Sleep is an interesting, necessary, and sought after function of everyday life. Most people will tell you, they don’t get enough. It could be due to work stress, uncomfortable conditions, or even a new baby crying. Whatever the case, its a commodity everyone seems to be running short of. This week, we want to focus on a few ideas to help you get some good quality zzz’s. Here are a few tips from our experts: -Keep the lights low. Light signals to the brain that it needs to stay alert. Keep your lights low in the hour before bedtime. This means staying off the computer, cell phones, and watching tv. Try reading a book, meditating, or doing some other relaxing activity. If you must be on the computer for work, dim the computer lights -Everyone needs to exercise, but not … Continue reading
Sleep Hygiene
For those of you who are still apprehensive to get a flu shot, we wanted to give you 3 reasons why we think you should push forward and get your flu shot (or flu mist for those of you who don’t like needles). The flu shot will not, and cannot make you sick with the flu. The dead virus is….well…..dead, meaning it cannot act on your bodies immune system. Without further ado, here are 3 reasons to consider getting this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. 1. Each year 36,000 people die from the flu. You may be a healthy individual who is unlikely to experience death as a result of the flu, but chances are you know someone in a risk category who is more likely to see that outcome. This compromised group includes small children, adults over 60, and people … Continue reading
Flu shots will be available this year with more convenience than ever. They are likely available within your place of work, grocery store, pharmacy, doctors office or hospital just to name a few. We wanted to give you the breakdown on pricing and availability at all of the pharmacies would could as soon as the information is available to help ease your shopping for this years seasonal flu shot. If you have insurance of any kind that covers the cost of a flu shot, prices will likely be less and in many cases free of charge. More and more insurance companies are doing this each year, so be sure to check. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) money can also be used to cover immunization costs. Store Price … Continue reading
In preparation for our upcoming flu season, it is, (as it has always been) our recommendation for every individual over 6 months of age to receive a flu shot per the CDC guidelines. The flu shot is a dead and inactivated virus that acts as a guide for your body to ramp up its immune system. Your natural immune cells are activated and ready to fight. One thing it won’t do is give you the flu. Every year we hear it, and every year we refute the idea that flu shots make you sick with the flu. Its simply impossible. Getting your flu shot is the only possible way to garner immunity, no medicine, supplement, or herbal medication will help! It seems like all to often we hear about a supplement or herbal medication being advertised on the internet that … Continue reading
This week we wanted to give a quick review of what is good, and what is not so good about the CVS Health Savings Pass. The Health Savings Pass offered by CVS is there pharmacy loyalty program and attempt to compete with the big box stores (Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Costco, etc.) lower priced generic medications. There are a differences in their program, and we’ve identified the Pro’s and Con’s. Here’s what we found: Pros: – Over 7,000 stores to choose from and growing – Information is available at any of stores for added convenience – Added discounts of 10% on your annual flu shot, and visits to “Minute Clinic” nurse practitioners for those without insurance Cons: -Generic priced drugs on this list can be found at several other retailers for less money -$15.00 enrollment fee -Exclusion of anyone with … Continue reading
Over the past several months, our pharmacists have been receiving more and more questions regarding herbal medicines and supplements, and which ones we recommend. In response, we felt that it would be appropriate to post an article this week laying out a few considerations. For several reasons, we rarely if ever recommend that supplements be added to an individuals drug regimen. Here are some things to consider and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about before you add anything to your drug regimen. 1. Interactions: Drug-drug interactions with the medications you are currently taking is perhaps the most concerning reason not to take herbals or supplements. These interactions can make the medication you are taking for anti-coagulation (such as coumadin or warfarin) become completely inactive putting you at risk for a cardiac event. On that same note, it could make … Continue reading
This week, we’ll take a look at the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. We’ll identify the pros and cons to help you decide if their club is for you. Let’s get started. What is it? Walgreens Prescription Savings Club is their “answer” to competing big box and grocery store’s $4.00 generic drug price list. It is a list of about 400 heavily discounted drugs ($12.00 for a 90-day supply, $9.99 for a 30 day supply) that compete with the $4.00 lists you may be more familiar with. This list encourages the user to fill 90-day supplies by giving larger price breaks. In addition, they offer discounting on up to 5,000 other drugs. These discounts are not so great in most cases (discounts can be anywhere from $1.00 off to $20.00+), but over time may help depending on your medications. Let’s take … Continue reading
Has this scenario ever happened to you? You head to the doctor for your yearly physical and come out with a prescription or two for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or some other common ailment. Next stop is the pharmacy. You get up to the window, tell them your name, and are shot back with a triple digit drug bill. If you’re like most people, you end up paying the price, only to have buyers remorse once you leave. This week, we want to highlight several ways you can deal with this issue, and take charge of these high drug costs. 1. Don’t accept the medication if you are initially unhappy with the price. Pharmacies keep medication ready for typically at least 7 days after it is processed. If you are unsure that the price is right (or even if you … Continue reading
Simvastatin (brand name: Zocor) is a very popular cholesterol medication. If you are experiencing trouble paying for your cholesterol lowering medication, ask your doctor about the cost saving opportunity with simvastatin. A list of retailers and grocery stores that offer the medication at a large discount follows: Listed below is a partial list of those stores offering either a 30 or 90 day quantity at a deep discount to the consumer. Costco– 90 days for $9.99 Hyvee–30s day for $4.00 Price Chopper–90 days for $10.00 Kmart – $15.00 for 90 days Giant Eagle – $4.00 for 30 days, $10.00 for 90 days Rite-Aid – 30 days for $8.99, 90 days for $15.99 Walmart and Target do not offer Simvastatin on their $4.00 list but will price match any pharmacy located in the general vicinity. If you have found a … Continue reading
