GLAUCOMA: The Silent Thief of Sight

GLAUCOMA: The Silent Thief of SightIn 2020, the worldwide prevalence of glaucoma was estimated to be about 79.6 million people, yet many people do not understand this condition or how to identify the signs.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It most commonly occurs when pressure inside the eye is too high due to a backup of fluid, but it can also result from an injury or infection in the eye. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness when intraocular pressure or IOP (pressure in the eye) builds up and damages the nerve in the back of the eye called the optic nerve. It is the optic nerve that sends visual information from your eye to your brain which is vital for good vision.

During the early stages of this disease, patients rarely ever have symptoms even as damage is occurring to the optic nerve, and this is why it is known as the silent thief of sight. As the disease progresses, vision loss starts with loss of the peripheral, or side vision, with patients reporting having some difficulty seeing things on one or both sides and if left untreated, leads to complete vision loss.

Buildup of Eye Pressure

There is a clear liquid inside the front part of the eye called aqueous humor which functions to provide nutrients to the eye as well as clear out waste. As new aqueous humor is produced and flows into your eye, the same amount should drain out through the trabecular meshwork (tiny canals that drain fluid from the eye). The area where the fluid drains out of the eye is called the drainage angle and is where the iris (coloured part of the eye) meets the cornea (transparent covering that lets light into the eye). This process of aqueous humor production and drainage keeps the intraocular pressure stable and keeps the eyes healthy and functioning normally. If there is an imbalance to this process, fluid can build up leading to increased pressure inside the eye. If the pressure is not brought under control, the optic nerve can be damaged and your vision permanently impaired.

Glaucoma Defined

There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and is caused by a blockage in the drainage site of the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the buildup of intraocular pressure is gradual, and most times is symptomless. Angle-closure glaucoma less common but is considered a medical emergency. This type of glaucoma is characterized by a bulging of the iris which partially or completely narrows the angle of drainage formed between the iris and cornea. Symptoms may occur suddenly or gradually such as severe pain in the eye or forehead, decreased vision or blurred vision, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Risk Factors

To avoid irreversible vision loss, regular eye checks are recommended especially for people with underlying risk factors for glaucoma which include:

  • High Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Lowering eye pressure is the only modifiable risk factor of glaucoma.
  • Race: People of African ancestry have a greater risk of having glaucoma, its onset is earlier and disease progression is faster and more resistant to treatment.
  • Age: Prevalence increases with age.
  • Family history: Having a first degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with glaucoma is a risk factor for development of glaucoma.
  • Systemic diseases: People with diabetes have double the risk of developing glaucoma. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may also put patients at risk of glaucoma through the narrowing or blocking of small vessels, several of which are found in the eye.
  • Central cornea thickness: A thinner cornea (transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil) may indicate less rigid support structures around the optic nerve head leading to an increased risk of damage.

Eye Tests For Glaucoma

Several eye tests can be performed by an eye specialist to help diagnose glaucoma.

  • Tonometry: a measurement of eye pressure.
  • Visual Field Test: to tell if there is any loss to the patient’s field of vision from glaucoma and how much have been lost. It helps the doctor determine the rate of disease progression and to tailor the treatment to the stage of glaucoma.
  • Glaucoma Imaging Test: a photograph of the optic nerve with a digital camera to map and document the health of the optic nerve.
  • Cornea Thickness Test: a measurement of the central cornea thickness. Patients with abnormally thin central cornea have been found to have more damage to the optic nerve.
  • Angle Test: a measurement of the angle where the iris meets the cornea leading to a diagnosis of “open-angle” glaucoma or “closed-angle” glaucoma.

Treatment

The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) thereby reducing the progression to vision loss. Medicated eye drops are the treatment of choice and there are various types available depending on the patient’s causes of their increased eye pressure. Combination products are also available. If the eye drops are unsuccessful or not tolerated by the patient, laser or surgical procedures can be considered.

  1. Prostaglandin Analogues (Examples: latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost)
    Increase aqueous humor drainage and are considered first-line treatment.
  2. Beta-blockers (Examples: betaxolol, timolol)
    Decrease aqueous humor production and are the second most effective class of medications after the prostaglandin analogues.
  3. Alpha Adrenergic Agonists (Example: brimonidine)
    Increase drainage and decrease production of aqueous humor.
  4. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (Examples: brinzolamide, dorzolamide)
    Decrease aqueous humor production.
  5. Cholinergic Agonists (Example: pilocarpine):
    Increase aqueous humor drainage.

Conclusion

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment can stop optic nerve damage and protect a patient’s vision. For this reason, regular comprehensive eye exams are recommended for patients, especially those with risk factors of glaucoma so treatment can be started early. Even for patients who are not in the glaucoma high-risk group, regular comprehensive eye exams are recommended from the age of 40 as this can help to detect other age-related eye diseases that may occur, such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. If you have questions about glaucoma or its treatment, speak to your doctor, eye care specialist, or pharmacist for more information.

What Is Your Mouth Saying About Your Health?

What is your mouth saying about your body?Oral health plays an important role in your overall wellness. Not only will a healthy mouth allow you to eat, speak, and smile in comfort, it will also help you feel well and prevent problems in other parts of your body.

Poor oral health can lead to inflammation, pain, or changes in your appearance, while also affecting your sleep and making it difficult to eat or enjoy food. It can also affect your self-confidence and your relationships with other people.

How Your Mouth Affects Your Overall Health

Our mouths are home to many germs and provide a way for these germs to enter our bloodstream, digestive tract, and respiratory system, where they can start their journey through our body. Prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of oral diseases can stop unhealthy bacteria from going any further.

Without good oral hygiene, the germs can reach levels that lead to infections, tooth decay, and gum diseases. The saliva in our mouths helps by washing away food and keeping the acids made by germs in balance, and it can help prevent bacteria from spreading and causing disease. In addition to lack of good oral hygiene practices, some common medications can lower the amount of saliva in our mouth, making our mouth feel dry. These drugs include antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics (water pills), and painkillers. Your pharmacist can assess your medications and can recommend gums, lozenges, and sprays that can help improve oral moisture. Also, make sure your dentist is aware of all the medications you take and that your saliva level is assessed at your next dental check-up.

Connected Conditions

The state of your oral health can play a role in the development of diseases including:

  • Endocarditis, an infection in parts of the heart
  • Heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke
  • Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases
  • Pregnancy and birth complications

 

And the reverse is true as well; some health conditions can affect oral health, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease, which can lead to the worsening of oral health as the mental decline progresses and affects oral hygiene practices
  • Diabetes, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections
  • HIV/AIDS, which can lead to painful mouth sores
  • Sjogren’s syndrome and other diseases that cause dry mouth
  • Some types of cancer have been linked to gum disease

Protect Your Mouth

A good daily oral hygiene routine can help you protect your oral health. Your routine should include the following steps.

  • Brush your teeth and your tongue, too, at least twice a day for two minutes at a time.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
  • Clean the spaces between your teeth daily with dental floss or a water flosser.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn out.
  • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and beverages.
  • Do not use tobacco products.
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
  • See a dentist at least once a year for a checkup or cleaning—or more often if your dentist recommends it.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Pharmacists can be a valuable resource for various oral health concerns ranging from dry mouth and selecting a mouth guard or toothpaste, to managing dental pain and treating minor oral ailments. Many pharmacists are authorized to assess and prescribe medications for canker sores, oral thrush, and cold sores. Selection varies in accordance with provincial regulations. Visit your pharmacist for convenient access to professional care and effective remedies. To learn which ailments pharmacists in your province can diagnose and treat, visit

Your London Drugs pharmacists will be happy to help you care for your oral health and safeguard your overall health. Have questions? We’re here to help!

Enjoy the air this spring

Seasonal Allergies: Enjoy the air this springAn allergic reaction occurs when our body comes in contact with a substance that is generally considered harmless, but our immune system attacks it as if it were a harmful germ or virus. These allergy-triggering substances are known as allergens.

Some people have allergic reactions to allergens that are around all year—such as animal dander, foods, mould, dust, and certain medicines. Others are allergic to substances that only appear at certain times of the year—such as pollen, grass, and ragweed. Allergies that only cause symptoms at certain times of the year are called seasonal allergies.

The Sneezin’ Season

Seasonal allergies (which are also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis) are usually worst in the spring and summer when plants are blooming and there is a lot more pollen in the air.
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

  • Congestion
  • Coughing or the need to clear the throat
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Post-nasal drip (fluid from the nose draining into the throat)
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Sneezing

You don’t need to suffer just because you turned another page on your calendar. There are some simple steps you can take to minimize your exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. For example, check your local news media or weather stations (TV, radio, newspaper, internet sites) to learn the current pollen levels in your area. When the pollen count is high, the following tips can help you prevent allergic reactions.

  • Stay indoors on dry, windy days. Try to schedule your outdoor activities after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
  • Whenever possible, avoid mowing the lawn or doing other gardening chores. If you have to do these chores yourself, wear a face mask while doing them.
  • When you go back inside, remove the clothes you were wearing and take a shower to wash the pollen from your skin and hair.
  • Don’t hang clothes outside to dry.
  • Use the air conditioning in your car and home instead of opening the windows.
  • Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on forced air heating and air conditioning systems.
  • Use a dehumidifier to keep the air in your home dry.
  • Vacuum your floors frequently to remove pollen that has gotten tracked in from outside.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

Sometimes taking preventive measures isn’t enough, and you need to treat the allergy symptoms that you develop. Home treatment is generally all you will need to relieve your discomfort. For example, you can use a saltwater nasal wash to flush out the mucous and allergens and open your nasal passages. There are also prescription and nonprescription medications that can relieve some of the symptoms. For example:

  • Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
  • Decongestants can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. These drugs are sometimes used to treat a more severe stuffy nose.
  • Combination antihistamine and decongestant medicines can provide the benefits of both types of medication.
  • Corticosteroid nasal sprays can improve a range of symptoms by reducing swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways.
  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray prevents the immune system from releasing the chemicals that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It works best if you start the treatment before you are exposed to the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

It is always wise to check with your doctor or London Drugs pharmacist before starting a new medication to make sure that it is right for you and that it will not affect any other health conditions you may have or interfere with any other medications you are taking. If you know you will have allergies every spring, stock up early on preventative medications like antihistamines before you anticipate you will need them. Your pharmacist can also prescribe preventative or treatment medications for seasonal allergy symptoms such as eye drops, nasal sprays, or oral medications. Ask us, we are ready to help!

Advances in Allergy Management

Advances in Allergy Management

Allergies are a common health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. In fact, more than one-quarter of Canadians age 12 and older have been diagnosed as having allergies following testing with an allergist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing allergies).

There are various types of allergies, and they are classified by the type of substance that triggers the reaction. The most common types of allergies are respiratory allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the potential to significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergy is a sensitivity in a person’s immune system. After inhalation or contact with a substance that is normally considered harmless, these substances (known as allergens) trigger the body to release chemicals like histamine, causing various symptoms that are referred to as an allergic reaction.

Respiratory allergies can be triggered by airborne substances such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. These allergies cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Food allergies are triggered by over 170 different foods. Common food triggers include peanuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs. Food allergies can cause a range of reactions from a mild rash or stomach discomfort to shortness of breath or anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that can be life threatening). Often the first symptom of a food allergy is the appearance of a skin rash or development of itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or throat immediately after eating the food the person is allergic to.
Skin allergies, such as eczema and contact dermatitis, typically result in itching, redness, and swelling. Common triggers include latex, pet dander, poison ivy, insects, certain drugs, some foods, or sun exposure.

Treating Allergies

Traditionally, treatment has been focused on preventing allergic reactions and managing symptoms when they do occur. However, advances in allergy management have led to the development of oral and sublingual (under the tongue) medicines and treatments that are applied to the skin.

Nonprescription drugs—including antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid sprays and creams—are often the first medications used. For more persistent or severe allergies, prescription-strength medications may be needed.

Allergy shots are in a treatment category known as immunotherapy. Because injections are administered repeatedly over time, the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen in the injections, and the symptoms are reduced. This treatment involves regular weekly injections of small but slowly increasing doses of the allergen until a maintenance dose is achieved. Then the injections are often reduced to just once a month. This method takes time and patience, but the relief from allergy symptoms can last for several years.

In recent years, there have been advances in immunotherapy that enable it to be administered through a tablet placed under the tongue. The tablet contains a small amount of an allergen, and as the tablet dissolves, it releases the allergen into the body. This works to desensitize the immune system to the allergen in the same way allergy shots do but with the convenience of dosing at home.

Another promising development in allergy treatment is a newer class of drugs known as biologics. These medications work by targeting certain parts of the immune system that cause allergic reactions. Biologics are especially helpful for people with severe allergies. They can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and improve overall allergy symptoms.

In the past, food allergy treatments had been limited to avoiding the foods a person was allergic to and emergency treatment with epinephrine if the person unknowingly consumed that food. Now there are other treatment options.

Recent research has paved the way for innovative treatments in areas such as gene therapy (the use of genes to prevent or cure a disease), exploring the role of gut bacteria in reducing allergic reactions, and utilizing nanotechnology (tiny particles) to deliver allergy medication directly to the cells responsible for allergic reactions. Clinical trials are currently investigating new types of immunotherapy that aim to make the immune system less sensitive to allergens so allergic reactions are less severe.
Skin allergies occur when an allergen comes in contact with the skin of someone who is sensitive to it. Because there is a link between psoriasis and skin allergies, people with some skin allergies may benefit from treatments developed for psoriasis that reduce the body’s immune response. Two new treatments fall into this category. Vtama (tapinarof) is a new prescription cream that is currently available in Canada, and Nemluvio (nemolizumab-ilto) has been approved in the U.S. and other countries, and it is undergoing regulatory review by Health Canada as part of the approval process for new drugs.

The recent strides in allergy management are making future treatment much easier for people with allergies, enabling them to manage their condition more effectively and lead healthier lives.

If you suffer from allergies, your London Drugs pharmacists will be happy to answer your questions and suggest or prescribe appropriate treatments. You can speak to a pharmacist in store, visit londondrugs.com/prescribing for a list of prescribing services in your province, or visit us in store anytime.

Menopause: When Should I Stop My Birth Control?

What is Menopause?

Menopause is when a woman is no longer biologically able to ovulate and is essentially the end of the child-bearing phase of a woman’s life. This is confirmed when a woman has no vaginal bleeding for 12 consecutive months. When women are transitioning into menopause, it is called perimenopause, and this phase is generally around 45 and 55 years of age. In North America, on average, 50% of women reach menopause at 52 years of age and 90% of women have reached menopause by 55 years of age.

During perimenopause, many changes happen that can affect a woman physically and emotionally. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, difficulty in concentrating or memory problems, weight gain, and vaginal dryness may start to develop, and the severity of each symptom is different for everyone. Frequency of periods also start to change and become irregular, with some periods heavier or lighter than others, and it may be harder to predict when the next period will happen.

Reproduction:

A woman is born with about 1 to 2 million immature eggs and as she ages, that number declines. During a woman’s lifespan, only about 400 to 500 eggs become mature and are released from the ovaries (called ovulation), where they can be fertilized and produce babies. However, not all menstrual cycles will cause ovulation.

On average, women only have 300 to 400 immature eggs remaining at menopause and due to hormonal changes, the eggs eventually stop maturing and menstrual cycles stop. Therefore, if a woman is still experiencing menstrual cycles, even at irregular intervals, there is potential for pregnancy.

How do Contraceptives Work?

Contraceptives like hormonal birth control add extra estrogen and/or progesterone to a woman’s menstrual cycle, thereby preventing ovulation. It can also thicken vaginal fluids, making it difficult for sperm to move, and it thins the uterine lining, preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

Hormonal birth control does not delay menopause. Menopause is a natural part of aging; a woman’s eggs will still deteriorate, and the number of eggs will still decline, even if birth control is preventing ovulation each month.

Non-hormonal birth control, like condoms or diaphragms, prevent sperm from meeting an egg and copper IUDs make the uterus too acidic for sperm or eggs to survive.

Withdrawal Bleed vs. Menstrual Bleed

True menstrual bleeding occurs if an egg is released from the ovary, but it does not get fertilized by a sperm. Hormonal changes then cause the lining of the uterus to shed, and the woman experiences bleeding that lasts between 2 to 7 days.

Withdrawal bleeding occurs when a woman takes a break during short-acting hormonal birth control (like tablets, the patch, or the vaginal ring), resulting in a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, causing the uterus to shed and bleeding occurs. For this reason, a woman taking hormonal birth control cannot use the presence of a withdrawal bleed to confirm if she is still fertile because ovulation did not occur, and bleeding is the result of a drop in hormone levels.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is different than birth control as it contains much lower levels of estrogen and progesterone and is used to replenish what the body no longer makes for itself at menopause.

HRT dosing is based on symptom improvement, not bloodwork, with close monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers. Typically, treatment is started at a low dose and increased slowly to the lowest effective dose that will manage menopausal symptoms while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Switching from Birth Control to Hormone Replacement Therapy

If a woman is sexually active, stopping birth control too soon may result in an unintended pregnancy and irregular bleeding. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Menopause Society recommend that hormonal contraceptives be used until the average age of menopause (52 to 55 years old). If a woman decides to stop birth control, barrier methods, like condoms, should be used to prevent pregnancy until menopause is confirmed.

Some women may want or need to take HRT to manage menopausal symptoms or maintain bone health. Each woman’s experience with HRT is different: some find that it works wonderfully, while others complain of severe mood swings. A 12-week trial should help determine if the chosen method is effective. Non-hormonal prescription medications and non-prescription products are also available to help manage symptoms.

Making a Decision

There is no right or wrong answer on when to stop birth control and transition to HRT and it is different for everyone. Your healthcare provider or London Drugs pharmacist can explain the risks and benefits of different options and a thorough discussion should occur before any treatment options are decided.

PREVENTING FALLS. Fewer injuries. Better quality of life.

Anyone can fall, but some people have a higher risk of falling than others. One of the factors that increases that risk is getting older. In fact, in Canada, about 20% to 30% of people aged 65 years and older experience a fall each year. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports that about 85% of all injury-related hospitalizations for older adults are due to falls, some of which are fatal.

As we age, we have a higher risk of falling for a number of reasons:

  • Older people tend to have more problems with balance and muscle weakness than younger people do.
  • Many health conditions linked to aging and falls include dementia, heart disease, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, numbness in the legs or feet, and vision problems.
  • Seniors are more likely to be taking medications that can have an impact on their thinking, make them drowsy or confused, affect their vision or balance, or cause dizziness.

While not all falls cause serious injuries, it is important to remember that some do and to take precautions to prevent them. Among the problems falls can cause are cuts and bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, broken bones, like hip, ankles and wrists, or head injury.

PREVENTION

There are several precautions that can be taken to reduce your risk of falling. The first step is to discuss the medicines you take with your doctor or London Drugs pharmacist. Ask them if your medications have side effects that could increase your risk of falling. It may be possible to reduce your risks by adjusting doses, changing medications, rearranging what time you take them, or switching to other medications with less risks of drowsiness or dizziness.

Eating at regular intervals and nutritious foods is is another way to help safeguard your overall health, which, in turn, will help you stay strong and make it less likely that you will fall. Fluctuations in blood sugar (high or low) can also make you unsteady on your feet. Talk to your doctor about testing.

Another important step is to be physically active. There are exercises especially designed to help improve strength, balance, and the ability to walk steadily. Before starting any new exercise program see your doctor for an evaluation. If appropriate, the doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist who can develop a program to meet your personal needs.

The next step is to look around your home and identify potential situations that could cause you to trip and fall. Then make any necessary changes to reduce your risk. Here are some suggestions that can help:

  • Keep boxes, newspapers, electrical and phone cords, and other tripping hazards out of walkways.
  • Keep high traffic areas clear of things such as small tables, plant stands, and magazine racks.
  • Make sure rugs are secured to the floor.
  • Insall sturdy handrails on stairways, and use them every time you go up or down.
  • Store necessities where they are easy to reach so you won’t have to climb up or get into an awkward position to access hem.
  • Keep your floors dry. Clean up any spills immediately.
  • Place non-slip mats in your bathtub or shower, and a bath mat to avoid drips on the bathroom floor.

When you are outside, try to walk in well-lit areas, use handrails where available and avoid rushing. Be especially careful when stepping over curbs or when walking on uneven surfaces.

Other things you can do to help protect yourself include:

  • Wear low-heeled shoes that provide proper support.
  • Get regular eye exams to ensure that your vision is sharp so you won’t trip over things you don’t see clearly.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

There are a group of products called assistive devices that can help prevent falls and injuries. Here are some examples of the types of devices that are available and how they can help:

  • Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers can provide support and improve balance.
  • A bath seat and a handheld shower nozzle can allow you to sit while showering.
  • Safety grab bars and raised toilet seats can make it easier to get in and out of a tub and onto and off a toilet without falling.
  • Hip protectors can be worn to protect the hip bone from injury in the event of a fall.
  • There are also devices that can extend your reach and have “claws” at the end to help you grasp something that you can’t reach by yourself.
  • Fall detection devices, smart watches or phones can be worn to automatically dial for emergency help if a fall is detected, preventing a minor injury from becoming more serious.

London Drugs carries a wide range of assistive devices, and your pharmacists can help you decide which ones would be right for you and how to use them properly.

Beyond Spring Cleaning: Mental & physical benefits

Winter is fading away and spring will soon be here. That means the temperature is getting warmer, the weather is getting nicer, the days are getting longer, and the flowers are starting to bloom. And it’s time for spring cleaning. So much to be happy about! What? Happy about spring cleaning? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Spring cleaning can benefit our health in many ways. These benefits fall into two categories: benefits to our physical health and benefits to our mental and emotional health.

Benefits to Physical Health

Spring cleaning will get you moving more, and that can benefit your general health. It can help you burn more calories, bend, stretch, and engage your muscles. Tasks such as vacuuming and gardening can burn as much as 150 to 300 calories in an hour. While it isn’t a substitute for exercise, it will help you be more physically active, without you even thinking about it.

Cleaning can also help you breathe easier. Hundreds of thousands of dust mites can make their home in upholstered furniture, bedding, mattresses, carpets, and curtains, triggering allergies and asthma. Your spring cleaning can eliminate these mites. It will also help clear out pollen that can trigger seasonal allergies even inside your home. Decluttering can reduce home hazards, resulting in fewer trips and falls and less chance of injuring yourself. Cleaning the your bedroom will create a calmer environment that will help you sleep more soundly.

Mental Health Benefits

Spring cleaning can reduce your stress and boost your productivity. People who find themselves in a disorganized space often feel more stress and are distracted and, therefore, less productive. As little as 20 minutes of cleaning can reduce your stress and anxiety level by as much as 20%. And getting rid of clutter can clear your mind, allowing you to focus on the tasks you want to accomplish.

Research has shown that every hour of cleaning you do each week can boost your happiness by 53%. People who describe their homes as cluttered or filled with unfinished projects are more likely to suffer from depression, but you can help prevent depression by tackling any clutter and unfinished projects surrounding you. Finishing off a task makes people feel good, reduces tension, makes us feel accomplished, and gives us a sense of being in control.

Tips for Effective Cleaning

Spring cleaning can seem overwhelming. Where should you begin? What should you clean first? What should you keep and what should you give away? How long should you plan to spend on the project? Start by setting a limit on the amount of time you will devote to the job. For example, you could set aside one hour each day or one day a week when you will focus only on your spring cleaning.

Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Set reasonable goals and create a plan on what to tackle first. For instance, you could start with your kitchen cabinets. Select one and work your way through it. Remove and donate any foods that are not wanted. Dispose of any foods past their expiry date. Then perhaps move on to cooking utensils and sort out ones you no longer use and put them aside to give away. Make your way through the whole kitchen, one specific spot after another, until you are happy with the way it is organized. Once you are satisfied with that job, you can start on the next room.

Try to make your spring cleaning less boring. Play your favourite music while you are working, or invite someone to join you. You can help each other make decisions on what to keep or get rid of and pass the time with good conversation. There are many good reasons to tackle your spring cleaning, so why not start now?

Your Medicine Cabinet

One area that is important not to overlook when doing your spring cleaning is your supply of medications. You may keep this in a medicine cabinet, a drawer, or in other places. Start by gathering all items in one place. Check the expiry dates on all of your medicines and set aside any items that are expired. Also remove any medicines that have changed colour, are damaged, or if the smell or taste has changed, and anything that has been removed from its original container.

Don’t put old medicines in the trash, pour them down the drain or flush them down the toilet. All have the potential to contaminate the water supply or harm wildlife if not disposed properly. Gather all unwanted medications and return them for free to your local London Drugs pharmacy. We can help you discard old medicines in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and help you replace any that you still wish to use.

When you are ready to put your medications away, choose a location that is cool and dry, not in the bathroom or near a cooking area of the kitchen. Your medications should be easily accessible by you but out of reach of children. You might choose a drawer or other cabinet in your home. For safety it is best to keep medicines in childproof containers, but you can ask your pharmacist for easy open lids if needed.

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