Blog Archives | Carolina Pharmacy

November 30, 2022December 1, 2022

How To Deal With the Medication Shortage in North Carolina

You can access the most recent news updates about the medication shortage on WSOC-TV and WCNC Charlotte.

What You Need To Know:

As of November 15th, 2022, North Carolina residents have reported issues finding several medications in pharmacies across North Carolina, including:
- Tamiflu
- Amoxicillin
- Adderall
Tamiflu demand has skyrocketed thanks to a higher number of flu cases in the area.

Compounding pharmacies can create these medications to help with the increasing demand.

How Carolina Pharmacy Is Helping With the Medication Shortage in North Carolina

As a compounding pharmacy in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster, Carolina Pharmacy is able to create medications like Tamiflu, Amoxicillin, and Adderall in times of crisis. We are also currently working with smaller wholesalers, so we can keep our shelves stocked with these important medications.

If your pharmacy is ever out of the medication you need, you can fill your prescription at our pharmacy with our prescription services. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation as it unfolds. We will also not raise the prices of these medications so patients can get what they need during the flu season.

If you are not near one of our pharmacies in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster, we recommend calling multiple pharmacies in your area to find which one has the medication you need. Some pharmacies are still fully stocked with Tamiflu, Adderall, and Amoxicillin while others are still waiting on supplies.

If you have questions about how we create our medications, or you want to know what medications we have in stock, you can contact us today. We’re happy to help.

November 3, 2022November 3, 2022

Signs of a Drug Reaction: Tips From Your Charlotte Pharmacist

After taking medication for an illness or condition, you should expect to feel better. However, some drugs can have effects on the body and may cause adverse reactions. If you’ve ever taken medication and noticed an unusual reaction in or on your body, then it’s important for you to know why it happens and if you should change your medication.

Just like food allergies, you can be allergic to certain medications. Your body can perceive certain drugs as allergens because they are not recognized in your system. Unfortunately, even with a smaller dosage, some medications will still cause a reaction.

Reactions can range from mild to severe to life-threatening, which is why your Charlotte pharmacists want to help you better understand drug reactions, what to look out for, and how to find out which medications are right for you.

Symptoms and Causes of Drug Allergies

Drug reactions or drug allergies have the following causes and symptoms:

Causes

Sometimes, introducing something new to your body might trigger your immune system to believe it is a dangerous substance instead of a helpful drug. This will cause your body to use antibodies as a fighting mechanism to attack the new medication and try to get rid of it.

These antibodies are the reason why you get certain reactions after taking newer medications or eating certain foods. A reaction might happen on the first dose, though it sometimes will not happen until you have used the medication multiple times. In some cases, you will be monitored by your doctor the first time you take a new medication.

Symptoms

Some symptoms you may notice during a drug reaction are:

Skin rash
Itching
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Diarrhea
Swelling
Fever

These are mild symptoms of a drug reaction, with the mildest being a small rash on the body. However, drug reactions can be as severe as Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that causes the throat to close up, making it hard for the patient to breathe.

How to Identify a Drug Reaction

Drug reactions or allergies are just your body trying to protect itself from substances it has identified as “harmful.” When antibodies are triggered, they release chemicals from your body’s cells, which triggers an allergic reaction.

A reaction will typically appear in the form of a rash, diarrhea, or difficulty in breathing. These symptoms–especially a rash–will occur shortly after the mediation has been taken, depending on how serious the reaction is.

However, sometimes you have to pay close attention to your body to figure out if your medication is causing a reaction. Drug reactions can be very subtle, and it’s easy to assume that some of your symptoms are caused by another outside force, like itchy clothing or certain foods.

How Long Will it Take to Notice a Drug Reaction?

Drug reactions take a few hours to two weeks to happen. However, it all depends on the medication itself and the patient’s body. One person might exhibit reactions to certain medications in a matter of hours. Others may experience drug allergy symptoms between one or two weeks. Some people may not even notice a reaction until much later.

However, in the case of a severe allergic reaction (like anaphylaxis), the reaction will typically occur within minutes of taking the medication. Sometimes it may take a bit longer for symptoms to show, but they will usually not pop up later than 24 hours from the time the drug was taken.

How Long Do Symptoms From a Drug Allergy Last?

A drug reaction rash will only disappear when the source of the reaction (the drug) has completely left the body. If you notice any symptoms a few hours after taking a medication, do not take another dose. It’s always best to get in contact with your doctor first.

If your reaction appears a few days or a week or two after you started the medication, you should also stop taking it immediately and reach out to your doctor or the pharmacist that prescribed the medication. Most drug reaction rashes will disappear after a few days or weeks as long as the medication is stopped.

In the case of an anaphylaxis reaction, a drug called epinephrine will need to be administered as soon as possible as a first-aid treatment. This medication will cause the patient’s airways to open up, allowing oxygen into the body and reducing swelling in the throat. The effects from anaphylaxis go away very quickly after treatment is administered.

Benefits of Getting Pharmacogenetic Testing in Charlotte, NC

A pharmacogenetic test is one of the best ways you can save yourself from an adverse drug reaction in the future. Figuring out which medications you need to avoid will help you make the right choices, whether you’re getting your medication from your doctor or getting over-the-counter medication from a pharmacist.

The test doesn’t have to be a hassle either. You can get a convenient pharmacogenetic test in Charlotte at our pharmacy for your peace of mind. With a proper sample, we can test your genes and check the effects of various medications on them. That way, you can be prepared.

Reach Out for a Free Pharmacogenetic Test Consultation at Your Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill

Whether you notice a rash on day one of using your medication, or you start feeling it a few days in, the first thing you always need to do is stop the medication. Mild drug reaction symptoms can start as rashes or hives and then progress into diarrhea and fever if not properly managed. It’s also just as important to get a pharmacogenetic test when you notice an unusual drug reaction.

At Carolina Pharmacy, we provide convenient pharmacogenetic testing in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill, to help you with any drug reactions you might have. We are devoted to your health and overall wellness, which is why we provide the highest quality prescriptions and personal healthcare services.

August 31, 2022September 5, 2022

Everything Charlotte Residents Need to Know About Monkeypox

Infectious diseases are as old as human evolution. Every decade seems to throw one or more contagious diseases in the face of humanity. The recent concerns about monkeypox have raised several questions about the virus.

These questions are expected, especially now that most countries have started relaxing COVID-19 restrictions imposed since 2020. Despite that, the seeming light at the end of the tunnel seems to be short-lived with the recent monkeypox outbreak.

Is this the beginning of another pandemic?

How do I know if I’ve been infected with the monkeypox virus?

So, what is the monkeypox virus and why is this unexpected outbreak causing so much concern and being represented on virtually every news channel? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this recent outbreak.

What Is Monkeypox?

Just like many infectious diseases, monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. Typically, monkeypox occurs in the rural areas of central and west Africa. However, on July 23, 2022, monkeypox became a global health emergency, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A Brief History of Monkeypox

Monkeypox was first discovered by medical experts during an outbreak in 1958. The first human case of monkeypox disease was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Interestingly, the first time a monkeypox case was registered, it was in a time of augmented effort to get rid of smallpox.

Back to the question, why are many concerned right now?

For decades, the monkeypox virus has only been reported in Central Africa and West Africa, but as of the time of publishing this article, there have been more than 48,000 confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus in over 99 different countries beyond the African continent.

Prior to this, the monkeypox virus was reported in the United States in 2003. This came from a shipment of giant pouched rats that were infected with the monkeypox virus. Reports later confirmed that these rats were imported to Texas from Ghana.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Monkeypox virus usually spreads through direct contact with infected persons through their rash, scabs, or body fluids. It can also spread through intimate physical contact such as touching, cuddling, kissing, and sexual intercourse.

Signs & Symptoms of Monkeypox Disease

Experts assert that the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox. But the symptoms are milder than those of smallpox. Commonly encountered symptoms include fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, and more.

In the first few weeks of infection, there is usually a development of a rash on the face, which then spreads to the other parts of the body. Other symptoms of monkeypox infection include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.

Sometimes, infected persons may experience respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. With close monitoring, medical experts suggest that it resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks.

For more information on monkeypox, please download and refer to this quick reference guide.

How to Know if You Have a Monkeypox Infection

Since the signs and symptoms of monkeypox overlap with that of other viral infections such as COVID-19 and smallpox virus, the best way to determine if you have monkeypox is to be tested. If you experience symptoms or have been exposed, then you should get tested for monkeypox.

Some testing sites such as Labcorp, Aegis Science, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, and Sonic Healthcare provide monkeypox tests. If your test result is positive, we recommend that you stay isolated until your rash is healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.

Can Monkeypox Be Treated or Cured

Experience from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 threw the world into a web of uncertainties. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic>, the virus was relatively new. There were no therapeutics or vaccines, and scientists had little to no understanding of the behavior of the virus.

The entire world was unprepared for a pandemic. Thankfully, vaccines were deployed quickly to contain the spread of the virus.

Fortunately, the case is different for monkeypox. We’ve known about monkeypox for over 60 years. There are vaccines, and healthcare practitioners such as nurses and pharmacists have a lot of experience dealing with the virus.

Although there are currently no specific treatments for the monkeypox virus infection, most monkeypox cases resolve on their own within 14 days to 28 days. Additionally, due to the genetic similarity of the monkeypox virus and the smallpox virus, available antiviral drugs that are currently in use to treat smallpox may also be used to treat monkeypox infections.

Moreover, given our experience with the monkeypox outbreak in the 1970s, we know what to expect. Hence, we can predict what is likely to happen and then prepare for any likely unprecedented event.

How to Keep Yourself Safe in Charlotte

One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting infected with monkeypox is to follow recommended safety guidelines. Here are simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe:

Avoid close contact with persons who have a rash or show other symptoms which are typical of monkeypox.
Avoid sharing utensils or other materials with individuals who have monkeypox or show symptoms that are similar to that of monkeypox.
Wash your hands often.

Contact Us for More Information About Monkeypox in Charlotte, Lancaster, & Rock Hill

Our mission at Carolina Pharmacy is to keep you and your family safe during these trying times by providing safety guidelines and health tips. Feel free to contact us for more information about Monkeypox in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill

August 2, 2022August 3, 2022

Charlotte Area Pharmacists Offer Healthy Living Tips To Help You Relax

Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill Pharmacists Offer Healthy Living Tips To Help You Relax

There’s no doubt that living a stress-free life can be challenging. Everyone is trying to make time between work, family, and our personal lives. Obviously, leading a stressful life can adversely affect your health, both physically and mentally.

Beyond feeling tired and grumpy most of the time, you may feel irritated and mostly unhappy just because you aren’t relaxing well enough. In this article, you will learn about simple ways that can help you relax no matter how busy you are. These tips will help you create time for yourself and also relax.

Without further ado, here are the healthy living tips that can help you relax.

Manage Stress

Stress is part of everyone’s daily life experience. In fact, it serves the important purpose of warning us against potential threats, so we can avoid danger. However, too much stress and the way we respond to it can impact our health negatively.

Sometimes, too much stress may lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Under certain circumstances, too much stress can even result in physical health problems like heart diseases and gut stress.

Although no one can totally avoid stress, it can be managed by proper relaxation and responding to it appropriately. To manage stress, you can begin by setting reasonable deadlines, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Additionally, be deliberate about creating time to relax through good sleep.

Engage in Moderate Physical Activity

Although this may sound counterintuitive, engaging yourself in moderate physical activity or exercise may be beneficial for stress management so you can get to relax. Evidence indicates that a sedentary lifestyle may lead to increased stress, mood swings, and sleep abnormalities.

However, when you engage in physical activity, your muscles become relaxed, and this enables you to release physical tension. Try aerobic exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, cycling, and gardening. When you do this consistently, you will be able to reduce stress levels and also relax.

Eat Healthily

What you eat can be your biggest ally or foe when it comes to relaxation. That’s why you need to pay attention to what you’re eating when you’re feeling stressed. Experts have demonstrated that certain types of nutrients in some foods can affect your emotion, motivation, and mood.

For instance, whole grain foods can help you boost your mood and reduce stress by raising your serotonin levels (a hormone that boosts your mood and helps to reduce stress). Also, avocados offer stress-reducing omega-3-fatty acids that help to reduce stress and fight anxiety, so you can be in a greater mood to relax.

Lastly, warm milk can help you get a great night’s sleep if you’ve had a really stressful day.

Observe Relaxation Exercise Routines

There are nights when it can be very challenging to fall and stay asleep. While we may blame stress and anxiety for these moments, however, you may be having issues with falling and staying asleep due to progressive inactivation of your body’s relaxation response.

To overcome this, you need to try relaxation exercises to help you relax. Some relaxation exercises you can try include:

Breathing Exercises: This involves taking slow deep breaths to create a sense of calm. If you find yourself lying awake in bed for too long, then you should try taking ten slow deep breaths. This may help you relax and then fall asleep.
Visualization Exercises: This technique involves creating calming and serene mental images that will help you expand your ability to rest and relax. You can do this by initially closing your eyes, then focusing your mind on one calming mental image. This may help you to remove any tension you may be feeling throughout your body.

Monitor Your Daily Activities

Do you spend most of your time working, sitting down behind a computer, or doing the same thing in the same way throughout the week? Then you may need to add some flexibility to your daily activities. Doing the same repetitive thing can prevent you from getting enough rest when you need it.

Sometimes, you may not even realize that you haven’t been creating enough time for rest or exercise. Monitor your daily activities and be deliberate about creating more time to rest. Some quick ways to relax include creating time to take a quick walk, trying to get organized, doing some yoga, meditation, or just laughing.

Get a Hot Bath

Getting a hot bath is one of the unique ways of relaxing your body, and many of us can attest to this. A hot bath helps you ease off the day’s stress by enhancing your skin’s ability to release endorphins. Additionally, a hot bath improves your lung capacity and oxygen intake, which are beneficial for the efficient regulation of your blood pressure.

Try Getting a Massage

A massage can be a powerful tool for relaxation. A good massage after a stressful day can help you reduce pain, muscle soreness, and tension. Additionally, it can improve your energy, circulation, and alertness. Beyond that, a massage can be helpful for anxiety, nerve pain, and headaches, ultimately helping you relax.

Contact Us for Health Tips In Charlotte, Rock Hill & Lancaster

You can take charge and control your stress levels by learning how to relax. Even when you don’t feel stressed, practicing these relaxation tips will help you keep stress away and improve the quality of your life. Feel free to speak with a pharmacist for health tips in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster.

June 29, 2022June 30, 2022

Charlotte Pharmacists Explain the Consequences of Stress

Consequences of stress in Charlotte, Rock Hill & Lancaster

Stress affects us all in many ways – the demands of each day, such as work, family, personal issues, and more. Stress is everywhere. It is meant to be a beneficial psychological response for you. However, when not managed properly, it results in negative outcomes that can wear you down both physically and mentally.

In this guide, we will explain the health consequences of chronic stress and how you can relax and relieve yourself of stress so you can live a productive and healthy lifestyle.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a normal psychological response to demanding situations. This response to situations may either be real or just perceived. This response is part of the body’s control system, often called the ‘fight or flight response,’ which is built into our system to defend us against injury.

Physiologically, the stress response is triggered by certain hormone signals, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which result in body responses such as an increase in heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Hence, when you encounter a real or perceived threat, these hormones are triggered to cause these physiological responses.

However, these responses to stress can go wild. In other words, there are instances where the perceived threat has passed, and yet the response to stress continues. This disrupts your body’s natural processes leading to constant feelings of being under attack and ultimately negative health consequences.

Symptoms of Stress

The stress response comes with several feelings, such as anxiety, fear, anger, and aggression. You may feel irritated, frustrated, and depressed even when the stressors aren’t there just because your stress response doesn’t stop firing. These symptoms are not without certain body reactions. Common symptoms of stress include headaches, indigestion, nausea, pains, heart palpitations, digestion problems, and more.

That’s not all, these symptoms can influence your behavior in many ways. For instance, you may feel withdrawn from people, which can often cause you to snap at them. You may also feel depressed. This can affect your cognition and decision-making, so you may be inflexible or even indecisive

Health Consequences of Long-Term Stress

Prolonged activation of the stress response can disrupt the normal body processes, putting you at risk of many health problems. For instance, prolonged stress can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

During a typical stress response, you will find yourself breathing faster than the normal rate. If you have respiratory disorders such as asthma, then stress can make it even harder to breathe. Similarly, chronic stress raises your heart rate and pressure and increases your chances of getting hypertension, stroke, or even a heart attack.

Stress also affects the digestive system. The stress response makes your liver produce extra glucose to boost your energy levels. However, your body may not be able to keep up with processing the glucose rush under chronic stress, which can lead to a risk of the development of type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, the effects of chronic stress affect the muscular system. Your muscles begin to get tense and tighter, making them difficult to relax. This can lead to persistent muscle pain, headaches, and more.

How to Relax and Relieve Yourself of Stress

Dealing with stress begins by first understanding the nature of stress and the stressors. These stressors may be physical events or emotional reactions to pressures you’re faced with. These stressors usually manifest as mild physical warnings of headache, fatigue, and tense muscles. Don’t ignore these early warning signs of stress.

Now begin to look for practical solutions to deal with the stressor by thinking about where you can make changes. For instance, you may start by prioritizing the most important things in your life and slowly getting rid of the things that are stressing you out.

You may also try to delegate some of your daily activities so you can have more time to relax and build supportive relationships with friends and family.

Additional tips to relieve stress include:

Adopting simple lifestyle changes
Getting a massage
Going for a walk
Trying alternative therapies such as yoga or aromatherapy
Finding a hobby

Get Help for Stress in Charlotte, Rock Hill, & Lancaster

Although it may be challenging, relieving yourself of stress is one of the easiest ways to live a healthy lifestyle. Do you feel stressed? Are you experiencing headaches, tiredness, and mood swings that you can’t explain? Then feel free to contact us for stress management in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster.

June 2, 2022June 2, 2022

7 Vital Questions To Ask Your Charlotte Area Pharmacist

Vital Questions To Ask Your Pharmacist in The Charlotte Area

Getting the best out of your visit to the pharmacy requires asking the right questions. Your conversation with your pharmacist is a two-way street; pharmacists are always ready to listen to your question as much as you’re ready to listen to their medical advice.

Have you been asking your pharmacists questions about your medications? Do you share information about your medical history and allergies with your pharmacist? It’s time you started asking your pharmacist more questions. Here are some of the common questions to ask your Charlotte area pharmacist.

What Types of Food Does My Medication Interact with?

The scope of pharmaceutical care goes beyond just medications. Our Charlotte area pharmacists can advise on how what you eat or drink interacts with medications since reactions may occur with certain foods.

In some cases, interactions with foods may be harmful. Always ask your pharmacist if your medicine will interact with any food or alcohol before taking the medication. Moreover, also ask about the best time to take your medications, before or after meals.

Does My Medication Have Any Major Side Effects?

No drug is without one or more side effects. However, the extent and severity of adverse effects differ for every drug. Your pharmacist is a specialized health professional that can inform you of potential side effects you may experience while taking your medication and how you can manage them.

How Do I Store My Medication?

Different medications have different storage conditions. If not stored correctly, they start losing their potency. This affects the effectiveness of prescribed medications. A simple rule of thumb is to store medications in a cool, dry place. Also, keep medications away from humidity, the direct impact of sunlight, and drastic temperature changes.

However, different medications require specific storage requirements. For instance, some medications, such as glaucoma medications or insulin for managing diabetes, require refrigeration.

Another pro tip, avoid leaving your medication in your car. If you’re traveling by air, it is advisable to carry your medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid the effect of extreme temperature drops typical of a plane’s luggage hull. Be sure to discuss storage requirements with your pharmacist to be able to maximize the potency of prescribed medications.

What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?

Sometimes life happens, and you could miss a dose of your medication. That’s understandable. But that’s not a reason for you to double it up the next time you’re to take the medication. That could result in drug toxicity which could wind you up in the emergency room.

If you missed a dose of your medication, feel free to contact your pharmacist about what to do. However, keep in mind that it is better to comply diligently with your medication regimen for the medication to work effectively leaving little to no room for error.

How Long Should I Continue to Use the Medication?

The right time to stop taking your medication varies depending on the drug and the nature of the condition. For certain drugs, you may feel better after two or three days of commencement of the medication, but you may still have to take them for seven to 14 days for maximum efficiency. Antibiotics fall within this category.

Some medications require routine monitoring and achievement of a certain set of therapeutic goals before you can decide whether to stop them or not. At times, a change to another medication may be required to effectively treat the condition.

Regardless of the type of medication you’ve been prescribed, be sure to talk to your pharmacist about the right time you can stop the medication for optimal pharmacy care.

What Other Medications Can My Medicine Interact with?

Just like drugs interact with food, they also interact with other medications. Certain non-prescription drugs are known to interact with prescription medications. Some of these interactions may decrease the effectiveness of the drugs, while others may lead to unwanted adverse effects.

Do not take any medication with other medications without asking your pharmacist how they interact. Also communicate with your pharmacist if you currently take any herbal medications or alternative therapies.

Find a Knowledgeable Pharmacist Near You in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster

Since pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, getting the right medication advice is easier than you think. At Carolina Pharmacy, we provide personalized pharmacy services. Our goal is to ensure that you get the best quality medicines for your health at an affordable price. Feel free to contact us for your pharmaceutical advice in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster.

June 2, 2022June 2, 2022

Charlotte Area Pharmacists Offer Food Tips for Overall Health

Best & Worst Types of Food For Your Overall Health in Charlotte

It is needless to say that your happiness depends on your being in the best health possible. This is not just about your body health; your mental health is also very important. Fortunately, putting healthy foods as part of your routine can dramatically transform your health positively.

Similarly, avoiding some types of food will prevent the occurrence of commonly encountered diseases that are diet-related. In this guide, we will be going through the best and worst types of food so you can make healthy dietary choices for your health.

Healthy Foods for Your Heart and Body

Vegetables

Eating enough vegetables may be one of the simplest and cheapest ways to dramatically improve your health. Vegetables have exceptional health benefits because they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for health.

For instance, the dietary fiber in vegetables is important for digestive health. Dietary fiber works by helping to enhance vitamin and mineral absorption in the body.

They also contribute to heart health and combat cardiovascular diseases by helping to prevent calcium from building up in your blood vessels through their potassium component. Hence, adding vegetables to your diet is a great dietary choice that should be an important part of your daily recipe.

Avocados

It’s no wonder they’re very popular in health and wellness in Charlotte. Beyond being nutritious, they’re versatile and delicious and have several health benefits.

Avocados are rich in vitamin C, E, K, B6, folate, lutein, omega-3-fatty acids, potassium, and more. Hence, they’re great for vision and heart health and help to improve digestion. The folate nutrient in avocados has been linked to helping prevent depression and improve cognitive function.

Apples

Apples have outstanding health benefits beyond their delicious taste. They’re rich in soluble fiber and flavonoids, so they help to prevent heart attack or stroke and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol levels.

They’ve also been linked to improving diabetes control due to their high levels of antioxidant polyphenols, quercetin, and phloridzin. They also help improve dental health and cognitive function.

Legumes

Legumes are another affordable, nutritious plant-based protein loaded with health benefits.

Legumes have powerful health benefits because they deliver antioxidants to cells which help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancers. They also provide a plant-based protein that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and obesity.

Salmon

One of the most nutritious types of fish with outstanding health benefits. It is well known for its good fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) and wonderful nutrients with excellent health benefits.

These fatty acids contribute to heart health by helping to control cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation within the artery when combined with potassium. Additionally, salmon is rich in dietary protein, which is the building block of muscles and cartilage.

Surprisingly, they also boost brain health due to their high levels of DHA, so they can help prevent psychological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive disorders.

Tuna

If you’ve been looking out for one of the best sources of vitamin D, then you have tuna. Beyond improving heart health and helping to reduce blood pressure, tuna improves eye health because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It contains high levels of protein, so it aids growth and development and may also help combat metabolic deficiency.

Foods That May Harm Your Health

Sugar Drinks

You’ve probably heard that consuming too many sugary drinks is bad for your health. That’s a fact. Too much sugar has been linked to diabetes, cavities, non-alcoholic liver diseases, and weight gain. Sugary beverages have also been linked to heart diseases by causing inflammation within the blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are one of the most popular salted snacks in the United States. Potato chips are high in sodium which makes them dangerous to the heart by contributing to high blood pressure.

They’re also high in fat because most potato chips are typically fried in oil as part of their cooking method. Additionally, their processing can lead to dangerous by-products, such as acrylamide which can cause cancers and neurological damage.

Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to inflammation of the liver, which leads to cirrhosis and is a serious health problem. Excessive alcohol consumption also has a negative impact on your brain, body weight, heart health, and dental health and could potentiate type-2 diabetes.

Flavored Yogurt & Ice Cream

Flavored yogurt and ice cream give a satisfying feeling in the mouth, no doubt. Both contain sugar and may have negative health impacts that are typical of sugars.

Get Health Tips from Your Pharmacists in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill

At Carolina Pharmacy, we help you stay on top of your health by providing you with tips and guides that will improve your quality of life. Contact us for more information on how to maintain your body health in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.

April 6, 2022May 18, 2022

Vitamins & Supplements: Separating The Truth From The Fads

Just like many Americans, you probably have one or more supplements or vitamins in your kitchen cupboard right now. People are becoming increasingly conscious about their health. Beyond that, they’re looking for healthcare solutions they perceive to be natural through supplements and vitamins.

But when it comes to health, misinformation is everywhere. Every day, we’re bombarded with information about eating healthy and supplementation with vitamins and health care products. Some are true, but many are just fads.

Fortunately, we’re here to help you separate facts from fiction. Read on as we set the record straight on vitamins and supplements so you can see through the fads and understand what you truly need.

Myth 1: All Supplements Are Safe Because They’re Natural

Sadly, just because the label reads ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe. It doesn’t mean it’s effective either. Truly, nature has given us some very awesome products to boost our health, such as turmeric, almonds, omega-3-fatty acids, honey, and many more with beneficial medicinal effects.

But the belief that ‘natural’ is pure and holds superior medicinal properties is not always true. We’re not saying that supplements are not beneficial for your health. They have medicinal properties, but they’re not ‘magic bullets’ for good health. There’s still more to them than we think.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need Supplements If You Eat Healthy

A lot of people believe they can get all the nutrients they need from diet alone. The truth is that there are certain vitamins and mineral supplements that may be missing in diets. For instance, someone who follows a strict vegan diet may not have a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 in their system since it’s mostly obtained from animal sources.

Similarly, heart-friendly supplements like CoQ10 are difficult to obtain from diet alone. Although certain plant sources like broccoli contain some amount of CoQ10, how much broccoli do you think you’d have to take to meet the standard daily dietary value? 77 cups! Can you do that??

Myth 3: You Can’t Overdose On Vitamins

This is far from the truth. It is possible to develop health problems if you take large doses of these vitamins. Vitamin A, for instance, is essential for normal vision, but too much of it can lead to dizziness, liver dysfunction, and even joint issues.

Similarly, Vitamin B6 is essential for the metabolism of proteins and the nervous system’s function. About 1.3mg per day is optimal for use in an average adult. But when consumed in high doses, it could lead to nerve damage and abnormal light sensitivity.

The best way to use vitamins is to take them according to the instructions stated on the label.

Myth 4: Supplements Don’t Interact with Normal Medicines

Supplements are also capable of drug-drug interactions. This is especially true for herbal supplements. Herbal supplements usually interact with medications and could reduce their potency and effectiveness.

In fact, taking certain herbal supplements with normal medications could result in unwanted and unpredictable side effects. For instance, imagine what could result from taking a supplement rich in Vitamin K, a natural blood thinner, when you are a patient already taking a blood thinner, such as Warfarin or Eliquis.

It is important to always consult with your pharmacist on your current medications and the supplements you’re taking to avoid unnecessary interactions.

Myth 5: Vitamin C Prevents Cold

It is true that Vitamin C as a dietary supplement boosts the immune system. But if you’re popping large doses of VItamin C to stave off cold, then you’re getting it wrong. The body is only capable of absorbing about 70 to 80% of Vitamin C, and the absorption drops down to about 50% if you take more doses.

Hence, the fact that nutritional supplements containing vitamin C help strengthen your immune system is true health information. That doesn’t mean you won’t avoid any colds, but the symptoms may be milder, and the duration may also be slightly reduced. That’s your boosted immune system working.

Myth 6: Antioxidant Supplements Can Extend Life

You’ve probably heard that consuming more antioxidants may help you live longer. Oxidation is a cellular reaction that occurs in various cells in the body. The by-products of which are free radicals which can damage cellular components.

Hence, it sounds plausible that taking more antioxidants can reverse the process and consequently extend life. But it’s far more complex than that. Antioxidant supplements reduce cellular oxidation, so they can reduce the risk of certain diseases, but they do not extend life. This is a myth about supplements.

Myth 7: The More Vitamins You Take, The Better

This is one of the most common vitamin myths. Just because you do not need a prescription to purchase them does not mean they’re safe to consume if you consume loads of them. Large doses of vitamins can pose risks to your health as well.

Understandably, people want to be free from diseases and want to stay healthy all life-long. But we need to dispel common myths and provide you with information that will help you make informed decisions about your health. That’s part of our mission at Carolina Pharmacy. Feel free to contact us to get the best advice on vitamins and supplements in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.

March 3, 2022May 18, 2022

Separating COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Myths from The Facts

There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Unfortunately, these myths are focused mainly on the tools we have for combating the virus. Testing and vaccination are important strategies that should not be overlooked.

We’ve pooled together information from experts and verified resources so we can give folks the facts and debunk COVID-19 testing myths and COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions as well. Read on as we bring clarification concerning the several myths and facts around COVID-19 testing.

Myth 1: The COVID-19 Vaccine Alters The DNA

You’ve probably heard that COVID-19 vaccines alter your DNA. This isn’t true. It’s just a misconception around how the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines were made. These vaccines were made using a relatively new type of technology that utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA).

These vaccines only use mRNA to carry the information, which is genetic instructions that will teach your immune system how to fight off the virus. The mRNA does not interfere with your own DNA, and as soon as they’re used, they are destroyed by your body system.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need The Vaccine If You’ve Had COVID-19

This is also another misconception regarding how vaccines train the body’s immune system to defend against infections.

Natural infections train the immune system to develop a defense against the same infection as a secondary and more pronounced immune response. However, this takes time.

In the case of COVID-19, for instance, we’ve seen cases of individuals being reinfected with the virus even after being ill with it. How long it takes natural infection from COVID-19 to fully provide immunity from the disease is still not clear.

The Centers for Diseases and Control (CDC) recommends that people who have already been ill with COVID should get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from getting infected with COVID-19.

Myth 3: COVID-19 Testing Leads To More COVID Cases

That’s not true. Soaring COVID-19 cases are not due to more COVID-19 testing. In fact, recovery from COVID-19 has improved, and death cases have reduced too. Soaring positive test results only mean COVID-19 is spreading uncontrollably in a given community.

Hence, more testing even provides evidence on transmission rates with an environment so you can better protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need To Stay Safe Since You’ve Been Vaccinated

Vaccination from COVID-19 is not a license to skip all recommended safety guidelines. You should stay safe, practice social distancing, and wear face masks too.

Even if you just recently tested negative for COVID-19, you should still stay safe since COVID-19 tests are only snapshots in time and only showed that the test was negative at the time the test was conducted.

So whether you’ve had your first, second, or booster dose of the vaccine, you should still stay safe to keep yourself and others safe.

Myth 5: Getting A COVID-19 Vaccine Actually Gives You COVID-19

A COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t make you sick with COVID-19. As a matter of fact, none of the currently authorized vaccines in the United States contain the live virus.

Understandably, people usually experience a brief period of mild sickness, such as fever. shortly after taking the vaccines. But truly, much like any other vaccine against infectious diseases, this is how vaccines teach your immune system how to combat the infection.

The development of vaccines is a closely monitored process with proven clinical trials. Hence, the brief period of minimal side effects that accompany COVID-19 vaccines only lasts for a while and does not mean you’ve actually contracted the infection.

COVID-19 Vaccines Pose Serious Adverse Effects

While it is common to experience minimal side effects such as fever, chills, and headaches from COVID-19 vaccines, these are normal since that’s how the vaccine trains your immune system to combat the infection.

COVID-19 vaccines were subjected to closely monitored clinical trials before they were released to the public. So they’re safe and effective. Adverse effects are a very rare occurrence, and if they ever occur at all, that would be an idiosyncratic scenario.

Myth 7: The Vaccine Is Not Safe Since It Was Rushed

Converging lines of evidence have shown that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective. Also, the development of these vaccines involved methods that have been used for years. The quick launch of the vaccine to the public is a result of enough funding resources from governments and help from study volunteers who helped quicken the development process.

As we get through this pandemic together, Carolina Pharmacy will continue to provide support by providing accurate information on COVID-19 vaccines and testing. We offer COVID-19 vaccines in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill. You may also schedule a COVID-19 test in Charlotte, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Lancaster.

February 1, 2022May 18, 2022

8 Lifestyle Habits & Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy

The way we live our lives on a daily basis affects our cardiovascular health. Everything from blood pressure to the likelihood of developing heart disease is connected to our daily habits.

As we get older, blood vessels become thinner due to long-term fatty deposits and plaque buildup along the vessel wall. Also, the force of contraction of the heart weakens, which affects the ability of the heart to pump blood across the organs.

Understandably, aging is a risk factor for developing heart disease. But other factors contribute as well. Fortunately, there are healthy lifestyle choices you can make to keep a healthy heart.

We need to constantly stay conscious of these lifestyle choices as we celebrate the National Wear Red Day and bring attention to heart disease.

Exercise Regularly

Getting at least 30-minutes of moderate physical activity per day can be a game-changer for heart disease prevention.

Understandably, most people live busy lives, so they may be strapped for time. But exercising regularly for the prevention of heart disease and stroke does not mean carrying heavy dumbbells.

You can start by considering minor activities such as walking, cycling, and more. These activities also have the added benefit of helping you maintain a healthy weight and controlling your blood sugar while moderating your blood flow.

Avoid Leading A Sedentary Life

A sedentary lifestyle characterized by physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. The more you sit, the more profound negative consequences you’re accumulating for your heart.

A sedentary lifestyle slows down your blood flow and affects your body’s ability to process fats effectively. The consequence of which is plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries.

Beyond having a negative impact on the heart, a person’s ability to use insulin is diminished. This is called insulin resistance and is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes.

Eat Healthy Fats

Saturated fats and trans fats are bad dietary choices for your heart. These fats have been linked to being a chief risk for coronary heart failure. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, which makes them a poor dietary choice for your heart.

Typically, fat sources are usually a mix of different types of saturated and unsaturated fats. The goal for the prevention of heart disease is to have more unsaturated fats than saturated fats.

Olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and almonds are great sources of unsaturated fats which are more beneficial to the heart. Some of these unsaturated fats have omega-3 fats which cannot be synthesized by the body and it’s yet beneficial for the heart.

Pizza, cheese, fried desserts, doughnuts, and baked cookies, on the other hand, are great sources of saturated fats which are not beneficial for the heart.

Consuming a high amount of these fats poses a great risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Quit Smoking & Using Tobacco Products

If you smoke, you are 4 times more at risk of facing the consequences of heart disease. Cigarette smoke contains a handful of chemicals that can damage the heart.

For instance, the nicotine in cigarette smoke can increase your blood pressure and make your heart work harder than usual. The carbon monoxide it contains poisons the blood and reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to your heart and other organs.

Quitting smoking is an excellent choice to prevent heart diseases and their consequences. It only requires a conscious choice and mental readiness to quit smoking successfully.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity is popularly called a “silent heart killer.” Being overweight can lead to fat deposits building up in your blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack.

Carrying around excess weight makes it difficult for your heart to efficiently pump blood and increases your chances of developing diabetes.

One of your best strategies for maintaining a healthy weight is by actually losing weight or watching your weight. This involves making a conscious choice of eating healthy, sitting less, and more routine exercise.

Avoid Too Much Alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake is one of the leading causes of the development of heart disease. Alcohol is a high source of excessive calories, which can contribute to weight gain.

Additionally, if you drink too much alcohol, you’re at risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and makes it more difficult to pump blood. This condition can lead to heart failure or, ultimately, sudden death.

Manage Stress Levels

Too much stress, physically or emotionally, can trouble the heart. Too much stress can lead to depressive syndromes and anxieties. Depression results in a sedentary lifestyle and attending consequences for heart disease. Anxiety also raises blood pressure.

You can manage stress by practicing relaxation, exercising regularly, sleeping well enough, and adopting a relaxing hobby.

Cut Down On Salt

Too much salt provides your body with too much sodium, which can cause fluid retention and ultimately high blood pressure.

Keeping tabs on your salt intake is a great dietary choice for preventing high blood pressure and other adverse cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart failure.

We provide expert pharmacy advice regarding your health and medication needs at Carolina Pharmacy. Feel free to contact us for tips to prevent heart disease in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.