Did you know that London Drugs offers accessible hepatitis C screening at select locations in BC and Alberta?

Nine in ten people living with viral hepatitis C (HCV) are unaware that they have the life-threatening infection because it can take decades before symptoms become evident. The Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines recommend testing for people at increased risk of infection, as well as one-time testing for all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 due to inferior infection prevention and control practices, and unscreened blood products before 1992.

Anyone can now be screened for hepatitis C with a simple finger prick test at select London Drugs locations throughout BC and Alberta.  The test, called the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test, is more than 99% accurate at detecting HCV antibodies (to show the history of exposure to the virus) within 20 minutes. The cost of the test in BC is $24.

In case of a positive antibody result, pharmacists will notify the patient’s family physician for a confirmatory blood test to determine the current infections status, called RNA viral load. Pharmacists also provide education about available curative therapies and support patients through their treatment journey. Treatment typically involves daily antiviral medications for 8 to 12 weeks and can cure over 95% of people with hepatitis C.

In Alberta, the scope of practice allows pharmacists to order and interpret blood work and prescribe medication for chronic, non-complicated hepatitis C. Many London Drugs pharmacists are currently participating in a research study in Alberta, called LiveRx, providing this testing and linkage to care at no cost.

Many London Drugs pharmacists have received additional education to offer expert advice, improve access to testing and treatment for this potentially liver-destroying virus, and reduce the stigma associated with the blood-borne illness. A complete list of locations where you can find our hepatitis C trained pharmacists can be found here.

Summer can be a great time to unwind and relax outdoors with additional positive effects on our general wellbeing and health. As we enjoy this much anticipated season, it is important to also be aware of some minor ailments that can be more prevalent during the warmer months. Some of the most common summer ailments are sunburns, cold sores, bug bites, toenail fungus, athletes’ foot, vaginal yeast infection, upset stomach and heartburn. These common minor ailments that come from those fun summer days should not ruin your planned activities or holidays. Pharmacists can now assess your symptoms and prescribe medications for these concerns, without you having to wait for a doctor’s appointment. London Drugs is your convenient one stop shop for all your health and wellness needs so you can spend more time enjoying your summer.

Toe Nail Infections

Summer is the season to kick off your boots and throw your feet into your favorite pair of sandals. With your feet on display, you want to ensure your toes look and feel great. Fungal infections can impact the appearance of your nails and cause pain and discomfort. They are caused by yeasts, moulds and other types of fungus that thrive in warm and moist places. Toenail fungus can spread from person to person and common ways of acquiring the infection include walking barefoot in public spaces, sharing personal items or through spread from an athlete’s foot infection. Nails infected with fungus may appear yellow, white or brown, become thicker and can crumble or split.

Once developed, fungal nail infections can be quite difficult to treat, requiring months of treatment as you wait for healthy nails to grow out. You can reduce your risk of getting a fungal nail infection by keeping your feet clean and dry, not going barefoot in public places, not sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, towels, nail clippers, nail polish and by changing your socks often.  People with diabetes need to be especially cautious as serious secondary infections can occur. If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection and would like to explore your treatment options, talk to your local pharmacist they might be able to prescribe medication to treat it.

Cold Sores

Did you know that sun exposure can be a trigger for cold sores? Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and it can spread to others when blisters are present around the lips or nose. Once you have been exposed to the virus, future outbreaks can be triggered by sun exposure, upper respiratory tract infections, surgery, stress, hormonal changes, tiredness and extreme temperatures. Some ways to prevent spreading cold sores and reduce your number of outbreaks include avoiding triggers, using sunscreen or lip balm with a minimum of SPF30, avoiding touching open cold sores on yourself and avoid skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items with others until sores are dried up and crusted over, or healed completely.

Cold sores often start with a tingling or burning sensation before a blister forms. The blisters will usually leak a clear fluid before crusting over and healing within 7-10 days. Cold sores can be the cause of embarrassment, pain, and inconvenience. In many provinces, pharmacists can assess cold sores as a minor ailment, and they may recommend non-prescription products and/or prescription creams or oral antiviral tablets as part of your treatment. Many treatments are most effective when started early, before a blister forms, so don’t delay asking for help.

Insect Bites and Stings

As we enjoy the warm weather, we also face an increased risk for bug bites and stings. These are not always just a minor inconvenience, many of them can carry diseases or cause severe allergic reactions.

Ticks can be found in wooded areas or places with tall grasses or shrubs or under leaves and are common in summer but can be active at any time of the year if the conditions are right. Ticks can bite, and some can transmit bacteria leading to Lyme disease, which if left untreated can cause fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or problems with the heart and nervous systems. An early indication of Lyme disease is a red target-like rash within 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. If you find a tick on your skin, it is important to remove it carefully as soon as it is discovered by grasping it as close a possible to where the head attaches to the skin with tweezers or a tick-remover tool and pulling upwards slowly. Keep the tick in a bag or bottle and show your healthcare provider to determine if antibiotic treatment is recommended.

Mosquitoes in many parts of the world are capable of transmitting viruses to humans that lead to serious diseases like malaria and dengue. Fortunately, most mosquito bites in Canada only cause mild to moderately itchy spots that can become swollen or inflamed, especially when scratched. Symptoms usually go away on their own in a few days and can be relieved with non-prescription anti-itch creams. However, it is important to point out that each year some cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus are found in Canada with symptoms ranging from no noticeable effects to fever, body aches, fatigue, rash, meningitis or encephalitis appearing 2-15 days after infection. See a doctor or pharmacist if you need help relieving the itch, or if you experience unusual symptoms.

Bee and wasp stings contain venom that commonly causes pain and localized inflammation and swelling for a few hours. Honeybees and bumblebees do not usually sting unless they are provoked or are protecting their nests and are only able to sting once in their life. Carefully remove the stinger from your skin if you can see it. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets can sting multiple times. Some people are severely allergic to bee or wasp venom and anaphylactic reactions can occur. Seek medical attention immediately if any difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or hives. If you have a history of severe reactions, you should always carry an epinephrine injection with you.

Some general measures to avoid insect bites and stings include, wearing insect repellent when bugs cannot be avoided, wearing long protective clothing that covers exposed skin, using bug nets and window screens and regularly inspecting yourself for any insects that may be attached to your skin. There are many products marketed to relieve bug bite symptoms for of itchiness, redness, pain and swelling. Selecting a treatment can become overwhelming. Speak to your pharmacist to help you assess your bite and for recommendations on how to manage your symptoms. Pharmacists in certain provinces can assess insect bites and stings as minor ailments and can prescribe oral antihistamines or topical steroids to help relieve your symptoms.

Vacation time is something most people look forward to—even if they end up not going anywhere. Sometimes just planning a trip can be enjoyable and relaxing. But you may be interested to discover that actually taking that vacation can be good for your health. Scientific studies have shown that travelling can offer the following health benefits.

Travel relieves stress

Travel removes you from your usual routine and gives you a chance to try new foods, explore new places, and meet new people—all of which can reduce stress and improve your mood. And feelings of relaxation and improved mood can last for weeks after your return. When you are less stressed, you may see improvements in your relationships and may be better able to focus at work and improve your productivity.

Travel encourages physical activity

While you may be sitting for hours in a car, train, bus, or plane while you are getting to your destination, once you arrive, you are more likely to increase your activity level. Even if you follow an exercise program at home, you are not likely to be physically active for much more than an hour or so a day. Think about all the walking you can do when you are on vacation and exploring new cities, visiting museums, art galleries, parks, recreation centers, local attractions, or just having fun. Some vacation destinations are focused on activities such as swimming, tennis, golf, and other sports. You may not even notice that you are working your muscles more because your attention will be distracted by the fun you’re having.

Travel can increase creativity

Discovering new cultures, learning to speak a new language, and exploring new landscapes can change your perspective on the world and help you with problem solving. This is a skill you can bring home with you to help keep your stress level lower.

Travel can boost your immunity

Being exposed to different environments brings you into contact with different disease-causing pathogens, and that triggers your body to create a variety of antibodies that strengthen your immune system to protect you from different illnesses and keep you from becoming ill. Some of these pathogens are relatively harmless, while others should be avoided by vaccination before your trip. Check with your pharmacist or London Drugs Travel Clinic at least six weeks before your trip to see if any vaccines are recommended or required for your travel destination.

Travel can decrease your risk of heart disease

A number of studies have shown that people who take frequent vacations have a substantially lower risk of having a heart attack.

Travel may have a positive effect on your brain health

In fact, there is some evidence to show that travelling may benefit people with dementia. While more studies are needed, it is believed that travel helps through its impact on four components:

• feelings, emotions, and mood (affective experience)
• thoughts and memories (cognitive experience)
• behavior (conative experience)
• senses (sensorial experience)

Safe travel

Of course, encountering a problem while travelling can take the fun out of a vacation and reduce its benefits, so a little planning is needed to get the most out of your trip. A good place to start is with asking your London Drugs pharmacists for travel health advice. Your pharmacist can help you determine how much of your prescription and over-the-counter medicines you should take with you, so you won’t run out if your return is delayed, and how they should be stored during your trip.

A travel first aid kit is important to take along with you, and your pharmacist can help you customize your kit based on activities you and your travel companions will be engaging in while you are away. Your pharmacist can also advise on what medications or vaccinations you may need for your trip.

If you need specialized travel advice, book an appointment at one of our Travel Clinic locations. All our travel clinic pharmacists have obtained a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine. They can provide you with routine, recommended, and required vaccinations specific for your destination as well as information on medications for travelers’ diarrhea, altitude sickness, and more. Plan to speak to your pharmacist at least six weeks ahead of your trip, if possible, as some vaccines require multiple doses. If it is a last-minute trip, we can often start your vaccinations so you will get at least some benefit while you are away, and then finish the remaining doses when you return for long-lasting protection.

Visit us online at ldtravelclinics.ca for more information about our Travel Clinic locations and booking information.

Finally, be sure to have adequate travel insurance. A good plan will give you peace of mind so that if you do require medical attention on your vacation, you will have the support and coverage that you need. Visit a London Drugs Insurance department or learn more online at ldinsurance.ca/travel-insurance.

Stay safe, have fun, and come back rested, relaxed, and healthy.

If you follow what’s new in the field of cosmetics, you have probably heard the words cosmeceuticals and dermaceuticals, but do you understand what they are?

Popular in Europe, these products are now gaining popularity in Canada. Cosmeceuticals and dermaceuticals are products that combine cosmetics with pharmaceuticals (medicines). While all of these products contribute to appearance, there are differences among them.

• Cosmetics are products that are applied to the skin surface and add colouring—such as lipstick and blusher. Cosmetics sit on the top layer of the skin and don’t claim to make long-term changes to the way you look.
• Cosmeceuticals contain active ingredients that are meant to restore the skin, but they are not classified as drugs. They are absorbed by the skin below the top layer, so they can do more than add a temporary colour boost. They are used for removing wrinkles, decreasing the signs of aging, keeping the skin moist, preventing acne, and healing scars. Some can even act as a sunscreen. In general, the word cosmeceuticals refers to cosmetic products that have effects similar to medical effects.
• Dermaceuticals are promoted as products that repair sun-damaged skin and can make skin look younger. They feature many high-grade skin care ingredients similar to those recommended by dermatologists. In fact, some dermaceuticals require a prescription. Dermaceuticals are cosmetic treatments that are adapted to the physiological needs of individual skin to produce changes to the skin.

While cosmetics can improve your appearance, cosmeceuticals and dermaceuticals can actually improve the condition of your skin. These next-level products can make your skin softer and smoother, moisturize it, remove dead skin cells, and boost the production of collagen and elastin, which help protect your skin.

Even within the categories of cosmeceuticals or dermaceuticals, not all the products are the same. The actions they have and the skin benefits they provide depend on the type of ingredients they contain. The chart below describes some of the common types of ingredients and what they are able to do.

How to use these products

Cosmeceuticals and dermaceuticals have opened up a new world of products that marry beauty enhancement with medical results. So which products are right for you, and how should you use them? These are excellent questions, and we can answer them for you by tapping into the expertise of both our pharmacists and the cosmetics experts in our beauty departments. Bring your questions to London Drugs, and we will help you find the answers.

Spending time outdoors soaking up the sun is something many people look forward to as the winter turns to spring and then to summer. But too much exposure to the sun’s rays can damage the skin and cause long-term problems far more serious than the temporary pain of a sunburn.

The damage the sun can cause reaches below the surface of the skin and affects the skin’s underlying structure. This damage is known as photoaging, and it can lead to significant problems, even skin cancer. Photoaging can result from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from artificial tanning devices as well as from repeated exposure to the sun’s rays.

The most common types of sun damage to the skin are:

• Actinic dermatosis: Tiny rough bumps or scaly patches with a brown, pink, red, or yellow tint. Unlike a tan or sunburn, this condition generally doesn’t go away on its own and must be treated by a doctor.
• Dry skin: Skin that is regularly exposed to the sun can lose moisture and essential oils, leaving it looking dry, flaky, and wrinkled, even in younger people.
• Sunburn: Mild cases of sunburn may cause only painful reddening of the skin, but severe cases can produce blisters or fluid-filled bumps called vesicles.

In addition, long-term sun damage can lead to changes in the skin’s collagen, which supports the walls of the tiny blood vessels in the skin, making the vessels more fragile and more likely to rupture.

Signs of photoaging

Damage from the sun’s radiation can lead to spots and lumps on the skin. Freckles are one type of spot that the sun can cause; others are moles and melanoma (a form of skin cancer).

Freckles are small, flat spots that usually appear on the areas of the skin that get the most sun—the face, neck, back, upper chest, hands, and arms. They are usually harmless, but if you notice any changes in their appearance, you should tell your healthcare provider right away so they can be checked.

Moles can appear anywhere on the body. They can be either flat or slightly raised, and they can grow and can change in colour and shape. Moles most often appear during the first 20 years of a person’s life, but they can develop after that. Most moles are benign (not cancerous), but some can turn cancerous later. Most moles don’t require treatment; however, if a mole changes colour, shape, size, or height, it should be checked by a doctor.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Most melanomas are brown or black, but some can be pink, red, purple, or skin-coloured. They grow quickly and can spread to other organs.

The A-B-C-D-E guide

Spotting skin problems early can help you get any necessary treatment sooner, when the treatment is more likely to be effective.  The following is the A-B-C-D-E guide to help you identify any problems related to skin spots.

• A = asymmetry: This means the two sides of the spot are different. If you draw an imaginary line through the centre of the spot, the two sides wouldn’t match each other.
• B =border: The spot’s border has a ragged, blurred, notched, or irregular edge.
• C = colour: The colour of the spot is not the same all over and may contain different shades of black, brown, ta n, red, pink, white, or blue.
• D = diameter: The size of the spot is the same as a pencil eraser or larger.
• E = evolving: The spot as changed in size, colour, or shape.

If you notice any of these signs, see your healthcare provider right away.

Protect your skin

Even if you enjoy spending time in the sun, you don’t have to become a victim of the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are steps you can take to protect your skin from sun damage.

• Apply sunscreen regularly. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and look for a product that is water resistant and that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a generous amount, put it on before any insect repellent or makeup, and reapply it at least every two hours. Your London Drugs pharmacist can help you select a sunscreen that is right for you.
• Wash your face properly. You will sweat more in hot weather, so wash your face carefully—all the way up to your hairline. If necessary, your pharmacist can recommend cleansers that unclog pores and kill acne-producing bacteria.
• Use moisturizers and choose cosmetics that have moisturizing properties in addition to applying sunscreen.
• Wear sun-protective clothing. Light weight long-sleeved shirts and pants can cover and protect your arms, legs, and torso. Do not pick open-weave fabrics such as lace that allow the sun to reach your skin. Dark colours provide more protection than light colours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face and neck.
• Wear shoes that protect your feet.
• Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection. This will be indicated on the label. Just because the lenses are dark doesn’t mean they are UV protective.
• Protect your skin as much as possible, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Don’t leave your skin health to chance. Take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from sun damage. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with your healthcare providers.

Mental health problems rarely stay in one place. If we catch them early, they often improve. If we wait too long, they can easily get worse and turn into a true mental health disorder, like anxiety or depression.

Mental health and substance use also feed into each other: having a mental illness double the risk of having a substance use problem, and people with substance use problems are three times as likely to have a mental illness¹

Mental health and substance use disorders are common and not to be taken lightly. Consider these facts:^1-5

Frequency:

• In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness or addiction.
• By age 40, about half of Canadians have had (or still have) a mental illness.
• About 4.6% of Canadians have an anxiety disorder, while 5.4% have a major depression.
• Over a lifetime, about 18% of Canadians meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (the most common substance use disorder).

Impact:

• Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada
• People with mental illness and substance use disorders are more likely to die early.
• Tobacco is the leading cause of premature death, responsible for 17% of cases.
• Depression reduces cognitive (thinking) performance on the job about 35% of the time.

Recognizing when you need extra help can make all the difference. Reach out to a health professional if you experience symptoms like this:⁵

• Excessive worrying or fear
• Feeling excessively sad or low
• Confused thinking
• Extreme mood changes
• Difficulty carrying out daily activities
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Changes in eating patterns, sleep habits, or sex drive
• Overuse of substances
• Physical symptoms without obvious cause (such as headaches or stomach aches)
• Thought about self-harm

Such symptoms could signal depression or anxiety. Talk to your doctor to learn more. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your doctor can lay out a treatment plan, which in most cases will include talk therapy and/or medication. In fact, research suggest that combining therapy and medication has the strongest and most lasting effect for both depression and anxiety.⁶

Don’t hesitate to use your London Drugs pharmacists as a resource. Your pharmacists can provide general guidance on mental health and substance use, help you navigate the healthcare system, and connect you to community resources. If you start a medication for a mental health disorder, your pharmacists can answer your questions about the drug and help you manage side effects.