
  • In 2024, the annual deductible limit will increase to $545.
• Phase 2: Initial Coverage
  • Patients pay a fixed amount of copay or percentage of the negotiated cost of a prescription until they reach the initial coverage limit.
  • In 2023, the initial coverage limit was $4,660.
  • In 2024, the initial coverage limit will increase to $5,030.
• 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 2023, the coverage gap limit was $7,400.
  • In 2024, the coverage gap limit will increase to $8,000.
• 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 2023, this translated to $4.15 for generic medications, and $10.35 for brand-name, or 5% of the total cost (defaulting to the highest amount of the three).
  • In 2024, these limits will increase to $4.50 for generic medications and $11.20 for brand names.

Another notable change to take place in 2024 includes the expansion of the “Extra Help” program. Those with limited income and resources can qualify to receive lower copayments and other benefits.

How Community Pharmacy Can Help

Whether you are a patient yourself or a caregiver for a loved one on Medicare, what you need most throughout the enrollment process is clarity regarding your best coverage option.

By scheduling a personalized plan review appointment with an experienced pharmacist familiar with the Medicare system, you can feel confident about finding an affordable, comprehensive medical plan and continue to receive your prescriptions at your preferred pharmacy without interruption.

Open enrollment is only available until December 7th, so there’s no better time than now to begin exploring your options and rest easy knowing you will be insured and protected for 2024.

The post 2024 Medicare Updates – How We Can Help appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

New Vaccines Now Available

Fortunately, Pfizer and Moderna’s newest vaccines (Comirnaty and Spikevax respectively) have an improved formula for 2023 which were approved for commercialization and use in September.

Both operate under the similar principle of previous mRNA vaccines by introducing a small, similar piece of the virus (and its common variants) into the body. This simulates an actual exposure to the virus, which helps the body’s immune system become better prepared and effective if it encounters the actual virus later.

However, there are some notable updates with the new vaccines you should be aware of. Before we dive into the key details, but if you should have any further questions regarding vaccine options, you can always contact your nearest Community Pharmacy, and our staff will be happy to answer.

Key Information Regarding Comirnaty & Spikevax

Developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, Corminaty has an exemplary 95% efficacy rate against the COVID-19 infection. Similarly, Spikevax vaccine offers high levels of protection against the virus after thousands of rounds of clinical testing.

While neither will stop a recipient from outright contracting the virus, what they can do is stem the severity of the virus’ effect upon the body. Those who have received the vaccine are far less likely to have serious effects that require hospitalization when compared to the unvaccinated. This helps the individual handle the immediate effects of the disease and prevents hospitals from becoming overcrowded with patients when cases rise.

Further notable details regarding both of the newly approved vaccines include:

• Effective Against
  • COVID-19
  • Omicron Variants BA.4 and Ba.5
  • XBB Variants

• Common Side Effects
  • Swelling around the injection site
  • Headaches, nausea, chills
  • Most subside within a few days

• Especially Recommended For
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Those with respiratory issues
  • General public over six years old

Past medical history is a factor that might affect the best timeframe and type of vaccine an individual might need. If you are unsure what the best path towards COVID vaccination is for you or a loved one, contact Community Pharmacy today and we can make recommendations based on your unique situation. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment for a Comirnaty or Spikevax vaccination, you can do so now by clicking here.

Appointments are available every fifteen minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Saturday.

Effective, Proven COVID Protection

More than 672 million doses of  COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered since the pandemic, and they have proven to be an incredibly safe, dependable, and effective shield against the worst effects of the virus.

By keeping up with the latest vaccines, you can help protect yourself from the worst effects of the virus and keep the effects of its spread minimized.

The post What You Need to Know About the New COVID-19 Vaccines appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

While most healthy adults can shake off the adverse effects within a few days or weeks with mild cold systems, there are real risks for infants, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Luckily, two new RSV vaccines have been developed and approved to help combat this risk and will be available this fall.

If you are concerned about your vulnerability to RSV and are over the age of 60, then you can book a time slot immediately to receive the vaccine at your nearest Community Pharmacy location.

Alternatively, if you have general questions about any vaccinations, then contact us today and our team will be happy to walk you through vaccine and treatment options.

What is RSV?

The RSV virus inflames the lungs, throat, and breathing passageways throughout the body making basic respiratory functions difficult and painful. If left unchecked, this virus can compound and form serious issues deep within the lungs like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Some early warning signs and symptoms of RSV infection are:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Pain while eating, drinking, and swallowing

The virus itself spreads quickly, most often by people via inhaling droplets from contaminated surfaces or shared areas, so avoiding it is particularly difficult even with good personal hygienic practices. 

The best means currently to mitigate the risk of RSV in the coming months is the newly developed vaccine, which helps the body create RSV-specific antibodies so it is better prepared when the actual virus appears.

How the RSV Vaccine Helps

The RSV vaccines AREXVY and ABRYSVO were produced by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer respectively. Approved by the FDA last May, they have proven to be effective at preventing the disease from taking hold within the body. Each vaccine utilizes a similar method of prompting the body’s immune system to produce RSV antibodies by introducing newly discovered recombinant proteins into the system.

Studies conducted by the CDC have shown the vaccine reduces the risk of RSV developing by more than 80% with just a single dose. Unlike the flu shot which requires annual updates, right now only one dose of the vaccine is expected to be sufficient to protect against RSV for the foreseeable future.

Some common side effects after receiving the RSV vaccine typically include:

• Injection site pain and soreness
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Nausea 
• Fever

Most reported symptoms are mild and short-lasting, but it is recommended that people rest, stay hydrated, and take care not to overexert themselves following the injection.

For added convenience, the AREXVY vaccine shot can be administered simultaneously with the quadrivalent flu vaccine, giving the recipient protection against both diseases with a single visit.

Who Can Receive the RSV Vaccine 

There are some notable caveats about who currently is eligible to receive the RSV vaccine. Right now, only adults aged 60 or older can receive the vaccine as they are the most at risk from the effects of the virus.

Notably for infants up to two years of age, there is currently a new antibody treatment option available as well.

Those who are of age and have chronic medical conditions such as:

• Lung diseases 
• Cardiovascular disease
• Kidney or liver disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• Moderately to severely immunocompromised 

All stand to benefit in particular from receiving the RSV vaccine, along with anyone who requires long-term care and medical support. Medicare Part D plans do cover the vaccine, and after speaking with a pharmacist, you can confirm your eligibility and options.

Those who should not receive the vaccine include adults under the age of 60 and those who are allergic to any of the ingredients (AREXVY and ABRYSVO) found within the RSV vaccine. If you are unsure if you have a sensitivity to any of the chemicals listed, then an allergy test can be performed before receiving the vaccine.

Receive Proven Protection from RSV

Before receiving the RSV vaccine, people are required to contact their doctor to confirm it is the right choice for them. Once this review is complete, it is a simple matter of setting an appointment for the vaccine injection. 

With the holiday season not far from sight, you can never be too careful when it comes to personal health. The RSV vaccine is a newly developed tool that can help protect those most at risk so they can enjoy public spaces and family gatherings with additional protection from the adverse effects of RSV. 

The post The RSV Vaccine: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Community Pharmacy.

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.