Letter From a Patient

Dear Medicine Shoppe of Largo,

I want to say thanks to my new amazing pharmacy. Thank you for making the necessity of getting prescriptions filled one less thing to worry about. Just as my needed prescriptions improve my quality of life so does having you all as my pharmacy. 

Lately compassion is rarely seen in medical professions, especially pharmacies, unless you are a customer of The Mine Shoppe of Largo. Both my mother and I felt like family from the start. Compassion and kindness is their language in addition to incredible knowledge and professionalism. I had been a customer for a big corporation pharmacy for 19 years. 

I have had chronic illness for as long and it took me a few years to find a pharmacy with employees who I thought were the best until sudden recent changes I was forced to find a new pharmacy. I thought it would be impossible. To start new after 19 years with all I go through with my prescriptions was beyond frightening. I get a great deal of prescriptions per month, many special order and many just a pain to deal with when it comes to insurance covering and such. My pharmacist and team have to be as knowledagble as they are kind and go far above and beyond typical work day for me.

The first day I met owner/pharmacist George and Pharmacy tech E.J., I knew I had found what I needed and even more than I imagined, I did not think such treatment was even out there. Then getting to know more of the staff it only got better and better. They worked out putting all my meds on a schedule so I could receive them same day each month, this feat alone I never was offered before at other pharmacy or even thought possible and am incredibly grateful. Their kindness, compassion and work ethic are the best I have ever known.

Thank you for making living with chronic illness and dependent upon prescriptions one step easier. Thank you for taking away the anxiety of having to meet a new person every time I walk into pharmacy, who sees me as a number only. Thank you for making me feel like family, loyal customer, neighbor and friend. They are simply the best.

Truly grateful.

Your friend,
Emily 

A Rainbow of Urine... What does it mean to you?

The picture above was taken by Heather West at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. Heather was one of the scientists in the lab that gathered all of the urine samples, which only took a week to complete. As perfectly picturesque as these pristine pee portions are, the important thing to take from this photo is what colors raise a red flag when it comes to your urine.

Red

Red urine can be caused by a variety of things, and the color can vary from a pale pink to a deep red. From increased red blood cells from strenuous exercise, to blood in the urine. It can be increased by a number reasons from bladder cancer to eating too many beets. The best thing to do when you see your urine is red or suspect blood in the urine would be to contact your physician immediately.

Orange

Many medications can cause your urine to turn to a tint of orange. An increase in B-Vitamins, Rifampin or other medications used to treat TB, and Pyridium (for pain relief during urination) can cause the urine to turn a tinge of orange. Also, an increased amount of carrots or carrot juice can have a similar effect.

Yellow

Yellow is the natural color of urine. For someone that is properly hydrated, the urine should be a straw color. If your urine is darker yellow, it may mean that you are dehydrated and should try to drink extra water.

Green

Green urine is an indication that there is something blue mixing with the natural color in your urine. A few medications can cause green urine like Tagamet (heartburn), Elavil (amitriptyline), and Michael Jackson's drug of choice propofol. Asparagus can also cause the urine to turn a tinge of green. Green urine is usually just a harmless side effect.

Blue

Blue urine is usually only caused by the drug methylene blue, which was first used as a cure for Malaria during WWII. Today it is used commonly in procedures, usually in a dentist office.

Purple

Purple is the only urine color that has a syndrome named after it: purple urine bag syndrome. It occurs when someone has a urinary catheter. Bacteria colonizing the catheter, the collection bag, or both produce a substance called indirubin, which is red, and indigo, which is blue, and they combine to make a bright purple color.

White

Urinary tract infections sometimes turn urine a milky-white color because they provoke an immune response that unleashes a flood of white blood cells. Other causes of whitish urine include uric acid crystals from eating purine-rich foods, such as anchovies, herring, and red meat (lamb, beef, and pork), and phosphate crystals from excess parathyroid hormone.

Brown

If the red of red urine is dark, it may look brown or even black. In such cases, the causes of brown or black urine may be the same as those of red urine. But urine can turn truly brown. Bilirubin, another breakdown product of hemoglobin, sometimes builds up in the blood because of liver conditions, like hepatitis and cirrhosis, or a bile duct blocked by gallstones, a tumor, or some other obstacle. If some of that excess bilirubin gets into the urine, the urine can turn a brownish color. Hemolytic anemia, when too many red blood cells get broken down at the same time, also produces a bilirubin surplus that may taint urine. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can, in rare instances, put melanin, the pigment that darkens skin, in circulation, and some of that pigment may wind up in the urine. Foods that may turn urine brown include fava beans and rhubarb.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about urine, your first call should be to your doctor, but the second should be to The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo to answer any questions you may have. 727-501-0188.

How To Test Your Glucose

Check out this awesome video I did that gives you a step by step instruction on how to test your glucose level. If you need assistance with your meter, please bring it in and we can go through the specifics to make sure you fully understand how to test your glucose, store your readings, and be able to access all of your readings in your monitor.

Seven New Sunscreens To Fight Skin Cancer this Summer

Whether your goal is a healthy looking tan, fighting skin cancer, or covering your tattoos, there is a new sunscreen available this summer for you to try. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually. One in every five persons will develop some type of skin cancer in their lifetime. The sad thing is, 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV rays, which shows why protecting yourself in the sun is such an important thing to do. Check out these 7 new sunscreens to help protect yourself from skin cancer during these hot summer months.

The Cerave brand's first extension into sunscreen includes eight different face and body products in SPF 30 and 50. Their “Invisible Zinc” technology features a micro-fine zinc oxide that has a dry and clear finish (instead of zinc’s signature white goop). The lotion also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help repair and moisturize the skin barrier.

This unique dab stick from Ocean Potion is non-greasy and fragrance-free, making it an ideal method of protecting the areas that are a little tougher to tackle with normal lotion, such as the nose, ears and scalp. The liquid absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish, so you don’t need to worry about your hair or face looking greasy.

While aiming all of your sun protection efforts on easily burnt areas, it’s easy to forget that your lips need some love, too. Formulated with vitamin E, aloe and cocoa butter, these lip balms by Sun Bum come in six different fruity flavors, all with SPF 30.

Protect your tattoos from sun-induced fading and blurring with a moisturizing sunscreen stick by Coppertone. Also available in a lotion, this stick is good for targeting specific areas and making sure you get the right coverage and protection across your ink. The formula offers photostable, broad spectrum protection, and contains vitamins C and E to nourish and protect the skin.

Aveeno’s “Active Natural” oat ingredient keeps skin supple by protecting against dehydration cause by chlorine, sun, sweat and salt water. Plus, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so you can freely apply to your face without worrying about a nasty breakout.

Neutrogena’s “Helioplex” formulation is a photostable combination of avobenzone and oxybenzone, which reduces the amount of sunscreen degradation—meaning, UV protection lasts longer. This water and sweat resistant sunscreen has a light, fresh scent and is available in SPF 30 and 70.

If you’re looking for a sun-kissed glow on your face without the dreaded threat of skin damage and wrinkles, this sunscreen with built-in self-tanner by Australian Gold is the way to go. Kakadu plum, with high levels of vitamin C, provides antioxidant benefits and protection from damage. A gradual tan builds in two to three days, bronzing skin while simultaneously protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.

For more sunscreen options contact The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo at 727-501-0188.

Product information from youbeauty.com

The Six Best Razor Burn Remedies You Can Do At Home

The last few blog posts have been summer oriented, so I had to touch on razor burn. Nothing is less fun than the sting from sun screen on your razor burned areas. Not to mention, it's beach season, and what guy or girl wants to get in their bathing suit to show off their razor burned bodies. Razor burn is inflammation caused by frequent shaving. Here are a few ways to help reduce pain associated with razor burn, and speed up the healing process.

- Aspirin- Not only is it one of your first options when having a headache, but aspirin also helps temper some of those nasty razor burn bumps. Let some tablets dissolve in water (The enteric coated aspirin will not work for this) and create a paste or slushy like substance. Spread the mixture on razor burned areas to reduce red bumps.

- Vitamin C- Vitamin C taken orally can also reduce some of the symptoms of razor burn. You can take an oral supplement of 500 mgs per day, or try foods rich in vitamin c like kiwis, oranges, tomatoes, or leafy greens,

-Petroleum Jelly - Nothing combats razor burn quite like moisture, and nothing moisturizes better than petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Apply a thin layer of jelly to irritated spots after shaving. It can be greasy, so if your clothes usually cover your affected areas, you may want to lot some of e excess away before getting dressed.  

- Oatmeal Bath - This can be an extremely valuable tool for combating razor burn. Next time your bumps or irritation get really bad, mix a packet (avoid flavored oatmeal) in your bath and stew for 20 minutes.

- Strawberry And Sour Cream - This is a great way to reduce any type of facial bumps. Strawberries have similar properties to salicylic acid, which is available in most topical acne medicines (also aspirin). The bump reducing affect of the strawberries and the moisture of the sour cream work fantastic on razor burn. If you want to do this, mash room temperature strawberries with 1/4 cup of sour cream and apply as a mask for about 15 minutes then rinse.

- Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil can work wonders for razor burn. It has antiseptic properties so it may burn slightly when applied. You should apply it one to two times with a cotton ball to affected areas after shaving. If you have sensitive skin, you can mix it with Aloe Vera Gel to make it more tolerable. 

Healthy skin is a huge concern for the summer, especially in Florida. We want to make sure not only your skin is health, but it's baby soft and beautiful. With that said, if you print this blog post and bring it into The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Largo, we will give you a free bottle of aspirin, for all your headache and razor burn needs. For any questions pease call 727-501-0188. 

THE MEDICINE SHOPPE PHARMACY TO HOST COMMUNITY HEALTH TALK TO EDUCATE ABOUT STROKE

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. In order to help the community understand the risk factors and symptoms of stroke, a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo is presenting a Community Health Presentation at The Palms of Largo to launch a community awareness initiative on the risk factors and prevention of stroke.

 

The presentation will be held on the first floor of Cypress Palms on Tuesday June 25^th at noon. Attendance is free and lunch will be provided. Cypress Palms is located at 400 Lake Ave NE, Largo, FL 33771. The event will offer free blood pressure and cholesterol screening, stroke awareness materials, and a presentation by guest speaker E.J. Thompson, who has been in pharmacy for 10 years and is in EMS. Please contact Leah Einboden at 727-559-7888 to reserve your spot for the presentation.

 

“Time is crucial in the treatment of stroke, as on average, every 40 second someone in the United States has a stroke and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke,” said E.J., who lost a relative to stroke at age 31. “The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater chance of recovery.”

 

Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When this occurs, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying millions of valuable nerve cells within minutes.

 

“If you suspect a stroke, remember the word FAST- F-A-S-T,” said Dr. George Liristis, pharmacy director of The Medicine Shoppe of Largo. “F is for face- is your face drooping? A is for arms- can you lift both arms? S is for speech- are you slurring your words and T is for time, call 9-1-1 immediately because with stroke, time is brain.”

The primary stroke symptoms include:

·         Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping

·         Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

·         Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

·         Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

·         Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

·         Sudden severe headache with no known cause

 

About Stroke

 

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year, and 87 percent of these are ischemic strokes. An acute ischemic stroke occurs when an obstruction, such as a blood clot, blocks blood flow to the brain. The obstruction deprives the brain of blood and oxygen, destroying valuable nerve cells in the affected area within minutes. The resulting damage can lead to significant disability including paralysis, speech problems and emotional difficulties.

 

Treatment may be available if you get to the emergency room immediately upon recognition of stroke symptoms. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including lowering risk factors like high blood pressure and weight, can also help reduce your stroke risk.

 

For more information about stroke, visit www.strokeawareness.com

Why You Get A Hangover and How to Prevent or Cure Them

Everyone has had a hangover. Well statistically it's only 75% of people who drink alcohol will have a hangover. So, I guess I need to rephrase my first statement, everyone I know has had a hang over. It is interesting to see how easy to prevent a hangover is when you understand the science behind them. 

The formal name for a hangover is veisalgia, from the Norwegian word for "uneasiness following debauchery" (kveis) and the Greek word for "pain" (algia) -- an appropriate title considering the uncomfortable symptoms experienced by the average drinker. The common hangover includes some or all of the following:

- Sensitivity to light and sound

- Diarrhea

- Loss of appetite

- Trembling

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Increased heart rate and blood pressure

- Dehydration(dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry eyes)

- Trouble concentrating

- Anxiety

- Difficulty sleeping

- Weakness

- Headache

- Poor Sense of Overall Well-being

Now for the important part... WHY DO I GET A HANGOVER? 

When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and causes the pituitary gland in the brain to block the creation of vasopressin (also known as the antidiuretic hormone). Without this chemical, the kidneys send water directly to the bladder instead of reabsorbing it into the body. This is why drinkers have to make frequent trips to the bathroom after urinating for the first time after drinking. (This is known to drinkers as "breaking the seal")

According to studies, drinking about 250 milliliters of an alcoholic beverage causes the body to expel 800 to 1,000 milliliters of water; that's four times as much liquid lost as gained. This diuretic effect decreases as the alcohol in the bloodstream decreases, but the aftereffects help create a hangover. Partaking in additional activities that could assist in dehydration (dancing or sun exposure) could make matters worse.

The morning after heavy drinking, the body sends a desperate message to replenish its water supply -- usually manifested in the form of an extremely dry mouth. Headaches result from dehydration because the body's organs try to make up for their own water loss by stealing water from the brain, causing the brain to decrease in size and pull on the membranes that connect the brain to the skull, resulting in pain.

The frequent urination also expels salts and potassium that are necessary for proper nerve and muscle function; when sodium and potassium levels get too low, headaches, fatigue and nausea can result. Alcohol also breaks down the body's store of glycogen in the liver, turning the chemical into glucose and sending it out of the body in the urine. Lack of this key energy source is partly responsible for the weakness, fatigue and lack of coordination the next morning. In addition, the diuretic effect expels vital electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for proper cell function.

WHAT CAN HELP PREVENT A HANGOVER?

To prevent a hangover, the three things you can do prior to beginning drinking is drink water, eat, and take a multivitamin.

The food will slow down the absorption of the alcohol, giving the body more time to process the toxins. Having food in the stomach will also decrease stomach irritation, making it less likely for the drinker to vomit.

The water will make it less likely to become dehydrated, and the multivitamin will equip your body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs, so when the alcohol starts to deplete your vitamin levels, you're not as adversely affected.

WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY STARTED DRINKING BEFORE I READ THIS?

Well, the first thing you need to do is start drinking water, and stop drinking alcohol. The second step would be to eat something fatty and high in carbohydrates. (My personal preference is Taco Bell) And finally, take two Aspirin (NO TYLENOL) and maybe a vitamin.

When you wake up in the morning, you need to have a nice breakfast with fruit juice, eggs, and a banana or Gatorade. Why you ask?

Eating eggs the morning after provides energy like any other food, which is the primary benefit. But eggs do also contain large amounts of cysteine, the substance that breaks down the hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde in the liver's easily depleted glutathione. Therefore, eggs can potentially help mop up the left-over toxins.

Eating bananas the morning after a night of heavy drinking provides lost electrolytes like any food would, but it also specifically replenishes the potassium lost to alcohol's diuretic effect. Other potassium-rich foods such as kiwi fruit or sports drinks work just as well.

The fructose, fruit sugar,  in fruit juice helps to naturally increase the body's energy. Studies have proven that it also increases the rate at which the body gets rid of toxins such as those left over from alcohol metabolism. Fruit juice is also a good idea the morning after because it's high in vitamins and nutrients that were depleted the night before because of alcohol's diuretic effect. Vitamin supplements high in vitamins C and B are also effective.

I hope this helps out, but please take heed when you drink. The only true hangover remedy is to abstain from drinking, and never drink and drive. Have a safe summer!

How to enjoy your summer and avoid poison ivy.

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy outside activities, but avoiding some of the harmful environmental elements like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can be a job in itself. The oil that causes the rash in all three plants is the same, it is called urushiol. If you come in contact with this oil, the key is getting it off with in the time it binds to your skin, which is about 10-15 minutes. Knowing what the plants look like, how to treat the oil, and eventually the rash is the easiest way to avoid any miserable days during the summer months. Check out this awesome video on poison ivy and its treatment to find out more.

To find out more about poison ivy or to ask about the best way to treat your rash, please call The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo at 727-501-0188.

How to Inject an Insulin Pen

Please check out this short video on the step by step instructions on how to inject your insulin via a pen needle. At Regal Palms on the fourth Thursday of every month, we give a class on diabetes or heart health. Please make sure to either contact The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo at 727-501-0188 or Amy Cunningham at Regal Palms at 727-437-1350 if you interested in attending. Classes are free and lunch is provided.

7 Triggers That Increase Hot Flashes and 5 Remedies to Cool You Off

A hot flash is a momentary sensation of heat that can be accompanied by a red, flushing face and sweats. Hot flashes occur when the blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate to cool. This produces the red, flushed look to the face. A woman may also perspire to cool down her 

body. In addition, some women experience a rapid heart rate or chills.

How can you help prevent hot flashes? You can try to avoid these 8 triggers.

Stress

Caffeine

Alcohol

Spicy foods

Tight clothing

Heat

Cigarette smoke

Are you currently having them and want to try to temper them? Try these remedies.

Hormone Replacement Therapy. Everyone's body is different, so everyone experiencing hot flashes or other premenopausal symptoms require different levels of medication. The good thing about this, with lab work and an experienced doctor, you will know exactly what hormone you need, how much you need, and the best way to take the medicine. This will require a prescription, but this is the best way to treat the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Soy products. Plant estrogens, found in soy products, such as isoflavones, are thought to have weak estrogen-like effects that may reduce hot flashes. The research results, however, have been contradictory. Soy foods, not supplements, are recommended.

Black cohosh. Some studies suggest that black cohosh may be helpful in the very short term (six months or less) for treating hot flashes and night sweats. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset.

Evening primrose oil is another botanical that is often used to treat hot flashes, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Women taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, should not take evening primrose oil.

Flaxseed. Although there is no scientific evidence to support using flaxseed, it is thought to decrease the symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes. Also known as linseed, flaxseed is available in both whole seed and seed oil forms.

If you have any questions about Hormone Replacement Therapy, need help finding a doctor, or have any questions about the supplements listed here, call The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Largo at 727-501-0188 and the staff can give you any information you need. You can also bring in your lab results from your blood work and have our pharmacist give you his opinion about your hormone levels.

The Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare And You

The Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare and You

When President Obama decided that he wanted to "fix" healthcare by passing the Affordable Care Act, his intentions were to reduce the overall costs of healthcare in America. Regardless of party ties or if you agree with what the President has decided to do, it will affect every person in America. The original bill that passed is thousands of pages; so for me to write about everything you need to know, it would take days and many blog posts.

What I can recommend is taking an active role in trying to figure out how these new laws will affect you NOW and  in the future. There are a couple ways to do that. There is a book that is absolutely fantastic at breaking down Obamacare from each type of patient affected's point of view. The book is called "Obamacare Survival Guide" by Nick J. Tate. He was able to take the 2000 plus page bill and break it down by section into 220 pages. It is a very easy and quick read.

The other thing I would recommend, would be coming to see me speak on the topic on July 2, 2013 at Pinecrest Place as a public service sponsored by The Medicine Shoppe of Largo. If you're interested in attending the free event, please either call Diane Baldwin at Pinecrest Place in Largo, or call the pharmacy at 727-501-0188. The event is FREE and it takes place at 2:00 PM.

The Medicine Shoppe of Largo's Top 5 Medicare Part D Questions and Answers

Q: What classes of drugs are not covered under Medicare Part D?

A: - Meds used for anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain

- Fertility drugs

- Medications used for cosmetic reasons (acne, bleaching, hair growth) 

- Cough and cold medications

- Prescription vitamins and mineral products

- Over the counter medications 

- Some specialty medications

- Barbiturates

- Some plans do not cover benzodiazepines 

Q: How can I find out if a new medication is covered?

A: Unfortunately, the pharmacy cannot tell you if a new drug will be covered until they bill the claim. The only way to find out formulary information or which drugs are covered on your Medicare Part D plan is by contacting your insurance company. The number for each individual insurance company is on the back of your card.

Q: Why is my Medicare Part D copay different than last month?

A: There can be a variety of reasons that your Medicare Part D copay is different than the prior month. The most common reasons are a change in formulary or a change in your coverage. Medicare Part D plans can change formularies randomly, at any time. Medicare has 4 different sections of coverage. If you leave one section of coverage and go into a different section of coverage your copay can change drastically.

Q: I'm in my donut hole, how soon will it be until I'm able to have flat company's again?

A: Medicare Part D is broken up into 4 sections... your deductible, your initial coverage, your coverage gap, and your catastrophic coverage. This is how the four sections are broken down.

Deductible: The patient pays the first $325.00 dollars out of pocket.

Initial Coverage:  The patient is responsible for company's until the total amount of payment has reached $2970.00.

Coverage Gap (donut hole): Begins once you reach your Medicare Part D plan’s initial coverage limit ($2,970 in 2013) and ends when you spend a total of $4,750 in 2013. During this time, the patient is responsible for 47.5% of the brand costs and 79% of their generic drug costs.

Catastrophic Coverage: After the patient reaches a total of $4750 of total drug costs, they enter the catastrophic coverage. During their catastrophic coverage, the patient pays $2.65 for generics and $6.60 for brand drugs.

Q: My doctor gave me a manufacture copay coupon for my expensive drug, can I use it to reduce my copay or to help me in the donut hole?

A: Unfortunately if you look at the back of the card there is some fine print that says if the patient is enrolled in any government funded healthcare, they cannot use the manufacture coupon. That government funded healthcare could be Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or Tricare.