Capsule Comments by Bill Coon, Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy

Oral Hygiene

Evidently, many Canadians are not doing a good job of their oral hygiene. It includes regularly brushing, flossing and rinsing with an oral rinse. Some mouthwashes are better than others in reducing plaque build-up. Our pharmacists will be happy to help you make a good choice.

Be wary of the testimonial

The internet can be a minefield of misinformation. You know how you see an ad for some health product and a picture a person named Alice or Joseph, pops up raving about how great the product is. Many of these testimonials start out by saying the person was skeptical at first but when they tried it, changed their mind. Many of these testimonials are fake. Read with caution and common sense.

Cough and cold medications are not for young children

As cooler weather comes upon us, the cough and cold season can’t be far behind. It’s a good time to remind parents that giving cough and cold medications to children under the age of six is not proven to be effective. Kids under six are less able to communicate side effects to their parents. Choose safer methods like a humidifier or vaporizer, lots of fluids, nasal saline drops and honey for cough.

Help available in keeping your medications organized

Over 60 per cent of Canadian seniors take more than five prescribed medications while one in 20 take more than 15 drugs daily. And this doesn’t include all the vitamins and herbal products people may take. To reduce the chances of error, our pharmacy staff may be able to help review and organize your medications.

Lowering blood pressure

It’s hard to believe that prior to 1950, doctors really didn’t have any medications to control high blood pressure. In the early sixties, diuretics (“water pills”) were discovered to be of use in lowering blood pressure and are still one of the first class of drugs used today to treat newly diagnosed high blood pressure patients.

Use the stairs for exercise

If you are not excited by going to the gym for exercise, you might consider the stairs. If you have a good flight of stairs in your house, you can use them as the focus of daily exercise without leaving home. Stair-climbing is good for your body and good for your brain. Regular exercise makes you feel better all around.

Do not share drugs that ‘worked for you’ with your friends

Occasionally, we like to remind people the importance of not sharing prescription medications with anyone. We’ve often heard someone say, “This really worked for me, why don’t you try one?”. What is good for you may not be good for another. Everyone has a different ability to metabolize drugs and your drug may also interact with others your friend is taking and cause side effects. Have your friend see her doctor to see if your drug will be good for her.

Flu vaccine time again

It will soon be flu vaccine time again. The composition of this season’s vaccine has been chosen. Last year was a very successful year and the hope is that this year will be the same. Getting a flu shot each fall is a sensible decision.

Questions about flu shots or any other vaccine? Talk to our pharmacists.

Be sure to visit Penny at Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy in the Home Health Care department for your compression stocking, mastectomy or ostomy needs.

Looking for a pharmacy to feel good about? Give us a try!

Bill Coon graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto in 1984, and was the Faculty’s Centennial Scholar that same year. Bill and his pharmacist wife, Barbara, along with Paul Whitehead, opened Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy in 1990. The understanding that medications are only part of the health solution has lead to Bill’s interest in fitness and health, both personally and professionally. Bill’s Capsule Comments provide a full range of up to date health information.

Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy is conveniently located in the Huntsville Professional Building ~ 348 Muskoka Road 3 North, Huntsville Phone:(705) 789-1785

Read more from Bill on the Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy Facebook page.