Capsule Comments by Bill Coon, Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy

Chemistry can affect absorption

When you take a medication chemistry can have an effect on how much of the medication is absorbed. Calcium is a good example. The most common form of calcium supplement is calcium carbonate. It needs an acidic environment for best absorption so it is best taken with food. Also if you want to supplement with 1000 mg of calcium daily, you should take 500 mg twice a day for best absorption.

Fall Prevention Month

November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada, a time to highlight the fact that older adults are a vital part of families and communities. But falls in older adults are predictable and preventable. The three main causes of falls in the elderly are reduced mobility, heart dysfunction and having to go to the bathroom at night. Drugs can also be a cause. If you are concerned about an elderly person possibly at risk of falling, get them assessed and have systems in place to prevent them.

Enlarged prostate

About half of men over 60 have enlarged prostate gland. It’s good to be aware of some of the symptoms: the need to urinate frequently particularly at night; difficulty starting urination; dribbling at the end; having a weak urine flow; straining while urinating and the inability to completely empty the bladder. If you are having urinary problems, see your doctor.

Why wait?

Most people wait until the new year to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Here’s a thought. Why not start right now? Start those good healthy changes now and perhaps you won’t have to work so hard in the new year. There are the December holidays to get through and all the temptations they bring. Pretend it’s January and start those good lifestyle changes now. Your body will thank you and you won’t feel so guilty in January.

It’s flu season

It’s flu immunization season again….time to remind everyone to get the flu shot this year. In future years, the flu “shot” may be replaced by a new option being researched. It’s a special patch that when applied to the skin will allow the vaccine to be absorbed through the skin. For people who have an aversion to a needle, this will be a happy situation. But for now, the quick little prick of a needle is available to enhance your immunity to the flu. Get yours soon.

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

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

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