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Prevent Falls at Home

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We are pleased to offer the complete line of Nova Medical Products at our pharmacies. Their home safety products can prevent injuries and make mobility a bit easier for our senior customers who
want to remain independent.
Did you know that over 60% of falls occur at home, and the majority of those falls occur in the bathroom? And, one in three adults aged 65 or older fall each year. Every year, 235,000 people over age 15 visit the emergency room for injuries suffered in the bathroom. Being proactive can keep you safe and prevent injuries.
Here are some helpful tips and tools to guide you:nova

  • Never lock your bathroom door. It could prevent help from reaching you promptly. Instead, use a Do Not Disturb sign.
  • If you have trouble getting on and off a chair, then you are also having trouble getting on and off a toilet. An elevated toilet seat and handrails can make all the difference.
  • Getting in and out of the tub or shower can be tricky, and holding on to the sink or towel rack isn’t safe. Using grab bars is a much better option.
  • A bath bench with back provides comfort and safety when bathing or showering. This should be used with an 84″ long hand held shower.
  • Use a non-skid bath mat in the bathtub and the shower floor to prevent slipping.
  • Set water heater thermostats at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to avoid scalds.
  • Use shower gel instead of bar soap that can slip out of your hands and onto the floor.
  • Install a night light that comes on automatically in dim light.
  • Mark water faucets clearly with “hot” and “cold” labels. Replace faucet handles with easy to use levers.

We have several Nova Products in stock including:

  • Walkers and accessories
  • Canes
  • Crutches
  • Back cushions
  • Back sponges
  • Bath seats and cushions
  • Grab bars
  • Shoe horns with extended reach arm
  • Hand exercisers
  • Reachers
  • Hand held shower

The Groove walker comes standard with two seat heights, locking hand brakes, padded seat, under seat pouch, flip-up back, 8” wheels and it’s fold-able/collapsible to make it easy to take with you. You can also get several accessories for it including a flashlight, cane holder, bag holder, and basket to name a few.
Available with and without arms, our Nova bath seats are all standard with aluminum frames, sturdy plastic seats with drainage holes, skid-resistant rubber tips and some models can accommodate up to 500 pounds of weight.
Our Nova canes come in a large selection of colors and patterns to meet the unique tastes and styles of our customers. All canes are made with high-quality, lightweight aluminum and are easy to adjust.
Our wide selection of Nova cushions, pillows, and wedges are available to help you sit and sleep in comfort. Gel-foam, memory foam, egg crate foam, and adjustable air foam cushions let you select the seat that’s perfect for your needs. All cushions either washable, or have removable and washable covers. Get a good night’s sleep by using leg wedges, knee supports, neck, shoulder and back supports.
Stop by and check our all of these products for you or a loved one. We want to help keep you independent and safe at home.
Thanks to Nova Medical Products for the great information!

Kidney Stones: How to prevent and treat them

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Have you ever experienced a kidney stone or known someone who has? I’ve heard it’s as painful as childbirth, if not worse.
So, what exactly is a kidney stone? A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. They are fairly common in that one in 20 people will develop kidney stones at some point in their life. They form when there’s a decrease in urine volume and/or too much of the stone-forming substance in the urine.
A major risk factor for forming a kidney stone is dehydration. For example, if you do not drink enough water or other fluids, or perhaps perform strenuous exercise without replacing the fluid lost, you will increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have some sort of obstruction to the flow of urine in your body, it can also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Those of you living in a hot and dry climate are more likely to develop kidney stones due to a higher risk of dehydration.
Symptoms of a kidney stone include severe pain in your side and blood in your urine. The pain is usually sudden and excruciating. You can also experience cramping in your lower back and/or side, groin, or abdomen. The pain does not subside even when you change positions, and it can be so severe that it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If you also have a urinary tract infection along with the stones, you may experience chills and a fever. You may also experience difficulty urinating, feeling like you have to urinate even when you don’t need to go, and men may experience penile or testicular pain.
Other health factors can also increase your changes of developing stones.

  • Certain medical conditions will increase your risk:
    • Gout
    • Diabetes
  • Diet and hereditary factors are also related to stone formation:
    • High intake of animal protein
    • High-salt diet
    • Excessive sugar consumption
    • Excessive vitamin D supplementation
    • High doses of Vitamin C (1 gram or more daily)
    • Excessive intake of spinach.

Most stones develop in people 20 to 49 years of age. And, for those who have already had more than one kidney stone , you are more prone to developing further stones.
How are stones diagnosed and treated?
The best way to diagnose kidney stones is via ultrasound, intravenous pyleography (IVP), or a CT scan. Most kidney stones will pass through your body on their own time and usually within 48 hours, with plenty of fluids. During this time and in addition to drinking fluids, treatment includes medication (such as Acetaminophen and in some cases a narcotic pain medication) to control pain. When stones do not pass on their own, a procedure called lithotripsy (where ultrasound shock waves break the stones into small particles that can be passed out by the body), or other surgical procedures, are used.
It is best to avoid kidney stones in the first place when possible. It can be especially helpful to drink more water, since low fluid intake and dehydration are major risk factors for kidney stone formation.
The National Kidney Foundation advises people with kidney disease, people who are on dialysis, and people who have received a kidney transplant to avoid all herbal supplements. The foundation also warns that some minerals, like potassium, may be present in supplements in which you may not expect them, like turmeric rhizome, evening primrose, noni and garlic leaf can all contain potassium.
Depending on the cause of the kidney stones and your medical history, changes in the diet or medications are sometimes recommended to decrease the likelihood of developing further kidney stones. If you have passed a stone, it can be particularly helpful to have it analyzed in a laboratory to determine the precise type of stone so specific prevention measures can be considered.
 
 
Sources: Medicine Net and the National Kidney Foundation.
 

DANGER – E-Cigarettes

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I was shocked and a bit saddened last week when a customer came into the store with her son who was smoking an e-cigarette. Perhaps they have not been educated about the hidden dangers since these products are not regulated by the FDA. It’s frustrating how these companies can get away with marketing these products as safe, but from what I have read, that is far from the truth. So, allow me to share with you some information that I’ve gathered from the CDC, ALA, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Harvard University and Pharmacy Times.
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that allow users to inhale a vapor containing nicotine or other substances. They are usually battery operated and use a heating element to heat e-liquid from a refillable cartridge, releasing a chemical-filled aerosol.
Because there is no government oversight of these products, nearly 500 brands and 7,700 flavors of e-cigarettes are on the market, all without an FDA evaluation determining what’s in them. So there is no way for anyone—healthcare professionals or consumers—to know what chemicals are contained in e-liquids, or how e-cigarette use might affect health, whether in the short term or in the long run.
Early studies show that e-cigarettes contain nicotine and also may have other harmful chemicals, including carcinogens.  Lab tests conducted in 2009 by the FDA found detectable levels of toxic cancer-causing chemicals—including an ingredient used in antifreeze—in two leading brands of e-cigarettes and 18 various cartridges. A review of studies found that levels of toxins in e-cigarette aerosol varied considerably within and between brands. A 2014 study found that aerosol from e-cigarettes with a higher voltage level contains more formaldehyde, another carcinogen with the potential to cause cancer. According to Consumer Reports, one concern about e-cigs is the fact that larger doses of nicotine can be more harmful, especially to children. The findings are alarming, and the American Lung Association urgently calls for FDA oversight of these products.
Although they do not produce tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and recent research suggests nicotine exposure may also prime the brain to become addicted to other substances.  Also, testing of some e-cigarette products found the vapor to contain known carcinogens and toxic chemicals (such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde), as well as potentially toxic metal nanoparticles from the vaporizing mechanism. The health consequences of repeated exposure to these chemicals are not yet clear.
Flavors in e-cigarettes also cause concern. Not only are flavors used to target kids, but they may be harmful on their own. E-cigarette and flavor manufacturers and marketers may suggest that the flavor ingredients used in e-cigarettes are safe because they have FEMA GRAS™ status for use in food, but such statements are false and misleading. The reality is that FEMA GRAS™ status does not apply to inhaled substances; it only applies to food, meaning that substances with FEMA GRAS™ status are safe to eat, but perhaps not to inhale. Diacetyl, a flavoring chemical linked to cases of severe respiratory disease, was found in more than 75% of flavored electronic cigarettes and refill liquids tested by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A survey conducted by the CDC in 2014 found that young adults are trying e-cigarettes more than any other age group. The 18-24 age group had the highest percentage of adults who had ever tried an e-cigarette in their lifetime at 21.6%, according to the CDC study.  The percentage fell more and more for older age groups: 25-44 years (16.6%), 45-64 years (10.2%), and 65 and older (3.7%).
Another worry is the refillable cartridges used by some e-cigarettes. Users may expose themselves to potentially toxic levels of nicotine when refilling them.  In the past year alone, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received more than 2,000 reports of incidents involving children and e-cigs, including many in which children drank the e-cig juice or spilled it on their skin. Cartridges could also be filled with substances other than nicotine, thus possibly serving as a new and potentially dangerous way to deliver other drugs.
In addition to the unknown health effects, early evidence suggests that e-cigarette use may serve as an introductory product for youth who then go on to use other tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes, which are known to cause disease and lead to premature death. A recent study showed that students who have used e-cigarettes by the time they start 9th grade are more likely than others to start smoking traditional cigarettes and other smokable tobacco products within the next year (Rigotti, 2015).

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found e-cigarettes have become the most-used “tobacco product” among high schoolers, and almost half of all middle and high school students who smoked one type of tobacco product used multiple types. 

So parents, please educate yourselves and learn more about e-cigarettes so you can warn your children about the dangers associated with their use.
Sources: American Lung Association, Pharmacy Times, National Institute on Drug Abuse
 

Foot Care for Diabetics

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For most people, small foot injuries like calluses or blisters are a minor nuisance. Though they are sore, you know that with a little TLC and some over-the-counter medications, they will usually heal in a short amount of time.  However, if you are diabetic, these small wounds can grow into major problems.
“The average person will unconsciously change the way they walk to minimize that callus forming, because for many people it hurts,” explains Marc House, DPM, a podiatrist at the Podiatry Associates of Indiana, Foot & Ankle Institute in Indianapolis. “With diabetes, you don’t feel it, so you continue to walk on the area.”
Foot facts for diabetics:

  • Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, so many people with diabetes don’t have normal sensation in their feet.
  • Diabetes can lead to narrowed arteries in the legs, causing poor blood flow to the feet.
  • Minor wounds may heal poorly and become infected as a result of the reduced blood flow.

Every year thousands of lower-limb amputations, including foot removal surgeries, are performed on people with diabetes due to nerve and circulation issues. So, taking care of your feet is extremely important if you’re a diabetic.
Here are some important steps you can take to care for your feet:

  1. Inspect your feet daily. Stay on the lookout for signs of possible trouble such as red spots, blisters, and cuts. If you can’t see the bottoms of your feet, lay a mirror on the floor and use it to inspect your soles. Let your doctor know if you notice any sores or cuts on your feet that don’t heal within a day or two.
  2. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot (over 90 degrees F). Pat them dry after washing and be sure to dry between your toes to minimize the risk of fungal infections.
  3. After washing and drying your feet, use lotion or petroleum jelly to keep the skin smooth — but don’t put it between your toes. Non-medicated powder can also help keep your feet dry.
  4. When trimming your nails, but your toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails. Be sure to file your toenails, too, so they aren’t sharp on the corners. Consult your doctor to be sure it’s safe for you to cut your own nails.
  5. Never walk barefoot. That goes for inside and outside. Always feel inside your shoes with your fingers before you put them on to make sure a sharp object isn’t hiding inside.
  6. Keep them warm. If your feet get cold, put on warm socks. Avoid using heating pads on your feet — they may burn you.
  7. Get a check-up. Ask a health care provider to check your feet at every visit.
  8. Use a pumice stone. If your doctor says it’s okay, use a pumice stone to treat calluses. Never use a sharp blade on your feet.
  9. Wear the right shoes and socks. Buy shoes that have plenty of support, but are not too tight. Also choose shoes made of material that breathes and look for a cushioned sole to absorb pressure. Also be sure to wear clean, lightly cushioned socks at all times to prevent blisters. Avoid sandals, high heels, flip-flops and shoes with open or pointed toes. Ask your doctor if you need special shoes or inserts that are fitted to your feet.
  10. Control your blood sugar. As with most diabetes complications, you’re less likely to have foot problems if you aggressively manage your blood sugar. Work closely with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control.
  11. Don’t smoke. You probably already know that smoking is bad for your heart and lungs, but you may not know that it also decreases blood flow to your feet — increasing the risk of sores and infection. Ask your doctor for tips to help you quit.
  12. Wiggle your toes.  And move your feet around many times a day to keep the blood flowing. Avoid standing in one position for a long time or sitting with your legs crossed. These can block blood flow to your feet.

Having diabetes can cause serious damage to your feet, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to have foot problems. Just be sure to manage your blood sugar wisely, avoid smoking, wear proper shoes, exercise regularly and have your feet checked regularly by your doctor to prevent long-term complications.
 
 

Eat Well, America! (SM)

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Eat Well, America!(sm) That’s the American Diabetes Association message for this year’s American Diabetes Month®.
Every 19 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with diabetes. Many of those who are diagnosed with this life-changing disease could have prevented it by eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit. Eating well now will also save you money in the long run by saving you a lifetime of medical expenses.
If you are one of the millions of people with diabetes, eating a healthy diet will help keep your weight and blood sugar under control.
Paying attention and knowing your own body is also important to staying healthy. These symptoms of diabetes are typical, but sometimes people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild they go unnoticed.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes:

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Take the test here. We also have test kits in our stores, so you can pick one up if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Diabetes Facts:

  • Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. today—nearly 10 percent of the population.
  • Another 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes®.
  • Every 19 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes.
  • African Americans and Hispanics are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.

Diabetes and its Impact on Your Body:

  • Diabetes nearly doubles the risk for heart attack and for death from heart disease.
  • Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
  • Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age adults.
  • The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes. Roughly 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve damage that could result in pain in the feet or hands, slowed digestion, sexual dysfunction and other nerve problems.

The Cost of Diabetes:

  • The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion.
  • Direct medical costs reach $176 billion and the average medical expenditure among people with diabetes is more than two times higher than those without the disease. Indirect costs amount to $69 billion (disability, work loss, premature mortality).
  • 1 in 10 health care dollars is spent treating diabetes and its complications.
  • 1 in 5 health care dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes.

Eating well — whether you have diabetes or not, is important to your overall health, lifestyle, and well-being.
 
Source: American Diabetes Assocation

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