Jan 6, 2016
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
The start of the New Year brings with it a slew of New Year resolutions. Many of these are focused on living a healthier life, be it with exercise or diet. These are noble goals that should be aspired to all year long. As the year unfolds, however, busy schedules can make resolutions hard to follow every day. When it comes to getting the nutrients you need, multivitamins can help fill the gaps in your diet.
What is a Multivitamin?
A multivitamin, as the name implies, is a supplement that contains various vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Multivitamins are available in a number of forms, including but not limited to a pill, liquid, powder and injection. Typically to qualify as a multivitamin, there needs to be at least three different vitamins or minerals included in the formulation.
For multivitamins that are available over the counter, each vitamin and mineral component is at a level below the maximum tolerable level determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There are multivitamins that include very high doses of certain vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Prescription vitamins are available for individuals who need a particularly high dose of a certain vitamin or mineral.
Why Consider Taking a Multivitamin?
Getting the recommended dosage of nutrients, minerals and vitamins is an important part of being healthy and it can be difficult through diet alone. Multivitamins can help fill the gaps in the diet so that the body has access to all the elements it needs to thrive.
The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2010 report that calcium, vitamin D, dietary fibre, and potassium intake in adults and children is so low that it qualifies as a public health concern. A supplement could help to fill the nutritional void in these areas.
Taking a multivitamin is easy and does not require a heavy time commitment. It can be as easy as taking one pill in the morning every day.
Who Should Take Multivitamins?
Anyone seeking to complement his or her diet with the recommended intake of vitamins, minerals and nutrients should consider incorporating a multivitamin into their routine. For individuals with specific medical needs, speak to a physician or pharmacist about what multivitamins are good for you.
In addition, certain groups need increased vitamin levels. For example, The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that pregnant women take an increased dose of folic acid and iron. The FSA has also adviced that elderly people may benefit from additional vitamin D and iron. There are special multivitamins that are targeted to these groups of people. Likewise, there are multivitamins specifically targeted for men, women and children and these supplements have varied percentages of vitamins, minerals and nutrients based on the needs of its target population.
What is the Recommended Intake?
Multivitamins are not a replacement for eating healthy, but rather a supplement to a healthy diet. For people with strict diets that limit certain foods, a multivitamin also can supplement the missing nutrients. As multivitamins vary between types and brands, review the dosage information that comes with the multivitamin to determine how often and when to take it.
What are the Risks Associated with Taking a Multivitamin?
While the body needs nutrients, overdosing on a vitamin can result in negative side effects. This is why it is important to follow the recommended dosage when taking a multivitamin. If multiple supplements are being taken together, it is especially important to compare ingredients to avoid excess intake of any particular nutrient. When in doubt, speak to your pharmacist about how to take your vitamins.
Which Multivitamin is Right for You?
As noted above, there are multivitamins targeted to specific populations, such as for children, the elderly and pregnant women. There also are multivitamins specifically designed for either men or women. When selecting your multivitamin, be sure to select one that matches your demographic.
Since most of us do not know the exact amounts of each vitamin or mineral that our body needs, multivitamin labels include for each of its components the per cent of recommended daily value. In other words, if an element is included at 100 per cent of the daily recommended value, then that supplement will provide you with the full amount needed in one day for that specific component. Some multivitamins include more than 100 per cent of the recommended daily value for certain nutrients or vitamins. Ultimately, this is unnecessary and those multivitamins with 100 per cent are sufficient. Keep in mind that certain components such as calcium and magnesium are rarely included at 100 per cent of the daily value as it would make the multivitamin too large in size to swallow comfortably.
Where Are Multivitamins Available?
Multivitamins are available at the pharmacy and come in a wide array of options. Visit Lindo’s pharmacy to find the multivitamin of your preference. If you have any questions, speak with a pharmacist who can help you decide what is best for you.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
Dec 2, 2015
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Influenza is an infectious disease that spreads easily from one person to another. With the holidays ahead, it is important that you know the facts about influenza so that you can stay safe and help prevent the spread of disease.
Seasonal influenza, commonly known as “flu”, is an acute infection that is caused by the influenza virus, which has three subtypes: A, B and C. Within each subtype, there are several strains that change from year to year. Types A and B are the most frequent viral subtype and these are the strains found in the seasonal influenza vaccines.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal influenza peaks between October and May in temperate climates. The severity and nature of the flu changes from year to year.
Prevalence
Every year, approximately 10 per cent of adults and up to 30 per cent of children have influenza. Each year, there are up to 500,000 deaths that result from influenza and up to 5 million cases are considered severe.
Vaccination
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends annual vaccination against seasonal influenza. For high risk individuals and people who spend time with anyone in this population, vaccination is especially important to prevent contamination and the complications associated with the disease. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and has been used for more than 60 years. The effectiveness of the vaccine is dependent on which strains of the virus are circulating in any particular influenza season. Since 2013, there has been a quadrivalent vaccine available that includes protection against two influenza A strains and two B strains. Prior to this, trivalent vaccines only protected against two A strains and one B strain.
Signs and Symptoms
Since seasonal influenza peaks in the winter months, it is important that you know the signs to look out for and how to differentiate between the flu and the common cold. Seasonal influenza typically presents itself with the onset of a high fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, runny nose and general discomfort. The incubation period for influenza is approximately two days, which means that it usually takes two days between the time of infection and the onset of the disease.
The common cold also is caused by a virus, albeit a different one from influenza. Though symptoms are similar, colds are less severe than influenza and generally do not lead to complications like pneumonia, infection and hospitalisation as does the flu. Runny and stuffed noses are common symptoms for the cold, while influenza is often associated with stronger body aches, fever, extreme fatigue and dry cough. Your doctor can run tests to determine the specific viral infection.
Treatment
The prescription treatments for seasonal influenza are known as antiviral drugs and for best results, they should be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom. Non-prescription treatments include lots of rest and fluids. Treat the symptoms that are most bothersome – pain relievers for body aches and fever, cough syrups for that annoying cough and so on.
Risks
Influenza ranges from mild to severe and in the worst cases can lead to hospitalisation and even death. Individuals at high risk for severe influenza include children aged under 2 years, adults aged 65 years or older, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems or with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic diseases. It is important for this population to seek medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms. It is especially recommended that this group be vaccinated against influenza, when possible.
The Spread of Disease
As previously noted, influenza is an infectious and contagious disease. It is also an airborne disease, which means that it is spread through infected particles in the air. When an infected person coughs, the virus can infect others who breathe in the particles.
The virus can also be spread by hand contamination. We are taught to use our hands to contain a cough or sneeze. As a result, infected particles land on hands and can be transmitted to others through contact.
Preventing the Spread of Disease
People with seasonal influenza should stay at home. The disease is very contagious and easily spreads. To avoid contaminating schoolmates, co-workers and the community, the best thing someone with influenza can do is to remain isolated from others.
If you are unsure if you have influenza, see a medical professional who can diagnose the disease. In the meantime, when coughing or sneezing, always use a tissue and be sure to wash your hands regularly.
Preventing the Disease
The best way to prevent the flu is to keep healthy. Eat a balanced diet, increase your vitamin C intake and if you take supplements take immune system boosters like Echinacea.
If you fall in the higher risk category make sure you get vaccinated against the flu.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
Nov 13, 2015
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
November 14 is World Diabetes Day. We take this opportunity to educate the public about this chronic disease. Last year, there was a reported 6,900 cases of diabetes in Bermuda, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This is nearly 10 per cent of the population in Bermuda, and the number of cases is expected to rise in the coming years. In fact, the IDF estimated that in 2014, there were an additional 1,900 undiagnosed cases of diabetes in Bermuda.
The prevalence of diabetes in adults is higher in Bermuda than it is around the world. This is a result of our lifestyle and we need to make a serious change to improve the health of our community. To start, we must understand this disease, its risks, symptoms, treatment and how best to prevent its onset.
Diabetes & Its Implications
Diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce or process the hormone insulin. During digestion, the carbohydrates we eat are broken down into the simple sugar known as glucose. Insulin helps regulate the level of glucose in our blood, so that our bodies can produce energy from the foods that we eat. In people with diabetes, glucose levels are not managed naturally and this may lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Worldwide, diabetes results in almost five million deaths each year. (more…)
Oct 8, 2015
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
When we reach our 60s, 70s and beyond, it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy life as much as, or even more than, we did in our youth. We have more time, more wisdom and greater perspective than ever before and we need to stay healthy and enjoy it!
True, genetics can predetermine some of how we age, but for the most part we can control many of the factors that affect us over time. Many are simple lifestyle choices that can enable us to be healthy and happy seniors.
Physical Health
As we age, bones lose density, which makes them weaker and more prone to fracture, muscles lose strength and flexibility, and cartilage wears down. This leads to loss of strength and poor balance, and falls that can result in injury become a concern.
To compensate for some of these changes, women over 50 and men over 70 should increase calcium from 1000mg a day to 1200mg a day. Vitamin D should also increase from 600IU to 800IU for adults over 70.
A healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high fibre, lean protein and limited saturated fat and sodium provides a substantial amount of these and other vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. It can help us to lose weight if necessary and maintain a healthy weight. Proper eating can also manage disease such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers. (more…)
Sep 2, 2015
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Prostate and ovarian cancers are a scary diagnosis. This month, we are focusing on these types of cancer to ensure both men and women are aware of the symptoms and risks.
Ovarian cancer is known as the “silent killer” as many women don’t know they have it until the advanced stages. Prostate cancer is similar in that there are no early warning signs and without regular screenings, it can go undetected for years.
Let’s discuss ovarian cancer first. What is it? According to Target Ovarian Cancer, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity, it arises from the cells in and around the ovaries which are two small organs located low in the tummy just above the pubic area. They form part of a woman’s reproductive system, storing eggs which are released into the womb for fertilisation. The ovaries also are responsible for making the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes cells around these organs can form tumours, and in some of these cases, the tumours are cancerous. Post-menopausal women in particular need to watch out for symptoms that might indicate a type of ovarian cancer.
Some of the symptoms that should be watched include:
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
- Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Needing to urinate more urgently or more often than usual
If you have any of these symptoms and they aren’t normal for you, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the risks include age, family history, weight, use of Hormone Replacement Therapy, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. But the good news is, you can reduce the risks by using the combined contraceptive pill, having children and breastfeeding them and living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise.
Now let’s talk prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer.org, prostate cancer begins in the gland cells of the prostate, which is found only in males.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. The only confirmed factors currently known to increase one’s risk for prostate cancer are family history, age, African-American ethnicity, diet and chemical exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Weak urinary stream or an inability to urinate
- Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
- Pain or burning on urination
- Blood in the urine or ejaculate
- Bone pain in the hips, ribs or general back pain
- Back pain
Because there are no early warning signs for prostate cancer, and sometimes there aren’t any noticeable symptoms, men can undergo a screening for the disease. Screenings do not provide a diagnosis, but they provide valuable information in finding the disease early. Screening commonly involves two tests: the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and the digital rectal exam (DRE).
While there’s no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk. In general, doctors recommend that men with an average risk of prostate cancer make choices that benefit their overall health if they’re interested in prostate cancer prevention. Preventative measures include choosing a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising most days of the week and discussing risks with your doctor. These aren’t guaranteed to decrease your risk of prostate cancer, but making these choices will benefit your overall health.
The key with both of these cancers is to know how to minimize risks, understand symptoms and schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible so that diseases don’t go undetected. Early detection can save a life. The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre also is a resource for a range of screening services, support and educational programs at 441-236-1001 or www.cancer.bm.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
Aug 5, 2015
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
This month, we are taking a looking at psoriasis as August is Psoriasis Awareness month. So what is psoriasis? According to WebMD, it’s a long-term, chronic skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. The most common symptom is a rash on the skin, but sometimes the rash involves the nails or joints. It’s quite common but manageable with treatment.
Experts believe that psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and flaking of skin. Normal skin cells grow gradually and flake off about every four weeks. New skin cells grow to replace the outer layers of the skin as they shed. But with psoriasis, new skin cells move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days rather than weeks. They build up and form thick patches called plaques and range in size from small to large. The patches most often appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back. In some cases, psoriasis runs in families, but it isn’t contagious. (more…)
