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October 2013

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Your Mammogram
Make It More Comfortable with These Tips
WHATS INSIDE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a great time to schedule that mammogram you may have been putting off. If anxiety about possible discomfort has kept you from picking up the phone, try these tips.
H  old off on caffeine. Caffeine has a C  heck your calendar. Most womens

Your Childs Health: Know the Facts about RSV Senior Health Update: Is Your Computer Vision-Friendly? Influenza Myths and Facts

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tendency to make a womans breasts tender and lumpy, potentially making the mammogram uncomfortable. Avoid drinking coffee and tea, unless its decaffeinated, for a week prior to a mammogram. Other items containing caffeine include diet drinks, chocolate and even some common over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Be sure to read the label of any OTC medications before you take them prior to a scheduled mammogram.

breasts are naturally more tender or slightly swollen during the week prior to their menstrual period, says Alicia Starr, M.D., medical director at Baylor Regional Medical Centers Womens Imaging Center. Try to avoid scheduling your annual mammogram during this time.
 Source: Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, Texas

That Darned Dandruff Theres Help for the Itching and Flaking
Simple dry skin is the most common cause of dandruff. If this is the cause of yours, youll likely have areas of dry skin all over your body. Another frequent cause is irritated, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis), which is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Not shampooing enough can be a culprit. If you dont regularly wash your hair, oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up, causing dandruff. Other causes can include psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis (from sensitivity to hair-care products) or a yeast-like fungus. If you are experiencing dandruff flaking or an itchy scalp, see your doctor, who should be able to determine its cause by looking at your skin.
 Source: The Mayo Clinic

Sure, You Floss But Are You Doing It Correctly?

Flossing is simple, but there are certain techniques that will help ensure that you do the best job of taking care of your teeth and gums as possible. The American Dental Association suggests these steps:
U  se about 18 inches of floss wound C  urve the floss into a C shape

against the side of the tooth.

R  ub the floss gently up and down,

keeping it pressed against the tooth. Dont jerk or snap the floss.
F  loss all your teeth. Dont forget to

around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the opposite middle finger.
H  old the floss tightly between the

floss behind your back teeth.

thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between the teeth.

 Source: American Dental Association

Safe Medicine Disposal Try These Three Easy Steps

October is Talk about Prescriptions Month, and theres no better time to learn about safely disposing of leftover medication. The American Medical Association suggests the following steps:
S  tep 1: Sort through prescription drugs,

over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements to determine which ones are expired.
S  tep 2: If you are unsure what is in a bottle

or package, consider taking the unknown medicine or preparation to your pharmacist or doctor so they can help you identify what it is.
S  tep 3: Safely dispose of expired, unwant-

ed and unused prescription drugs, overthe-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Follow the disposal instructions on the drug label (or the patient information that came with the medicine, if you still have it). Do not flush any drugs down the toilet unless the information instructs you to do so. When in doubt about proper disposal, talk with your pharmacist or doctor. Your pharmacist can also tell you about any upcoming community drug take-back programs where you may drop off medications.
 Source: American Medical Association

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October 2013

Senior Health Update

Is Your Computer Vision-Friendly?

Changes in vision that occur with age, including restrictions in the amount of light that reaches the eye, can make it more difficult to read a computer screen and handle glare. It may be hard to distinguish between certain colors. Also, many older adults wear bifocals or trifocals, which may affect viewing of a computer screen. To make computer use easier as you get older, adjust both your computer monitors position and also the brightness level to help with viewing. You may also want to consider purchasing a larger monitor. Increase font size on websites, email and when creating a typed document for easier reading. You may want to also talk with your optometrist or ophthalmologist about getting prescription computer glasses, which are prescribed to be used at the distance between your eyes and your computer screen.
S  ource: National Institutes of Health

Your Childs Health Know the Facts about RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Its a primary cause of hospitalization for children in the winter and the main cause of diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, in young children. Although RSV is rarely fatal on its own, the problems that arise during a bout of RSV can be severe. RSV is carried in tears and mucus and can be transmitted through the air if an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can live on a countertop for seven hours, researchers have found. The first symptoms usually appear about five days after exposure. The most common symptoms are a bad cough, fast breathing, wheezing and fever. Sometimes theres an earache; sometimes related infections develop. Your child may not take fluids well and may seem pale and appear exhausted. Her nostrils may pinch inward or flare. If she develops any of these symptoms, call her doctor right away. If she appears blue, call 9-1-1 immediately. To prevent the spread of RSV, wash hands frequently and ask people who handle your baby to wash their hands first. Use tissues for nose-blowing instead of handkerchiefs and cover your mouth when you cough and make sure others do the same. Dont let people with colds near your baby.

Did You Know?

Choosing Mobility Aids

Mobility aids help you walk or move from place to place if you are disabled or have an injury. They include crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters. You may need a walker or cane if you are at risk of falling. If you need to keep your body weight off your foot, ankle or knee, you may need crutches. You may need a wheelchair or a scooter if an injury or disease has left you unable to walk. Choosing these devices takes time and research. You should be fitted for crutches, canes and walkers. If they fit, these devices give you support, but if they dont fit, they can be uncomfortable and unsafe. Talk with your doctor or with a medical-equipment provider (which your doctor can recommend) when choosing mobility aids.
Source: National Institutes of Health

 Source: Akron Childrens Hospital

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October 2013

Health Mart is your Locally Owned Community Pharmacy

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www.healthmart.com/healthmartbrand

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Because your locally owned, award-winning, customer servicefocused Health Mart is part of a nationwide network of community pharmacies, you will find everyday low prices on all prescription and over-the-counter products. Not only does your Health Mart pharmacy have the brand names you want, it also offers a wide range of generics and over-the-counter products, including the best selection of Health Mart brand products.

What Is COPD? Smoking Is Major Cause

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is actually a group of diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The common characteristic is obstruction to airflow out of the lungs. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and mucus production with cough and wheezing. In the U.S., more than 85% of COPD is due to smoking tobacco. The remaining 15% is due to such factors as previous serious lung infections, inhalation of fume-laden air that damages the lungs or genetic abnormalities. It is estimated that more than 24 million people in the U.S. have COPD.
 Source: National Lung Health Education Program

Influenza Myths and Facts

Are You in the Know?
Myth: Influenza is no more than a nuisance, much like the common cold, that cannot be prevented. Fact: Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a severe respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death. Each year in the U.S., on average, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations. Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. Myth: You can get influenza from a flu shot. Fact: The flu shot does not contain the live virus, so it is impossible to get influenza from the vac Source: American Lung Associations Influenza Prevention Program

cine. Side effects may occur in some people, such as mild soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, or a low-grade fever. Vaccination is safe and effective, and the best way to help prevent influenza. Myth: Theres only one type of vaccine available to help protect against the influenza virus. Fact: Influenza vaccine options are available for children, adults and seniors. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more about the vaccine option thats right for each family member.

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October 2013

Health Marts Health Smart newsletter is not intended as medical, legal or regulatory advice. The information provided is intended to educate and inform. Please consult with your physician or other licensed professional for advice. Health Mart and its affiliates and member pharmacies disclaim all liability arising from or related to reliance on information contained in Health Marts Health Smart newsletter.