Zinc May Stave Off Infection
Zinc is important to the development and function of the immune system. A recent study of nursing home residents revealed that 30% of residents were deficient in zinc. These folks also were at higher risk of pneumonia. Another study found that zinc supplementation was linked to an increase in function and number of T-cells (a type of white blood cell that targets and destroys pathogens). In the study, participants were given a daily multivitamin with 30mg of zinc or a placebo (multivitamin with 5mg of zinc). As zinc levels in the treatment group increased, so did the number and function of T-cells. Check with your doctor before taking zinc.
Eggs Exonerated
Eating an egg a day was not linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), premature death or high cholesterol, according to a recent analysis of data on 177,000 people. In another new study, researchers tracked the diets of 182,000 people for 32 years and found no increased risk associated with moderate consumption of eggs. Eggs were once seen as coronary bombshells because of their cholesterol content. However, research is revealing that saturated fat in food, rather than dietary cholesterol, may have a greater impact on blood cholesterol levels and resulting health issues.
Stay Healthy During Travel
When you travel, there are steps you can take to prevent illness or injury from spoiling your trip. Proper hand washing is essential, especially before eating. Also, carry hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t available. Take along disinfectant wipes. If flying, wipe down your area: seat, armrests, tray table and seat belt. If you’re going to the beach, use sunscreen and wear shoes that will protect your feet from sharp objects or insects. If camping, don’t forget insect repellent and know how to identify poison ivy or oak. If going out of country, research the region’s food and water safety ahead of time to reduce risk of traveler's diarrhea.
For your convenience we are Open Labor Day Monday 8-12pm. Hope everyone stays safe and enjoys this holiday.
Use Topical NSAID Gel Safely
Topical NSAID gels for arthritis pain relief may have fewer adverse side effects than oral NSAIDs, but users need to follow directions and use it properly. Don’t use the product on skin that’s open or irritated. Use the specified amount for the specified time. Don’t combine the pain reliever gel with other skin care products. Avoid contact with others, especially children, until gel is completely dry. Wash hands immediately after using unless using for hand joint pain. Avoid using NSAID gel if you have cardiovascular disease or gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. Don’t use it while using oral NSAIDs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about other drugs you take.
Reduce Lung Cancer Risk
Not smoking is one way to reduce lung cancer risk. A new study suggests getting more fiber and yogurt in your diet may also cut risk. Researchers analyzed data from 10 different studies involving 1.4 million adults. Researchers adjusted for factors such as age and smoking. They found that people who ate the most dietary fiber (31g/day for men, 28g for women) had a 17% reduced risk of developing lung cancer over the next 8.5 years compared to those who ate about 10g/day. They also found that high intake of yogurt (3oz for men, 4oz for women) was linked to 19% lower risk. For those that ate both, the risk was 30% lower.
More Good News For Coffee Lovers
Drinking coffee may lead to better heart health and longevity, especially if it’s brewed with a filter. A recent study of more than 500,000 healthy adults ages 20 to 79 suggests a link between coffee consumption and overall reduced mortality. Those who drank 1 to 4 cups of filtered coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of premature death (including death from heart disease) compared to those who don’t drink coffee. Researchers say that some brewing methods leave behind certain compounds that may raise cholesterol, but filters trap the compounds. Pregnant women should check with their healthcare professional regarding coffee consumption.
“Serve Up Fire Safety In The Kitchen!”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week is about cooking safely. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Always stay focused and alert when cooking; unattended cooking is the leading cause of those fires. Keep a lid nearby to extinguish small fires. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Keep your cooking area free of anything that can catch fire. Wear short or tight sleeves when cooking; loose-fitting clothing can catch fire more easily. Create a 3-ft. “kid-free zone” around the stove area, where hot food or drink is prepared. Regularly test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working; they save lives.
It’s a beautiful day to get out and come by the pharmacy and get a free health screening. Do you know what your blood sugar is? How about your blood pressure? We can tell you! See you today!
Mindful Walking
Walking is a convenient and effective form of exercise with many health benefits. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to positively affect physical and mental health. Individually, both walking and mindfulness have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress, and combining them can amplify the effect. Mindfulness is awareness in the moment of your thoughts, senses, feelings and bodily sensations. Focusing on your breathing is a good way to stay in the moment or return to it if your mind wanders. Walking in nature may reduce stress and improve mood even more than indoors on a treadmill.
Come on by today and get a free health screening from our on site Auburn Pharmacy Students. Our lobby is open until 5pm.
Suicide Prevention
This COVID-19 crisis has had many profound and psychological effects. Many feel alone and depressed. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help. It may be just a phone call away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Calls are routed to a local crisis center with trained staff. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are free and confidential. Volunteer counselors listen, offer support and suggest resources in your local area. Services are not limited to people who are suicidal, but open to anyone needing to talk about the stresses of life.
Ward Off Frailty
Frailty in old age can lead to higher risk of falls, hospitalization, chronic illness, loss of independence and mortality. To ward off frailty and stay strong, exercise regularly, including both aerobic and strength training. This helps keep muscle strength and mass. Eat a healthy diet. In a recent study, those with the best diets (similar to DASH or Mediterranean diets) had a 20% lower risk of becoming frail. Another strategy is prudent financial planning to prevent socioeconomic stress; reducing stress leads to better health outcomes. Stay socially active and engaged; isolation can lead to inactivity, depression and loss of appetite.
Have A Safe And Happy Thanksgiving
When preparing your Thanksgiving turkey, remember these tips to prevent food-borne illnesses. The cooking process kills any surface bacteria, so experts say it's not necessary to wash the bird before cooking. However, wash your hands and kitchen surfaces frequently to avoid spreading bacteria that may be present on the bird. It’s recommended to cook the turkey until its internal temperature reaches 165 to 170 degrees in the thickest part
of the breast and 180 degrees in the thigh. It’s safest to cook stuffing separately. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
Weight May Affect Memory
Research shows there is a relationship between obesity and impaired circulation in the brain, brain atrophy and reduced cognitive function. A recent analysis of two long-term studies of 5,000 adults showed that women who were overweight between 20 and 49 years of age had double the risk of dementia later in life. Both men and women who were obese (BMI of 30 or more) in those early years were 150% more likely to develop dementia. Investigators say that hormones released from fat may increase inflammation in the brain, affecting arterial function and reducing nourishing blood flow to the brain.
Olive Oil Benefits
Olive oil consumption has been linked with lower risk of heart disease especially in the Mediterranean regions, where consumption is high. American researchers wanted to see if that was true for the U.S., where olive oil intake is lower. They followed 93,000 Americans for 24 years. Those whose diets included consuming ½ tablespoon of olive oil a day did indeed have an 18% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who ate olive oil less than once a month. Olive oil consumers also showed lower levels of blood markers of inflammation. The study only proves an association not cause-and-effect but confirms unsaturated fats may lower LDL.
Get Your Zzzzzz’s
According to a new study, insufficient sleep may make you hungrier. Researchers found that on the day after women slept one-third fewer hours than usual (4.5 to 6 hours instead of 7 to 9), they were hungrier and had more food cravings. This is because the two hormones that regulate appetite (ghrelin and leptin) are affected by sleep. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, and leptin decreases it. With less sleep, ghrelin levels spike and leptin falls, which increases hunger. Less sleep also triggers endocannabinoid, which makes eating more enjoyable and increases desire for foods such as chips, cookies and candy.
Kegel Exercises
Experts say that about one-third of women over 60 experience some form of urinary leakage. Recent research suggests that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) exercises called Kegels may help strengthen muscles and reduce leakage. Researchers assigned 319 women to either an individual PFMT program or a group PFMT program. After one year, both groups saw a reduction in weekly episodes of leakage, the first group by 70% and the latter group by 74%. Experts warn against practicing Kegels while urinating, which can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder. For more information, speak with your healthcare provider.
Reversing Diabetes
Losing excess weight and exercising may help reverse diabetes in people who have been recently diagnosed. In a recent small study of overweight people with type 2 diabetes aged 18-50, participants were assigned to either an intervention lifestyle (IL) group or a control group. All those involved had the disease for no more than 3 years. The IL group followed a low-calorie diet, discontinued their diabetes meds and boosted their exercise. The control group got usual diabetes care. After one year, those in the IL group lost an average of 26 lbs., and 61% no longer had diabetes. The control group lost about 9 lbs. each, and 12% no longer had diabetes.
EAMC is now taking appointments online for the COVID vaccine. Follow this link to their website. https://eastalcovidvaccine.com/login
At Bubba's we do not have the vaccine yet. We will be sure to share with you when we do receive it.
EASTALCOVIDVACCINE.COM
East Alabama COVID-19 Vaccine Center
We still don’t have the COVID-19 vaccine at our pharmacy but we hope to soon. We will be sure to tell you our good friends and customers on Facebook when we do get it. We did however want to update you on those who are eligible to receive the vaccine. On February 8th Alabama will extend the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to those 65 and older as well as teachers and food workers of all ages.
Tips To Prevent Heartburn
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Eat smaller portions and do not overeat. Try not to eat right before bedtime. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke; smoking decreases the ability of the esophageal sphincter to function. Avoid foods and drinks that might trigger heartburn. For nighttime heartburn, try elevating the head of your bed frame on 6- to 9-inch blocks or with a wedge between the mattress and box spring. Also, lying on your LEFT side at an incline when you sleep positions the esophageal sphincter in a more upright position, so acid can’t flow back into the esophagus so easily.
A couple of updates today for all our customers.
1) We do accept BCBS of Alabama this year. There has been some confusion about this insurance but rest assured that we still have you covered if you are BCBS member.
2) We have not received any COVID vaccines yet. We do anticipate having them one day but we do not have a time line yet. You will be sure to hear about it when we do. If you are 75 years or older you are eligible to get a vaccine at this time. There are a couple of local pharmacies that have received some vaccines. They are Thomas Pharmacy and Adam’s Pharmacy. Be sure to check with them if you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The hospital also continues to give the vaccine to those eligible and you can register online with them.