Pharmacy Archives - Page 25 of 41

What’s Your Risk of Heart Disease? London Drugs Now Offering Critical Screening Tests

The statistics are staggering: heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada^[1], and the leading cause of premature death among women^[2]. Otherwise known as the ‘silent killer’, heart disease often has no symptoms, until the underlying disease has progressed. When signs are present, they are easily missed or dismissed.

As one of the most accessible health care providers available to Canadians, our pharmacists are stepping up their efforts to help in the prevention of heart disease by providing critical screening tests conveniently in the pharmacy.

The benefits of screening tests

London Drugs Pharmacist Agusha McGrath recently visited Breakfast Television in Calgary to explain how the screening tests work, and how you can recognize the early signs of heart disease. Click here to watch.

Pharmacists like Agusha now play a key role in the prevention of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems: helping patients understand their risk factors, emphasizing the importance of medication adherence and offering counselling to make important lifestyle changes.

Sit down with a London Drugs Pharmacist

To help you take control of your own heart health and learn about heart disease prevention, our pharmacists are offering Healthy Heart Clinics, running now until April 26^th at 68 London Drugs locations.

During the one-on-one 45 minute Healthy Heart clinics, patients will have the opportunity to sit down with a London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacist for a customized screening and evaluation. The pharmacist screens for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, random glucose and blood pressure, and can determine a 10-year cardiovascular risk factor based on those measurements.

They also discuss with the patient how to lower their risk and improve heart health, which includes recommendations for changes to diet, fitness routines or lifestyle. As a collaborative health care provider, the pharmacist may also contact a physician, in order to recommend changes to the patient’s medications, or further medical intervention.

To book a Healthy Heart Clinic appointment visit: http://www.londondrugs.com/healthyheart

[1] Public Health Agency of Canada
[2] Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2018 Heart Report

Baby Feeding and Nutrition Facebook Live Event with Carley Mendes and Beaba

Introducing solid foods to your little one should be a fun and exciting adventure, but there are often many questions on how and when to take this step. By the time baby is ready for solid food, new parents have already researched so many other things…. strollers, car seats, sleep!

Earlier this month I partnered with London Drugs and Beaba to host a Facebook Live event and answer viewers questions about first foods for baby. I’m a holistic nutritionist and founder of Oh Baby Nutrition. I specialize in naturally nourishing pregnancy, postpartum, and starting solids with your baby. I love talking about feeding babies because you have such an amazing opportunity to help little ones establish healthy eating habits right from the beginning.

We covered quite a bit of important information in the Facebook event, such as…

When to start solids

During the event, I recommended to introduce first foods when baby is around 6 months, but also waiting until a few key developmental milestones have been met. Specifically that your baby can sit up unassisted, has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (does not automatically push solids out of their mouth with their tongue), and is ready and willing to chew.

Different methods of introducing solids

The two primary methods of introduction are spoon-feeding purees vs baby-led weaning. With baby-led weaning, you skip the purees and start with finger foods right away. These two methods do not have to be done exclusively and you can try a mix of both feeding styles with your little one. I’ve created a comprehensive guide to starting solids called Baby Knows Best that helps parents make an educated decision about the method that feels right for them and their babies. The Beaba Babycook that was featured in our Facebook event cooks both purees and finger foods.

Finger foods: shape, size & texture

Whether starting with finger foods or introducing them after purees, it’s critical to understand the proper shape, size & texture for safety. Stick or finger shaped foods allows your baby to firmly hold the food in the palm of their hand and bite off little pieces, with or without teeth. It helps them learn how to chew, and learn how much food they can safely manage in their mouths. I’ve written more extensively about this here.

Best flavors to offer baby: sweet vs savoury

Parents are often concerned that offering sweet before savoury will cause babies to develop a sweet tooth. However, humans are naturally drawn to sweet flavours because in nature they represent energy dense, safe foods that are less likely to carry foodborne illness. Plus, breast milk (formula) is very sweet so they already have a taste for it. Initial introduction isn’t as important as making sure to include a variety of flavours in baby’s diet once they’ve started solids. Offering variety in a baby’s diet is also the best ways to avoid picky eating habits in toddlers.

How much food to feed baby

Each baby is different and the age at which they’ll be ready for more food will vary. So it’s recommended to watch your baby’s cues and follow their lead. Its best not to rush into things and only offer 1 serving a day for the first month or so, then build slowly from there.

We also had some fantastic questions from viewers of our Facebook Live event, such as…

When you start to introduce solids does it take the place of a nursing feed?

When solid food is initially introduced, servings will be tiny and baby’s intake of breast milk should remain the same. As food intake slowly increases over time, breast milk consumption will naturally decrease and mother’s supply will adapt to the lessened demand. This exchange of breast milk for food should happen very gradually.

What would you recommend as a good first food to start your baby on?

I prefer fresh foods over packaged foods, and nutrient-dense foods over fortified foods. Some important nutrients for babies are iron, calcium, and DHA. In my guide to starting solids, I list all of my favorite foods, along with recipes and meal plans for various ages.

Is it ok to start babies on a full variety of mixed food from the very start or should you start with individual foods and then combine once we are sure they are ok to eat?

It was previously recommended to introduce new foods one at a time, waiting a few days between. However this advice has changed and now only applies to highly allergenic foods, such as cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, sesame, shellfish and fish.

I have a very, very big baby so is it better to add water as opposed to breast milk to my baby food?

Breast milk is the most nutrient-dense sustenance for babies, so it’s not recommended to limit intake. However feel free to mix up the liquid you use to make purees, such as the water used to steam baby food, bone broth, coconut water, or even non-medicinal herbal tea.

My baby is 8 months (I started solids at 6 months) and he still does not seem very interested in food. Is this uncommon?

Some babies take to solids right away, but it can definitely take others some time to show an interest. Let your baby lead the way and set the pace. It’s best not to try enticing them to consume more than they’re inclined too, so they can preserve their innate ability to self-regulate their appetite. However, I suggest talking with your health care provider if your baby isn’t taking to solids and is also exhibiting other developmental delays.

Is your little one ready to begin the adventure of first foods? My guide, Baby Knows Best includes a 4-part video series and 4 part-eBook series that will show you exactly how and when to take this exciting step. Baby Knows Best will answer all of your questions, eliminate your doubts, and allow you to start solids with confidence.

Carley Mendes, Holistic Nutritionist

Oh Baby Nutrition (www.ohbabynutrition.com)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ohbabynutrition/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ohbabynutrition/?hl=en)

Let’s Talk About… tough conversations

Most people want to appear like we have it all together, so we talk about what’s going well in our lives. But what about when we’re struggling with a difficult time in our life? The reality is that everyone faces ups and downs.

Whether is Bell Let’s Talk, Canadian Mental Health Association’s Ask About Suicide partnership with London Drugs, or celebrities sharing their challenges, there is a new openness to talking about mental health. This is so important, because every year one in five Canadians will have a mental health problem or illness. About half of them will not talk about it with family and friends, and that may keep them from getting the help they need. The more we talk about mental health, the more we make it safe for people to speak up when they are struggling.

Regular people like you can be the one to reach out first and start an important conversation. Here are three ways you could start a conversation with someone who seems to be struggling.

Describe what you are seeing
Keep it straight-forward and without judgement. “I’ve noticed lately that you have been away a lot. It’s made me wonder if you’re ok?”
Offer your own experience
“I had a really hard time when I was first home alone with a new baby. How are you doing?”
Talk about the trends

When we show how common mental health struggles are, it makes it safer for others to talk. “People I know are really stressed out about debt and the cost of living, especially this time of year. Is that something that bothers you?”

Whatever words you use, reaching out to someone who is having a hard time is always the right thing to do. And it might just be what they need to hear. If you want more ideas or resources, visit www.cmha.bc.ca.

By Maya Russell, CMHA BC Division

Want to quit smoking? London Drugs pharmacists can help

London Drugs pharmacist counsels a patient about over-the-counter smoking cessation aids.

Research shows quit medication combined with professional counselling provides the greatest chance of success

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to quitting smoking but there are many evidence-based ways to increase your chances of quitting success.

Research demonstrates the strongest approach to smoking cessation is to combine quit medication with quit counselling.

As part of National Non-Smoking Week, we are encouraging smokers to take advantage of complimentary smoking cessation counselling available at our pharmacies.

Pharmacists are available to advise patients on selecting a nicotine replacement therapy as well as provide advice by developing personalized quit plans to help people stop smoking.

To learn more about how your pharmacist can help a person quit, visit or call your local London Drugs.

Support for Smokers in B.C.

In B.C., London Drugs has joined forces with QuitNow, a provincially-funded program delivered by the BC Lung Association, to support British Columbians in their efforts to quit by providing free informational resources and coaching.

Eligible BC residents can also receive government financial support through the BC Smoking Cessation Program which covers 100% of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy (specific nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, inhaler), or contributing to the cost of specific smoking cessation prescription drugs.

London Drugs Certified Tobacco Educator Penny Lehoux, and QuitNow Health Promoter, Tracey Jirak.

Quit Coaching Clinic Co-Hosted by London Drugs & QuitNow

As part of National Non-Smoking Week, London Drugs and QuitNow are co-hosting a Quit Coaching Clinic next Wednesday at the Coquitlam Centre location.

Quit Coaching Clinic

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – 5:30pm to 8:30pm
London Drugs Pharmacy
Coquitlam Centre (2929 Barnet Hwy #1030)

During the Quit Coaching Clinic, London Drugs Certified Tobacco Educator, Penny Lehoux, and QuitNow Health Promoter, Tracey Jirak, will be:

Conducting CO breathing tests, a quick and easy way to demonstrate the impact that smoking is having on your body.
Discussing practical tips to help you reduce your smoking and providing info about free services available online through Quitnow.ca.
Developing personalized quit plans.
Offering information about the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program for nicotine replacement therapy.
Answering questions about smoking cessation products available over-the-counter and by prescription.

How To Get Your Baby to Sleep – Baby’s Best Sleep and London Drugs Q&A

It was 3:30AM.

My daughter was 2 weeks old

I had seen every hour on the clock.

Earlier in the evening I had sent my husband to bed because he needed to work the next day. But here I was: exhausted, desperate and about to ruin his slumber.

I ran into our spare room where my husband was sleeping, handed him the baby and tried to get two hours of sleep in a row. I come back for the baby a couple of hours later to see HIM sleeping with the baby in his arms! It was my Oprah ‘a-ha’ moment: sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!

While we may chuckle with a friend about how exhausting parenthood is, your child’s infancy (and sometimes beyond) can bring parents many sleepless nights if baby isn’t sleeping well–and that is no laughing matter. When we have tired babies, we have tired parents and tired parents are more likely to be involved in an accident, have a higher risk of heart disease, be obese, and even experience anxiety or depression. Sleep deprivation is no joke. And we know that after baby is 6 months and their circadian rhythms look more like adult ones, having broken nights of sleep means they feel just as tired and cranky as you do!

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are a few basics you need to know about baby sleep before you make any changes to way your baby falls asleep. Here are the basics that will answer the most common baby sleep questions and hopefully provide you with a starting point in helping your child become better rested.

Everyone has a sleep dance

“What?” you ask.

Yes! You read right. A sleep dance!

If I asked you to think about your sleep dance it would likely look like this: You hop into bed, take off your socks and turn to your right side. But in another 2 minutes you’re going to shift to your left side, put your hand under your pillow and shift your legs to and fro. These routines and actions are your sleep dance. And if your child or baby has you doing this dance for them (feeding, rocking, bouncing, swaying, pacifying etc.) it means that every time they wake, they will require that same ‘dance’ to fall asleep again…which is challenging because…

Your baby will never sleep through the night.

And neither will you for that matter! All human sleep is actually made up of several shorter cycles of sleep. Most adults have a sleep cycle of 90 minutes but because adults have independent sleep skills, we can get to the end of our cycle, wake, turn over and go back to sleep. A baby’s sleep cycle however can range between 30-90 minutes (depending on their age). This means it’s possible that a baby can wake every 30 minutes! And if baby does not have their sleep dance down, it means they will require a recital from mom and dad all night long! Some of you are nodding right now–if this is you, it means your baby does not have their sleep dance down and is lacking independent sleep skills

Becoming a professional soother replacer

If baby has any sleep associations (things that lully them to sleep: rocking, patting, swaying, swings, pacifiers, dock-a-tots, nursing, bottles etc.) it makes falling and staying asleep extremely challenging because these associations will all stop working. Whatever lulling effect is created by these associations will eventually wear off and you’re left swaying a crying baby for hours. How many of you have had to run back to baby’s room several times at night to replace a pacifier? When we remove the pacifier (or any other association) baby will sleep deeper and more consistently going forward.

So what now? Tips for success!

Find a way to teach your baby independent sleep skills. Whether it’s with a consultant like me or with another program, method or practice that aligns with your family goals–teaching baby to sleep on their own is a must.
Whenever you start a program don’t give up! Consistency is challenging with babies but its a MUST with any child. You can’t go half way and expect 100% results. If you want baby to learn to sleep, they must sleep unassisted every single time.
Finally, get support. If your partner can’t be around to help, find a friend or family member to support you in helping baby sleep. It can be challenging and sometimes having another person to talk to through the challenges can be helpful (this is also why hiring a consultant is so great–we’re with you every step of the way!)

If you’re feeling like you’re ready to get you and baby to sleep, feel free to reach out! I (and many consultants!) offer free discovery calls to try to get a better sense of your sleep issue and let you know what working within a program may look like. You can reach me here: www.babysbestsleep.com/15mins

Good luck and teach that baby to dance!

Diabetes and Vaccines

A lot has been written about vaccine safety in recent years, and much of it has been based on false information and bad research. If you have diabetes and are wondering about whether you should receive vaccines, the answer is “Yes!” Your London Drugs pharmacists can help you sort out the facts from the falsehoods and figure out which vaccines you should get.

Why get vaccinated?

Diabetes, even if it is well managed, can make it more difficult for your immune system to fight infections, and that can put you at risk for more serious complications than someone without diabetes would be likely to experience from the same disease. For example, pneumonia (a lung infection) and meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord) may lead to very serious complications and can even be fatal in people who have diabetes. Fortunately, there are vaccines that can help prevent these infections.

People with diabetes are also more likely to get some diseases—such as hepatitis B—than the general public, and some illnesses—such as influenza (the flu)—can raise blood glucose (blood sugar) to levels that are dangerously high.

Don’t assume that because you have diabetes that you shouldn’t get vaccinated. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Not getting vaccinated can put you at risk of more serious problems than the occasional minor side effects vaccines may cause.

What vaccines should people with diabetes get?

Your healthcare providers are in the best position to explain which vaccinations you should have and why, but there are some general guidelines. The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends that people with diabetes get routine immunizations with the following vaccines:

diphtheria
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
hepatitis B
herpes zoster
human papillomavirus (HPV)
influenza
measles-mumps-rubella
meningococcal conjugate quadrivalent
pertussis
pneumococcal conjugate 13-valent (children)
pneumococcal polysaccharide 23-valent (adults and children 2 years of age and older)
polio (inactivated)
rotavirus
tetanus
varicella (univalent)

Other vaccines may also be appropriate for some people. You should discuss your personal situation with a healthcare professional to determine if any additional vaccines would help protect your health.

Additionally, anyone travelling outside Canada may require other vaccines related to their travel plans. Your London Drugs travel health pharmacists can help you plan for any travel-related vaccines (such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies) that you may need.

Some of the drugs that may be used to treat diseases such as the flu and pneumonia may be less effective than they used to be, making it more important than ever to prevent the diseases. In addition to helping prevent pneumonia, the pneumococcal vaccine also protects against bloodstream infections and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

Because the flu virus changes every year, the shot you get one year isn’t likely to protect you the following year, so getting a shot at the beginning of each flu season is recommended.

London Drugs certified injection pharmacists are available to answer your questions about vaccines and to provide any vaccinations you need conveniently, right in the pharmacy. If you have any questions, please ask us.

Preventing and Treating Hypoglycemia

Understanding hypoglycemia (the medical term for low blood glucose, also known as low blood sugar) is a very important part of diabetes management. When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, your body breaks down these sugars and starches into glucose, a form of sugar, and your blood glucose level rises.

When your blood glucose levels drop below your target levels, this is known as hypoglycemia. It can happen for a number of reasons:

What’s Your Risk of Heart Disease? London Drugs Now Offering Critical Screening Tests

The benefits of screening tests

Sit down with a London Drugs Pharmacist