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 

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

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 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.