Archive for April, 2019

We are now offering a FREE 30-day supply of Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children’s Chewables Complete Multi-Vitamins each month for kids ages 2-12 years.

The Healthy Kids Free Vitamin Program ensures that your children will get the vitamins and nutrients they need even when you are on the go and can’t sit down for a home-cooked meal.

Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children’s Chewables Complete Multi-Vitamins have the following benefits:

• Compare to Flintstones Complete active ingredients
• Fun animal shapes
• Active Ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper

Stop in today and get a punch card that you can use each month to remind you to pick up the vitamins for each child in your family.

Understanding Diabetes:

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease state characterized by high blood sugar. It increases the risk for complications including heart and blood vessel disease(s).

In type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Patients with type 1 diabetes will almost always need prescription insulin, as insulin is needed for the body to turn the sugar consumed from meals into energy.

In type 2 diabetes, the body may still be able to produce some insulin during early stages, but it cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. The majority of patients with diabetes have type 2.

What are some warning signs and symptoms of diabetes?

Warning signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• excess thirst
• excess hunger
• extreme tiredness or fatigue
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• irritability
• slow wound healing
• dry skin
• tingling or numbness in hands and/or feet 

Why is it important to be mindful of elevated blood sugar levels?

Being able to avoid spikes in blood sugar allows for a longer, healthier life. Individuals who maintain a normal blood sugar level tend to have more energy and a better immune system capable of fighting off infections. Keeping your blood sugar under control also decreases the risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney injury, nerve pain, vision loss, and more.

Managing the ABCs of Diabetes and Incorporating Lifestyle Modifications

What are the ABCs of diabetes?

A1c: A1c is a measure of average blood sugar level over the course of three months. Your A1c provides a picture of how well blood sugar is controlled over time. An ideal A1c goal for the average adult, according to the American Diabetes Association, is 7%. By maintaining this goal and keeping diabetes under control, disease progression and risk of long term complications are reduced.

Blood Pressure: The higher an individual’s blood pressure readings are, the harder their heart is working. If the heart is working too hard, those individuals are at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. For patients with diabetes, it is important to maintain a blood pressure goal of less than 140/90.

Cholesterol: There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is responsible for blocking blood vessels. Blockage can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Prescription medications known as statins can be used to lower cholesterol levels and are recommended for most patients with diabetes between the ages of 40 and 75. Discuss with your doctor if starting a statin would be right for you.

What are appropriate lifestyle modifications?

• Eat Well – Consider foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Substitute juice and regular soda with water. When eating a full meal, the American Diabetes Association provides recommendations to fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with lean protein.
• Stay Active – A good starting place is to take three, ten minute walks daily. You can also increase your muscle strength by doing yoga, gardening, or with push-ups twice a week.
• Quit Smoking – Talk to your pharmacist if you need advice on what resources are available to help you to quit.
• Adhere to Medication Regimens
• Monitor and Log Daily Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Readings

Routine Eye, Foot, and Dental Care is Key

Eye Care: Diabetes may cause vision problems over time, including blindness. It is essential to see an eye doctor for an annual, dilated eye exam.

Foot Care: Diabetes may result in the loss of feeling and sensation in extremities, especially feet. It is important to visually exam each foot every day for blisters, burns, cuts, or sores. A visit to the foot doctor should be scheduled each year.

Other tips include:

• Wash feet every day with warm (not hot) water
• Do not soak feet
• Dry feet thoroughly, including in between each toe
• Apply lotion as needed to avoid dry and/or cracking skin
• Do not walk barefoot

Dental Care: Diabetes can cause gum and teeth problems. Practicing good dental hygiene is important. Schedule an appointment to see a dentist at least once a year.

Also consider the following:

• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Limit sugary foods and beverages

Recommended Vaccinations

What vaccinations are recommended for adults with diabetes and why?

Diabetes tends to weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections. Some of the more serious complications, however, can be prevented by receiving the proper vaccinations. These complications may otherwise lead to hospitalizations and sometimes even fatalities.

Adults, especially those with diabetes, should receive vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), and shingles. Stop by the pharmacy to get your questions answered and to receive your vaccinations!

• Influenza Vaccine – An annual flu shot will protect against the seasonal influenza virus. If you are 65 years or older, ask for the high dose.
• Pneumococcal Vaccines – Pneumococcal vaccines will protect you from pneumonia. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out which pneumonia shot(s) are right for you- more than one vaccine may be required.
• Tdap Vaccine – The Tdap vaccine will protect you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. You should receive this once every 10 years.
• Zoster Vaccine – The most effective zoster vaccine is known as Shingrix. It protects against shingles in adults 50 years and older. You should receive two doses of the vaccine.

Resources:

1. American Diabetes Association (ADA). Statistics About Diabetes. Last reviewed March 2018.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017. 2017.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Working Together to Manage Diabetes: A Toolkit. February 2016.
4. National Diabetes Education Program. National Institute of Diabetes. 4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life. January 2016.
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC. What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Adult Vaccines. August 2018.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 10 am to 2 pm. During this yearly event, you can turn in old or no longer used medicines for proper disposal. We know that many of you may have medications that have expired or that you don’t take any more and this is a perfect way to make sure they are destroyed so that no one gets hurt.

To find out more about the Take-Back Day, visit the web site HERE.

To find a disposal location near you, go HERE and put in your zip code or county and city.

In Union County, you can turn in unused and expired medications at these sites:

Union County Sheriff’s Office

221 West 5th Street, Marysville, OH 43040 (Please enter the sally port from the south off of 6th St. Signs will be posted).

Pleasant Valley Fire Department

650 West Main Street, Plain City, OH 43064 (Please enter the rear of the bays).

Richwood Police Department

153 North Franklin Street, Richwood, OH 43344 (Please enter the sally port entrance).

Save the Date!!! April 25 will be here soon!

We always know spring is here when the Plain City Lions Club auction finally arrives. This year, those fun-loving Lions are hoping you’ll join them the last Thursday of the month and raise money for their many, many service projects and local charities. This auction, which is filled with jokes and teasing along with tons of super buys, always leaves people with full bellies, giant smiles, and empty wallets (people bid often to help support a good cause!).

You can bid on several great items at the auction including: one skid of water softener salt donated by ASE Feed and Supply, a Stihl gas string trimmer donated by Hilliard Lawn and Garden, a Lake Erie perch dinner for the lucky buyer and eleven other family members and friends (courtesy of Captain and Lion Roger Weeks and his wife, Ann), a hickory slab (live edge) coffee table handmade and donated by Lion Perry Beachy, an Adirondack Chair donated by Yutzy’s Farm Market, an Ohio flag flown over the Ohio Statehouse donated by Senator Bob Hackett, a spray-on bed liner donated by Bullet Bed Liner, and a cordless hedge trimmer donated by Beachy Small Engines.

The Lions Club Annual Dinner and Auction will be held on Thursday, April 25, in the Banquet room at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are $18, which includes a family style dinner and entry to the auction. The meal will be served at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at True Value Hardware (see Lion Perry Yoder), Main Street Treasures (see Lion Linda Peters), or here at the pharmacy (see Joe or Tayler). The auctioneers this year are Geoff Smith, Dan Westlake, and Jay Kurtz.

Stop in the pharmacy as soon as possible and buy your tickets! You will have a roaring good time!

Click on the flyer below to enlarge it and get extra details.

With temperatures outside rising, it is important to keep yourself and your medications safe!

Certain medications can increase the sensitivity of our skin to the sun, cause heat intolerance, and promote dehydration. Medications themselves can also be damaged by the sun, heat, and humidity.

Keep yourself safe:

Due to varying mechanisms of action and side effects of certain medications, you may be at an increased risk of sunburn, heat intolerance, and/or dehydration. Medications that make the skin more prone to sunburn include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, and NSAIDs. For a more comprehensive list, please refer to the end of this article.*

These medications may cause a severe burn, hives, rash, and an increased risk of skin cancer if you spend any amount of time in the sun without protection. To reduce the risk of this adverse event, take protective measures against the sun. Find shade, stay covered, and apply the appropriate sunscreen. Check back later this month for an article on how to stay safe in the sun!

Some medications can also cause heat intolerance. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, and antihistamines, including Benadryl, cause individuals to sweat less. This increases internal body temperatures and results in an increased risk of heat intolerance. Beta blockers, typically used for blood pressure or heart rate control, reduce blood flow to the skin. This also increases the risk of heat intolerance. Overheating due to heat intolerance can lead to heat stroke, characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, confusion, and fainting. To reduce the risk of heat intolerance, stay hydrated, seek shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous physical activities outside.

Medications, including water pills, such as furosemide and other diuretics, work by eliminating fluid from the body and increasing the risk of dehydration. Laxatives also increase the risk of dehydration due to fluid loss. These medications, in addition to too much fun in the sun without the proper hydration, can be a dangerous combination. A good way to reduce the risk of dehydration is by maintaining an adequate fluid intake and avoiding alcoholic beverages.

Reach out to your pharmacist if you have questions regarding if these side effects are common for any of your current medications.

Keeping your medications safe:

It is also important to consider any and all products that are temperature sensitive themselves, to ensure safety and effectiveness. Medications that are required to be stored under refrigeration should be kept around 35-40°F. Those that are to be stored at room temperature should be kept around 75-77°F, away from humidity and light. If a medication should be kept at room temperature it is best to store it in a cabinet or a drawer outside of the bathroom and out of the reach of children and pets. This storage prevents exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Otherwise, these medications can lose their potency and effectiveness, meaning you are not receiving the appropriate therapeutic amount of medications. If you do not receive therapeutic doses of insulin, blood sugar may drastically increase; if you do not receive therapeutic doses of antibiotics, infections may worsen or become resistant.

Although there may not always be a physical sign, some medications may have noticeable changes if they are damaged by the heat. Changes in smell, taste, color, and form may be observed. If you notice any of these changes, call your local pharmacy to ask questions and request refills.

0Medications that have not been stored correctly should be disposed of properly. Various police stations and fire departments have drop off boxes to dispose of damaged and/or expired medications. Additional locations will take back medications on national prescription drug take-back day, which will take place this year on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10:00am. to 2:00pm. Otherwise medications may be disposed of by mixing them with cat litter or coffee grounds and throwing the mixture into the garbage.

Additional tips to keep your medication safe:

• Do not leave medications in the car.
• If you are traveling, keep your medications in a cooler or insulated bag.
• If you are traveling by plane, keep your medications in your carry-on; use a cool pack if needed.
• Travel with only as much medication as you need for the trip.
• If you wear an insulin pump, consider changing the insulin more frequently in the summer.

Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions regarding a medication that may have been stored incorrectly.

* Antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)

Antifungals: voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin

Antihistamines: cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, cyproheptadine

Cholesterol lowering agents: simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin

Diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, furosemide, triamterene

NSAIDs: ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, ketoprofen

Oral contraceptives and estrogens

Antiemetics: chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine

Psoralens: methoxsalen, trioxsalen

Retinoids: acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin

Sulfonamides: acetazolamide, sulfadiazine, sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole

Sulfonylureas: glipizide, glyburide

Miscellaneous medications: amiodarone, lamotrigine, quinidine.

Resources:

1. Harrelson L. Summer Weather Doesn’t Mix With Some Medications. Accessed April 2019. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/medication-affected-by-summer-heat-151887.htm.
2. Polk County Health Department. Keep Your Medications Away From Summer Heat! Accessed April 2019. https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/189984/medication-handout.pdf.
3. Rathner JL. Medications Can Make You More Sun and Heat Sensitive. Accessed April 2019. Published August 2012. https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/august-2012/medications-can-make-you-more-sun-and-heat -sensitive/.
4. Stoller-Conrad J. Why you should keep medicines out of the summer heat. Accessed April 2019. Published July 2012. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/07/10/156575072/why-you-should-keep-medicines-out-of- summer-heat.
5. Tunno BB. Heat and medication: pharmacists share tips to keep your prescriptions safe. By Bianca Barr Tunno, AccuWeather staff writer. Accessed April 2019. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/how-does-heat-affect-medications/70001730.
6. US Food and Drug Administration. The Sun and Your Medicine. Accessed April 2019. Updated September 2015. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/SpecialFeatures/ucm464195.htm