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It’s the beginning of the new year! If you’ve already set your resolutions, it’s time to revisit them to include healthy goals in your 2023 resolutions. Understandably, big, sweeping New Year’s resolutions to better yourself can be tough to stick to, however, there are simple ones that are easy to stick to so you can be happy and healthy throughout the year.

In this guide, our pharmacists in Charlotte, NC share nine simple and healthy New Year resolutions that can help you stay healthy this year and beyond.

Read on to discover the simple healthy new year resolutions you can start working on right now.

Why It’s Important To Maintain Your Physical Health

You have probably heard that maintaining your physical health is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy. Beyond that, it can also improve your well-being and overall quality of life. Maintaining your physical health will help you to boost your energy level, reduce stress and tension, improve your mood and outlook, keep you fit, and more.

These Nine Healthy New Year Resolutions Will Improve Your Health in 2023

The start of the new year is the best time to set new goals and resolutions about your health. These are simple habits that should be your health resolutions to improve your health in 2023.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

A good and well-balanced diet can provide you with the essential nutrients that your body needs for proper functioning. Ensure to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your daily diet and minimize processed foods, and your alcohol intake. In addition, never wait for hunger to strike in 2023 before you eat!

2. Lose Weight

Beyond helping you live a healthier life, maintaining a healthy weight can help you live longer. In addition, it will help you improve your mobility and mood. As a matter of fact, controlling your weight will lower your risk for serious illnesses.

We know that losing weight can be challenging, which is why our pharmacy services in Charlotte, NC, cover weight loss education and management to help you through your weight loss journey.

3. Sit Less, Move More

Your body is built for motion, not for stillness. For beginners, you can begin by just walking the dog, riding the bike, hiking, and taking some strolls alone or with a couple of friends or family members. You can also try dancing, and doing some yoga. The key is to stay consistent. For starters, do this for at least twenty minutes a day and progress over time. Remember, move more, move better, and be consistent with it.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life. However, learning how to manage and reduce stress levels can do wonders for your mind and physical body. In most cases, it’s not about the stress you’re feeling but the stressors around you.

Begin by identifying the aspects of life that are causing you stress and start working on them. You can begin by taking breaks every day in between tasks and do that intentionally. We encourage you to learn more about healthy living tips to help you relax and how stress affects your body.

5. Get More Sleep

Prioritizing sleep should be part of the new year’s resolutions to better your health in 2023. Ensure to get enough sleep for about 7 to 8 hours every night so your body and mind can get the rest that it deserves. You can begin by sticking to a consistent routine. In addition, try to stay away from technology at least an hour before your bedtime.

6. Exercise More

It’s no secret that regular exercise can help you improve your overall well-being. With exercise, you do not have to go high impact. You can begin by going for brisk walks or light jogging a few times a week. The key is to stay consistent and stick to your routine.

7. Drink More Water

Replacing other drinks with water can be the best health investment for yourself in 2023. Aim for about 64 ounces (1,920 ml), or 8 cups of water per day but you may have to modify your water intake based on your environment, your degree of daily exercise, your environment, and your general health needs.

Set reminders if necessary. Water plays vital roles in your body such as maintaining your electrolyte balance, body temperature, cell health, and more.

8. Reduce Screen Time

Understandably, technology can help you to be more productive, but it can get distracting and get in the way of your mental and physical health. More screen time behind the computer will encourage a more sedentary lifestyle which is not beneficial for your physical health.

More screen time can impact your sleep, cause anxiety, and more. Begin by setting time limits for your screen time and keep your phone out of your bedroom.

9. Schedule Regular Health Checkups

This is probably the most important healthy new year resolution. If you want to stay on top of your health in 2023, then you need to create time for regular checkups.

You can take advantage of our neighborhood pharmacy for pharmaceutical advice, weight loss program, nutrition, and general health and wellness. Also,  leverage our pharmacy delivery services in Charlotte to get your medications delivered straight to your door.

In addition, feel free to take advantage of pharmacy consultation services for trusted advice on your health concerns.

Make New Year Resolutions To Better Yourself With a Pharmacist

Contact us to work toward healthy New Year resolutions that can improve your health and let’s discuss how the team at Carolina Pharmacy can benefit you!

 

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
• 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, NC, Carolina Pharmacy is able to create medications like Tamiflu and Amoxicillin 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, NC, 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 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.

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 in Charlotte, NC

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, NC, 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. 

Contact us to schedule your appointment today and let us help you make healthcare easy.