Blog - LivingwithaChoice

LivingwithaChoice

Tune In To Tune Out

1/26/2013

Doesn't it seem like that those medication commercials try to "enlighten" you with the side effects of a medication. Listen to how they read the side effects/interactions and how they make it sound so pleasant, almost inviting. Don't get drawn in and caught up in the trap. Direct-to-consumer marketing of prescription medications should never happen. Tune these out and even flip the channel if you need to. Do not attract what you do not need nor what you think you do not need. Really listen the next time to the message. You will feel the difference in perception when you tune in to tune out!To your health. Empowered Choices!

Do you or someone you know take Warfarin?

1/9/2013

If so, a few important tips:

Do not miss a dose. If you do, do not double up your dose. Keep track of missed doses.
Check your INR (International Normalized Ratio) as scheduled. This number tells you how thick or thin your blood is. Your physician will adjust your dose as necessary. This is why it's important to keep track of any missed doses.
Keep your dietary vitamin K intake consistent day to day. Warfarin works on vitamin K to prevent clots. Vitamin K is found primarily in green leafy vegetables. Ask your physician or pharmacist for a list of vitamin K containing foods.
Warfarin interacts with many things. Consult with your physician or pharmacy when making changes to vitamins, OTC items, diet, and other medications. Any changes made, let your physician know.
Take warfarin with a full glass of water at the same time every day.
Store your medication away from heat, light, and moisture.
Make sure your physician knows of any upcoming surgeries, procedures, and especially dental work. (Let all of your providers know you take warfarin)
Carry an ID card that states you take warfarin.
If you take warfarin, it is for an important reason. Education is needed for friends and family also.
Read your patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. It tells you a lot!

Quick Detox

1/1/2013

Eliminate all aluminum from your diet and lifestyle!!!

Read Labels:
Salt
Baking Powder
Cake Mixes
Antacids
Soda Drinks
Pickled Foods
Processed Cheeses
Deodorant
To name a few!

Avoid cooking with aluminum foil or using as a wrapping for food. Avoid drinking out of aluminum bottles or cans (beer/water).

Aluminum is a heavy metal that leaches into food and settles in the kidneys, brain, and intestines. I won't begin to explain what these three organ systems do for your body and mind.

Aluminum has been associated with Alzheimer's and interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus, two essential components for almost every body function.

A Quick and Easy Detox: Reduce and Eliminate Aluminum in your Diet/Lifestyle.

There are options!!!! Read labels and educate yourself. Prevention is the treatment.

Your body will love you for it!

To your health

minerals and oral contraceptives

12/20/2012

Oral contraceptives rob your body of essential minerals and vitamin B. If you take an oral contraceptive you may want to consider taking a probiotic, vitamin B's, and essential minerals like magnesium; in addition to eating antioxidant rich foods. When your body becomes mineral deficient, it may falsely increase your risk for other medications: thyroid meds, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, cardiovascular meds. If you understand how oral contraceptives work in your body you will then understand how you can optimally maintain your own health. A bit of information you may find useful. To your health!

Do you choose to...

12/16/2012

What are the side effects? Are there drug interactions? Do I take this with food? Do I refrigerate? How do I tell if I'm allergic? How does it work? Can I drink alcohol? Where can you find all this information? On that leaflet we give you with your medication at the pharmacy. Look for it. Do you read it? Or do you choose to throw it away? Don't ask me to discard the packaging and leaflets because I won't. I choose to empower you. We give it to you for a reason. Afterall, it's your body. Take a moment to read that leaflet. It just may save your life.

"You never see a crash till its head on..."

Have you put on a white coat?

12/12/2012

I overheard a conversation today, on my day off from the pharmacy, about how the pharmacist didn't even smile when she picked up her prescription. Let me ask you one thing, have you ever worn a white coat? Do you understand the amount of responsibility a pharmacist holds on their shoulders every day they go to work? Enough to know that if one pill gets into the wrong bottle, a medication overdose isn't caught, or a doctor's handwriting is misread that one error can kill you. We, as pharmacists, are not allowed even one error. We must be 100% every hour, every day. There is a lot on our minds, including, yes, YOUR health and well-being. So, if the pharmacist provides you with the correct medication, in the correct dose, for the correct indication, please don't sweat it if the pharmacist didn't smile at you that day. Who goes to the pharmacy for emotional support anyway. There are other doctors for that. We care about you but please understand what it means to do our job. Until you have put on a white coat, don't judge. We provide a professional service in a retail environment where less help and greater pressure exists today. Know what service that is and help us help you. If you don't like the service, find a pharmacist you do like! In love and respect and in service to your health! We do care about you.

Magnesium

12/7/2012

Magnesium: 4th most abundant mineral in the body responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions. It only makes sense that if magnesium is deficient in the body something, somewhere won't be functioning correctly. Magnesium effects muscle, nerves, our heart, immune system, blood sugar, bones, and energy production. Magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine. If the "gut" is not functioning correctly, magnesium malabsorption occurs. As related to my last post, the gut is underrated. You can eat all the magnesium rich foods and supplements you want but if it isn't being absorbed your body and mind are suffering. Point 1: Magnesium is an essential mineral for our body. Point 2: The gut is extremely vital to our health.
Testing for Magnesium levels in the blood is misleading. Only about 1% is found in the blood. Magnesium is found mostly in tissue and bone. Therefore, understand the signs and symptoms of low magnesium.

LIVINGwithachoice:anxiety

12/4/2012

One of the most common questions I am asked at the pharmacy by young women is "what can I take for anxiety that is natural?". There are options. People do ask. Listen to you body. You are not the only one. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Then if you still require medication, at least you have explored your options. Anxiety medications can have side effects, drug interactions, dependency, and contraindications. Know what you are putting in your body. More to come...

InaBox

12/1/2012

Vitamin "X". Really? Anyone care to guess?

I was told at a doctor's appointment that I should leave with a prescription for Xanax because I am young, single, live in NYC, and have a stressful job. So what?! No thank you, I'm fine. And by the way, did you know I am a pharmacist? Xanax is not a vitamin. Far from it!