July 12th, 2017
Respiratory Information During Forest Fires
Forest fires can be an inevitable part of living in British Columbia. The following information is provided to reduce your personal health risk.
Air Quality
The Ministry of Environment to monitors air quality impact due to wildfires across the province. For the most up to date conditions and a list of active advisories, please visit: www.bcairquality.ca
Tips to reduce personal risk:
Smoke can affect each person differently, based on their health, age, and exposure.
People with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke and should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If you notice any symptoms, take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke and if necessary see a physician. People with symptoms should go to their health care provider, walk-in clinic or emergency department depending on the severity of symptoms.
- Residents with asthma, COPD or other chronic illness should activate their asthma, respiratory or personal care plan.
- Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
- Smoke levels may be lower indoors, however levels of smoke particles will still be increased. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
- Commercially available HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can further reduce poor indoor air quality near the device.
- Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
- Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, however, many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
- You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
- Pay attention to local air quality reports; air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible.
- Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
Additional information can be found on our pharmacy blog.
Report a Wildfire
All calls are answered by BC Wildfire Service staff at the Provincial Forest Fire Reporting Centre. Any information you can provide is helpful, however, you can expect the emergency call-taker to ask for details about the fire, such as;
- Location
i.e. Where is the fire? How far up the hillside? - Size
e.g. Metres? Hectares? Size of a house? Size of a football field? - Rate of spread
i.e. How quickly is the fire spreading? - Fuel
i.e. What is burning? Grass, bushes, trees? - Smoke/flames
i.e. What colour is the smoke? Are flames visible? - Threat
i.e. Are there any people or buildings at risk? - Action
i.e. Is anyone fighting the fire?
Wildfire Information: 1-888-3FOREST or 1-888-336-7378
HealthLink BC: Call toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1 for general info about smoke and your health
Reposted from:
- http://www.viha.ca/mho/public_health_alerts/wildfires-smoke.htm
- http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation
August 13th, 2017
Tangled Necklaces While Travelling? We Take Care of That.
If you are heading on a trip this year, pack up your makeup and jewelry like a pro. Prevent a tangled mess of necklaces using only a couple of drinking straws, and save yourself the frustration of untangling them all when you arrive at your destination!
-
Start with an untangled necklace.
-
Take a regular drinking straw.
-
Thread each necklace through the straw (or slit the straw and slide the chain in).
-
For shorter necklaces, cut the straw to length.
-
Pack them up, and you’re ready to go!
Find all of your travel needs from London Drugs in-store and online, and know that we’ve got you covered with our #LDSolutions videos.
Need other great tips and tricks to make life easier? Check out more of our helpful LD Solutions Videos on YouTube or individually here on the London Drugs Blog:
How to Fix a Cracked Makeup Palette
How to De-Wrinkle a Shirt in a Jiffy
How to Remove a Ring Stuck on Your Finger
How to Easily Remove a Stripped Screw
How to Peel Potatoes without a Peeler
How to Remove Nail Polish from Your Skin
How to Make a Heartfelt Gift for a Family Member
How to Deep Clean Your Blender
How to Vitamin-Charge Your Morning Smoothie
How to Clean Your Microwave with a Lemon
August 11th, 2017
Back to School Essentials for Happy, Healthy Kids
It’s almost that time of year again. Time for eager kids to explore a new set of subjects. Time for growing bodies to eat healthy, balanced lunches while enjoying the company of their friends. That’s right – It’s time for bright young minds to start a fresh new school year!
The best way to ensure that your kids are getting the nutrition they need, is to prepare a delicious and healthy lunch for them. Thanks to great products from Rubbermaid, this task is much simpler.
With Rubbermaid LunchBlox, you can easily pack a well-balanced meal with snap-together containers. Not only are these containers convenient, but they are pretty darn fun too! Is your kid messy? That’s okay, most of them are. But now you can help prevent the mess with 100% leak-proof Rubbermaid Brilliance containers. Rubbermaid Balance helps regulate portions and ensure kids are getting the right mix of nutritious foods. Field trip coming up? Not to fear! Rubbermaid Takealongs are perfect for on-the-go.
Now that we have messy meals all sealed up, let’s put a lid on that kid’s messy hair! With Goody Ouchless Brushes and Goody Ouchless Elastics , you can have your little ones looking their finest.
And nothing says new school year like a bunch of fun, colorful writing utensils! From doodling for fun to completing math equations, we have you covered with a wide selection of fun brands:
Visit your nearest London Drugs today and get a head start on your back-to-school shopping!
Last – but definitely not least – you have the chance to win a $2,500 RESP contribution to use toward your child’s education. Plus, there are great secondary prizes consisting of a $1,000 London Drugs gift card and 3 Back to School gift packs for your kid when you buy one of the qualifying brands listed above. Click here to learn more and for full contest rules!
August 10th, 2017
Running Guide: 6 Must-Have Accessories for Your Long Run
Training for a big race like the SeaWheeze Half Marathon, the Edmonton Marathon, the Calgary Harvest Half Marathon, or any number of other upcoming runs in your area? Training for a race is all about preparation and planning, and while gear isn’t everything, the right accessories can go a long way toward helping you push through as your legs begin to tire and you’re dreaming of your couch. This Running Guide has a few things that should make those long KMs a little easier. Go get that PB!
1. Hydration Beverages
One of the best ways to make yourself feel better during and after a long run is to manage your hydration. Drinking a hydration beverage before you go out is a great start. These dissolvable tablets from Nuun are a convenient solution, and they taste pretty good too. The Strawberry Lemonade flavour is a particular favourite. Have another glass when you come in from your run to help avoid that dreaded dehydration headache.
2. Fuel
If your run is in the 2+ hour range, you’ll want to bring some fuel along with you. Energy bars, gels, and chews are all good options for this. Depending on your preferences, you can also try salty pretzels, gummy candy, or nuts. Whatever you choose, be sure to test it out during your training so that on race day you aren’t surprised by how your system handles something new.
3. Running Hat
Keeping the sun off your face can go a long way towards boosting your energy levels (and preventing sun damage to your skin). A hat is a simple way to get this done. A regular baseball hat works just fine, or you can upgrade to a specialized running hat that allows for more airflow and has sweat-wicking technology.
4. Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses while running comes down to personal preference. If you like to have the extra shade for your eyes, go for a pair that are lightweight and a fun colour. A heavier frame may not seem like a big deal in-store, but at kilometre 18 you’ll be grateful you went for a lighter pair. The fun colour is so that you look great (obviously).
5. Phone Protection
If you are running for any long distance, bringing your phone along with you is a good idea. Your maps app can come to the rescue if you take a wrong turn and get lost, or if you should get injured far away from home, you can use it to call a friend or a cab. It’s also a good idea to protect your phone from the elements (and/or your sweaty self) with an inexpensive and reusable plastic baggie (pro tip: the snack size bags fit many phones easily).
6. Headphones
Music, audiobooks, and podcasts all make great companions on long runs. We recommend trying earbud-style headphones (and only running with one earbud in so that you can stay aware of traffic and other dangers). You can even go wireless with bluetooth-enabled headphones.
Bonus! Reward Time!
When you get back from your race, it’s time to celebrate. After you’ve downed your hydration beverage, grab something to indulge on. Whether it’s a really big chocolate bar, your favourite chips, or any other great snack, enjoy! You’ve totally earned this!
August 4th, 2017
Ultimate Shopping List for Canadian Camping
With the kids out of school and summer in full swing, many Canadians are hearing the call of the great outdoors. And 2017 is the perfect year for it since all National Parks and Historic Sites have free admission as part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebration.
Maybe you made your camping or RV reservations months ago. Or perhaps you’re headed to a family cabin or that perfect, last-minute spot. Regardless, you’ll need to bring plenty with you. That includes camping essentials, food, and probably a few luxuries and toys. [If luxury camping is really your thing, also check out our Ultimate Glamping Guide]
For all your camping stock-up needs, London Drugs is here to help with this Ultimate Canadian Camping Shopping List.
Camping Shopping List: The Essentials
Skin Care
What could be more essential than protecting your skin from outdoor dangers? During the day, that means the sun’s harmful UV rays. Start with limiting exposure and wearing a hat. Of course, you should also apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Just in case that’s not enough to prevent a sunburn, pack some after-sun salve with aloe vera.
In the evening and at night, you’ll want to be on guard to prevent insect bites. Keep them at bay with insect repellant, (we have a wide selection of lotions and sprays with varying active ingredients; find the one that’s right for you and your family). There are also nets, clip-ons, and candles that offer additional protection.
Camping Basics
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campsite without a key piece of gear. Chances are you won’t forget your tent, but it’s worth checking to ensure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets. It never hurts to pack one or two extras, just in case. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a very cold night in a tent.
Another essential category of gear for your Canadian Camping Shopping List is cookware. This starts with sturdy pots and pans, but also includes plates, utensils, and drinkware. The best cookware for camping is light, durable, and easy to clean. Also, make sure you have enough coolers to keep all your supplies the right temperature in the woods. Finally, don’t get caught in the dark: be sure to bring enough lanterns and flashlights for everyone.
Advanced Equipment
One way to help make the outdoors cozier and more like home is to bring your own generator. Sure, skeptics might say this goes against the main benefit of camping–escaping civilization. But sometimes it’s nice to take a brief break from roughing it to blow dry your hair or watch a movie with the family. Another must-have for many is a small camping stove or grill. Yes, you can cook over an open fire. But it’s not always convenient, particularly for making coffee or toast. Fire bans should also be strictly adhered to, so a camp stove might be your best option. Also be sure to bring enough propane to run your stove during your trip. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to go big. There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel on day 3 of 5.
Camping Shopping List: The Extras
Nice-to-Haves
Even when roughing it, it’s okay to bring more than the bare essentials. For example, you’ll need enough camping chairs (since no one wants to stand around a campfire for hours). But you’ll get so much use out of it, why not spring for a deluxe model? Like one that literally rocks, one made for a baby, or one that has extra support and a built-in table. Another way to elevate your campsite is with a hand pump for a standard water cooler jug. That way, you won’t need to run to a tap or river for water, or worry about what might be in it. Fill-ups for these bottles are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than single-use bottled water. too. Finally, whether for appreciating wildlife and nature views, or keeping an eye on the little ones, a good pair of binoculars is an amazing camping extra to have around.
Just for Fun
The most important thing to do when camping is staying comfy and well-fed. The second is to have fun. Okay, the order here might be debatable. The point is, having a few extra toys around is nice, especially in the water. One incredibly popular activity on local lakes is stand-up paddle boarding. But if you prefer inflatables designed to be pulled around the lake by a boat (the old fashioned way) we’re with you too! There are also lounge and group floaties for those who prefer to just hang out. They even come in some pretty entertaining designs. If you have any inflatables, consider also grabbing an automatic inflator. Trust us, your lungs will thank you. For times when you’re not in the water, be sure to stock up on other classic camping games like badminton, bocce, or ladder toss.
Camping Shopping List: The Food
The most important part of your Canadian Camping Shopping List should include lots of great food. Really, it’s one of the best parts about camping. Doing some basic meal prepping in advance, and shopping for fresh local produce, will help make sure you don’t end up eating only hot dogs. Plan accordingly! The real draw of camping food is the snacks, and the main event is always the s’mores. At London Drugs we carry the three basic ingredients of the perfect s’more, including a hearty selection of the keystone ingredient: chocolate. Raise your snacking game to a pro level with anything from dried fruit, nuts and meat snacks to chips, crackers, cookies, and candy. Honestly, we have so many perfect camping snacks, we couldn’t begin to list them all here. You’ll just have to come look for yourself in-store or online.
No matter what you bring along, the most important part of camping is who you share it with. London Drugs wishes you, your friends, and family the best camping season ever. Keep safe, and have a blast.
London Drugs also knows not everyone is lucky enough to only worry about camping supplies this summer. To donate to the Red Cross to support the ongoing BC forest fire relief effort: click here.
August 1st, 2017
August Book of the Month
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
Winifred Allen needs a vacation.
Stifled by a soul-crushing job and lonely after the end of a fifteen-year-marriage, Wini is feeling vulnerable. So when her three best friends insist on a high-octane getaway for their annual girls’ trip, she signs on despite her misgivings.
What starts out as an invigorating rafting excursion in the remote Allagash Wilderness soon becomes an all-too-real nightmare: a freak accident leaves the women stranded, separating them from everything they need to survive. When night descends, a fire on the mountainside lures them to a ramshackle camp that appears to be their lifeline. But as Wini and her friends grasp the true intent of their supposed saviours, secrets emerge and lifelong allegiances are put to the test. To survive, Wini must reach beyond the world she knows to harness an inner strength she never knew she possessed.
July 27th, 2017
How to Safely View the Solar Eclipse This Year
Throughout history, solar eclipses have left people in awe as the Earth plunges into darkness during daylight hours. A solar eclipse occurs as the moon passes directly in front of the sun, blocking its light either partially or in full. This causes a shadow to appear on part the Earth, and those within the shadow experience this as an eclipse.
If you’re feeling intrigued by the incredible science behind this phenomenon, why not gather a group of friends together on the morning of August 21st to take in the spectacle of an eclipse yourselves? Throwing a Solar Eclipse Viewing Event is a unique and fun way to celebrate this rare occurrence.
Fill up some thermoses with coffee and hot chocolate, grab some delicious pastries, and set up comfortable folding chairs at your location to wait for the eclipse. Be sure to look at the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid cloudy skies, and pick an outdoor space with a clear view of where the sun will be. If there’s a chance of clouds, hop in the car and program your GPS to a spot with sunnier weather–you’ll definitely want to find clear skies for this event. Bring along portable speakers and a fun playlist (Dark Side of the Moon, anyone?) to give your gathering a true celebratory ambiance. And don’t forget the sunscreen–you’ll need it even while the sun starts to go dark!
Most importantly, bring along EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades to keep your eyes safe while you observe the eclipse. Never look directly at any part of the sun without proper protective equipment, as it can cause irreversible damage and even blindness.
Where Are You Viewing the Eclipse From?
While this eclipse will only reach totality over parts of the United States, we will still be able to observe a significant partial eclipse from Canada. If you’re curious about how much of the solar eclipse you’ll see and when you’ll be able to see the sun at the peak of the eclipse, here’s a quick list showing what you’ll be able to expect! Remember, the further from the path of totality you are, the less the sun will appear to be covered. For this August 21, 2017 solar eclipse, the path of totality will curve from the Pacific Northwest through the middle of the United States to the South-Eastern Seaboard.
Victoria: 91% of the sun will be covered at 10:20 am
Vancouver: 88% of the sun will be covered at 10:21 am
Calgary: 81% of the sun will be covered at 10:20 am
Edmonton: 75% of the sun will be covered at 11:35 am
Regina: 79% of the sun will be covered at 11:46 am
Winnipeg: 76% of the sun will be covered at 12:57 pm
Toronto: 76% of the sun will be covered at 2:32 pm
St. Johns: 43% of the sun will be covered at 4:29 pm
In the meantime, brush up on your solar eclipse knowledge, so you’ll know what to expect (and to impress your friends while you wait!)
10 Fun Facts About Solar Eclipses
- There are three different types of solar eclipses: a partial eclipse where the moon only covers some of the sun; a total eclipse, where the entire sun is covered and only the corona is visible; and an annular eclipse, which occurs when the moon covers the sun, but is at a wide point of its orbit, causing the sun to shine around the moon.
- When the moon blocks out the entire sun at the peak of a total eclipse, it is called ‘totality.’
- There are usually two to five solar eclipses per year, but most are not total eclipses, and many fall over unpopulated areas.
- It’s impossible to view a total solar eclipse from the North or South Pole.
- A total solar eclipse never lasts longer than 7.5 minutes.
- Temperatures can fall by up to 20 degrees as darkness falls during totality.
- Every 18 years and 11 days, an almost identical eclipse will happen. This is called the Saros Cycle.
- The widest possible path of totality is 269 kilometers across, though it is often quite a bit thinner – around 160 kilometers on average. This eclipse’s path of totality will be thinner than usual – about 115 km wide.
- The only time that we can view the sun’s corona with the naked eye is during a total solar eclipse.
- If you look directly at any part of the sun during an eclipse, no matter how small the visible sliver is, it can cause vision loss or other damage to your eyes due to the extreme intensity of the light. Always use proper protective gear to observe the sun!
How to Use the Solar Shades
EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades block the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the light that comes from the sun and are essential for viewing the partial phases that precede and follow totality. You can follow the moon’s progression across the sun by looking through these glasses every few minutes during the partial phases. EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades are lab tested and meet the new ISO 12312-2 requirements (Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun). It is extremely important to remember that only during complete totality may you look at the sun without EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades. Never look directly at the partial phases of the eclipse without EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades.
Limit continuous use of the EclipSmart Solar Safe Shades to three minutes, and always directly supervise children under the age of 14 during their use.
WARNING: Never look at the sun without special eye protection. When viewing the eclipse, use eclipse glasses at all times when any part of the sun is visible. Direct viewing of the sun can cause permanent damage if the proper precautions are not taken. Adequate eye protection specifically designed for viewing the sun is essential and should be worn so that no harmful rays from the sun can reach the eye.
Now that you are prepared to view the eclipse safely, get ready to make an incredible memory! This rare occurrence won’t come along for another 18 years and 11 days, so make the most of it. Safe and happy viewing!
July 26th, 2017
Nikon Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Nikon D850
Get ready for a new powerhouse to be added to the line of FX-Format, high-speed, DSLR cameras. Nikon recently announced the development of the latest addition to their high-resolution digital SLR camera line: the Nikon D850—an announcement that, fittingly, coincided with the 100th anniversary of the inception of the company.
As the successor to the Nikon D810, the D850 is designed to meet all the needs of a professional photographer while remaining user-friendly enough for the hobbyist to enjoy. You can register now to be notified about the release date.
The Capabilities of the Nikon D850
While the technical specifications of the much-anticipated camera have yet to be released, the Nikon D850 is said to be a great choice for still landscapes and high-speed sports photography alike. Its predecessor, which is part of the same collection, is known for producing sharp images and rich color tones. It is safe to assume that the new D850 will take that accomplishment and expand on it in this next addition to the highly-regarded series.
Nikon is a company that understands that their clientele requires the best performance out of every piece of photography equipment they own, and according to them, that is why the D850 will offer “new technologies, features and performance enhancements that are a direct result of feedback from users over the years.” The Nikon D850 camera’s full range of capabilities is unleashed when paired with NIKKOR lenses. These lenses, produced since 1933, are every bit as technologically advanced as the cameras themselves. Like all cameras in the FX collection, the D850 will be compatible with a variety of add-on products for further customization and enhancement.
Nikon also released a sneak-peek video showcasing the new camera on the website. Shot in its entirety on the new D850 camera, this video showcases the power of the new 8K Time Lapse feature. This capability is noted by the company to unleash “a universe of endless detail.” From the images featured in the video, it seems very likely that the camera will live up to – and perhaps surpass – the hype.
A Reputation for Excellence within the FX Series
The FX Series of DSLR cameras are designed to provide the exceptional image quality and the versatility you need to produce professional multimedia content. Not only do these cameras yield eye-catching, high-resolution photographs under virtually any lighting conditions; but they also produce cinema-quality, high-definition videos. Current cameras in the FX series, including the Nikon D810 boast:
- Small File Formats
- Time-Lapse Photography
- Broadcast-Caliber Audio Control
- 1080 Full HD and 4K UHD Video Recording
- Detailed Photographs in Low-Light Situations
- Continuous Shooting for Fast-Action Sequences
- Full-Frame Images with Exceptional Resolution
- High-Speed Photography Suitable for Professional Sports
Quality Construction Ensures Durability
The development of the new D850 showcases top-quality construction, for which the D810 was also well-known. Nikon cameras are designed to fit comfortably in the hand while keeping all the adjustments within easy reach, for the ultimate in ease of use. Strong and resilient hardware make this series of cameras a reliable option for everyday use.
Nikon: A Reputation for Excellence
Founded in Japan in 1917, Nikon has spent 100 years as one of the most respected names in photography. In that time, they have produced microscopes, lithography systems, and some of the most highly-regarded cameras in the industry. This rich history attests to the quality performance of every product produced by the company, and to Nikon’s record of attention to detail and dedication to excellence over the last century.
Register now to be notified about the release date.
