Did you know that sitting is becoming the new smoking? Everyone is aware of the negative effects of smoking on health but it seems that people in 2022 are sitting more than ever before. In fact, worldwide, the average person sits for 12 hours per day making physical inactivity the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide.
“Do not drink alcohol with this medication.” This warning is often seen on prescription and non-prescription medications. It’s a warning to be heeded. Alcohol can reinforce a sedation side effect of the medication which may make driving dangerous. It’s interesting that in the past year, there has been discussion of putting a label on all bottles of alcohol saying “May cause cancer”. Alcohol has been linked with many types of cancer. If you are looking for a spring resolution, abstaining from alcohol of any kind would be a good one for your better health.
There is so much health information available to people today. The internet is full of it and of course social media can be a source in information and misinformation. Check with people you trust for information about your health. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what good, reliable sources of information they would recommend.
If you are trying to get pregnant and still smoke, it’s a good time to stop. Women who smoke have more difficulty becoming pregnant. Also, smoking during pregnancy can be detrimental to the unborn baby’s brain and lungs.
One of the best medicines in the world is a positive attitude although it has been very difficult to find these past couple years. People who are more cheerful and who take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life seem to have less sickness. Even if they do get sick, they seem to get well faster because of their positive mental state.
Socrates said, “When your feet hurt, you hurt all over”. Often, foot pain is the result of poor fitting shoes. You can prevent corns, bunions, and other foot problems by wearing well-fitted shoes. But if you have these problems, pharmacists can suggest measures to bring some relief.
Here’s tip on giving liquid medication to children. Try using a dropper or an oral syringe and aim the medicine to the back of the cheek. This bypasses some of the taste buds at the back of the tongue, the area that senses bitter tastes. Also, at bit of ice cream is helpful to numb the taste buds before bad-tasting medications are given.
When you ask for advice on choosing a non-prescription medication remedy, the pharmacist may ask you a few questions about your health and what other medications you are taking. This so the products recommended will not cause problems with your existing medical condition. It’s an important part of the role of pharmacists and to help you get the right medication for your needs.
One of the positive results of COVID-19 was that it raised our awareness of a new vaccine technology: mRNA vaccines. Research on this technology began about eight years ago and its successful use in the pandemic is unparalleled. This mRNA technology shows much promise in treating other medical problems. For example, studies are looking at a possible vaccine for pancreatic cancer.
About 40 per cent of people over 65 have hearing problems that hamper their ability to communicate and converse properly. It’s often treated almost jokingly but is something that should be looked at seriously. Hearing impairment can lead to depression and feelings of isolation. There is help and this help can enhance your life immensely.
Hydrocortisone cream is the only “cortisone” cream available without a prescription. It is useful for minor rashes, itchy skin, and other minor skin conditions. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation of the tissues. However, it shouldn’t be used for cuts or broken skin, acne, cold sores, or fungal infections. It could make matters worse.
A prelude comment to approaching summer: There is no known beneficial effect of tanning to human health. But it is well-documented that long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight can be detrimental. Make it a habit to use your sunscreen.
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. Bill and Barbara, along with their business partner Jenna Whitehead, opened Campus Trail Pharmacy in 2020. The understanding that medications are only part of the health solution has led 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 at 348 Muskoka Road 3 North. Phone: (705) 789-1785.
The Campus Trail Pharmacy is at 39 Campus Trail, in the new Campus Trails Wellness Centre off Muskoka Rd 3 N beside The Tom condominiums. Phone: (705) 789-5331.
Read more from Bill on the Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy Facebook page.
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