It’s time to return to primary care doctor
Q: I stopped going to my primary care doctor during the pandemic and I feel fine. Why should I still continue to get primary care? A: It was necessary, though difficult, to hold back from many forms of primary care during the initial stages of the pandemic. Today, there may be long wait times to get an appointment. But it is highly recommended to see a primary care doctor at least... READ MORE
Why do pharmacists ask about allergies?
Q: While at the pharmacy recently, I was asked if I had any allergies. Why should that matter? A: Lots of confusion surrounds the term “allergy.” The term can be used to describe seasonal allergies with symptoms of sneezing and itchy, watery, red eyes experienced during certain times of the year. It can also be used to define food or medication allergies, which could include a rash... READ MORE
Dealing with stress urinary incontinence
Q: I notice that sometimes when I sneeze or laugh, I may urinate a little. Is there anything I can do, or is this just a part of getting older? A: You’re not alone! What you are experiencing sounds like stress urinary incontinence. This can affect almost a third of people nationwide, more commonly women than men. While the issue is common, it does not mean that it is a normal part... READ MORE
When to stop taking your heartburn drug
Q: I was recently discharged from the hospital and sent home with a prescription for omeprazole. My pharmacist told me it is a generic form of Prilosec. Is this a medication I will need to take for the rest of my life? A: Possibly, but probably not. I would contact your doctor to see how long they intended for you to be on this medication. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, such as... READ MORE
There are effective treatments for dry eyes
Q: What is dry eye disease? A: Dry eye disease, known as dry eye, is a common condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears to properly lubricate itself. Symptoms include irritation, tearing, burning or stinging, a dry sensation, vision changes and contact-lens irritation. Q: How common is it? According to the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8% of the U.S. adult ... READ MORE
Ways to cope with pain of osteoarthritis
Q: My doctor just diagnosed me with osteoarthritis. Whenever I lift something, I experience pain in my hands, knee or hip. How can I stop this pain from taking over my life? A: It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis like this one. Osteoarthritis pain is very common and can affect your daily life. It’s caused by the wearing down of the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage... READ MORE
What can I do once I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Q: I got my COVID-19 vaccine! Now what? A: First and foremost, congrats! You have joined millions of Americans who have been immunized against COVID-19. Like you, many are asking the same question: Now what? Let’s first talk about what vaccine you may have received. The FDA has approved three vaccines to get you immunized: one each from Pfizer; Moderna; and Johnson &... READ MORE
Medications too costly? These can help
Q: Is there anything I can do to help cut back on my prescription costs? I have private insurance, but the copays are still too high! A: Even after a medication has been billed to insurance plans, they may still be expensive. The high cost could be due to a number of things — including high deductibles, which require you to pay a certain amount for your medications before the insurance ... READ MORE
Safe storage is important for insulin pens
Q: I am diabetic and use an insulin pen. I am often confused over how to store the product and how long it can last once opened. Can you help me? A: Insulin is used to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes/high blood sugar. Insulin can come packaged in vials (for injection by syringe) as well as in injectable pen devices that utilize a spring activated by a simple push-button to ... READ MORE
Who should be screened for cervical cancer?
Q: A friend’s mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Should I be worried about this, too? A: Cervical cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled cell growth that starts in the cervix. Sadly, more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer every year. More than 20% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65, according to the... READ MORE
