In many areas of the United States, spring allergies (or “hay fever”) begin in February and last until the early summer. Hay fever is most often cause by pollen carried in the air. With spring just around the corner, we’ve put together The ABCs of Keeping Allergens Out:

1. Attract dust – don’t just move it around – by dusting with a damp cloth
2. Block allergens from coming in by regularly cleaning entryways
3. Close windows and use an air conditioner with a high-efficiency filter

It’s important to watch the pollen count before planning any outdoor activities and remember that pollen and mold levels are typically higher in the mornings. Allergies can also be triggered by common indoor allergens such as dried skin flakes, urine and saliva found on pet dander, mold, and dust mites. In addition to these triggers, symptoms may also occur from irritants such as smoke and strong odors, or to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.

If you are one of the many people affected by hay fever, ask your pharmacist which antihistamines you should keep on hand. Antihistamines target histamine, which is what causes water eyes, runny noses, and nasal congestion during an allergic reaction. Our pharmacists can help you pick the right product for your symptoms.

About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease, and roughly 795,000 people in the US have a stroke each year*. You can help prevent heart disease and stroke by living a healthier lifestyle. By making healthier choices you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease. And up to 80% of strokes could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with your healthcare team to control conditions that raise your risk for stroke*. Here are five ways to help prevent heart disease and stroke:

1. Nutrition: Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods and meats. Also limiting sweetened drinks and alcohol can help lower your blood sugar level and blood pressure.
2. Maintain A Healthy Weight: People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Carrying extra weight can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.
3. Exercise: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intense exercise per week.
4. Quit Smoking: Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you currently smoke, work with a doctor or pharmacist to help create a plan to quit.
5. Take Your Medications as Directed: If you take medications to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes: follow the instructions carefully and ask your pharmacist about anything you don’t understand! Using myMedPack to package all your medications, helps ensure you will take them as directed at the right time, every time.

You and your health care team can work together to treat any medical conditions that lead to heart disease or stroke. Discuss your treatment and medications regularly and bring a list of questions to your doctor’s appointments or next time you pick up your prescriptions.

 

*Information provided by CDC.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is found in the cannabis plant. The essential oil is produced from the stalk, stems, leaves, and flowers of agricultural hemp plants. Cannabinoids are part of a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on receptors in the human endocannabinoid system. Unlike THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are non-psychoactive.

How Does CBD Work?

Humans and all mammals have a natural receptor system, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), that acts as messengers throughout the entire body, giving the body specific directions on what to regulate in the body, such as appetite, depression, immune function, memory, pain and sleep. If the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or cannot regulate them properly, you are more susceptible to illnesses that affect one or more of the functions listed above. External sources of cannabinoids, like CBD, can help regulate your endocannabinoid system.

CBD binds to these receptors, which causes the body to produce more of them. This strengthens the communication between cells. Much of the therapeutic effect of CBD is carried out by our human endocannabinoid system. CBD simply promotes normal function.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Can Benefit from CBD?

Everyone. Humans and pets. CBD is an all-natural product that helps maintain overall health. Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.

Tips for Buying CBD

CBD has become increasingly popular over the past few years as a natural remedy to treat a variety of ailments in humans AND pets alike. While most people are curious about CBD oil, many are still unsure about how to get a quality product to try. Luckily, there are several quality CBD product lines available.

Here a few tips to consider before purchasing CBD.

1. Buy from companies where the hemp is grown in the United States: Other countries have different growing standards that may lead to impurities in the CBD extracts such as heavy metals or pesticides.

2. Buy from companies that extract CBD oil using CO2 extraction method: This method is safer than using solvents (which can remain in the final product) and is more efficient at extracting all the cannabinoids and essential oils from the hemp plant.

3. Buy from companies that post their lab reports from a 3rd party testing company: A reputable CBD company will have been tested by a third party company and contain a certificate of approval (COA). The COA contains a full list of compounds in the CBD batch including any contaminants that may be found in the product. The COA also lists any safety issues. You can learn how to read lab reports from the 3rd party website and these reports provide unbiased information.

4. Price does not equal quality: The FDA found many products ranging in price that did not contain what they claimed. Focus more on the extraction process and lab reports of the company and be sure to double check that the CBD concentration listed on the product’s label and on the Certificate of Approval match.

5. Does it actually have CBD in it?: Check the ingredients in the product to ensure it actually contains CBD. CBD oil may be listed as cannabidiol or hemp extract. Note that hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil, and if the product’s description does not list cannabidiol or hemp extract it is best to avoid purchasing.

6. Do the math: Generally, CBD strength is measured in milligrams. The number of milligrams of CBD listed on the product label is the total amount of CBD in the entire product. Divide this by the servings to see how much CBD you are getting per dose. If the math doesn’t match up or the amount of CBD is not listed – do not buy it.

7. CBD oil will affect everyone differently: The amount of CBD oil needed is dependent upon what you are using it for. More severe symptoms require a higher dosage. If, after adjusting the dose, you are not satisfied, try another product.

8. Most importantly, buy from a transparent company: Make sure they are able to answer all of your questions and show proof of their claims.

For additional information, check out our new CBD page.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.