New Moms and Dads are encouraged to have their newborn sleep in the same room as them for a few months but not in the same bed. Babies that sleep in the same bed as their parents are at a greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A bassinet near the parents’ bed is best and safest.
Like sunscreens, insect repellants need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating profusely. There are many products on the market but the ones containing DEET in strengths of 10 to 30 per cent are effective for adults. Some repellants may contain picardin which appears to be as effective as DEET.
Those who are dangerously allergic to stings should check their emergency epinephrine injector and be sure it’s in date. A severe allergic reaction can lead to throat swelling, breathing problems, heart attack and even death. An in-date injector can save your life. Better still have two on hand, just in case.
Perspiration is the body’s way of keeping us cool. Excess perspiration is called hyperhidrosis and can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. Most cases can be controlled with antiperspirants containing an aluminum product. For more severe cases, there are some prescription medications that may help. Dermatologists can also help. Talk to our pharmacists if the regular antiperspirants don’t seem to do the job. We may be able to recommend a stronger product for you.
“Bleeding out” is a term used to describe death from wounds where the bleeding is not stopped in time. There is work being done on a new product that is an anti-bleeding gel that will be applied to a wound and will instantly stop bleeding. The product works well inside and outside the body and will stop bleeding within 10 seconds. Should be available in about two years.
With everyone being touched by cancer themselves or someone they know, it seems that no progress is being made toward stopping the disease. There’s new research occurring that works to retrain the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells in those with blood cancers. Quite good results have been seen so far.
There is a slang term for people who are obsessed with having a really dark tan because they don’t feel right being too pale. The term is tanorexic. Serious cases of this pseudo-clinical condition has people using tanning beds and exposing themselves to the sun for long periods of time. Too much sun-exposure can cause skin cancers. Tan sensibly and use sunscreen.
Allergy sufferers are reminded that pollen is plentiful at this time of year. Keep your windows and doors closed. Dry clothing and bedding in the dryer rather than hang them outside. Use air-conditioning to cool your home rather than window or attic fans. Also pets can collect pollen in their fur so keep them off your bed. Pollen counts are highest in the early morning. Our pharmacists are familiar with all the allergy medications on the market today. We can advise you on which one would be suitable to control your allergy symptoms.
There is so much research being done to find better medications for all medical conditions. We do our best to keep up-to-date on this research. If you have any questions about a new drug you’ve heard about, give us a call. We will be happy to check it out for you.
Bill Coon, Pharmacist Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy
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.
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