Mandatory mail-order jeopardizes pharmacy patients | Editorials & Opinions | Star-Telegram.com

Mandatory mail-order jeopardizes pharmacy patients | Editorials & Opinions | Star-Telegram.com

Support your local independent community pharmacy!

Annik Chamberlin, PharmD - Staff Pharmacist

Thanksgiving Time

Thanksgiving Time

Unlike other holidays we as Americans celebrate, this unique holiday was specifically set aside so that we may count our blessings while offering thanks to God. Most of us could easily recite a list of difficult situations that we or our friends and family have been enduring. There is no denying we have been through a tough stretch as Americans.

However, as we gather for our celebrations according to our traditions, all of us should take a moment to reflect on our many blessings. If we have a place to gather and holiday food to share we have what millions of others, here and abroad, do not have. If we can enjoy a warm meal in safety, we have what most do not. If we have leftovers to enjoy or share with others, we have what most do not. If we are able to gather with extended family and friends, though for some this may be a challenge, remember that every veteran’s family would love the opportunity to do so. Some people, soldiers and civilians alike, are so full of genuine Thanks, that their lives and actions display great Giving.

Therein lies the beauty of the holiday. When Americans, THANKFUL for all we have, seek to find ways to share their blessings by GIVING, we continue in the footsteps of our founding fathers.

Elliott Colasanto, RPh, Pharmacy Owner

Talking Rx

Do you or someone you know have difficulty taking medication as prescribed? Talking Rx has proven to be very useful and beneficial for senior patients, patients with vision problems, and for those whom English is not easily read or understood. It is a simple, yet effective solution that provides audible guidance in taking medications. The device attaches to common-sized prescription bottles and contains a memo recorder that allows a physician, pharmacist, caregiver, family member or patient to record necessary information about the medication. With instructions voice recorded on a compact, reusable, self-contained, inexpensive device, Talking Rx helps patients comply with physicians' orders. This, in turn, can result in fewer noncompliance-related illnesses, fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Please check out http://www.talkingrx.com/ for more information and how to order.

Need Help Finding Natural Thyroid?

Need Help Finding Natural Thyroid?

Beacon Prescriptions and Compounding Pharmacy has been compounding natural thyroid USP (porcine) for years. We have the ability to customize prescriptions for each patient. For example; we can help patients that may be sensitive to fillers that are found in most manufactured medications. We have seen products like armour thyroid be plagued with problems with inactive ingredients during reformulation attempts. At Beacon Prescriptions and Compounding Pharmacy we use only a vegetable base filler along with veggie capsules to make our thyroid USP capsules. We also have the ability to compound synthetic T4/T3 combinations for people who prefer or need to have custom amounts not available by a manufacturer. Some patients even need the sustained release T3 product. We are here to solve your medication problems. Stop by or call us and let us know how we can solve your special needs.

Jennifer LaFountain, CPhT – Director of Compounding

Healthy Lifestyle

In keeping with our goal of helping you to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, there are many simple things you can do without feeling overwhelmed. You don't need to go out and join a gym or spends hundreds of dollars on home fitness machines that are “as seen on TV" and in just 5 minutes a day you will look and feel younger! I think we all know that just isn't going to happen. As with anything "new" , it's best to start slow, make realistic goals for yourself that are obtainable and not a set up for a let down. Fall is a wonderful time to get outside and get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature as the leaves are changing and falling. A simple walk around the neighborhood is a pleasant way to spend time outside. Many towns and communities have walking trails and paths that are designed for a casual walk, scenic views, and nothing to strenuous to over exert yourself. Many also allow pets on leashes too. (Make sure to bring your poop scoop with you!). It is a known fact that simple exercise is not only good for your body , but it also helps your mood by releasing serotonin to the brain and makes you feel happy. Even 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a difference!

A healthy lifestyle is a change that you should really consider. You will not only feel better physically, but mentally also. With simple and gradual changes it can be done, and we will give you tips, ideas and encouragement to help you make that change. As with anything involving change, you have to WANT to do it. Go out there and get some fresh air and see how much better you will feel!

Tips to focus on:
Make sure that you are taking at the very least a good multivitamin.
Eat healthy foods - more fruits and vegetables.
Snack on fresh foods, not packaged and processed foods.
Drink plenty of water - not soda or juices (they are just lots of extra calories and sugar that is not good for you).
Moderation is key with snacks and meals.
Get a good nights rest.

Roberta Alteri, CPhT – Pharmacy Technician

Tamiflu Update

Tamiflu, a drug often prescribed to treat flu-like symptoms, is typically available in two forms - capsule or liquid form. The liquid form is generally prescribed to children and adults unable to swallow the capsule form. Liquid Tamiflu is currently in short supply due to a heavy flu season and heightened awareness of flu-like symptoms.

In response to the shortage of Tamiflu in liquid form, Beacon Prescriptions and Compounding Pharmacy has the knowledge and necessary equipment to compound Tamiflu into an oral suspension. The ability to compound Tamiflu for our patients is just one example of our continued commitment to the health and well-being of the entire family this flu season.

Please stop by or call us if we can be of assistance.

Annik Chamberlin, PharmD – Staff Pharmacist

Flu Season

You may think the only alternative to protect yourself and loved ones from the flu-season upon us is to get the flu vaccine. There are many who believe that forced vaccination is unnecessary, dangerous and putting your future health at risk. There is abundant information and emotion on each side of this ongoing debate. We believe that the most effective way to fight flu strains is to strengthen your immune system. It’s like going into battle fully prepared. Current literature suggests that sufficient vitamin D levels, is critical to preventing sickness. In addition, a quality probiotic, used throughout the year, can also strengthen your immune system. Sixty to seventy percent of your immune response comes primarily from the health of your digestive system.

Things to DO:
Eat adequate protein from lean sources: chicken, fish, nuts, beans, & eggs.
Eat the RAINBOW Diet, a wide variety of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, & fish oil supplements.
Get sufficient exercise and rest.
Decrease chronic stress: calm yourself, walk the dog, pet your cat, meditate, pray, or take up yoga.
Take a quality multivitamin, (not the least or most expensive one available), extra vitamin C with bioflavanoids and other antioxidants are important too.
Wash hands often throughout the day.
Encourage others to do likewise.

Things to AVOID:
Do not eat excessive sugar. Read the labels on packages, noting the sugar content in prepared foods. Sugar paralyzes you immune systems ability to respond to infection. Stop daily intake of sweetened drinks such as soda
Avoid saturated fats, usually in prepared meals.
Avoid excessive face touching. It spreads germs!

Elliott Colasanto, RPh - Pharmacy Owner