Medication Management – A Guide for Patients

Medication Management – A Guide for Patients

Medicine…… So many of us find ourselves taking medicine. Almost three-quarters of Americans take at least one medication, and 20% of us take five or more. The older we get, the more likely we are to have health problems. And medications are the mainstay of treatment for chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. That’s because so much research shows they work well to keep people with health problems

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Getting the Healthcare You Need

Getting the Healthcare You Need

Teamwork between doctors, pharmacists, and patients is key to good healthcare. I love it when my patients tell me they’re satisfied and comfortable with their primary care providers. Many patients feel they have adequate access to, good communication with, and trust in those providers. That’s the way it should be, and that’s what’s necessary to get the best health outcomes from medical care. But way too often, I hear the

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Probiotics, Prebiotics — Keeping Your Gut Healthy

Probiotics, Prebiotics — Keeping Your Gut Healthy

Probiotics are among the most commonly used dietary supplements. They’re typically marketed to improve “digestive health”. But what are they? How do probiotics compare to prebiotics? And what are their health benefits? Let’s talk about “digestive health”, and how pro- and prebiotics fit into the picture.  Digestion Digestion starts as soon as we put food in our mouth. From chewing and saliva production all the way into the stomach and

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Making Prescription Costs More Predictable

Making Prescription Costs More Predictable

Ever since Medicare Part D began covering prescription drugs in 2006, beneficiaries have been frustrated by surprise costs. Well, to be fair, folks were SO glad to finally have prescription drug coverage at first that there was more happiness than frustration. Up until that point, most Medicare beneficiaries had to pay out of pocket for all their medications. So Part D coverage was a huge step forward. But over the

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Hot Flashes, Cool Choices: HRT and Menopause

Hot Flashes, Cool Choices: HRT and Menopause

For a long time, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a topic of debate among healthcare professionals and women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. While HRT can provide significant relief from disruptive symptoms, it also carries some risks. If you’re a woman approaching, in the middle of, or even post menopause, you may be wondering if you should consider HRT. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of

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