Stay on top of your meds with some apps
Q: How can technology help me keep track of my medications? A: Nearly half of Americans over the age of 55 take at least one prescription medication, with 12 percent of those over the age of 65 taking four or more. That is a lot to keep track of on a daily basis. No wonder about half of the 2 billion prescriptions filled each year are not taken correctly, according to Pharmacy Times.... READ MORE
Diet, exercise can keep your heart healthy
Q: My family doctor told me that I was at an increased risk of having a heart attack because I have a family history of heart disease. What can I do to reduce my risk? A: There are many lifestyle changes that can be made to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Diet and exercise will be your mainstays. You want to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, grains, and the healthy fats ... READ MORE
Daily multivitamins not usually necessary
Q: Should I take a daily multivitamin? A: This may come as a surprise, but for healthy adults, the use of a daily multivitamin is generally not recommended. Research has not been able to show that taking multivitamins in supplement form can prevent illness. Vitamins are important, but the best sources of them are the foods we eat. The federal 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans ... READ MORE
How to keep your kidneys healthy as you age
Q: I recently was told that kidney function declines with age, and was wondering what I could do to keep my kidneys healthy? A: As we grow older, our kidneys undergo a gradual decline, even for people who do not have kidney disease. One major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products as well as excess fluid from the body through urine output. The kidneys also help... READ MORE
Safely using over-the-counter pain meds
Q: Are over-the-counter acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications safe for older adults? A: Yes, non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally safe for older adults, but should still be used cautiously in some individuals. Options for OTC pain management can be broken down into two categories: acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory... READ MORE
Should you get the new shingles vaccine?
Q: At a recent visit, my local pharmacist asked if I was up to date with my vaccinations. He told me there is a new shingles vaccine that was recently approved. Do I need this vaccine? What do I need to know about it? A: In October, the FDA and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) approved a new adult vaccine called Shingrix. The Shingrix vaccine is given to help prevent shingles and... READ MORE
