Archive for September, 2020

The Orchard and Company, a family friendly destination, will be open beginning this Saturday, September 12 for their annual Family Fun on the Farm from 11 am-6 pm, September and October weekends through November 1st.

A safe re-opening plan, approved by the Health Department, has been put into place at The Orchard and Company. Some of the changes being implemented include signage and ground markings as a reminder to social distance. Maintaining a clean facility has always been a priority, but additional sanitizing practices have been set up.

You can take part in the “U-Pick Apples” as different varieties of apples become ready for picking. Check out the web site HERE for picking schedules, pricing, and the type of apple that is ready to pick.

The Orchard and Company features, not only an apple orchard, but also many exciting activities meant to entice visitors from Plain City and across the state.

For children, there are tons of fun activities that will keep them on the move, including a pedal car track, tire climb, jumping pillow, zip lines, and more.

All activities will be open except the corn pit and wagon ride, because, unfortunately, there’s no practical way to sanitize or encourage social distancing with those two activities. There will be new activities to replace the corn pit and wagon rides.

The Orchard and Company is located south of Plain City at 7255 US Highway 42 North at the intersection of US Highway 42 and Price Hilliard Road, just a short, scenic drive from Columbus, London, Marysville, or Dayton. They are located across the road from Canaan Middle School.

The Orchard and Company would also like to encourage bicycle aficionados to ride out. The Orchard and Company is only a few miles from the Heritage Rail Trail’s endpoint on Cemetery Pike in Plain City.

An Orchard Festival Farm Yard day pass is $10.00 for adults and children (3-18), $5.00 for seniors. Children two and under receive free admission.

Fishing in The Orchard’s pond requires an additional $2. Gem Mining to search for “pay dirt” gems is $5.00, while a hunt for fossils is $6.00.

The Orchard and Company can also accommodate large groups and parties once we are done with this crazy virus. Contact The Orchard for a place to host school outings, birthday parties, reunions, weddings, company meetings, and other special occasions.

For more information on The Orchard and Company, visit their web site: www.theorchardandcompany.com

Become a fan on Facebook HERE.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics have been termed “good bacteria”. Probiotics usually refer to live bacteria in the gut that naturally live in your body. You might be wondering if having this bacteria in your gut will make you sick. The answer is no.

Remember when I said there is a term called good bacteria? Many bacteria in the gut help with processes such as digestion, as well as make important substances like Vitamin K. Your body uses vitamin K for clotting your blood.

Your gut, however, can also consist of bad bacteria. When you get an infection there is usually more bad bacteria, knocking your system out of balance. This is where probiotics can come into play. Good bacteria help eliminate extra bad bacteria thus returning your system back to balance.

How do probiotics work?

The main goal of probiotics is to help restore balance in your gut between the good bacteria and bad bacteria. Your body works constantly to prevent the increased growth of bad bacteria. When you have an increase in bad bacteria you are more likely to become sick. Good bacteria help keep bad bacteria from overgrowing which allows you to stay healthy. This balancing act is constantly happening all of the time. A way to keep your good bacteria in check is by eating a well balanced diet rich in fiber.

Should I take probiotics?

Currently, the main job of probiotics is to help digest food, relieve constipation, decrease diarrhea, and boost immunity. If any of these experiences are a common thing for you I would recommend you try probiotics to help.

Be wary of probiotic products that make claims such as weight loss and reduced cancer risk. Those claims have not been validated. There is evidence that probiotics can treat certain medical conditions.

Wilkins T, Sequoia J. states, “There is high-quality evidence that probiotics are effective for acute infectious diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C-Diff).”

Are there any risks to taking probiotics?

For the most part, probiotics have been used safely for years. However, there are some concerns to be aware of when taking probiotics. Exercise caution with use from immunocompromised (having a weakened immune system) patients. Some examples of immunocompromised patients are individuals with cancer, HIV, or previous bone or organ transplant recipient. Because probiotics consist of live bacteria, there is a chance that an immunocompromised patient’s experience with probiotics could be fatal. Also probiotics are not recommended in patients who are lactose intolerant (have a sensitivity to milk).

What are the reliable probiotic brands?

Probiotics are considered dietary supplements not drugs, Therefore, the FDA does not monitor manufacturing of probiotics. This is a major reason why it is important to buy your probiotics from a reliable brand.

Below is a list of probiotics that were recommended by a dietician:

• Culturelle daily probiotics
• Gardens of life raw probiotics for women
• Renew Life
• Klaire Labs
• Innate response 14-20
• Advanced Naturals
• Seed

What are the ways I can take probiotics?

Probiotics can come in a variety of forms such as:

• Food
• Drinks
• Capsules or Pills
• Powders
• Liquids

When using probiotic products, it’s important to store them in the proper place. Some probiotic products are sensitive to heat, light, and humidity. If probiotics are exposed to these elements, they will start to break down thus becoming ineffective to use. Recommended storage would be a dark cool place like a cabinet. Also, remember to look at the product to see if it requires refrigeration.

In conclusion, don’t start taking probiotics without talking to your doctor or pharmacist about whether probiotics might help you.

References: 

Probiotics. Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics. Updated 03/09/2020 Accessed 08/19/2020

Wilkins T, Sequoia J. Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Summary of the Evidence. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):170-178.

Doron S, Snydman DR. Risk and safety of probiotics. Clin Infect Dis. 2015;60 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S129-S134. doi:10.1093/cid/civ085

Should you take probiotics.https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-take-probiotics. Published April 2016. Updated August 20th, 2019. Accessed August 19,2020.

Kellie Bramlet Blackburn.Should you take a daily probiotic supplement.https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/should-you-take-a-daily-probiotic-supplement-.h16-1592202.html. Accessed August 19,2020 

Risks and Benefits of Probiotics.WebMD.https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/probiotics-risks-benefits#2. Updated May 12, 2019 Accessed August 19, 2020 

Sydney Greene.The 7 Best Probiotics According to a Dietician.https://www.verywellfit.com/best-probiotics-4163636.Updated 02,2020.Accessed 08/20/2020

Picture References:

Amazon.Renew Life – Ultimate Flora Probiotic Women’s Care – 25 billion – probiotics for women – daily digestive and immune health supplement – 30 vegetable capsules.https://www.amazon.com/Renew-Life-Womens-Probiotic-Supplement/dp/B004ZNDFIW. Accessed August 20,2020

Renew Life.Ultimate flora extra care probiotic 50 billion (14 caps).https://www.renewlife.com/ultimate-flora-extra-care-probiotic-50-billion.html. Accessed August 20,2020

Amazon.Klair Labs – Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete Probiotic – 25 Billion High CFU Probiotic for Women & Men – 12 Species – Digestive Health and Immune Support – Hypoallergenic and Dairy Free (60 Capsules).https://www.amazon.com/Klaire-Labs-Ther-Biotic-Complete-Probiotic/dp/B00JZ246S6. Accessed August 20, 2020

We want to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day. Please remember that we are allowing our staff to celebrate the holiday, so the pharmacy will be closed on Monday, September 7.

We will re-open on Tuesday, September 8 at 9 am and will be open regular business hours.

We will also be open regular hours on Saturday, September 5 from 9 am to noon, so if you need anything in advance of the holiday, please come in and see us.

If you have an emergency over this Labor Day weekend, you can reach the pharmacist on call by phoning the after hours number at 614-873-0020.