Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 20:46:54 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 Last-Modified: Sun, 09 Nov 1997 19:51:18 GMT ETag: "4b73a-322a-34661436" Content-Length: 12842 Accept-Ranges: bytes Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Walgreens, The Pharmacy America Trusts-Health Tips, October

Previous Walgreens Daily Health Tips


October, 1997

10/1/1997
Corns and calluses are thick, hard growths of skin (usually on the little toes) caused by excessive chaffing and pressure. Improperly fitting shoes are frequently to blame. The best way to treat them is to soak your feet in warm water until the skin softens. Then use a pumice stone to gently file the excess skin away. Don't rub the area raw. It may take several treatments. Over-the-counter remedies are available as well. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist.

10/2/1997
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for an upper respiratory or other type of infection, don't stop taking the medicine as soon as you feel better. Antibiotics take time to eliminate infection, so it's important to finish all the medication.

10/3/1997
If you're allergic to penicillin, it doesn't necessarily mean you will be allergic to other antibiotics. However, if you are allergic to medications, food, insect bites or plants, tell your Walgreens pharmacist so that information can be entered into the computer system. Then, all your new prescriptions can be checked against your allergic condition(s) to reduce the risk of allergic reaction or drug interaction.

10/4/1997
Intermittent claudication is an artery disease which reduces blood flow in the legs causing pain and reduced mobility. While walking may be initially painful, it may also help reduce the pain. But not just taking a stroll. Treatment involves a progressive series of steps, including stretching, to increase the amount of time you can walk with relatively little pain. Ask your doctor about a walking program to increase your circulation and reduce pain.

10/5/1997
The next time you choose to drink a glass of juice for the vitamin benefits, consider this: a glass of orange juice has 50 times more vitamin C, 170 percent more folic acid and 1-1/2 times the potassium of apple juice.

10/6/1997
If you find that you're overly tired without good cause, check with your doctor. There are a number of factors which could be responsible: thyroid disease, sleep problems, anemia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or recovery from a recent illness.

10/7/1997
One healthy food that's often overlooked is the sweet potato. It's one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat, packed with vitamin A, carotenoids, vitamin C and fiber.

10/8/1997
Don't be fooled by thinking that milk labeled 2% is really low in fat. Despite its name, one cup of 2% milk contains 130 calories and 5 grams of fat-that's about 35 percent calories from fat! Choose 1% or skim milk for a heart-healthy alternative.

10/9/1997
If arthritis or other conditions prevent you from comfortably opening a child-proof cap, don't be shy about asking for a different kind of cap. Your Walgreens pharmacist will be happy to provide you with a cap that's easier to open, as long as there are no small children living in your home.

10/10/1997
Be sure to read the information sheet that comes with your Walgreens prescription thoroughly before taking the medication. It contains important facts about your medication, including possible side effects. Keep the information sheets on file as a reference for your doctor, insurance company or even for your own personal medical records.

10/11/1997
More and more generic equivalents are becoming available for name-brand medications. A generic drug can save you from 15 to 50% and they contain the same ingredients and meet the same standards as their name-brand counterparts. Ask your doctor if a generic medication may be substituted for your prescription. If one is available, your Walgreens pharmacist will let you know immediately.

10/12/1997
The simple act of raking leaves can cause misery for those who suffer from mold allergies. However, the risk of allergic reaction decreases if you rake freshly fallen leaves. It takes a few days for the leaves to decompose and for mold and mildew to develop.

10/13/1997
With so many different types of over-the-counter pain medications on the market, it can be confusing to know which to take. There are four basic types of pain relievers: aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. All are fine for relieving minor aches and pains. Some name brand medications combine one of these with other ingredients (such as caffeine) as well. It's best to check with your doctor, who knows your health history, before taking pain medication.

10/14/1997
How you brush your teeth makes all the difference in the effectiveness of your routine. Don't be embarrassed to ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the proper way to brush and floss. And don't forget to schedule appointments for regular professional cleaning at least twice a year.

10/15/1997
If your teeth are sensitive (and your dentist has ruled out tooth decay as a cause), try a desensitizing toothpaste. Always use a soft bristled toothbrush and use less pressure when brushing. Brush in a small circular pattern, rather than back and forth. Rinsing with an over-the-counter fluoride rinse may help as well.

10/16/1997
Living with asthma doesn't necessarily mean living life on the sidelines. While overexertion can sometimes provoke an asthma attack, it's still important to be as physically fit as possible. Ask your doctor about a safe exercise program for you. Swimming is generally considered a good sport for people with asthma because the warm, humid pool environment is less likely to trigger attacks.

10/17/1997
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) strikes nearly 6,000 babies in the U.S.A. every year. There are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk. If your baby is healthy and full-term, put it on its back to sleep on a firm, flat mattress. Also, stop smoking around the baby. A recent study shows that babies exposed to passive smoke have a doubled risk for SIDS.

10/18/1997
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes various parts of the body (especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys) to become inflamed. It is found 10-15 times more often in women than in men. Because many of the symptoms (achy joints, fever, extreme fatigue, skin rash, light sensitivity and anemia) mimic other diseases, it's often difficult to diagnose. A proper diagnosis requires a series of laboratory tests and a thorough history of your general health.

10/19/1997
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, take heart. Today, with early diagnosis and therapy, 80-90% of sufferers can look forward to a normal lifespan if they follow their doctor's instructions. In addition, positive lifestyle choices can help reduce flare-ups and maintain normal body functions. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough exercise and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol all help to assure a better quality of life.

10/20/1997
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can affect anyone, and is spread from person to person by contact with something that is contaminated by the stool of an infected person. For this reason, proper hand washing and good personal hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Be especially careful when traveling since sanitary conditions and standards vary from place to place.

10/21/1997
If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, it may indicate a blood clotting disorder or hypertension. Check with your doctor in order to rule this out.

10/22/1997
It is estimated that 3 percent of Americans age 65 to 74 have Alzheimer's disease. And according to statistics, women are at greater risk than men. However, there is some good news. Recent studies have suggested that post-menopausal estrogen replacement therapy may help prevent or at least delay the disease. Estrogen may also help treat the disease. Ask your doctor about the most recent findings.

10/23/1997
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful, frustrating and draining. But there are resources that may be able to help you cope: the Alzheimer's Association, adult day care centers, home health agencies, senior transportation services, Meals-on-Wheels programs and both secular and religious agencies that deal with the elderly.

10/24/1997
If you're pregnant, there are some basic things you can do to assure your baby's proper development: don't smoke, visit your doctor regularly, take the vitamins your doctor recommends and eat right by cutting down on fatty foods, drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

10/25/1997
What's your heart attack risk factor? If you smoke, are overweight, sedentary or if you have a family history of heart disease, check with your doctor. Men over 45 and women over 55 are also at greater risk. Prevention is the key to a healthy heart-and it's never too late to take positive steps.

10/26/1997
High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Risk factors include family history, age, obesity and lack of exercise. If you feel you might be at risk, see your doctor. Your Walgreens pharmacist can tell you about home cholesterol tests and medications designed to reduce cholesterol.

10/27/1997
Exercise is a great way to reduce the risk of a heart attack, but too much too fast can lead to muscle pain, strains and sprains. Walking is one of the best ways to start a sensible exercise program. But remember to consult your physician before starting your program.

10/28/1997
Tendinitis can be painful, but most cases can be treated at home. (If you have severe or prolonged pain, see your doctor.) Time and rest are the best healers of an injured tendon. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can reduce the pain and swelling.

10/29/1997
Angina is caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. As you age, arteries become narrow and less flexible, restricting blood flow. If your doctor diagnoses angina (by means of a stress test), you may be given vasodilators and nitroglycerin. You can also take steps to prevent attacks. Exercise (under doctor's supervision), learn how to handle stress, eat smaller meals, don't drink heavily and don't smoke.

10/30/1997
If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, get refills every six months. The drug can lose its effectiveness over time and when exposed to heat, light and air. Ask your pharmacist for the best way to store this drug.

10/31/1997
All antibiotics are not created equal. Some older antibiotics such as ampicillin are prescribed primarily for specific types of infections, while some of the newer antibiotics work on a broader spectrum of infections. It's important to only use the one your doctor recommends. Constant use of these new antibiotics will result in decreased effectiveness due to increased immunity by the infections.
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