• Do Not Stockpile. It is good to have a short-term supply of medications on hand in case of an emergency, but you do NOT need a year’s supply of medication. Attempting to stockpile large quantities can cause supply chain issues and leave other patients without necessary medication.
• Ask About Delivery or Drive-Thru Services. In order to stay operating, we need as few people as possible contributing to foot traffic and the possible spread of viruses throughout the pharmacy. Ask about options such as curbside pickup, drive thru, shipping, and delivery.
• Do Not Skip Doses. Skipping medications could put you at risk for needing other types of medical care, which takes up preventable medical resources and could expose you to viruses circulating in medical facilities. Stick to your medication regime as directed.
• Plan Your Refills. If you are close to being due for a refill, check to see if you can get a 90-day supply filled. Many insurances are allowing overrides so that patients can fill medication earlier or in larger quantities. *There will be numerous exceptions to this. Listen to what your pharmacy says about whether your meds qualify for an early 90-day supply refill and whether YOU need to contact your insurance company.
• Take Responsibility. If your pharmacy tells you that you need authorization from your insurance company to refill early, please call the Member Services line yourself. Expecting pharmacists to call on everyone’s early refills would disrupt their ability to fill prescriptions and serve their patients.
• Think of Your Community. If you are afraid and want to stockpile, stop and think about your community. If you take all the hygiene products and leave everyone else around you with nothing, they will not be able to follow precautions which puts you at increased risk. Alternatively, if you are brushing this whole pandemic off, remember that others in your community may have different reasons to be worried. Please be considerate to others and use the proper precautions recommended by the CDC.

Your community pharmacy will be there to help answer any questions or concerns you may have during this time. It’s important to remain calm and follow proper precautions to help slow the spread of viruses and ensure your community remains safe and healthy. Please call your pharmacy with any questions or concerns, or visit www.cdc.gov for the latest COVID-19 information.

The post COVID-19 For Pharmacy Patients appeared first on Texas Star Pharmacy.

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

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

If you are one of the many people affected by hay fever, ask your pharmacist which antihistamines you should keep on hand. Antihistamines target histamine, which is what causes water eyes, runny noses, and nasal congestion during an allergic reaction. Shop your local pharmacy for allergy relief this season!

The post The ABCs of Keeping Allergens Out appeared first on Texas Star Pharmacy.

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

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

*Information provided by cdc.gov

The post Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke appeared first on Texas Star Pharmacy.

• Healthy Eating: Create a list of all your unhealthy eating habits. Review the list and try to find the unhealthy “cues”, such as you snack more at a certain time of day, you eat faster when you eat in front of the TV, etc. Once you pinpoint those cues, try replacing one at a time with healthier options. Eat more slowly, eat only when you’re truly hungry, plan meals ahead of time, eat more fruits and vegetables, etc.
• Mental Health: Start practicing mindfulness and meditation as this can reduce stress, ease negative thoughts, and improve your relationship satisfaction. Be grateful and practice by regularly taking the time to run through a list of what you have and why you appreciate it. Also, social interaction is important to staying mentally healthy. Talk to someone you trust whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or a pharmacist.
• Physical Activity: 150 minutes of moderate-intense activity each week creates substantial benefits for adults. These include: lower risk of all-mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, anxiety and depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Physically active adults also sleep better and have better quality of life.
• Overall Health: For the new year try doing a few things to help your overall health such as: washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs. “Disconnect” every night by turning lights and screens off 30 minutes before bedtime and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Drink more water and less soda or juice. See your doctor and don’t skip appointments. And take your meds on time and as prescribed, and always talk with your pharmacist about any questions or concerns.

Don’t think that one mistake knocks a whole day’s worth of your efforts. Be patient with yourself and your new practices and make 2020 a year of healthy habits!

The post Creating Healthy Habits appeared first on Texas Star Pharmacy.