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Antibiotics: Beware of the resistance

When we get sick, sometimes our first instinct tells us we need an antibiotic. However, not every illness is due to a bacterial infection, but rather a viral infection. Antibiotics and antifungals are one of our most powerful tools for fighting life-threatening infections, but they will not work on a virus. 

The discovery of antibiotics has transformed healthcare, but over the years they have been over-prescribed which has led to a new era of people dying from antimicrobial-resistant infections. 

Antimicrobial resistance (AR) occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Resistant infections can lead to higher medical costs, extended hospital stays, and even deaths that are otherwise preventable. In the U.S. alone, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur every year, with more than 35,000 deaths resulting from these infections. 

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more resistant infections, increased antibiotic use, and less data and prevention actions. 

When used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, antibiotics do save lives and their benefits outweigh the risk of side effects and antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics do not treat viruses like that that cause colds, flu, or COVID. In most cases, infections caused by bacteria require antibiotics, but they aren’t needed for many sinus infections and some ear infections. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help us feel better. In fact, if taken when unneeded, it can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. When the bacteria become resistant, they multiply, and then antibiotics and antifungals lose their effectiveness. This causes the loss of the ability to treat infections, like those that lead to sepsis. 

Antimicrobial-resistant germs can quickly spread across communities, the food supply, healthcare facilities, the environment (e.g., soil, water), and around the world. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent threats to public health today. 

When prescribed only as needed, it’s important to take antibiotics exactly as directed – even when we start to feel better. 

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Here are some steps to protect yourself and your family to reduce the risk of infection:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze 
  • Stay home if you are sick or don’t feel well
  • Stay up to date on recommended vaccines
  • Practice safer sex
  • Prepare food safety

ADHD Awareness Month

Is your child unable to sit still, especially in a quiet setting? Is he or she constantly fidgeting or unable to concentrate? Do they talk too much or interrupt others? These are just a few signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry the national prevalence of ADHD is estimated at 3.5%. ADHD is usually first detected and diagnosed in childhood and boys are two to three times more likely to have ADHD than girls. If you are wondering if it’s genetic, the answer is yes. Many parents of children with ADHD also experienced the same symptoms when younger. It’s also commonly found in brothers and sisters in the same family.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder of childhood and is usually identified by a pediatrician, child psychiatrist, or qualified mental health professional. They will ask for a detailed history of the child’s behavior from parents and teachers, make their own observations of the child’s behavior, and conduct psychoeducational testing to make a diagnosis of ADHD. Certain tests may be used to rule out other conditions, and some may be used to test intelligence and certain skill sets. 

Once diagnosed, specific treatment for ADHD will be based on your child’s age, overall health, and medical history. The extent of the symptoms as well as tolerance for certain medications and therapies are also taken into account. Parental expectations, preferences, and support are important in creating a treatment plan.

ADHD treatment may include the following:

Psychostimulant medications are used for their ability to balance chemicals in the brain that prohibit the child from maintaining attention and controlling impulses. By stimulating the brain, it helps with focus. Common medicines include:

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Concerta, Methylin)
  • Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
  • A mixture of amphetamine salts (Adderall)
  • Atomoxetine (Strattera). A nonstimulant SNRI (selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) medication with benefits for related mood symptoms. 
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

These medications are not without side effects and may include insomnia, decreased appetite, and headaches to name a few.

Psychosocial treatments include behavior management classes for parents which can help reduce the stress of parenting a child with ADHD. These are typically held in a group setting for parents to openly discuss challenges they are having and gain insight and suggestions from others who are going through the same issues with their child. Communicating with your child’s teacher is also a tool that parents can use to manage daily behavior and set expectations in the classroom.

ADHD isn’t just for kids. Though some grow out of it, about four to five percent of adults in the United States have ADHD, but few are diagnosed or treated for it. Every adult who has ADHD had it as a child. Adults who have ADHD may find it hard to follow directions, remember information, concentrate, organize tasks, and finish work on time. Many of the same medications are prescribed for adults with ADHD as kids. Behavior therapy is also a good resource for adults including relaxation training and stress management, life coaching, job coaching and mentoring, and family education.

If you think your child (or you) are experiencing ADHD, talk to your child’s teacher and your pediatrician about next steps in diagnosis and treatment options.

Village Pharmacy now prescribes and dispenses birth control

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Over the last few years, there has been a growing interest in expanding the services and authority of pharmacists to prescribe and dispense some hormonal birth control methods directly. This means that rather than first getting a prescription from a doctor, patients can go to their local pharmacy for the prescription and medication. Earlier this year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law that allows people in NC to buy contraceptive pills and patches at local drugstores and community pharmacies after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. Village Pharmacy is one of those community pharmacies where the pharmacist can now prescribe and dispense self-administered birth control including the pill, patch, ring, and shot.

Allowing pharmacists to prescribe in addition to dispensing is not a new concept nor is it limited to birth control. Many states, including NC, provide pharmacists with varying levels of prescribing authority for certain products. Statewide protocols do not require agreements with physicians, as the authority comes directly from the state. However, pharmacists are required to undergo training and to refer patients at some point in the process to their primary care provider, or local providers for patients that do not already have one. 

A nationwide survey indicated that 67% of women said they would benefit from accessing contraception directly from a pharmacist without having to pay a fee to visit a physician or clinic. For example, if a prescription runs out and the patient either doesn’t have a doctor, or time to see a doctor in order to get a refill, a pharmacist can prescribe the birth control and fill the prescription. This service is also available to women who have never been prescribed birth control. Some research suggests that pharmacists are helping to fill gaps; a 2019 study found women receiving contraception from a pharmacist were more likely to be younger, uninsured, and have less education than women seeing clinicians. 

Not just limited to contraceptives, an immunizing pharmacist may dispense, deliver, or administer the following medications: 

  • Nicotine replacement therapy that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
  • Self-administered oral or transdermal contraceptives after the patient completes an assessment consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s United States Medical Eligibility Criteria (US MEC) for Contraceptive Use.
  • Prenatal vitamins.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis medications for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) pursuant to guidelines and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia.

As a pharmacy we must also:

  • Maintain a record of medication administered to the patient in a patient profile. 
  • Within 72 hours after administration of the medication, notify any primary care provider identified by the patient. If the patient does not identify a primary care provider, the immunizing pharmacist shall direct the patient to information describing the benefits to a patient of having a primary care provider, including information about federally qualified health centers, free clinics, and local health departments, prepared by any of the following: North Carolina Medical Board, North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, North Carolina Medical Society, or Community Care of North Carolina. 
  • Furnish patient records to the patient upon the patient’s request. 
  • Furnish patient records to the primary care provider identified by the patient upon the primary care provider’s request. 
  • If the immunizing pharmacist has administered or dispensed a hormonal contraceptive to the patient, the immunizing pharmacist shall counsel the patient about preventative care, including well-woman visits, sexually transmitted infection testing information, and Pap smear testing. 
  • Comply with rules adopted by the North Carolina Medical Board and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy governing the approval of the individual immunizing pharmacist to dispense, deliver, or administer the medications with limitations that the Boards determine to be in the best interest of patient health and safety.
  • Have current approval from both Boards. 

If you are in need of one of the above services for a prescription, call 910-319-6050 or visit our website to make an appointment. 

Immunizations: Are your kids fully covered?

The first day of school is right around the corner and parents are busy making sure kids have new shoes and school supplies. But are immunizations on your list?

During the past two years, many children missed wellness check-ups causing them to miss their recommended vaccinations. Now is the time to get caught up and protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Many diseases that are either deadly or crippling have been dramatically reduced due to vaccinations. If properly vaccinated, your child is protected from the following diseases:

  • Chicken Pox
  • Diphtheria
  • Flu
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hib
  • HPV
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Polio
  • Pneumococcal
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Whooping Cough

The best way to help ensure your child stays healthy is through regular well-visit checkups with their doctor. During these appointments, your child’s doctor will track their growth and development milestones and discuss any areas of concern about your child’s health. They will recommend vaccinations at various ages and stages of your child’s development. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough which are extremely contagious and can be very serious for babies and young children. Communities with low vaccination rates have had outbreaks of these diseases. 

Vaccines work to strengthen your child’s immune system so it’s best to vaccinate early in order to build up their immune system and before they are exposed to dangerous diseases. Children who are not vaccinated on schedule run the risk of getting sick and also spreading illness to others. Some people have weak immune systems so they rely on others to be vaccinated. By getting your child vaccinated on time and up to date before school starts, you are helping to protect friends and family, teachers, and the community as a whole.
Your child may be eligible for free vaccines through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program. This federally funded program provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of their inability to pay. For more information visit the CDC Vaccines for Children website. 

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Men’s Health Month

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Men’s Health

Many men ignore signs of illness and tend to put off going to the doctor. Almost 20% of men admit only going to the doctor in order to stop a loved one from nagging them about it. In general, men in their 20s and 30s should go to the doctor for routine checkups every other year. Once men are in their 40s and beyond, annual checkups should be the norm. Men who don’t take their health seriously are more likely to develop serious health issues that could have a better outcome if caught earlier. In fact, on average, according to the CDC, men die five years earlier than women.

The news isn’t all bad. Men can take control of their health and lifestyle to improve their quality of life and lifespan.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. More than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure is common in males under the age of 45. Routine doctor visits check cholesterol levels and blood pressure and may help detect heart problems before they become serious. Changes to a man’s lifestyle will also improve the risk of heart disease. Smokers who smoke a pack of cigarettes daily are twice as likely to have a heart attack as those who don’t smoke. Other proactive measures like eating a balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables, staying active, reducing stress, and taking medications as directed can also improve heart health.

The second leading cause of death in men is cancer. The most common cancers diagnosed in men include skin, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. Being proactive by wearing sunscreen and being aware of skin changes can help prevent and/or detect skin cancers. Regular doctor visits can detect prostate cancers, and a baseline colonoscopy at the age of 45 for men with no family history can prevent colon cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting processed or red meat in the diet can also reduce cancer risk.

Men have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes at a lower weight compared to women. One of the main reasons for this is belly fat. Men are more likely to be undiagnosed for diabetes than women. Diabetes brings a greater risk for heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney failure, and amputation of a toe, foot or leg in both men and women. But for men, diabetes can cause low testosterone (low T) and erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Testosterone begins to drop in a man’s thirties and can bring symptoms of low sex drive and trouble concentrating. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to have low T than men who don’t have diabetes. A blood test can check hormone levels and a doctor can diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing the low testosterone levels and discuss options like testosterone replacement therapy. However, the replacement therapy can also make low blood sugar worse and increase blood pressure, so regular checkups are essential to spot and manage any problems.

ED is common in middle-aged and older men, but men with diabetes are three times more likely to have ED. High blood sugar is one known cause of ED, but it can also occur due to nerve damage from high blood pressure. Medications for high blood pressure, depression, and allergies can also play a role in ED. Other causes can include an enlarged prostate or treatment for prostate cancer, tobacco or alcohol use, and sleep disorders. 

An estimated 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, annually. However, depression is often undiagnosed in men because the symptoms are more of anger and irritability than sadness. Regular exercise and talking with your doctor about treatment options are ways to combat depression.

Men are also not always honest with their doctors about their health. It’s essential to choose a doctor that you can be honest with so you can get the best care possible. So, don’t avoid the doctor, but rather establish a relationship with a good one as part of your healthy lifestyle.

Jif Peanut Butter Recalled Nationwide; NCDHHS Urges Consumers to Check Labels

From the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services


May 23, 2022
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is advising people to not eat or
serve certain Jif brand peanut butter products that are being recalled due to potential Salmonella
contamination.

On May 20, 2022, J. M. Smucker Company issued a voluntary recall of select Jif peanut butter
products. Fourteen cases of Salmonella related to this outbreak have been identified in 12 states.
Salmonella is an organism that causes symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, but
can cause serious illness in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune
systems.

The 14 national cases of Salmonella that have been linked to this outbreak to date have resulted
in two hospitalizations. There may be additional cases that have not been identified. In North
Carolina, there has been one case associated with the outbreak to date.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat or serve Jif brand peanut butter with lot codes
1274425 through 2140425, with “425” at the end of the first 7 numbers. This recall impacts
many different types of peanut butter, including creamy, crunchy, natural, and reduced fat
products. Since peanut butter has a long shelf life, consumers should check any Jif brand
products they have at home. 
 
If consumers have peanut butter impacted by this recall, dispose of it immediately. Wash and
sanitize all containers and surfaces that may have contacted the recalled peanut butter.
Consumers with questions may visit www.jif.com/contact-us or call 800-828-9980 Monday
through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET.  Anyone who has consumed recalled peanut butter and has
symptoms of Salmonella should contact their healthcare provider.

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Arthritis awareness and intervention

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Nearly 59 million adults in the United States have arthritis and close to half of those diagnosed are unable to do everyday activities because of their arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints and usually comes with age and is most common in the fingers, hips, and knees. Sometimes, it is followed by a joint injury from our youth, and years later, the fall that we took, is now arthritis. However, arthritis affects working-age adults, older adults, and even children. 

According to the CDC one in three adults with arthritis are not physically active, have poor health, and have severe joint pain. Living with this type of pain impacts the ability to move and perform daily tasks and even limits social and work functions. While we may not be able to prevent arthritis entirely, we can work to relieve the pain and stiffness that limit activities. That is why exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. Even basic exercises increase strength and flexibility and reduce joint pain. It does seem counterintuitive to go for a walk when you are having knee or hip pain, but moderate, low-impact exercise can ease your joint pain.

Exercise can strengthen the muscles around the joints, maintain bone strength, provide energy, improve balance, and help control weight. Lack of exercise makes joints even more painful and stiff than exercising. When we don’t exercise, our muscles weaken and that creates more stress on our joints. Before starting a new exercise routine, make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes that provide the support you need without the risk of injury.

Range of motion exercises, such as raising your arms above your head and rolling your shoulders forward and backward, should be done daily to relieve stiffness. Yoga and stretching also improve your range of motion and improves your day-to-day life.

Strengthening exercises, including lifting weights, yoga, and resistance bands, help build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints. However, you should avoid exercising the same muscle groups two days in a row. So, you can do arms one day and legs the next day. Take an extra day or two between workouts if your joints are painful or swollen.

Aerobic exercise helps build endurance and improves overall fitness by improving cardiovascular health, controlling weight, and improving stamina. Exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming for up to 150 minutes each week can improve your joints. You can break it up into 10-minute blocks of time if that’s easier than 30 minutes five times per week. With dedication, you can increase your stamina so you can move up to 30 or more minutes of aerobic exercise at a time. We are all busy, so daily activities like mowing the grass, raking leaves, and walking the dog do count! 

In pain before you even start? Applying heat to joints and muscles can help relieve pain before you begin your workout. 

In pain after the workout? Apply ice to your joints for up to 20 minutes as needed after your workout, especially if certain activities cause joint swelling. Taking ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen can reduce pain also. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for your joints to get used to your new activity level, but sticking with your activity program will result in long-term pain relief.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor if you should exercise during general or local flares. One option is to work through your joint flares by doing only range-of-motion exercises, just to keep your body moving, or exercising in water to cushion your joints.

If you have concerns about the right exercises for you, talk to your doctor or work with a physical therapist to create a plan that provides the most benefit to help relieve your pain. 

Stress Management Tips

Work. School. Illness. Family. Money. These things and more can trigger stress. As we go through life, most of us experience some form of stress at one point or another. Our to-do list at work grows and there never seems to be enough time in a day, exams are just around the corner, or perhaps you or a loved one is sick and there is fear of what is to come. Oftentimes we react to these pressures by ‘fight or flight’.

When put in a situation of avoiding physical harm, our blood flow goes to the muscles needed to either fight or flee and our brain function is diminished. This can lead to the inability to ‘think straight’ which can cause problems at work and at home. When stressed for long periods of time, our bodies increase cortisol levels which increase blood sugar and blood pressure. This is why people often gain weight when stressed. 

When we are in ‘fight’ mode in a state of stress, it can negatively affect relationships and even ruin our reputation when we become aggressive towards others. Sometimes ‘flight’ mode can save our lives when in a dangerous situation. However, when faced with normal everyday life situations and cannot cope, this instinct can make the situation worse by ignoring the stress and not facing it. A third, and less known, reaction is ‘freeze’ mode. In certain situations, we tend to hold our breath. When we take a deep breath or sigh, that’s our body’s way of catching up on oxygen intake.

What can we do to combat stress? Here are a few tips to manage stressful situations.

Manage your technology habit
This is easier said than done when you get hundreds of emails and notifications on your phones each day at work and home. Rather than opening emails as soon as they come in, try focusing on checking emails during a certain time(s) each day. If you have notifications set up on your phone for emails, turn them off. This is one way to control the chaos rather than it controlling you. When working on a project at work, it’s easy to get distracted by emails and the next ‘thing’, but focusing on one thing at a time allows us to manage stress and actually get more done.  

Manage your eating habits
Eating complex carbs such as whole-grain bread, pasta, and oatmeal will give your brain a boost to make serotonin. Complex carbs also help stabilize your blood sugar. Oranges are full of vitamin C which has been shown to manage the stress hormone cortisol. So before taking on a stressful task, eat an orange! Black tea also lowers cortisol so a cup of hot tea can help manage stress. Not enough magnesium in a diet can trigger headaches and fatigue, which compounds the effects of stress. Eating leafy greens such as spinach, or a salmon filet will boost your magnesium levels. Crunching on nuts, celery and carrots can release a clenched jaw that is brought on by stress (plus they are good for you and better than a bag of chips).

Get a good night’s sleep
Taking a relaxing bath or a shower before bed can help you unwind and relax before going to sleep. Use this time to sort out any worries or concerns of the day and avoid carrying the load before going to bed. If you have a to-do list to tackle, write it down so you don’t wake up thinking about all the things you have to do the next day or week ahead. The soothing aroma of lavender-scented candles, balms, and essential oils also can help relieve the tensions of the day.

Stay physically active
Exercise is good for your physical health and your mental health. Exercise increases your endorphins which make you feel good about yourself and improves your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems all of which help protect your body from the effects of stress. Regular exercise can lower symptoms of mild depression and ease your stress levels to help you stay in control of your life. 

Learn to say no
If you are a people pleaser, sometimes it’s hard to say no. If you are constantly rushing from one thing to the next and trying to do too many things in a short span of time, it’s probably time to start saying no. Saying yes when you don’t have the bandwidth prevents you from honoring your existing commitments. You may have heard of the 80/20 rule – when 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. By saying no, you open the door for other people to take on some responsibility. Saying no also allows you more time to manage your own stress without piling on more than you have time for.

Manage your time more effectively
All of the things mentioned so far are part of how you manage your time. Making time for yourself is the key to managing stress. Taking time to exercise, prioritizing your day, saying no, eating right, and not being glued to your phone are all part of managing your time. Better planning, better prioritizing, delegating tasks, organizing your office, and even cleaning your house, will help relieve and manage stress.

After practicing some of these stress management tools you still feel anxious, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to reduce stress and anxiety. 

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month

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You are what you eat. At least that’s the saying we’ve heard all of our lives. Nutrition behavior begins as a child in what your parents feed you and runs the course through your lifetime. Obviously, not every disease is linked to your eating habits, but many illnesses are a direct link to your nutrition. The following are recommended guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding what to eat and what to avoid at various stages of life.

During the first six months of life, infants should exclusively be fed human milk or iron-fortified infant formula when the mother’s milk is unavailable. Supplemental vitamin D is also recommended soon after birth. Once the infant is about six months old, you can introduce them to foods dense in nutrients, and limited in added sugars and high sodium. You should continue feeding infants human milk (or formula) through at least the first year of life, or longer. Once your child turns two, toddlers consume less human milk, and infant formula is not recommended. 

If you have children, you remember the faces they made when introducing new foods to them. The textures and flavors are new and it may take 10 exposures to accept a new type of food. If they don’t like peaches or peas the first time, don’t give up. Offering healthy food options at an early age can set them on a path for making healthy eating choices as they get older. For example, instead of cereals with extra sugar, choose one with lower added sugar such as Cheerio’s. Carrot sticks and celery with peanut butter are healthy options as opposed to chips and other high-sodium snacks, and the same goes for roasted potatoes rather than fries. Also, be aware of the added sugars found in flavored yogurt, soft drinks, and flavored milk, and limit intake as the extra calories quickly add up.

As your child grows you can lead by example in modeling healthy habits. Let them see you drinking water instead of soft drinks, and eating healthy meals. Bring them to the grocery store with you and encourage them to pick out a new healthy food to try together. Allow them to help out in the kitchen with meal prep and making kid-friendly meals. Let them pack their lunch for school and help them make a healthy sandwich on whole-wheat bread and they can pack a fruit or a vegetable to go with it – something they picked out at the grocery store. Provide grab-and-go foods like fruit and unsalted nuts for kids (and yourself) so when they are running out the door to play with friends or head to soccer practice, it makes it easy for them to eat healthier.

A healthy dietary pattern throughout life can promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The older we get the healthier we tend to eat, but most of our eating patterns are far from ideal. The progression of diet-related chronic disease most often occurs in adulthood. So when you are preparing your meals, make your half of plate a mix of fruit and vegetables. Switch to whole-wheat bread and pasta or eliminate these from your diet. Instead of white rice, choose brown rice. Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D like cod liver oil, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sardines, orange juice, or almond milk fortified with vitamin D, and dairy products. 

Good nutrition is also what NOT to eat and drink. Choose foods and beverages with little to no added sugars, saturated fat, or sodium. Also limit alcohol to either none or only in moderation as it is high in calories and increases the risk of several health conditions and death. If you have a sweet tooth, reduce your portion sizes of desserts and snacks, or limit them to special occasions. Instead of sugary sweets, opt for fresh fruit. Choose lean meats and poultry over burgers and pizza, and switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Cooking at home is better than eating processed foods since you can control the seasonings and cooking oils. When cooking, use canola, corn or olive oil. Swapping salt for herbs and spices will help reduce sodium.

The older we get, the fewer calories and more nutrients we need. This is due to changes in metabolism, age-related loss of bone and muscle mass, and less physical activity. Older adults are also more often affected by chronic health conditions, taking multiple medications, as well as changes in body composition. 

Adults 71 and older often eat too little protein. Adding seafood, dairy, beans, peas and lentils can offset what you are getting through meat, poultry and eggs. These sources also provide nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fiber. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins through your diet, Village Pharmacy has a selection of dietary supplements to help you with your intake.

Good nutrition across your lifespan helps prevent chronic diseases. But remember, it’s never too late to make changes to improve your health.

Heart Failure Awareness

This week is Heart Failure Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign to bring awareness to the risk factors, signs, symptoms, and treatment of heart failure. Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. Though the name implies that the heart is no longer working, heart failure can be treated and many people diagnosed with heart failure can lead an active lifestyle. This week’s theme – Heart Success: Function Not Failure aims to educate patients and caregivers with self-care tips and how to make healthy choices, and also to provide information regarding signs, symptoms, and risk factors of heart failure.

According to the Heart Failure Society of America, roughly 6.5 million adults over the age of 20 (though more common in people over 65) in the United States are living with heart failure. There are two main types of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. When the heart becomes weak and unable to pump enough blood, that is called Systolic heart failure. Diastolic heart failure is when the heart becomes stiff and unable to fill up with enough blood to pump.

Risk factors of heart failure include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • History of heart murmur
  • Enlargement of the heart
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Family history of members with an enlarged heart
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Sleep apnea
  • Severe lung disease

Many signs of heart failure might be ignored, but always pay attention to your body. Only you know your own body, and changes in sleep patterns and breathing could be a signal to talk to your doctor. Other symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble breathing when lying down
  • Needing to sleep while propped up
  • Tiring easily/fatigue
  • Frequent dry cough, and especially a cough that produces pink or blood-tinged mucus
  • Swelling at the feet, ankles or legs
  • Cold legs and arms
  • Frequent urination at night.
  • Bloating of the abdomen
  • Loss of appetite or feeling sick to your stomach
  • Difficulty in concentration

Annual doctor appointments are a key to keeping on top of your healthcare. It’s so important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing so they can order testing as needed. A few examples of testing include echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, chest ex-rays, and blood tests to name a few.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that shows the blood flow and wall thickness of the heart, as well as the heart output which is an important factor in the treatment of heart failure.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) uses electrodes placed on your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity which shows your heart rhythm and any damage you may have. In some cases, your doctor may conduct a stress test while having an ECG so they have a better idea of your heart function while it is working at an increased rate. This can be done while on a stationary bike or while given medication to increase your heart rate.

In addition to the above tests, your doctor could order a blood test that can show signs of possible heart conditions. Chest x-rays can be used to rule out possible causes of your heart condition.

Once diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms and help your heart function better. ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) lower your blood pressure. Beta-blockers slow your heart rate and allow your heart to pump blood better and regain strength. Mineralocorticoid antagonists remove excess fluid from the body and help prevent the loss of potassium. Nitrates and hydralazine also lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload. 

If you are diagnosed with heart failure, you don’t have to stop living, but rather when you make lifestyle changes for the better you will improve your quality of life. Eat a healthier diet, get more exercise,and  take medications as prescribed to help you feel better and live longer.

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