Baby’s First Cold
For any new parent, the first time your baby starts to feel under the weather, it’s a scary time. Are they just reacting to a new food, are they experiencing allergies for the first time, are they just teething, or are they COVID or RSV? All of these things have similar symptoms, so it can be nerve-wracking letting your baby figure out how sickness feels and how to deal with these new sensations. Nevertheless, the first bout of sniffles will come, and you’ll have a thousand and one questions. The Neighbors Pharmacy team has answered a few frequently asked questions
The Importance of Your Family’s Health History
“It’s the holiday season, so hoop-de-do and dickory dock, and don’t forget to hang up your sock.” The holiday season is a joyous time of giving and family gatherings. As you and your loved ones gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, it is also the perfect time to ask some very important questions and get to know your family’s health history. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Why in the world do I need to know Aunt Sue has high cholesterol and Uncle Joe has varicose veins?” Your family’s medical history can help doctors identify trends and diagnose your
The RSV Outbreak of 2022
Every year from around November to March, doctors see a rise in cases of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, in young children. Although most cases of RSV are mild, and it is believed that all children under two years have experienced the virus at least once, the illness still hospitalizes thousands each year (some studies show as many as 60,000 hospitalizations each year). RSV affects small children by creating a mucus buildup in the lungs. This blockage can restrict oxygen intake. In some cases, infants can also experience pneumonia related to RSV and fail to eat, which will require admittance into a
Meet Our Pharmacists
In 2004, the American Pharmacists Association launched a campaign throughout the month of October to celebrate the invaluable work done by pharmacists. Today, each October is still recognized as American Pharmacists Month, and pharmacists remain a valuable part of our world, especially considering their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. This month, the team at Neighbors Pharmacy would like to take this opportunity to highlight the fantastic pharmacists that help serve our community. Chad Bodin When did you start working at Neighbors Pharmacy? I opened Neighbors Pharmacy in May of 2015, but I have been practicing pharmacy for 26 years. What is your favorite part
Maintaining a Healthy Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol heavily increases your chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke and living with heart disease. With one million Americans experiencing a heart attack and approximately 500,000 deaths due to heart disease, it is no surprise that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This September, in honor of National Cholesterol Education Month, Neighbors Pharmacy wants to share some simple ways to help control your cholesterol levels. If you suffer from high cholesterol, you have probably been told to eat healthy more times than you can count. However, controlling your cholesterol is more
Immunization Awareness
It’s back-to-school time, and many schools are reaching out to make sure they have each student’s immunization records on file. The Louisiana Department of Health requires that all students have their vaccines, and the schools must submit a report showing what percentages of the student body has received the proper vaccines. Although parents can write to the school and exempt their child from immunizations, vaccines are essential for children and young adults. Scientists have found vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases and have prevented 3.5 to 5 million deaths every year by administering these vaccines. Additionally, vaccines are imperative
De-stressing During Independence Day Weekend
After a busy and possibly stressful Independence Day, it can be challenging to start the coming week off on the right foot. So here are some tips to help get back on track for the week ahead. Take some time for yourself. Whether it's a relaxing bath, reading your favorite book, or taking a walk in nature, do something that you enjoy and makes you feel good. Get organized. If your home feels cluttered and chaotic, take some time to declutter and organize. This will help you feel more in control and less stressed. Connect with loved ones. Spending time
National Migraine and Headache Awareness
Each year, June is dedicated to National Migraine and Headache Awareness. This awareness campaign encompasses all headache disorders. The second highest cause of disability worldwide, migraine, impacts 40 million people in the United States alone, and approximately 16 million people in the United States are undiagnosed. Scientists and doctors have yet to find a cure. The theme for this year’s awareness #MHAM campaign is Advocate for Access. The events for the month include: June 1: Headache At Work June 6: Veterans with Headache Diseases June 7: Remembrance Day June 19: Disparities in Headache June 20: Headache Diseases and Men June 21: Shades for Migraine June 25: Cure for
The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
With May being High Blood Pressure Education Month, it lends itself to the valuable opportunity to educate not only on the symptoms and effects of hypertension but also on how to properly monitor your blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is even more critical now that researchers have found an increase in hypertension risk factors in individuals who contracted COVID-19. Although nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, only one in four of these individuals have their condition under control. About 1,300 people die from high blood pressure or related causes each day. Monitoring your blood
Move More Month 2022
Each April, the American Heart Association has a Move More Month to encourage all Americans to regularly engage in more physical activity or incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Initially, the American Heart Association only had National Walking Day but expanded the campaign to highlight the importance of physical activity over a longer period of time. By the year 2035, the economic cost of cardiovascular disease is projected to reach $1 trillion. This includes direct and indirect costs such as doctor visits and missed work. With 69 percent and growing, of Americans classified as overweight, exercise is the best course of