Wellness Corner Archives

Antibiotics: The Importance of Compliance and Antimicrobial Resistance

11/01/2023

Antibiotics are an essential part of treatment for many infections and can save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to the development of antibiotics resistance. In U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency departments, at least 28% of antibiotic courses prescribed each year are unnecessary, which makes improving antibiotic prescribing and use a national priority. (1) Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply. (2)

Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:

Strep throat
Whooping cough
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Sepsis

Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses and some common bacterial infections, such as:

Colds and runny noses
Sore throats (except strep throat)
Flu
Chest colds such as bronchitis
Sinus infections
Some ear infections

The Importance of Antibiotic Compliance

It’s important to use antibiotics only when they are needed, and to use them properly. The misuse of antibiotics can be categorized as taking the wrong antibiotic, taking the wrong dose of an antibiotic, or taking an antibiotic for the wrong length of time. (2) When antibiotics are needed, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects. It’s very important that you take the correct dose for the entire length that was prescribed by your doctor.

One of the most common reasons for stopping antibiotic use prematurely is that patients feel better and think they no longer have to take their medication. Straying from the instructions on an antibiotic prescription not only can lead to a flare-up of the infection, but also to the development of resistance bacteria.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistances happens when germs like bacteria and fungi can defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. That means they aren’t killed and continue to grow. It does not mean our body is resistant to antibiotics or antifungals. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. (3)

Antimicrobial resistance is a naturally occurring process but is accelerated when the presence of antibiotics or antifungals pressure bacteria and fungi to adapt. Antibiotics and antifungals kill some germs that cause infections, but they also kill helpful germs that protect our body. The resistant germs then survive and multiply and have resistance traits in their DNA that can spread to other germs. (4)

Resistant germs do not only affect you. Resistant germs can spread between people, animals, and the environment, and can cause deadly infections. Antimicrobial resistance has been found in every U.S. state. We all have a responsibility to act against antimicrobial resistance, including: (5)

Prevent infections in the first place by:
- Keeping your hands clean
- Getting vaccinated
- Using antibiotics appropriately
- Recognizing signs and symptoms of infections
- Practicing healthy habits around animals
- Preparing food safely
- Staying healthy when traveling abroad
- Preventing STDs
Improve antibiotic and antifungal use.
Stop the spread of resistance when it does happen.

Side Effects of Antibiotics

Another common reason for stopping antibiotic use early is experiencing negative side effects. Common side effects of antibiotics include: (7)

Digestive problems such as nausea, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, and stomach pain or cramping
Fungal infection
Yeast infections
Drug interactions
Sensitivity to the sun
Staining of skin, nails, teeth, and bones

A patient should always speak with their pharmacist about possible side effects and how best to take their antibiotics, as some are recommended to take with food to avoid possible digestive issues. If you experience any side effects, call your doctor right away to discuss possible alternative therapy.

More rare and severe side effects could include anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

Rapid heartbeat
Hives or a red, itchy rash
Feelings of uneasiness and agitation
Tingling sensations and dizziness
Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat
Rapid swelling of the lips
Severe wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing.
Low blood pressure
Fainting
Seizures

Anaphylaxis can be fatal without immediate emergency care. If you suspect anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately. (7)

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is observed November 18-24, 2023. It is an annual one-week observance that raises awareness of the importance of proper antibiotic use to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

One of the main goals of Antibiotic Awareness Week is to share the key messages of antibiotics. Those key messages are: (8)

Antibiotics can save lives. When a patient needs antibiotics, the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects.
Antibiotics do NOT treat viruses such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain bacterial infections, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics.
An antibiotic will not make you feel better if you have a virus.
If an antibiotic is not needed, they won’t help you and the side effects could still cause harm.
Taking antibiotics can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects.
Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy. This helps reduce antibiotic use and fights antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotics aren’t always the answer.

As always, if you ever have any concerns about an antibiotic that was prescribed to you, talk to your trusted local pharmacist! You can also use the CDC’s Antibiotic Knowledge test found here https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/quiz.html.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/q-a.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about/how-resistance-happens.html
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/protect-yourself-family.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4269991/#:~:text=Antimicrobial%20resistance%20results%20from%20inappropriate,required%20to%20prevent%20antimicrobial%20resistance.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322850#rare-side-effects
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/week/toolkit.html

Struggling With Mental Health? You’re Not Alone!

10/01/2023

Many people around the world struggle with their mental health and although some individuals struggle more than others, resulting in a mental health disorder (1), it all ties into our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.(2) Our mental health affects the way we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others.

Why Invest in Your Mental Health?

Investing in your mental health does not just help your mental state, but it may also benefit your overall well-being. As an example, depression can increase the risk of physical health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.(2) Not only that, but there are many other benefits of taking care of our mental health such as (3)

Improved mood
Reduced anxiety
Enhanced inner peace
Clearer thinking
Improved relationships
Increased self-esteem

According to Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC, “Our mental health is something that impacts our eating and sleeping habits … oftentimes we will feel the impact of [mental health] in other areas of our health as well.”(3)

It is also important to note that your mental health can and will change over time and is dependent on many factors. Examples of ways your mental health can change over time include working longer hours than usual, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship.(2)

If we neglect our mental health it can lead to further complications, including mental illness, which in return can negatively impact our day-to-day lives. Mental illness can make you feel miserable, effecting your life at school, work, or your relationships.

Who is at Risk?

As we begin to understand what mental health and mental illnesses are, we need to understand the symptoms that can be present. A few examples of mental illness symptoms are:(1)

Excessive fear or worry
Extreme mood changes
Detachment from reality
Alcohol or drug abuse
Hostility
Suicidal thoughts or actions

It is also common that symptoms may appear as physical problems including stomach pain, headaches, back pain, or other unexplained aches and pains.(1)

These mental illness symptoms can develop at any time due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors like inherited traits, environmental exposures before birth (toxins, alcohol, or drugs while in the womb), and brain chemistry. Other risk factors include the following (1, 2, 3)

A history of mental illness in blood relatives
Stressful life situations
A chronic condition
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic experiences
Excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs
Childhood abuse or neglect
Few healthy relationships
Previous mental illness

Sometimes a person may not develop a mental health condition even if they had previously been exposed to these risk factors, while some people with no risk factors still develop a mental health condition.(4)

How Common are Mental Health Issues?

Mental illness is among the most common health concerns in the United States affecting more than 1 in 5 adults and over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18). Serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression affects about 1 in 25 adults.(2)

There are more than 200 types of mental illnesses (2), however, according to Anwar, “Some of the most common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.” A few other common mental health conditions include panic disorder, OCD, and eating disorders. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults. Out of these 40 million, less than 37% actually seek treatment for their symptoms.(3) It is important for those struggling with their mental health or mental illness to get the help they need.

How Can I Get Help?

Seeking help for your mental health early on can increase the chances of successful treatment, if necessary. Getting help for a mental illness or mental health is important for your overall health, but it can be difficult for some to reach out. If you are unsure if you should reach out for help, just know there are resources available all around you.

Self-Care

The first step to helping your mental health is through self-care. Everyone’s self-care routine looks different, it is all about finding what you need and what brings you joy. Try these tips to get you started on your self-care journey:(5)

Regular exercise. Find time in your day for a short walk to help boost your mood and improve your health. Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day is sufficient.
Eat healthily and stay hydrated. Maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help your energy levels and your focus.
Prioritize sleep. To make sure you’re getting enough sleep, try sticking to a schedule and reduce your blue light exposure before bedtime.
Engage in relaxing activities. Relaxation or wellness programs and apps can help relax your mood. These could include meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Set goals and priorities. Prioritize things that need to get done now and hold off on things that can wait. Learning to say “no” can help you from taking on too much. At the end of the day, reflect on what you have accomplished rather than what you did not get done.
Practice gratitude. Creating a list of things you are grateful for can help focus your mind on the positives.
Stay connected. Talk with friends and family who can provide emotional support.

Professional Help

If your self-care routine is not enough and you are experiencing long periods of distress such as difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating, or loss of interest in your typical enjoyable things, seeking professional help is your next step. Talk to your health care provider about the symptoms you have been experiencing and they can refer you to a mental health professional if needed. If a mental illness goes untreated, it can get worse over time and lead to more serious problems.

Emergency Services

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.(1, 5)

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
Contact a minister or someone in your faith community.
Call your mental health specialist or primary care provider.
Contact a suicide hotline by calling or texting 988. Services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Call 911 or your local emergency number.

Unfortunately, mental health is often stigmatized in our society. However, the more people understand the importance of seeking help no matter how severe your situation is, the more we can work on de-stigmatizing mental health awareness. Everyone has their own struggles, but they should never have to go through it alone.

Sources:

(1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

(2) https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

(3) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20integral%20component,community%20and%20socio%2Deconomic%20development.

(4) https://www.talkspace.com/blog/why-is-mental-health-important/

(5) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Flu Vaccines: Everything You Need to Know

09/01/2023

Flu season is almost here and let’s face it — no one has time for sniffles and coughs. Save yourself the time and suffering. You have the power to protect yourself and the ones you love from influenza and as your trusted health resource, we are here to help you do just that. Here is everything you need to know about getting vaccinated against the flu:

How do flu vaccines work?

Vaccines train our immune systems to create proteins called antibodies, which are responsible for fighting diseases in our bodies.¹ When we get the flu vaccine, our bodies are exposed to a version of the flu that has been already killed or weakened. This helps our immune system create antibodies to fight the flu without getting sick.

Once the body processes the vaccine and produces antibodies, it also creates antibody-producing memory cells, which remain alive even after the flu is defeated. If the body is exposed again, the antibody response is faster and more effective than the first time around because the memory cells are ready to pump out antibodies in defense.¹

Getting vaccinated for the flu goes far beyond just protecting yourself. Vaccinations work at their best when we develop herd immunity. This is when many people within a community are vaccinated, lessening the flu’s spread and preventing people that are unable to vaccinate from getting sick.¹ The more people get vaccinated, the more we can keep our communities healthy.

How effective are flu vaccines?

Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness by up to 60%, however, how well the flu vaccines protect us against the flu varies from season to season. Protection not only varies depending on characteristics of the person getting vaccinated such as age and overall health.² The effectiveness of flu vaccines each year heavily depends on how well they match with the flu viruses spreading throughout the community.³ Flu viruses change quickly, meaning the vaccine created for last year’s virus may not protect you from the flu viruses this year. The more the flu vaccine matches circulating flu viruses, the better protection we have against getting the flu. If you still get sick even if you received a flu vaccine, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of the virus. For example, a 2021 study found that vaccinated adults hospitalized with the flu had a 26% lower risk of being admitted to intensive care units and a 31% lower risk of death compares to unvaccinated adults.²

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older, but vaccinations are especially important for those at high risk for flu-related complications:⁴

Children ages 6 months – 2 years old
Adults older than age 50
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant
People with weakened immune systems
People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

While everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, there are some rare exceptions:⁵

Children younger than 6 months of age are too young to get a flu shot.
People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.
People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again and might not be able to receive other influenza vaccines. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider to help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you.

When should you get your flu shot?

In the United States, flu season is in the fall and winter. However, influenza viruses are still present and circulating year-round. Flu cases generally peak between December and February and sometimes linger as late as May.

With this in mind, flu vaccination is ideal during September or October.⁴ Vaccinating sooner could lead to waning efficacy near the end of flu season in spring. However, don’t wait too long to get your flu shot either as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to fully protect against the flu.³

We highly encourage you to talk with our team or your healthcare provider about any additional questions or concerns you may have about flu vaccines. You have the power to protect yourself and the ones you love from influenza by getting your annual flu shot! https://sinkspharmacy.com/services/#immunizations

Sources:

Myths About Medications

08/01/2023

With so many available resources online now, misconceptions about medications are becoming more and more common. But taking medication can be an important part of your overall health, and having the correct information is extremely important to keep you safe and healthy. Here are some of the top myths about medications, and the facts that debunk these myths:

Myth: You feel better, so you don’t need to take your medication.

Fact: Your doctor prescribed you medication because you need it. If you stop taking your medication early, it can increase your chance of relapsing into the illness that medication is prescribed for. Especially with antibiotics, it’s tempting to stop taking them as soon as you feel better. But you need to take the full treatment to kill the disease-causing bacteria. If you stop taking it, it can also promote the spread of the antibiotic-resistant properties among harmful bacteria.¹

If you are taking a maintenance medication, it’s very important you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you change your medication regimen.

Myth: Natural supplements are always a safe choice.

Fact: “Natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Since the standards for supplements are not as strict, the amount of each ingredient can vary between products. If you’re interested in natural supplements, it’s important you still talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which ones are safe for you to use. Your pharmacist will be able to look at all your medications and be able to recommend which supplements will best fit into your regimen.²

Myth: If you’re really hurting, you can ignore the recommended dosage and take more pills.

Fact: If you take more than the recommended dosage on the label, it can hurt you. Pharmaceutical companies and doctors work hard to develop the appropriate dose for every person. Taking your pills in any other way than the recommended amount can do more harm than good.

Taking more pills or more frequently than the label states can rob you of the medicine’s benefits and increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, it is very possible that an overdose can occur which can have dangerous or even life-threatening consequences. It’s important to read every label or talk to your pharmacist to be clear on your recommended dosage.²

Myth: Antibiotics are always the answer.

Fact: Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, not infections caused by viruses such as acute respiratory infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause antibiotics to lose its strength and ability to effectively treat bacterial infections going forward.³

Myth: Your healthcare providers don’t need to know what vitamins you take.

Fact: Health care professionals should know every medication, prescribed or OTC, you take regularly so that they can warn you about potential interactions.

Examples of vitamins with the potential for serious interactions include vitamins A and E, which increase the effects of anticoagulation and should therefore be closely monitored when taking warfarin, and magnesium, which can decrease antibiotic absorption and should be dosed separately by 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking an antibiotic.³

Myth: It doesn’t matter how you ingest the pill.

Fact: Taking pills with any other liquid than water – particularly alcohol – can interfere with the manner in which the body absorbs the medication. Also, some medications must be taken with food, which others may have strange or dangerous interactions with certain foods.³ Talk with your pharmacist on drug administration instructions for proper absorption.

Myth: It doesn’t matter where you store your medications.

Fact: Some medications lose their effectiveness when they are exposed to hot, humid environments. Medications are almost always best stored in a dry place away from heat, direct light, or any source of dampness. If children are around, keep medicine containers out of reach. Some medicines have bright colors and shapes that children can mistake as candy.

Managing medications can be complicated, especially if you are taking several. It’s important to understand your regimen, talk thoroughly with your pharmacist, keep up to date on refills, and take medications as prescribed. If you are unsure about any of the medications you are currently taking or plan on taking, it’s always a good idea to talk to your provider or pharmacist about it first. With proper administration and storage, your medication regimen should help you feel your very best!

Sources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/help-for-managing-multiple-medications

Top 7 Chronic Diseases in America

07/01/2023

It is likely that you or someone you know has suffered from some type of chronic disease. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, or cancer, are more common than one might think and are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. (1)

(image from source 1)

What is Chronic Disease?

Chronic disease is defined as a condition that lasts 1 year or longer and requires ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities and living, or both. (2) They can affect any part of the body and may or may not be curable (4). In the United States, 6 in 10 adults have some type of chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases. Some of the most common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability and are the leading drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs. (2)

Many chronic diseases are caused by a short list of risk behaviors, but can also result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. (3) Other risk factors include raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Here are some of the most common lifestyle risks: (1)

Tobacco use & exposure to secondhand smoke (2): Using tobacco or being exposed to secondhand smoke increases your risk of poor health and chronic disease.
Poor nutrition: Having a well-rounded diet and drinking plenty of water is key to keeping yourself healthy.
Lack of physical activity: Staying active is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Excessive alcohol use: This includes binge-drinking, heavy drinking, and using alcohol while pregnant.

Most Common Chronic Diseases

In the United States, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability. Knowing the top offenders can help you understand if you may be at risk, allow time to get an early diagnosis, and start to manage the disease. Here are seven of the most common chronic diseases in the United States.

Heart Disease

This chronic disease includes many different heart conditions, the most common being heart attacks. Heart disease can affect any part of the heart and can result from a number of reasons. Although this disease is thought of typically only affecting men, it is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells become damaged and begin to reproduce rapidly, creating a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. It can affect any part of the body and comes in many forms.

Chronic Lung Disease

Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this covers a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs. Breathing becomes more difficult as the airflow to the lungs is restricted. Nearly 16 million Americans have some form of chronic lung disease. (4)

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood is blocked from reaching the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Affecting nearly 800,000 people each year, around 150,000 of them will die, making stroke the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (4)

Alzheimer’s Disease

A disorder of the brain, Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and worsens over time. Patients generally only live an average of eight years after diagnosis, making this the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. (4) Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, strange behavior, disorientation, poor judgement, and more.

Diabetes

This chronic disease happens when there is consistently too much glucose in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar levels, which may lead to even more health issues. Type 1 diabetes is genetic and can be passed down to offspring, while type 2 diabetes is developed over time through poor diet, especially from consuming too much sugar.

Chronic Kidney Disease

When kidneys are damaged, they are unable to filter your blood correctly, leading to kidney disease. Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and urination frequency.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention to check for indicators of chronic illness. (4)

Prevention & Control

Early identification of a chronic disease is crucial to ensure you get the maximum support. It is also important to follow these seven steps to help reduce the risk of chronic disease and manage current chronic diseases. (5)

Managing your blood pressure. A major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions is having high blood pressure. Understanding what high blood pressure is, what it looks like, and how it can affect your body and heart will help you stay healthier and prevent you from a possible heart attack or stroke. Ask us how we can assist you with our free blood pressure monitoring.
Controlling your cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Talk with one of our pharmacists about what high cholesterol is and what your cholesterol levels mean. We can give you tips on how to improve your levels.
Reducing blood glucose levels. High levels of blood glucose can lead to diabetes. Gaining a better understanding of what raises your glucose levels, such as what foods you should or should not eat, can help manage your sugar intake. Watching what you eat is an important step towards eating healthier and living a healthy lifestyle.
Getting active. About 80 percent of adults and adolescents in the United States do not get as much physical activity as they should. While it may be hard for some to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, it is important to get at least 150 minutes per week. (5) Being physically active, even if it’s taking a short walk or doing yoga, can significantly improve your quality of life. Staying active can help with heart health, improve thinking skills, control weight, and boost energy levels. (6)
Eating healthier. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent and manage chronic disease. Making simple changes to your diet, such as consuming less sodium and sugar, can help prevent high blood pressure and lower your glucose levels.
Losing weight. Having a high body mass index can lead to increased risk of chronic disease. Taking steps to lose weight through diet and exercise can make a huge difference in your overall health, even if it is only a 5 percent weight loss.
Stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes rapidly increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, which may lead to other chronic diseases. Many individuals turn to electronic cigarettes or vapes, but these often contain harmful chemicals.

Chronic Diseases can be difficult to understand and manage, especially if you or a loved one was recently diagnosed. Living a healthy lifestyle and knowing the risks can be beneficial to understanding the condition and learning how to manage it.