The 5 Ws and 1H of Vaccines

08/01/2022

Vaccines are in the news now more than ever, with COVID-19 shining a spotlight on the importance of immunizations in preventing the spread of disease. But in recent years, there has also been more resistance than in years past against getting vaccinated. Between the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting normal vaccination schedules and the growing fear and misinformation surrounding many, if not all, vaccines, society has taken one step forward in innovation…and two steps back in community inoculation. To continue protecting ourselves and our communities, let’s take a moment to understand the 5Ws (and 1H!) of vaccines.

woman getting vaccine in arm

How do vaccines work?

Think of a vaccine-preventable disease as a timed math test that your body has to take, and your immune system is the tools used, like a pencil and calculator. If the test is on a completely new concept and you never studied for it, you could pass the test…but it’d be pretty tough to do. And if your immune system isn’t strong or if you have other conditions that get in the way (for the analogy, you don’t have a calculator and your pencil doesn’t have an eraser) that makes passing even harder.

Now think of the vaccine as your homework. The homework shows you more than just the answer to the problem — it shows you how to solve the problem. The homework is a simpler version than the test is so that you can understand the basics before moving onto more advanced work. It also helps you build the confidence to solve the harder problem quickly when it counts.

If you do the prep homework, there’s no guarantee that you’ll pass the graded test. But the homework gives you a much better chance of passing with flying colors, especially if you’ve got the handicap of no calculator. And even if you don’t ace the test, you could still get a passing grade.

Similarly, a vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get sick from exposure to the disease, but it does better your chances of recovering. The vaccine can help the illness symptoms be less severe and the results less deadly. By teaching your body to recognize and make antibodies in response to the vaccine, a less threatening version of the disease, you’re setting your immune system up to be able to fight off the full thing if needed.

Who should get vaccinated?

In general, anyone who can get vaccinated should get vaccinated. There are some vaccines that are not recommended in certain age groups or situations. Shingles vaccine, for instance, is not recommended for healthy adults under the age of 50, and the chickenpox vaccine shouldn’t be given to pregnant people. On the flip side, there are some vaccines that are especially recommended during pregnancy. The flu vaccine and Tdap antibodies from the mother will be passed along to the newborn if she is vaccinated while pregnant. This transfer protects babies from the disease when they are still too young to receive the vaccine themselves.

By getting vaccinated if you can, you are protecting the people who can’t get the immunizations. There are several factors that can prevent a person from getting the vaccine beyond not meeting the age or condition requirement. This could include an allergy to an ingredient or a weakened immune system that can’t fight off even minor reactions as the body learns to recognize the infection and form antibodies.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Are you tired of dealing with the spread of rubella? Worried about the crippling effects of polio? Missing too many days of work because of a diphtheria outbreak? Thanks to vaccines, the answer to all of these is generally no. There are many contagious, draining, and even fatal diseases that have been practically eliminated in many parts of the world through vaccines.

But as vaccines have become more misunderstood in recent years, we have seen an increase in cases of diseases that had previously been approaching eradication. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people fell behind in regular health check-ups; this caused many people’s vaccine schedules to fall behind.

As more people miss or pass on vaccines, the less we as a society are protected from the full disease. Very few diseases have been eradicated, which means that they can make a comeback if protections aren’t in place. Vaccines aren’t 100 percent effective, but they can still lessen the impact of the disease. Further, the times where the vaccine does work completely helps stop the spread of the disease to others who may not be able to get vaccinated or fight off the infection with or without the vaccine.

What vaccines should I get?

There are a lot of vaccines out there, and it can be hard to keep track of which one should be administered when — and that’s before factoring in new developments to improve protection or to address new diseases (like COVID-19). That’s where a vaccination schedule comes into play.

The schedule is especially full for children. The first vaccination schedule was officially established in 1995, but the basis for the recommendations began back in the mid-1800s when Massachusetts public schools required vaccination against smallpox. Today, there are 11 different vaccines that are recommended for babies 0 to 15 months; some of these vaccines require multiple doses over several months or even years.

As children grow into teenagers, it’s easier to fall behind in vaccinations simply due to less wellness check appointments. While it’s hard to miss seeing a flu shot reminder, other immunizations are easier to overlook. Some of these immunizations are boosters of what was received as a small child, like the Tdap vaccine. Others, like the meningococcal and human papillomavirus vaccines, are recommended to start in the early teenage years. Without vaccination, these bacterial and viral infections can have serious consequences if contracted, including but not limited to brain damage, loss of limbs, cancer and death.

Beyond 18 years of age, there isn’t a set schedule recommended, but that doesn’t mean that adults don’t need vaccines anymore. Continuing to get the annual flu shot and the tetanus boosters at the recommended interval is important, as is staying up to date on new vaccines that come out.

There are a handful of vaccines that are recommended specifically for adults. The shingles vaccine is recommended for those 50 years or older. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for those 65 or older. Both also have several health conditions that would lead to a younger person getting the vaccine.

Keep in mind that these vaccines are all for disease prevention within the United States. If you are traveling, there are additional vaccines that are recommended if not required. Some countries require travelers to be vaccinated against yellow fever before entering their borders. Other vaccines, including typhoid and rabies vaccines, are just recommended by the CDC or the country.

When should I get my vaccines?

Most vaccines are available year-round, which means that people can get the protection they want whenever they’d like. The flu vaccine, meanwhile, is only readily available part of the year and is recommended for an even smaller window. Though many organizations begin offering the flu vaccine as early as August, waiting to get the vaccine until late September or even late October can offer a person more protection when the virus is most often circulating in North America.

Outside of the regular Tdap booster schedule, the vaccine is recommended in another season…the season of new life. Soon-to-be mothers should get the vaccine to pass on antibodies to fight off whooping cough (the “p” of Tdap); other adults that plan to be around babies should also get the vaccine.

Travel vaccines are another area where timing matters. To allow the vaccines to have their best chance at preventing the illness, you should give yourself a few weeks usually between inoculation and traveling. Compared to the more common flu, shingles, and Tdap vaccines, travel vaccines may not be as readily on-hand, so extra planning is a must.

Where can I get vaccinated?

The more common vaccines, like seasonal flu, shingles, pneumonia, and Tdap, are also available at the most places. Others may not be on-hand on a walk-in basis, but many places can request it on a pretty short timeline (sometimes even next day). Children’s vaccine schedules are generally taken care of by their pediatrician.

Here at our pharmacies, we offer most vaccinations and immunizations daily, with no appointment needed. We provide influenza (seasonally), pneumonia, shingles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and meningitis vaccinations for ages 7 and over without a prescription. We can immunize under age 7 with a doctor’s prescription. We are also only a phone call away if you want to check your eligibility for certain vaccines or if you have any other questions.

We also offer COVID-19 vaccines. Please visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page to check which vaccines are available and how the location nearest you is handling these vaccines. We also offer COVID-19 testing, if you think you have been recently exposed.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/vacc-safety.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
https://historyofvaccines.org/getting-vaccinated
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines

Sunburns and poison plants and bugs – oh my! Tips to Enjoy Summer Safely

06/30/2022

We all love when the weather warms up and the sun is out most of the day — it can mean camping trips, hiking, family vacations, hitting the beach, or so may other fun outdoor activities. When you and your family are heading outdoors, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the dangers of summer, including sun exposure, poison plants, bugs, and excessive heat. Following these simple tips can mean that your summer fun doesn’t end in unwanted body pains.

Enjoy the Sun Responsibly

There’s nothing wrong with catching some rays; in fact, ultraviolet (UV) rays are what helps the body produce Vitamin D on its own, an important part of bone, immune, and overall health. Overexposure to those same UV rays, however, can have severe short- and long-term consequences.

The short-term risk of too much sun is a painful sunburn. Some medications can increase your sensitivity to UV light, making sun damage to your skin and eyes more likely. ¹ Tanning is how your body tries to provide a barrier to additional damage, but it is usually not enough protection in reality. Over the longer term, too much UV light can lead to premature skin aging (complete with age spots and wrinkles) and skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. ²

Sunlight is strong, with up to 80% of the rays getting through even on a cloudy day. ² So how do you get the benefits of the sun without taking on too much risk? With basic planning for your time outdoors, you can lower your risk of skin damage.

Use Sunscreen ²

Not all sunscreens are created equally — if you’re going to the effort of putting something on, make sure it’s one that actually has benefit. Even indoors, you should use sunscreen if you are getting sunlight as UVA rays can penetrate window glass and damage your skin. Sunscreens labeled as “Broad Spectrum” work to block both UVA and UVB rays, which means that it will help protect you from sunburns as well as lower your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.

Make sure you are reapplying sunscreen at least every 2 hours you are in the sun or if you towel off your body; reapply even more often if you are swimming or sweating a lot since sunscreen is not waterproof.

Take Advantage of Other Barriers

Sunscreen alone does not always prevent sunburn and skin damage. Pairing it with other preventative measures is important to offer the best protection. An easy step to take is to stick to the shade, especially between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its most intense. ²

Not all shade will block all of the sun’s rays either; adding smart clothing options can give you more protection. It doesn’t always make sense to do so, but long-sleeved shirts and pants offer the most protection, as the sun does damage when reaching bare skin. Dry, dark clothing with a tight knit will likely offer a better barrier than dry, light-colored clothing — but in intense heat, that might be too warm. ³ Consider what you can handle, even for part of the time you’re outside.

Hats are a great barrier, too! A hat with a wide brim that goes all the way around is your best bet, giving shade to not only your face but also your ears and neck. Canvas is a better material than straw when it comes to creating a barrier from the sun’s rays. ³

While you’re taking all these steps to protect your skin, don’t forget about protecting your eyes. Not only can direct rays damage your eyes and the sensitive skin around your eyes, the light reflecting off sand, water, and more can do damage as well. Look for sunglasses that list a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label; darker tints don’t necessarily mean more protection, so checking the label is important. Bigger sunglasses that wrap around the sides and cover the whole eye socket can offer better protection than smaller options. ²

Watch out for Poisonous Plants

If you’re spending time outside in almost any part of the United States, there’s a chance of encountering a poisonous plant. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac look different and grow differently, but they all can cause unpleasant effects if you encounter them. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to minimize the effects of the plants if you aren’t able to avoid them.

Know What to Watch For

Poison ivy is the most common of the three plants and can be found growing in all 48 contiguous states (some more than others) and throughout most of Canada; though most common in the United States, it does grow globally as well. Poison oak is next most common and is primarily found in the western part of North America; poison sumac is the least common of the three and grows in the swampy areas of some southeastern US states. ⁴ All three plants like moisture, so they are often found growing near waterways; they don’t do as well in higher elevations, like the Rocky Mountains. ⁵

Even within each species, the appearance can vary; however, they can all be identified in the fall at least by their small berries, which are white, cream, or yellow. Similarly shaped plants that are harmless do not grow berries of this kind. ⁵

People often realize they’ve come in contact with one of these plants when they develop a rash. This is a reaction to the oily sap that is on pretty much every part of all three plants. While the oil is still on the skin, your skin may continue to react. The severity often matches the exposure — the more oil on your skin, the worse the rash may be. ⁶

The good news is that the rash isn’t contagious. If it seems like it spread, it’s actually the oil transferring from one person to another. The oil can stick to gardening tools, fabric, and even pet fur until it’s washed off, so cleaning your skin along with anything you had with you when you were around one of these poisonous plants is essential. ⁶

Speed is Key ⁶

If you do have a run-in with a poisonous plant, or if you even just think you may have been exposed to the plant’s oils, washing off as soon as possible is the best way to prevent the oil’s spread. This includes washing your skin, your clothes, and even other objects that could have touched the plant, such as gardening tools and gloves. The oil can stick to pet fur, too, so be sure to give your pet a bath quickly as well. Our pharmacy can make product recommendations, if needed.

If you do get blisters or a rash, try not to itch them and irritate the skin further. Instead, try over-the-counter options to treat the cause as well as the symptoms. Our pharmacists can help with suggestions for removing the oil from the skin as well as relieving the itch. If the rash doesn’t get better, spreads, or has pus, talk to your healthcare provider right away. You should also seek medical advice if you have a high fever or difficulty breathing following exposure.

Keep the Bugs Away

Bug bites aren’t just annoying, they can be dangerous. Beyond the painful itch they can leave behind, many bugs carry dangerous illnesses, including West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Before you go outdoors into the bug’s world, take precautions to make sure you don’t bring bad souvenirs back home with you.

Get the Right Repellent ⁷

Manufacturers of insect repellent can register with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when they have proven that their product is safe and effective, including when used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

EPA-registered repellents will have one of the below active ingredients:

DEET
Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone

It’s important to pay attention to the label ingredients and instructions. When applying, be sure to spray the repellent on any exposed skin; you do not need to spray it on skin that is covered by your clothes. When used at the same time of sunscreen, the sunscreen should be applied before the repellent.

If you are using the repellent on children, you should spray the repellent on your hands and then spread it on the child’s face rather than spraying it on directly. If your child is three years or younger, make sure that the active ingredient is not OLE or PMD.

Wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, along with tall socks and boots, can offer an additional barrier between you and the bugs. You can treat your clothes with 0.5% permethrin to add more protection (or you can buy pre-treated clothing).

Limit Your Exposure

Knowing where the bugs are likely to be — and limiting your chances of coming across them in those places — is an easy step to prevent a bug bite. Ticks, for instance, like wooded areas with a lot of ground cover, like tall grass and thick leaf litter. Sticking to the middles of trails and areas with less ground cover can help lower your chances of ticks getting on you. ⁸

Mosquitos, meanwhile, flourish in humidity and like to lay their eggs near standing water. Do what you can to limit the mosquito population near your own home by regularly cleaning damp, dark areas around the outside of your home and by making sure water isn’t forming puddles or pools of water anywhere on your property.

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, bugs may still get through to your skin. If you have been somewhere you may have come across a tick, it’s important to check yourself over immediately when you get home. Ticks can catch a ride on pets, clothes, and gear, so give everything a good check. Showering within two hours of getting home is recommended by the CDC, as it can help remove unattached ticks and gives you a better opportunity for a thorough once-over. Ticks tend to gravitate toward certain areas of the body: ⁸

Under the arms
In and around the ears
Inside belly button
Back of the knees
In and around the hair
Between the legs
Around the waist

Paying attention to your surroundings and the weather can go a long way toward having a safe summer. You can take simple steps to prevent the outdoors from putting a damper on your summer fun — and if you do end up dealing with the not-so-great consequences of enjoying the outdoors, make sure to stop by our pharmacy for treatment options!

Sources:

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/ultraviolet.htm

² https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses

³ https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html

⁵ https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hw74805

⁶ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/outsmarting-poison-ivy-and-other-poisonous-plants

⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/about/prevent-bites.html

⁸ https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html

⁹ https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html

We All Age — Here’s How to Age in a Healthy Way

06/01/2022

Many factors influence how we age, and whether it’s in a healthy way. Unfortunately, some of these (such as genetics) are out of our control. The good news? Other factors — such as exercise and physical activity, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, staying up to date on vaccines, taking your medications as prescribed, and taking care of our mental health — are all within our reach.

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases, infections, and complications. However, there are actions you can take to help manage your health as you age while maintaining independence and quality of life.

Healthy Eating

Eating well is not just about your weight. Making healthier food choices can help protect you from certain health problems as you age and may even help improve brain function. The best part? You don’t have to make it complicated! Follow an eating pattern that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. If you feel overwhelmed by all the choices, start small. Try making small changes like introducing fish and more leafy greens into your weekly meals. Even if you haven’t given your diet much thought before, making those changes now can still improve your well-being as an older adult. ¹

Chart: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-much-should-i-eat-quantity-and-quality

Getting the proper nutrients and vitamins from food and eating the right number of calories for your weight and exercise level can contribute to health aging. ² If you are concerned about your eating habits, talk with a doctor about ways you can make better food choices.

Exercise

As people age, muscle function often declines, and you may find yourself not having the energy to do everyday activities. This makes exercise and physical activity an important foundation of healthy aging. If you are new to exercising, start simple by taking a brisk walk each day. You can also do activities like yoga that do not require any special equipment. As you become more active, you should start to feel more energized after exercising rather than exhausted. You can still exercise even if you have a health condition like arthritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes. For most older adults with chronic conditions, activities like walking, riding a bike, swimming, and weightlifting are safe with your doctor’s consent. ³

Vaccines

Immunizations are not just for young children. Protection from certain childhood vaccines can wear off over time or your risk factors for certain diseases may change with age. On top of that, our immune systems can have a harder time fighting off diseases we are exposed to, making vaccination more important. All adults need immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health. In addition to the influenza and Td or Tdap vaccine that are needed at regular intervals throughout a person’s life, adults should also get: ⁴

Shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and complications from the disease (recommended for healthy adults ages 50 and older)
Pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal infections and serious complications, including ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. If you have never received a pneumococcal vaccine, the CDC recommends the new single-dose Prevnar 20 (PCV20); alternatively, you can get Vaxneuvance (PCV15) followed by a dose of Pneumovax23 (PPSV23). If you had previously received a dose of Prevnar 13 (PCV13), a dose of Pneumovax23 is needed to complete the series (recommended for all adults 65 and older, and for adults younger than 65 who have certain health conditions) ⁵
Hepatitis B vaccine, which provides protection from hepatitis B and complications including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death (recommended for all adults ages 19 and older, especially those 60 and older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection)

It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about staying up to date on your vaccines and which ones are recommended for you based on your risk factors. Our pharmacists here can check for which vaccines you still need and administer them at any time.

Medication Safety

We often develop health conditions as we age, many of which need more treatment and more medication than we used to need. If you are not used to taking medicine regularly, or if you have a change in medication dosage, number of meds, or some other alteration, it can be hard to manage your regimen and take your medications properly. Many studies have shown that following provider recommendations on medication timing, dosage, and frequency can improve quality of life and prevent death — yet about half of the 3.2 billion U.S. prescriptions dispensed each year are not taken as prescribed. For every additional dollar spent on following your med regimen, your medical costs could be decreased by about $4 to $7, depending on the disease state. ⁶ In 2015, the cost on non-adherence per person could range from about $950 to more than $52,000, depending on disease state(s). ⁷

Luckily, your community pharmacy can help! We are focused on offering services that make your medication regimen — and your life — easier: Med sync helps cut down on the number of trips to the pharmacy to keep up with your regimen; delivery means that you can stick to your regimen without coming to the pharmacy at all; medication packaging makes keeping track of multiple medicines easier by pre-sorting and labeling each dose; and our included med reviews will give you an thorough understanding of what, when, and why you should take your medications.

A medication review can also address other common concerns with a med regimen. Even when medicines are necessary and even life-saving, they can come with nasty side effects and interact with other meds in your regimen. Though these interactions are not always noticeable as physical side effects, they can make the meds not as effective. Adjusting dosage or looking for an alternative medication that doesn’t have the same negative effects can make life much more pleasant. ⁸

Many medicines, especially those treating chronic conditions like diabetes or cholesterol, can lead to your body losing essential vitamins and minerals. We can help you recognize symptoms of this nutrient depletion and try to address and reverse the effect by adding in relevant vitamins and supplements.

Along with addressing side effects, drug interactions, and nutrient depletion, we can check for alternative options that may be more affordable and answer any questions you may have about your medicines or your health.

Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is important throughout your life, but it’s sometimes easy to ignore or misdiagnose the signs of mental disorders as we age. Depression, for instance, may not be recognized because the main symptom is generally considered to be sadness; instead, older adults may feel numb or uninterested in activities, or they may lose sleep or their appetite. These symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed as a symptom of another illness. On top of that, physical changes like hearing or vision loss, memory loss, and mobility issues are common as we age — and all of those physical challenges can make it hard to stay connected, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Depression, loneliness, and isolation can increase your chance for chronic conditions like heart disease and memory decline. ⁹

Fortunately, many of the same things that help us physically as we age can help us mentally, too! A good diet and staying active go a long way toward keeping up our cognitive health and our overall mood as we age. If you are feeling the strain of loneliness or isolation, try scheduling calls with friends or joining a new activity or class! If you are concerned that your mental health is not what it used to be, don’t put off talking to a doctor. ⁹

Sources

¹ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging

² https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-much-should-i-eat-quantity-and-quality

³ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercising-chronic-conditions

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html

⁵ https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html

⁶ Bosworth, Hayden B et al. “Medication adherence: a call for action.” American heart journal vol. 162,3 (2011): 412-24. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2011.06.007

⁷ Cutler, Rachelle Louise et al. “Economic impact of medication non-adherence by disease groups: a systematic review.” BMJ open vol. 8,1 e016982. 21 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016982

⁸ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/you-age-you-and-your-medicines

⁹ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging

Kids’ Health Starts with Mental Health

05/02/2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health has been in the spotlight more than ever. We have seen the impacts of changing routines, limiting activities, and avoiding socialization, and this is especially true in children. As things begin to get back on track, it’s important to keep kids’ positive mental health as a priority so that the next generation can thrive.

What is mental health, really?

Mental health is usually in the news in a negative light, but it’s really just an aspect of a person’s overall health and isn’t always bad. Mental health includes your emotional well-being and influences your behavior, good and bad. In children, it also is closely tied to their development – how they cope with new experiences and feelings, developing healthy coping skills and the ability to make healthy choices. ¹

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that most children, from toddlers to older teenagers, regularly display signs of positive mental health. The indicators that are monitored shift with age. For instance, the markers for positive mental health in children ages 3-5 years can include: ²

Curiosity
Positivity
Resilience (ability to recover quickly)
Affection

In children ages 6-17 years, the markers observed include: ²

Curiosity
Persistence
Self-control

Mental disorders, meanwhile, are when there is a serious change to that development, affecting their ability to learn, behave, interact with others, cope with feelings, and even just get through the day. Some common disorders include: ³

Anxiety
Depression
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tourette Syndrome
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

ADHD, anxiety, behavior disorders, and depression are the most diagnosed disorders in children; these disorders can often occur simultaneously in a child, and the occurrences of them (or at least the diagnosis of them) as increased over time. Depression in children is most likely to be addressed with treatment, while other disorders are more likely to go untreated. There is also a wide variance in when a child is most likely to be diagnosed, by age. Depression, for instance, is more often diagnosed in teenagers, while behavior disorders are usually diagnosed when between 6 and 11 years old. ²

When is it growing pains and when is it something else?

It’s important to remember that it’s normal for children to experience anxiety, sadness, anger, or stress, and those feelings don’t necessarily mean that there is a disorder in play. Kids have big feelings and it takes some time to learn how to cope with them; there are also a lot of external influences that can rightly cause stress – being away from parents in a new space, an illness of a close family member, or even little things like not being able to find a favorite pair of socks. Healthy mental development will mean that these stressors will be short-term, and the child will outgrow most of those fears, feelings, and reactions.

While extreme emotional swings and periods of acting out are part of the growing pains of childhood, they can also be signals of something else.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider seeking help for your child if their changes in behavior or emotions last more than a few weeks or is getting in the way of day-to-day life at work or at home. If you or your child are worried sooner than that, there’s nothing wrong with seeking help before the two or three week mark; in fact, some situations call for immediate action. If your child is talking about harming themselves or others, get a professional involved right away. ⁴

Different mental disorders have different warning signs, though there is overlap. It’s important to pay attention to your child’s actions and emotions so that you are aware if they shift outside of the norm.

Anxiety & Related Disorders

Anxiety is a common reaction to something that we see as dangerous or generally negative for us. The concern is when the feeling of anxiety doesn’t match up with the reality of the danger. Consider seeking help for your child if they: ⁵

Worry about being separated from parents or other family members
Extreme fear of very specific things, such as spiders or the dentist’s office
Fear social activities (school, a crowded playground) or going to new places
Have a hard time functioning because extreme worry makes it hard to function
Think that repeating certain thoughts or actions will stop something bad from happening

Signs of anxiety can go unnoticed easily, as many children may keep their worries to themselves. They can also manifest as a physical symptom, like a headache or trouble sleeping. ⁶

Depression

Being sad or unmotivated is part of life – being depressed is not. Depression is long-term feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and it can lead to a person no longer enjoying things that used to bring happiness.

Consider taking action if your child is experiencing: ⁵

Long-lasting mood changes or swift shifts in mood. Depression in adults often shows as sadness, but children are more likely to show symptoms by being irritable.
Changes in sleeping habits. This could be difficulty falling or staying asleep, but it’s more often sleeping too
Changes in appetite
Lowered energy or self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts or talk of self-harm

Depression can go unnoticed or misdiagnosed because children often don’t seem sad like a depressed adult may be. The changes in mood and activity can lead to a child being thought of as a troublemaker or as lazy instead of getting the help they need. ⁶

Behavior Disorders ⁷

Unlike depression and anxiety that are mostly internalized, behavior disorders are considered externalizing disorders because the child is generally acting out toward others. These disorders are generally diagnosed as a child (before the teenage years) and are often most visible to people close to them, as those are the people most likely to experience the disruptions, defiance, or bad conduct.

Some behaviors that could indicate a disorder include a child often:

Being angry or losing their temper
Arguing with or pushing back at rules or requests made of them
Being spiteful, resentful, or aggressive – especially aggression that causes harm to others
Purposely annoying others around them
Blaming other people for their mistakes or actions
Breaking serious rules
Purposely lying, stealing, or damaging others’ things

What should I do if I think my child has a mental disorder?

The first step to take if your child is showing symptoms of a mental disorder is to talk to their healthcare provider. If your child is diagnosed with a disorder, there are generally two avenues to take for treatment: psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help children process what they’re feeling and address concerns by talking with a psychologist or other mental health professional. This could also include playing games or doing activities while they talk. This process can help kids learn to recognize their feelings and develop healthy ways to respond to and cope with them. ⁸ Therapy doesn’t look at the feelings on their own – external factors can influence mental health, so looking at social, cognitive, and biological identity alongside culture, language, and more is essential at forming a well-rounded picture.⁹

Looking to find a psychologist for your child? Psychologists for children are in touch with hospitals, pediatricians, and adult psychologists, but you can also often find options by contacting your school or a community health center. ⁹

Medication ⁸

Like mental conditions in adults, medication can provide stability to a child experiencing a mental disorder. The medication recommended will vary with the diagnosis, and many mental health medications can take some trial and error to find the right fit for you. Some common types of medication for mental disorders include:

Stimulant
Antidepressant
Anti-anxiety
Antipsychotic
Mood stabilizer

There are risks and side effects that go along with the benefits of medication, so be sure to talk everything through with your child’s healthcare provider so you know what to expect and what concerns to watch for.

What YOU can do to help your child.

Your child can’t take care of their mental health alone. Having support at home is essential for improving your child’s mental health. Some steps you can take to care for your child (and for yourself!) include:

Learn about the illness. It’s hard to help when you don’t understand what’s going on with your child and know symptoms to watch for.
Get counseling. Treatment is stressful for everyone involved, but family counseling can help support and guide you all on the journey.
Get help. Whether it’s advice on handling difficult behavior or training on appropriate responses, there’s nothing wrong with reaching out to people who are experienced in this area. This also means knowing when your child may need more help than what you can give.
Don’t just focus on the disorder. Take time to have fun with your child, and make sure they know their strengths. It’s easy to focus on the negative, but make sure everyone sees the positive, too.

Your child can’t have positive overall health without positive mental health – though many disorders are out of anyone’s control, many others are preventable. It all starts with being observant, taking warning signs seriously, and making sure you have a great support team (like your local pharmacy!) that knows you and is available to help.

Sources:

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/basics.html

² https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

³ https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/symptoms.html

⁴ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health

⁵ https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids/What-to-Look-For-and-When-to-Act

⁶ https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html

⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/behavior.html

⁸ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577

⁹ https://www.apa.org/pi/families/children-mental-health

Med Safety Tips for the Whole Family (Even Four-Legged Members)

04/01/2022

Pharmacy has come a long way from its origins, and it keeps evolving. New medicines are developed, and new uses are found for older medicines; more people are using meds to treat and even prevent diseases – and insurances have expanded coverage on many prescriptions. That’s all amazing…but it also means that there’s more medications out there, and more medications means more chances for having an adverse drug event (ADE). ¹

According to the CDC, an ADE is when a person is harmed by a medication – this can include: ¹

Allergic reactions
Side effects
Overmedication
Medication errors

Taking steps now to store and use medication safely can mean less scares for you and your loved ones down the road.

Why is medication safety so important?

A large majority of American adults take at least one medication, and more than 25 percent take at least five medications. With those large numbers, it’s no surprise that there are a large number of ADEs – and a large cost associated with that. It’s estimated that ADEs are the cause of 1.3 million ER visits and 350,000 hospitalizations each year, translating to $3.5 billion spent on medical costs directly tied to those events. ¹

Certain medications are more likely to be associated with an ADE than others: ²

For those 65 or older, anticoagulants led to almost one third of emergency room visits and more than a third of hospitalizations.
Antibiotics are tied to more than half of emergency room visits by children 5 years or younger.
Insulin-caused ADEs are generally meal-related or product-related mistakes. Nearly 25 percent of emergency visits due to insulin mishaps were tied to the patient using the wrong insulin product.
Opioid pain relievers continue to be a concern in the United States; poisoning deaths from opioids were happening at a higher rate than heroin deaths in 2013.

All these numbers are daunting – even more daunting, many ADEs may have been preventable if the medication was used more safely.

Med Safety and Kids

Kids getting into medicine leads to almost 60,000 emergency room visits each year. In cases with details reported, kids getting into their grandparents’ medication account for almost half of the cases; getting into parents’ medication was nearly 40 percent. When it comes to medication safety and children, especially young children, caution must outweigh convenience. Some things to keep in mind when securing medication include: ³

Medication, including vitamins, should be kept out of reach AND out of sight. Even if the dosing interval is small, still put the meds away between doses. Kids can climb, reach, and get into things quicker than you expect – if they can’t see the medication, there’s less temptation to explore that area and get into things they shouldn’t.
Use child-resistant packaging when possible, and make sure the lid is firmly closed. Kids can be persistent when checking out new things, and child-resistant does NOT mean child-proof.
Many medicines look kind of like candy, meaning kids are going to be tempted to eat it if they find it. Accidents happen, so save the Poison Help number in case of emergency: 1-800-222-1222.
Don’t just think about your medications – pay attention to where your guests put their bags. Many people keep medication in their purses or bags when they travel. If these bags are easily accessible by children, that means the medication is within reach, too.
Even though it may be tempting to compare a good-tasting medicine to candy to get them to take it, don’t make the comparison. Medicine is NOT candy.

As your kids get older, talk to them about medication safety. GenerationRx is a great resource to understand how medications can be misused and why they should be used as directed.

Med Safety and Older Adults ⁴

A person’s chance of having an ADE increases as they age. People are often on more medications and vitamins, meaning there are more changes to have a side effect, reaction, or mix-up. Even without an ADE, medication you’ve been taking for years or even decades could start to interact with your body as it ages; muscle decreases, fat increases, liver and kidney functions change – and all this can mean that your long-time medication doesn’t break down the same way it used to.

The most important step you can take to use your medication safely as you age is to get input from your healthcare team. Talk over any side effects you’re experiencing and note any questions or concerns you have. This also includes when you are wanting to stop taking a medicine. Dosing may need to change over time, or a completely different medication may be needed – but they won’t know to make the change without that conversation happening.

Even though many older adults face similar concerns – chronic pain or high blood pressure, for instance – that does not mean that the medication is interchangeable. Never take another person’s medication to treat your own condition; instead, talk to your doctor and get your own prescription. Your doctor will know what to look for when it comes to allergies and drug interactions to decrease your risk of an ADE.

Beyond talking to your doctor, staying educated on your medication regimen is essential to using your meds safely. This can include:

Checking the label for proper storage and expiration dates.
Knowing about possible interactions and side effects. Some of these interactions are minor, but other can cause serious harm. This isn’t limited to just interactions between meds – some foods, like grapefruit, are known to affect the effectiveness of certain medications and can cause harmful side effects.
Keep track of what you’re taking. Write down the name of the drug or OTC medication as well as why and when you’re taking it. Dosing amount and timing is also important to write down. Give a copy of this to a loved one in case of emergency, and make sure they know the pharmacy’s phone number if they need to reach out about concerns.

Med Safety and Pets ⁵

We want to protect our loved ones – and our loved ones aren’t just human. It’s important to take steps to protect your pets from medication mishaps as well. Some tips to keep your furry family members safe from medication misuse include:

Keep your medications out of reach of your pets – and remember that animals can reach or jump onto counters. Though many of the bottles are child-resistant, the plastic is no match for the sharp teeth of cats and dogs.
Find and pick up dropped medications right away. Pets can easily mistake a dropped pill as a toy or a treat before realizing it doesn’t taste that great.
Don’t store your pet’s medication with your own. Many drugs can be used for pets and humans, but the dosing can vary drastically; others are safe for humans but dangerous for pets. A mix-up in dosing between you and your dog can be harmful at best, fatal at worst.
Have different species of pets? Keep their meds separate, too. Medications for one species can be dangerous for others. For instance, a dog’s flea medication could poison a cat if they were to get that dose.
Be aware of your medications in non-pill form, too. Don’t let your pet lick or eat medication patches or medical creams. This includes licking any of your skin where those have been applied.
If you think your pet has ingested a medication they shouldn’t have, reach out to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).

A lot of the tips for medication safety are common sense, but it’s easy to get complacent when there haven’t been any accidents – but you don’t want to realize that you’ve been unsafe by dealing with a medication accident. Take steps everyday to secure your meds, and remember that our pharmacy team is always here to support you!

Sources:

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/basics.html

² https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adverse-drug-events-specific-medicines.html

³ https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_age/big-kids-5%E2%80%939-years/field_risks/medication

⁴ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/4-medication-safety-tips-older-adults

⁵ https://consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/850-top-10-tips-to-keep-pets-safe-around-medicines