Pharmacy Archives - Page 23 of 41

How Parents Can Help With Anxiety in Young Children

Returning to school after summer vacation can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for kids and their parents. The start of school may be especially challenging for children who are starting at kindergarten or a new school. Some anxiety is a normal response—most kids experience mild back-to-school uneasiness that gradually fades once they meet their teacher and settle in to class.

Here are some tips for parents to help your child with back-to-school anxiety so they can prepare for a successful new school year.

Listen to their concerns

Whether it is getting a new teacher, schoolwork, dealing with a bully, or missing a friend, listen carefully and avoid dismissing their fears. Kids often have worries! Validate their feelings and give them gentle reassurance that everything will be fine—but don’t overdo it. Keep the conversation short and casual.

Re-introduce term-time routine

After the laid-back, fun-filled summer months of playtime, sleep-ins, and family outings, the transition back to a routine can be challenging. Sometimes it’s met with a lot of resistance—not just for children! A week or two before school begins, start to re-introduce school year routines gradually such as picking out clothes the night before, waking up, eating, and going to bed at regular times.

Schedule a rehearsal

Much like adults are often advised to do when preparing for an important job interview, a trial run before the real thing can go a long way towards easing anxiety. Do a walk-through of your kid’s daily route to school. If you can meet their new teacher, walk the halls, and visit their new classroom before term starts, take advantage of the opportunity. Becoming familiar with the surroundings will prepare them for the first day of school and alleviate any fears of the unknown as will seeing a familiar face on the first day!

Get them excited to see their classmates

Arrange a playdate or two with some of their school friends before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a friend during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.

Plan a fun treat

Give your child something fun to look forward to after the first week of school. It could be a trip to the movies or a bowling alley or to the swimming pool. Perhaps invite one of their school friends to join them! Give them something to look forward to, even though they have to go back to school!

If your child needs extra support to make a successful transition, let someone at school know — the teacher, an aide or the principal. Anxiety symptoms that persist beyond the first month of term may require consultation with an expert.

Osteoporosis: How You Can Reduce Your Risk

1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in Canada will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Reduce your risk by attending an Osteoporosis Screening Clinic at London Drugs.

Affecting both men and women, and with no one single cause, pharmacists say Osteoporosis is a condition that more people should undergo screening for. Approximately two million Canadians each year are affected by osteoporosis, which leads to an increased risk of fractures, often in the wrist, spine, shoulder, and hip.[1] One in three women and one in five men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime[2].

Fractures can lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. There are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis until a broken bone occurs, but if caught early through screening, patients can prevent further bone loss and avoid potential falls and fractures.

Osteoporosis Screening Clinics held at London Drugs provide convenient access to routine screening at the pharmacy. Using the World Health Organization’s FRAX assessment tool and Sunlight Omnisense® device, pharmacists scan and measure patient’s bone strength of the wrist and assess their risk for falls and fractures.

Post-screening, patients are given an assessment of their vitamin D and calcium intake, lifestyle factors, and existing medical conditions as they relate to fracture risk. Each patient is then provided with tips on how to minimize their risks, and a personalized action plan to fit their wellness goals. The complete consultation takes about 45-minutes.

Pharmacists now play an important role in osteoporosis prevention education, helping Canadians understand their risk of developing Osteoporosis, before a fracture occurs. In fact, community pharmacist-initiated screening programs double the number of patients tested and treated for osteoporosis.[3]

To learn more, view the Osteoporosis Screening Clinic schedule to book an appointment online, or call the pharmacy.

[1] Osteoporosis Canada

[2] Osteoporosis Canada

[3] Canadian Pharmacists Association

Children with Asthma: School Checklist for Parents

According to Asthma Canada, Canadian researchers see a large spike in hospitalizations for children with asthma during the September back-to-school period. In fact, this period is now referred to as the ‘September Asthma Peak’. If you are a parent of a child with asthma, our pharmacists recommend taking a few extra precautions to ensure your child and their school are equipped to manage their asthma and respond quickly to an asthma emergency.

Know how to identify and reduce triggers

Children with asthma face increased exposure to all kinds of triggers, from viral infections to allergens like dust mites, mould and even seasonal allergens like ragweed when they head back to school. Colds are the most frequent asthma triggers in young children, causing up to 85 per cent of exacerbations. Help your child understand their asthma triggers and help identify ways you can actively work to reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack at school.

Develop an asthma management plan and action plan

Ensure your child’s medications are listed on the plan. Emergency contact numbers and instructions should also be listed and available for caretakers like grandparents, babysitters and school staff. In the case of an emergency, it’s important you and your child also have a plan in place for how to respond.

Talk to school teachers, nurses and coaches

Ask for any required forms, details on school’s procedure for an asthma emergency, how to ensure immediate access to asthma medication, and discuss how to reduce your child’s triggers while at school. The school should also have the details of your asthma management/action plan, including emergency contact numbers and medication instructions. It’s also important to speak with coaches or physical education teachers about your child’s ability to participate in physical activities.

Manage allergies and exposure to influenza

Seasonal allergies and other allergens can trigger your child’s asthma symptoms. Be proactive and treat their allergies with the proper allergy medication. Even though “flu season” is commonly known as a winter phenomenon, contagious viral infections are spread and shared just as much in September in schools. It might sound obvious, but making sure your child is washing their hands correctly and frequently can really help. Your child, along with the rest of your household, should also receive an influenza vaccination to reduce their risk of developing flu symptoms, which can trigger their asthma.

Have your medication reviewed by your pharmacist

During your visit, have your child’s asthma medication reviewed and, if necessary, ask for a refresher on how to use the medication correctly. Pharmacists can remind children how to hold the inhaler and offer tips on improving inhalation technique.Sometimes pharmacists will recommend aids to help manage asthma in children. As an example, they may advise the use of a valved holding chamber which can help ensure your child is receiving a proper dosage. The chamber traps and holds the medication, giving the child time to inhale it entirely.

Pharmacists also recommend having a prescription for two inhalers, so that you are able to keep one at home and one at school. This way, your child doesn’t need to worry about remembering to take their inhaler with them to school each day, and risk forgetting it at home.

Visit your local London Drugs Pharmacy, speak with a pharmacist while picking up your children’s medications, or call ahead to book an appointment with a pharmacist.

5 Useful Tips to Raise Your Energy at Work

Maintaining positive mental and physical wellbeing at work allows us to stay at the top of our game and succeed at our job. Of course, trying to balance our busy lives with work can get in the way of self-care and leave us feeling run down and lacking energy. The Mental Health Commission of Canada explains that decreased wellbeing at work can lead to a loss of productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism, too (that’s working while sick). This is why it’s important to try simple tricks that boost our daily vitality.

Don’t worry! Whether you’re managing stressful deadlines, long hours, or physical demands, we’ve got five simple self-care steps to keep you healthy and energized at work.

Step 1: Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated at work helps us to feel alert and think clearly. A common recommendation by HealthLink BC suggests consuming six to eight 250 mL (8 fl oz) glasses of water each day. Buying a funky new water bottle, trying a new tea, or setting an alarm on your phone are great ways to remind yourself to drink more! You can also check out this video for 4 ways to trick yourself into drinking more water.

Step 2: Perfect your posture

Improving your posture involves a bit of mindfulness practice, but the rewards offer renewed, sustainable energy throughout your day—as well as long-term health benefits. Start by trying a new seating position, or a laptop stand to go on your desk. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has great guidelines for good body position, and what to avoid.

Office furniture also impacts your posture. If you’re sitting at a desk all day, try using an office chair with different ergonomics or a standing desk to increase your circulation and decrease fatigue.

Step 3: Quick office desk makeover

Whether you work from home or in an office, your environment can affect your vitality, productivity, and wellbeing. Get creative and give your desk a makeover! Spruce up your workspace with positive quotes, plants, and pictures. Aromatherapy products are great too—try a diffuser, salt lamp, or blend of essential oils from London Drugs, which help to boost energy and mood, and relax the mind.

Step 4: Take time to stretch or walk the block

Rest breaks, stretching, and movement all help combat the 3pm afternoon slump. Try setting an alarm each day to complete a few new desk stretches, or take a short walk around the block. Exercise is a golden way to recharge, increase stamina, and promote brain health at work—read more and discover 6 ways exercise benefits your mental health.

Step 5: Treat yourself (and a coworker!) to lunch

What better way to boost your energy than great food and great company? Break up your workday by taking a coworker out for lunch or treating yourself to a new healthy spot. Social breaks can take your mind off of work and allow you to return refreshed and rejuvenated. Eating healthy food can also increase energy levels—you can create your own food guide to make healthier menu choices, as well as gain inspiration for future lunch recipes.

Self-care requires commitment and time, so it’s ok to go slow and try one new tip a week. Little steps make a difference, and patience and persistence are key! You’ll be on top of your game, sustaining your energy, and doing backflips around the office in no time. Stay well!

How to Cope With Travel Anxiety on Your Next Vacation

Travel offers a host of health benefits for your mind, body, and soul. It relieves stress, boosts happiness, strengthens mental resilience, and increases cognitive flexibility. Vacations break the cycle of stress which permeates our daily lives, allowing us some time out from usual routines—and it allows us to gain a new perspective on our problems. After a successful trip, we feel energized and refreshed, ready to take on the world again.

Travel can also lead to an improved connection to ourselves and others. Research shows that when we go beyond our social comfort zone and immerse ourselves into different cultures, we strengthen our personal identity and increase our confidence. Vacations also promote “shared experience” with others by fostering connections. Shared memories and time spent together, outside of usual mundane routines, help to promote these positive ties with family and friends.

All that said, when leaving your usual routine and surroundings, challenges might come up. One challenge is that traveling may cause symptoms of a mental health condition to flare. Regardless of whatever idyllic and peaceful location you are headed to, most people experience some level of stress both before and/or during any trip.

Research has found that the most common stressful travel experiences are related to pre-travel issues such as planning, financial concerns, packing, making travel arrangements, and developing the itinerary. But some people also have stressful experiences during the trip, such as coping with weather conditions, traffic jams, flight delays, conflict with travel partners, and transportation.

The good news, however, is that in many cases, there are ways to prevent travel anxiety from ruining our vacations!

Plan ahead:

Research your destination, especially if you might experience cultural and linguistic differences
Learn a few common phrases to help you get by in the local language, if needed
Find out where to exchange currency for the best rate
Know what kind of electrical outlets people use so you can recharge your phone, tablet or use your curling irons!

Be organized:

Ensure that your passport is current and you have the necessary visas
Book your hotel before you arrive and keep a copy of your confirmation with you
Check in for your flight online the day before and leave extra time at the airport to get through security

Be prepared for emergencies:

Look up the local emergency number so that you have it, just in case
Don’t leave home without travel insurance!

Know the rules when it comes to medications:

If you are travelling with prescription medication for a mental health condition, it’s important to research your destination country’s drug importation laws to see if your medication is regulated. Many medications for treating mental health conditions are highly regulated and countries impose restrictions on the amount and type of medication that can be imported.

Know whether you can travel with it to your destination
Carry your medications in their original containers
Bring a letter from the prescribing physician indicating that the medicines have been prescribed for medical reasons (including health condition, and the dosage prescribed)

Try to relax and don’t feel guilty:

Do remember that you are not indispensable to your workplace—they will manage without you
Don’t check work emails
Do remember that recharging is just as important as working
Remind yourself that you deserve this time off
If you’re a caregiver and feel guilty leaving your charge with someone else, try to focus on the reality vs. your anxieties and worst case scenarios

Be mindful of how you’re feeling:

Don’t be afraid to take a break from your planned activities if you need to relax and recharge
Keep up routines that make you feel stable
Pack a few items to help you relax at the end of a challenging day, such as a journal, music or your running shoes
Music is great for reducing anxiety when travel becomes stressful—listening to your favourite songs can have a huge difference on your mood

Stay healthy:

Maintain a healthy sleep schedule to help diminish stress while traveling
Eat properly and avoid too much over-indulgence
Even mild dehydration can affect mood, energy levels and the ability to think clearly so carry water with you and stay hydrated—avoid alcoholic beverages before or during a flight, which can increase dehydration

Written by Lorna Allen, CMHA BC

Reminder: Widely-used medications can make skin vulnerable to sunlight, may cause severe sunburn or rashes

Before heading outdoors this summer, our pharmacists are reminding you to be aware of sun-sensitizing drugs. Widely-used over-the-counter and prescription medications – such as antibiotics, sulfa-containing medications, and acne treatments – can make skin more vulnerable to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn, and in some cases, make the skin photosensitive. This photosensitivity can cause photoallergic or phototoxic reactions to the sun’s UV rays, in the form of painful and itchy rashes, or even blisters and sunburns.

Phototoxic reactions are the most common and result in a sunburn-like rash within minutes or hours of the medication interacting with UV rays. Meanwhile, photoallergic reactions can develop days after sun exposure. They occur when UV rays trigger chemical changes, resulting in the body reacting to the medication as if it is an allergen. Side effects include a red, itchy, scaly rash and in severe cases, blisters. Reactions are somewhat unpredictable and can be a one-time occurrence, or it can happen each time the drug is taken and sun exposure occurs.

Be Proactive About Sun Protection

Everyone should be proactive about protecting themselves from the sun, but for those on sun-sensitizing drugs, it’s even more critical. Wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly are two important measures.

If you’re taking sun-sensitizing medications, you can also reduce your likelihood of a reaction by planning sun exposure for earlier or later in the day to avoid the sun’s rays when they are strongest.

For advice on sun safety and sun-sensitizing medications, visit us at any London Drugs location to speak with a pharmacist.

6 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health

We all know the physical benefits of exercise. It helps keep excess pounds at bay, increases stamina, strengthens our heart, keeps arteries clear, and wards off illness. But did you know that exercise can improve the structure and functionality of our brains, as well as improving our overall mental health?

There’s no denying exercise should be a key part of any strategy to combat depression, anxiety, and the general stress of daily life, but “green exercise” in particular, such as cycling, brings with it added psychological health benefits compared to exercising in synthetic environments such as gyms!

Recent studies suggest that exercising in nature gives a quick and significant boost to our mental health. Researchers analyzed studies encompassing more than 1,200 participants involved in outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, horseback riding, and fishing. They found that outdoor exercise improved mood and self-esteem significantly, with the biggest effects coming within just five minutes. The study also found that the trials also showed an improvement in mental well-being.

Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and enjoyment, together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression. Here are six interesting ways exercise can positively affect our brains.

1. Improves cognitive functioning

The overlooked cousin of “grey matter,” white matter is comprised of millions of bundles of nerve fibers acting as the computer cables that connect various parts of the brain. Research has shown than exercise enhances white matter integrity and improves conductivity resulting in better cognitive functioning.

2. Promotes brain health

Intense exercise results in elevated levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) – an important protein that that promotes brain health and memory. BDNF prevents the death of existing brain cells and supports cognitive function. Low levels of BDNF have been linked to obesity, depression and even schizophrenia. Therefore maintaining satisfactory levels of BDNF results in optimal neurotransmission and potentially prevents a myriad of physical as well as mental diseases.

3. Improves memory and reasoning

Exercise acts directly on the body by stimulating physiological changes such as reductions in insulin resistance and inflammation and by encouraging production of chemicals that affect the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and the overall health of new brain cells. Studies show that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in volume in people who exercise than in people who don’t. Exercise also boosts memory and thinking indirectly by improving mood and sleep.

4. Reduces anxiety and stress

Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It produced endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers. Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood. Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Physical activity helps to relax muscles and relieve tension in the body and also improves the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.

5. Acts as a natural antidepressant

Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication—but without the side-effects. It promotes changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also increases blood flow to the brain, releases endorphins and other neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which makes you feel good.

6. Increases self-esteem

Regular activity is an investment in YOU. When it becomes habit, it increases feelings of self-worth, achievement and make you feel stronger. It also helps you feel more confident in your physical appearance too!

And if you still aren’t convinced that getting outside is worth the effort then consider this: Science also suggests that mental health may be an even stronger predictor of life expectancy than physical health or even heavy smoking. If we’ve got you motivated, throw on some shoes and head outside this summer!

Written by Lorna Allen, CMHA BC

How Parents Can Help With Anxiety in Young Children

Listen to their concerns

Re-introduce term-time routine

Schedule a rehearsal

Get them excited to see their classmates

Plan a fun treat

Osteoporosis: How You Can Reduce Your Risk

Children with Asthma: School Checklist for Parents

Know how to identify and reduce triggers

Develop an asthma management plan and action plan

Talk to school teachers, nurses and coaches

Manage allergies and exposure to influenza

Have your medication reviewed by your pharmacist

5 Useful Tips to Raise Your Energy at Work

Step 1: Stay hydrated

Step 2: Perfect your posture

Step 3: Quick office desk makeover

Step 4: Take time to stretch or walk the block

Step 5: Treat yourself (and a coworker!) to lunch

How to Cope With Travel Anxiety on Your Next Vacation

Plan ahead:

Be organized:

Be prepared for emergencies:

Know the rules when it comes to medications:

Try to relax and don’t feel guilty:

Be mindful of how you’re feeling:

Stay healthy:

Reminder: Widely-used medications can make skin vulnerable to sunlight, may cause severe sunburn or rashes

6 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health

1. Improves cognitive functioning

2. Promotes brain health

3. Improves memory and reasoning

4. Reduces anxiety and stress

5. Acts as a natural antidepressant

6. Increases self-esteem

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How Parents Can Help With Anxiety in Young Children

Listen to their concerns

Re-introduce term-time routine

Schedule a rehearsal

Get them excited to see their classmates

Plan a fun treat

Osteoporosis: How You Can Reduce Your Risk

Children with Asthma: School Checklist for Parents

Know how to identify and reduce triggers

Develop an asthma management plan and action plan

Talk to school teachers, nurses and coaches

Manage allergies and exposure to influenza

Have your medication reviewed by your pharmacist

5 Useful Tips to Raise Your Energy at Work

Step 1: Stay hydrated

Step 2: Perfect your posture

Step 3: Quick office desk makeover

Step 4: Take time to stretch or walk the block

Step 5: Treat yourself (and a coworker!) to lunch

How to Cope With Travel Anxiety on Your Next Vacation

Plan ahead:

Be organized:

Be prepared for emergencies:

Know the rules when it comes to medications:

Try to relax and don’t feel guilty:

Be mindful of how you’re feeling:

Stay healthy:

Reminder: Widely-used medications can make skin vulnerable to sunlight, may cause severe sunburn or rashes

6 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Mental Health

1. Improves cognitive functioning

2. Promotes brain health

3. Improves memory and reasoning

4. Reduces anxiety and stress

5. Acts as a natural antidepressant

6. Increases self-esteem

Archive

Categories

Pages

Newsletter

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