Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am to noon
Closed Sundays and holidays

Please follow & like us!
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
RSS Feed
Subscribe by email
Get new posts by email:
Archives

Posts Tagged ‘David Brokaw’

Insomnia. By Our Worn Out Student Pharmacist, David Brokaw.

Sleep. That blissful third of my life of which I have absolutely no memory. Did you know that our brains secrete neurotransmitters to paralyze our bodies so that we don’t act out our dreams1? The more I think about sleeping, dreaming, and the brain, the more I am fascinated by how we work, brain-wise. But what can we do when our brain isn’t able to follow its own instructions to settle down and get to sleep?

That brings us to my topic for today: insomnia.

Insomnia ranks third behind headaches and the common cold for what ails us. Adults need eight or more hours of sleep a night, but, on average, 6.9 hours is all that we get. And, as we age, this problem becomes more and more common. In 2005, 11% of adults managed insomnia with the help of alcohol, 9% used an over-the-counter sleep aid, and 7% used a prescription medicine for sleep.2

Sometimes, when I get stressed over a big deadline, I have trouble sleeping for a few days. But when the stressful day has passed, my sleep pattern returns to normal. This is transient insomnia.

There are also two other insomnia patterns. Short-term insomnia can last 1-3 weeks. Additionally, there is chronic insomnia, lasting more than 3 weeks. The latter is often a secondary problem of another medical condition, psychiatric disorder, or substance abuse. Problems with sleep could be caused, for example, by sleep apnea, diabetes, heartburn, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, chronic pain, anxiety/depression, and stimulant use, like caffeine or smoking. People with medical problems should seek treatment for the underlying medical condition first, which may improve their ability to sleep.

One or more of these strategies could help you wrestle with your particular insomnia demon:

Good sleep hygiene: 1. Avoid large meals later in the evening.

2. Avoid exercise 2-4 hours before bedtime.

3. Dim the lights, lower the volume on the television or radio, and relax.

4. Regulate the temperature in your bedroom to a comfortable level.

5. Avoid caffeine and smoking 4-6 hours before bed.

6. Avoid alcohol, which may help you feel drowsy, but can cause increased nighttime awakenings and bathroom visits.

7. Go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each day.

8. Avoid napping during the day.

Underlying medical condition: Ask your physician if your insomnia could be related to a medical condition or a current medication. Seek treatment if your sleep loss is negatively affecting your day-to-day functioning. Sleep apnea is a common breathing problem and an often underdiagnosed cause of insomnia.

Prescription options: Medications called ‘hypnotics’ are available for short term use for insomnia (e.g., Valium, Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). They are modestly effective in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep, giving you 10-30 minutes more sleep on average for up to 6 months. However, some of these medications can have addictive qualities and could be harmful if used in the long term. Long term use has been compared to smoking in both the increased risk of mortality and cancer3. As we get older, too, these medications are even more risky if used on a long term basis4. This is a discussion best had with your doctor.

Complementary therapy: Melatonin has limited empirical evidence, but on a 0.3-0.5 mg starting dose one hour before bedtime, this supplement may help you fall asleep in the short-term only (jet-lag). Do not use melatonin in pregnancy.

5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP, for short, is a supplement that should be avoided, because it has no proven efficacy and is potentially harmful. I wouldn’t risk it.

Other herbal products are equally unproven with limited safety data (valerian, kava, chamomile, ginseng, lavender, hops, lemon balm, passionflower.) Acupuncture, tai chi, and light therapy may help, but, again, no studies have confirmed any benefit.

Over-the-counter options: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the ingredient in “PM” products, sometimes labeled as “sleep aids”. Benadryl is an antihistamine widely used to induce sleep, but may cause “morning after” effects (hard to get moving, a feeling of being tired) in some individuals. The usual dose is 50 mg, but some people use 25 mg, 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Do not use Benadryl for more than 2-3 consecutive nights without taking ‘time off’ from the medication to re-assess improvement in your sleep pattern. Benadryl, plus a pain reliever (Tylenol PM, Advil PM), can help if insomnia is accompanied by mild pain.

Best option (in my opinion): Daily exercise – it’s good for you and it helps you sleep better, feel better, think better, and live longer!

I think I just put myself to sleep…..

References:

  1. http://www.jneurosci.org/content/32/29/9785.full.pdf+html?sid=8ac6964b-8a2c-4fa7-aec3-cbbc6bc880f2.
  2. 2005 National Sleep Foundation survey.
  3. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jerry-siegel/are-sleeping-pills-good-f_b_446804.html
  4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22371848

 

Treating Sunburn. By Our Student Pharmacist, David Brokaw.

June is one of the most beautiful months of the year in Ohio, and, like most of us, I like to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying the weather. The downside is that every year, without fail, I innocently stay outside all afternoon on the first free sunny day, while totally forgetting that the sun is a giant ball of energy constantly radiating powerful UV light down to Earth. Somehow, being incarcerated indoors all winter long has this incredible amnestic effect on my memory of last year’s sunburn. So again, I learned the hard way about sunburn and the cosmetic appeal (and pain) that comes with a fantastic “farmer’s tan.”

Here are a few things I learned along the way:

Sunburn appears as painful, reddened skin with possible swelling, which is associated with increased blood flow. The worst part of the burn is usually delayed, appearing after 24-48 hours.

Mild sunburn is red, painful, warm to the touch, and may be accompanied by a low grade fever, dizziness, or a headache. The skin may peel after several days as new skin cells are produced from lower layers to regenerate the damaged layer of skin (epidermis).

Moderate sunburns, however, can lead to nausea, fever or chills, and blistering, which may require professional wound care.

Severe sunburns may lead to heat stroke, so patients with fever, confusion, weakness, or convulsions should seek medical attention immediately. Even some of the medications we take can make us burn faster, increasing our photosensitivity, so we should check with our pharmacists if we have a concern.

General treatment for sunburn should start with staying out of the sun and covering up with protective clothing when outside. Cool compresses or a cool bath can help relieve pain. To prevent drying of the skin, a skin cream or ointment can be used to trap moisture. Some choose an aloe vera product to help soothe the skin. Blisters should not be broken open, because they protect the skin underneath, nor should peeling skin be pulled off. Vitamin C plays a major role in wound healing and taking two grams daily could possibly help until the burn is healed.

To treat sunburn symptoms, time heals all wounds–in this case 3-6 days for mild and 2-3 weeks for moderate sunburns. But for pain, we have a couple of options. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin, are preferred to help with the redness and swelling especially in the first 24 hours after UV exposure. These drugs are taken differently from each other, so it is important to read the directions on the label for correct dosing and appropriateness for children. Some people cannot take NSAIDs, so Tylenol is an option there. Provided that you are not allergic, topical anesthetics (benzocaine, lidocaine) should only be used on intact skin (not blisters), and should only be used on small areas of skin, no more than 3-4 times a day.

What shouldn’t you use? Products with menthol or camphor, although they smell nice (think Vick’s VapoRub), should not be used because they can actually increase the pain and swelling. Ouch! Also, the use of honey as a home remedy for sunburn is not recommended by burn centers.

Next time I decide to enjoy time in the sun outside with friends, you’d better believe I will have my sunblock and a good pair of sunglasses with me!

[Source: Dlugosz CK. The Practioner’s Quick Reference to Nonprescription Drugs. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmacists Association. 2009. pp 30-41.]

Blood Donation on World Blood Donor Day, June 14. By Our Super Student, David Brokaw.

Friday, June 14is World Blood Donor Day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) started marking this day a decade ago in order to make us aware that the need for donated blood is a constant one, and, additionally, to thank those benevolent donors who gave some of their life to save another’s.

Natural disasters such as tornados, wildfires, and hurricanes can be devastating. One way to prepare for their eventual occurrence is by maintaining an adequate blood supply. Blood can always be shipped to those who need it most.

Many of us are familiar with the American Red Cross. For those in or around Plain City, here are two nearby blood collection centers:

  • Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross

112 East 5th Street, Marysville, OH 43040

(937) 642-6651

  • Carriage Place Donor Center

4820 Sawmill Road, Columbus, OH 43235

(614) 326-2337

Open: Tuesday-Saturday; hours vary daily

The Red Cross is holding collection days at other locations on special days, as well:

  • Friday, June 14th, 1:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Riviera Golf Club, 8205 Avery Rd, Dublin, OH

  • Friday, June 14th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dublin Community Church, 81 W. Bridge St., Dublin, OH

  • Friday, Jun 21st, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Netsmart Technologies, 555 Metro Place N., Dublin, OH

***Buy 1, Get 1 FREE COUPON for the COLUMBUS ZOO with each donation** at any Red Cross site.

Here are some questions that you might have when considering blood donation:

Q. Do I qualify to donate blood?

You must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be generally healthy (or under control, if treated for a condition). A brief medical history, travel history, and vital signs will be taken at your appointment including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

Q. How can I prepare before I donate? The Red Cross recommends:

  • Hydrate – drink water the day of your donation.
  • Comfortable clothes – be able to roll up your sleeve.
  • Iron-rich foods – In the weeks before donation, add more of these foods: beans, peas, strawberries, raisins, dried fruit, spinach, broccoli, greens, shrimp, tuna, scallops, oysters, breads, meats, and eggs, to name a few.
  • List of medications– Very important for you and for the Red Cross. List all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplemental products you are using.
  • Bring an ID – Driver’s license, donor card, or two other forms of ID.
  • Bring a friend & Relax – sit back, chat, relax, or think about how you are helping others in need.

Q. How long does it take?

About an hour. It is recommended to enjoy the free snacks and rehydrate after donating. You can stay in the recovery lounge as long as you like.

Q. What should I do after donating?

Say thank you to yourself! You’ve just done a really good deed.

The Red Cross also encourages you to drink more water and avoid heavy lifting or exercise – the only time exercise is not recommended! And wear your bandage proudly!

 

“Give the Gift of Life: Donate Blood”

American Red Cross (source): (http://www.redcrossblood.org/centralohio); 1-800-Red-Cross (phone)

Read Red Cross personal stories on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossBlood)

World Health Org: (http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2013/en/index.html)

 

Meet Our Student Pharmacist for June, David Brokaw!

David Brokaw is happy to be joining Plain City Druggist & Midwestern Compounding in the beautiful month of June for his first rotation as an Ohio State student pharmacist!

One of the first things you will likely wonder, if you are of a certain age, is if he is related to the newscaster, Tom Brokaw. It turns out, David is, in fact, a very distant cousin, but not close enough to exchange Christmas cards last year.

David originally hails from North Canton, Ohio, but moved back in 2010 to the Buckeye State from Indianapolis to start pharmacy school. Prior to pharmacy school, David had worked in several genetic testing laboratories in Indiana, California, and North Carolina. He also had an opportunity to work in stem cell research to try to cure Parkinson’s disease. But those were just his day jobs….

David also has loved to play the piano from an early age. As his mother tells the story, he would come home from preschool and play songs they sang in class on the piano by ear. He started lessons at age 6 and eventually finished a second bachelor’s degree in music at Indiana University, where he took his first bachelor’s in biology. Nowadays, David mostly gives concerts in his living room, but, on occasion, you might find him playing at weddings, cafes, or the annual College of Pharmacy Talent Show for charity held at the Ohio Union in the spring.

Since both of David’s parents are pharmacists, this probably means he was genetically determined to become a pharmacist eventually. However, his older brother, Chris, went into law, so those genes must have skipped him! When not hitting the books or playing piano, David loves to go hiking, visit national parks, travel abroad, try out new restaurants, and read for pleasure.

While at Plain City Druggist, David will be learning the business side of how independent pharmacies operate as well as the day-to-day intricacies of filling prescriptions, counseling, and making compounds. He is looking forward to meeting and talking with everyone, customers and staff alike. Feel free to ask David anything if you see him in the pharmacy!