Until There’s Type “None”…Know the Signs of Type 1

11/02/2022

Almost everyone has heard of diabetes, but not everyone fully understands what being diagnosed with diabetes means. Diabetes is a serious health condition that has two main types, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 diabetes is often caused by insulin resistance and can usually be prevented, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune response and cannot be prevented. There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, so people living with the condition are dependent on insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels each and every day.

People of all ages can develop type 1 diabetes, but it mostly develops in children and teenagers. It has very little to do with lifestyle choices, like the stereotypes for the condition would make you think. With it occurring in those so young, it’s important to know the true causes of this condition and what to look out for — especially since a child may not know how to communicate what’s wrong.

Causes, Risks, and Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Causes

The main cause of type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune reaction where the body mistakenly destroys the insulin producing cells, called beta cells, found in the pancreas. As a result, blood sugar levels do not regulate on their own. Another cause of type 1 diabetes is found within genetics and environmental factors. Some people may inherit the genes that make them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes but may not be apparent unless triggered by some environmental factor such as a virus.

Risk Factors

Although risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear, it most often occurs in children but can occur at any age. Risk factors in children may include:

Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, you may have an increased risk of developing the conditions as well.
Genetics: Specific genes passed down from a parent may indicate a higher risk for type 1 diabetes.
Race: In the United States, it is more common for white children to develop type 1 diabetes than any other races.
Certain Viruses: Being exposed to certain viruses may trigger the autoimmune reaction.

Symptoms

The side effects of type 1 diabetes can become serious very quickly, once the condition has developed it can be deadly, so noticing the signs of type 1 diabetes in your child before it gets too serious is crucial. Typically, symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children are roughly the same:

Increased thirst and urination
Blurred vision
Tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Numb or tingling hands or feet

Many times, it may take a few months or even years for symptoms to become apparent, which can be very dangerous. Since type 1 diabetes is most common in children, it is critical that parents or older siblings are aware of these symptoms as well, because most children may not understand what these symptoms mean or that they are even experiencing them. It is also important to understand these symptoms because most of these symptoms are very similar to those found with other heath conditions and may get mistaken as something else. If you believe that you or your child may have type 1 diabetes, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get their blood sugar tested.

Ignoring these symptoms may result in very serious, even fatal, health problems in the future. A few of these health problems may include heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, or osteoporosis.

A common complication from diabetes is a condition called hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. This occurs when there is too much insulin, waiting too long for a meal, not eating enough, or getting too much physical activity. If you notice your child has any of this happening or any symptoms of low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about what changes may need to be made.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is also a common complication of diabetes. DKA results when there is not enough insulin to let blood sugar into your cells which could be life-threatening. Illness and missed insulin shots are the most common causes of this complication. Again, talk to your doctor to ensure you understand how to prevent and treat DKA.

Managing Your Child’s Type 1 Diabetes

Although there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, there are many ways that you can help your child manage their condition. Children that have type 1 diabetes will need to have their insulin administered daily for their blood sugar levels to be regulated. This could be from a syringe, pump, or insulin pen.

There are times where blood sugar levels in some children will not reach a healthy level with insulin alone. Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to take alongside the insulin and will usually suggest regularly checking blood sugar levels. They may also suggest following healthy lifestyle habits. This is where you as a parent can help! Some great healthy lifestyle habits that are important to managing your child’s type 1 diabetes can include:

Eating healthy
Being physically active
Keeping blood pressure within healthy range
Controlling cholesterol levels

Another great way to help manage your child’s type 1 diabetes is to learn everything you can about the condition. Understanding what diabetes is and what it can cause if untreated is a main factor in helping your child. A few things that are important to know is what type of insulin your child should take and in what dosage, what device should be used, how to check blood sugar levels, where to go for support, and much more.

It is important to also understand that there will be big changes in your day-to-day lives after your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Adapting a new daily schedule will be important to ensure they are receiving regularly scheduled insulin injections and proper diet.

Staying connected and keeping open communication with your child about their condition is very beneficial for them and you. Type 1 diabetes can be scary for a child, so reassuring them that you will be there for them with any questions is very important. No child should have to try to manage this condition on their own. Make it clear to them that choices they make now managing their condition will help them in the future! It is also a good idea to let them know of any outside resources that they should be aware of such as support groups, summer camps, or even online community forums. Your child’s mental health may be affected from this condition and getting them the support they need is important.

Being there for your child, understanding what they are dealing with, and helping them when needed are the best ways to manage your child’s health. It may also be beneficial to you, your child, and your community to raise awareness of the condition. There are many online forums, day specific holidays such as World Diabetes Day (November 14), and local community groups that are great ways to raise awareness and get extra support! Our team at Sinks Pharmacy is always here to help, too.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/type-1-diabetes-in-children#resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20355306

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/parents-type1.html

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

If You Are 65 or Older, You Will Want to Read this ASAP

10/05/2022

Are you 65 years of age or older and looking for a new or updated Medicare Part D plan? Are you unsure of where to start or how to review your plan? Maybe you’ve heard of a Part D plan but are unsure of what it is? A Medicare Part D plan covers prescription drug costs, both generic and brand name, for those 65 years or older. These plans can — and should —be reviewed each year during the open enrollment period, which takes place every year from October 15 to December 7. We’ve put together some basic information here, and our team at your local pharmacy can answer any questions you may have about choosing the perfect plan to fit your needs.

woman at laptop looking annoyed at pill bottles

What is Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is a set time frame, in this instance for Medicare Part D, where you can join, switch, or drop a plan depending on your eligibility. The Open Enrollment period for Medicare Part D beings on October 15 and lasts until December 7 each year. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop a plan, with coverage beginning on January 1 of the following year. You can make as many changes as you would like during those weeks, but it’s recommended that you make changes as few times as needed to avoid any enrollment problems.

When am I Eligible for Medicare Part D?

Anyone who is 65 or older is eligible for Medicare Part D, but Open Enrollment is only October 15 – December 7 to go into effect in the new year…so what happens when you turn 65? There is a different process for newly eligible, called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). That period begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after you turn 65 or begins 3 months before your 25th month of getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits and 3 months after that time. That timeframe may or may not overlap with the Open Enrollment period.

In order to enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan, you must already have Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B as well as you must be a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States.

What Can I do During Open Enrollment Period?

During the open enrollment period of October 15 – December 7, you can do any of the following:

Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage
Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t enroll when you first became eligible for Medicare
Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan
Drop Medicare drug coverage completely.

If you have any questions about how to do any of these options, stop into your local pharmacy or give us a call to set up a review time that works best for you. During this time, the pharmacist will answer any questions you have pertaining to Medicare Part D Open Enrollment and your specific drug and health needs.

Chart from https://blog.medicaresolutions.com/open-enrollment-checklist

Four Signs You May Want to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan

Your health changes overtime, and that can mean that your medication needs change, too. Even if everything on your side stays the same, that doesn’t mean that the plan you are on has stayed the same. Each year, it’s a good idea to review your plan and see if it still fits your needs. Here are some signs to be aware of when considering changing your plan.

Plan formularies change from year to year.

Part D plans have formulary to help place various medications into different tiers. The lower the tier, the lower the copay — and on the flip side, the higher the tier, the higher the out-of-pocket costs. These tiers can change from year to year, so it’s important to review what medications you are taking and what tiers they fall under. Your pharmacist can help you review your medications and figure out what tier you are at with each of them.

Your medication needs have changed.

If you are taking new medications, there’s a chance that your current plan offers great coverage. But there’s also a chance that a different plan you can choose during Open Enrollment overs a better deal on your new medication regimen.

Pharmacy networks change each year.

Part D plans have in-network and out-of-network pharmacies, and that list often changes each year. Even if you choose an out-of-network plan for your pharmacy, the team may be able to find cash savings for you without forcing you to switch pharmacies. That isn’t always the case, so it’s important to review your medications and plan with your pharmacy and see what the cost would end up being.

You’re paying a high premium for a plan you don’t use often.

Plans are there to help cover costs, both expected and unexpected, and many people try to plan for the unexpected. But realistically, you may not actually need a plan that you picked the previous year. If you are on a Part D plan that has more coverage than you ended up needing, that means you’re paying a higher premium without the cost savings you may have expected.

Once you have reviewed your current plan and see that you may want to make changes based on those four tips, you will want to search for a plan that fits whatever your needs may be.

Who Can Help Review my Medicare Plan?

Your pharmacy can help! The people who fill your medications each month and discuss your health concerns with you regularly are also the people who can help you review your Medicare Part D plans. Whether you are ready to make a change to a new plan, have lots of questions about your options, or just want another person to look at what you’ve selected, our team is here for you.

We know your medications, we know the plans, and we know you. We can help you review options and choose a plan that best meets your health needs. We can provide in-depth reviews of the current plan you have as well as other plan options that you could consider. Even if you are not wanting to change your current plan, it is always a good idea to review the medications you are currently taking to ensure you are keeping the best plan possible for your needs.

Sources:

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan

https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/#

https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-prescription-drug-coverage-part-d/medicare-part-d-enrollment/changing-part-d-plans

https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/medicare/when-is-the-medicare-part-d-open-enrollment/

https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-benefits/four-signs-you-need-a-new-medicare-part-d-plan/#formulary

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/what-is-medicare

https://www.medicareresources.org/states/

https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-drug-coverage

https://blog.medicaresolutions.com/open-enrollment-checklist/

Know EVERYTHING for Flu Season? Think Again

09/01/2022

Kids are heading back to school, fall is almost here (along with everything pumpkin), and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to start talking about flu season again. The flu virus doesn’t usually start circulating until the end of the year, but it’s important to get vaccinated in the fall to give your body time to learn how to fight off the disease if exposed.

There is a lot of information at our fingertips, and not all of it is correct…and even when we find the right sources, it can be hard to sort through all that info to figure out what is correct for what our symptoms are and how to treat whatever it is we caught. If you have questions about the flu or any other illness you may be experiencing as we head into flu season, make sure you are turning to trusted healthcare providers for your answers.

man getting flu shot from pharmacist

Is it true that the flu…?

There are more flu myths out there than we can easily count, and that was BEFORE medical misinformation began to spread on social media like wildfire. We’ve rounded up just a few popular ones here to debunk.

Is it true that I can get the flu from getting the flu shot? ¹

No! Flu vaccine given with a needle are inactive (killed) while nasal spray is live; the live vaccine has been weakened to the point it cannot cause an infection. After getting the vaccine, you may experience some flu-like symptoms. This is your body learning how to fight off the real disease by encountering the vaccine in your system. You can also still get the flu after getting vaccinated (but the vaccine often makes it less severe); this is especially true in the two weeks after getting your shot as your body takes some time to reach maximum immunity.

Is it true that I shouldn’t get the flu shot if I’m pregnant? ¹

No! Pregnant women actually have a higher risk of having complications if they contract the flu, meaning that getting vaccinated is even more important. On top of that, the vaccine can help protect the baby as well for several months after birth. Since babies cannot get a flu shot until they are 6 months, passing the antibodies from mother to baby is a great measure of protection if they are too young to receive a vaccine during peak flu season.

If you are pregnant, you should only get the vaccine via a shot, not the nasal spray.

Is it true that I don’t need to get a flu shot every year? ²

No! With a few rare exceptions, the CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months should get a flu shot every year. There are a couple of main reasons for this. First, the efficacy of the vaccine — how well the vaccine works to prevent the disease it’s meant to fight — decreases over time. This is also why we recommend you get your flu shot ideally between September and early November.

The second factor is that the flu virus changes over time (similar to how COVID-19 has changed over the last couple years). The vaccine is made based on which strains look like they will be the most widespread for that year, and the strain that was spreading last year may not be the popular one this year.

Not seeing your question? Have more questions from this? Come by and talk to our team – we’re always here to help you get the answers you need.

I don’t feel good – what do I have?

Anyone who has Googled symptoms knows that it can be hard to narrow in on what you actually have. We know that not every symptom is cancer, despite that seeming the case when we look online. It’s important to not only learn the symptoms of diseases that are in your area but also learn the timing and what is NOT a symptom so you can get better treatment.

Flu vs. COVID-19 ³

Symptoms of COVID-19 have changed over time to resemble the symptoms of influenza more closely. These shared symptoms include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle pain or body aches
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Change in or loss of taste or smell (more common with COVID-19 than flu)

Flu symptoms appear sooner after exposure on average than COVID-19 symptoms; someone infected with the flu usually starts having symptoms between 1 and 4 days after infection; COVID-19 symptoms, meanwhile, typically show up within 2 to 14 days after being exposed. Both viruses can also have asymptomatic cases, where people are infected but don’t get sick or show symptoms of the infection.

While both viruses have many shared possible complications (pneumonia, sepsis, heart attack, and more), there are some differences, too. The flu is more associated with secondary bacterial infections (getting an infection from something else when the immune system is weakened from the flu) than COVID-19; blood clots and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C and MIS-A) are more common with COVID-19, and symptoms can linger much longer (now often called Long COVID) than flu symptoms do.

Both viruses have vaccines that work to protect you from infection or serious complications. COVID-19 vaccines can be received at any time of the year (on the appropriate vaccine schedule) while flu shots are recommended in the fall to offer the best protection when flu season arrives. There are also many tests available for both, so if you think you have one of these…get tested and get answers.

Flu vs. Stomach Flu ⁴

Despite sharing part of a name, the seasonal flu and the stomach flu have very little in common. The stomach flu (like the name suggests) affects the stomach. It is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person or by eating contaminated foods.

If you are experiencing diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, there’s a good chance you’ve got the stomach flu. There isn’t any vaccine or treatment, but you can help relieve symptoms by drinking clear liquids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and staying away from dairy, fiber, grease, and spices. The stomach flu can be contracted any time of the year.

If you have a sore throat, fever, muscle aches, or a cough, however, you may have influenza. The seasonal flu affects the respiratory system and DOES have a vaccine that can help prevent serious infection. Though there can be influenza viruses circulating year-round, usually flu season is during the winter.

Flu vs. Cold vs. Allergy ⁵

Even before COVID-19, it was sometimes hard to tell if you had the flu or if you had a cold or if it was just allergies. They all affect the respiratory system and share many symptoms. Flu and cold generally have the most overlap, but flu symptoms tend to be more plentiful and more severe than cold symptoms. The symptoms are a sign of your body trying to fight off the infection, and they generally last as long as the infection does.

Allergies, meanwhile, are not because of an infection; instead, they are your immune system fighting off some external substances that you’ve been exposed to and your body thinks is dangerous to you. The symptoms are the immune system’s overreaction to the exposure, and they will last as long as the exposure does. This can be several weeks if the pollen count is high; it could be just hours, however, if it’s caused by a brief interaction with a neighbor’s dog.

* Click to view full-size image. Table via NIH News in Health: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy

Because there is so much overlap in actual symptoms, it’s important to pay extra attention to the labels of any medicine you take. The active ingredients of many drugs overlap, so it is easy to get too much of one ingredient if you aren’t careful. There can also be interactions between different drugs used to treat the cold, flu, and allergies; if you are ever unsure of what to take or how much to take, talk to our pharmacy team! Visit our immunizations section for current offerings and availability.

Sources:

¹ https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/top-seven-flu-myths-debunked

² https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm

³ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

⁴ https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/influenza-vs-stomach-flu

⁵ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy

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