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
Multiple Sclerosis
Since March is considered National Multiple Sclerosis Month, it is important to be informed on how this disease affects so many people every day. MS affects the nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and controls everything we do. Scientists have yet to find a cause of multiple sclerosis, but we know that it results in the immune system attacking the brain and spinal cord and causing damage to myelin. Myelin is a protective layer around nerve fibers, and the damage disrupts signals to and from the brain. Since the nerve fibers are now unable to communicate with
American Heart Month
The month of February is the month of love. Grocery stores have red, heart-shaped balloons at every register, the candy aisle is filled with sugary hearts with sweet messages, and classrooms are suddenly pink and red and ready for Valentine’s Day. But the month of February is also American Heart Month, where we spread awareness of the dangers of heart disease and how to avoid it. 18.6 million people died of cardiovascular disease in 2019, which is a whopping 17.1% increase over the past decade. Statistics like that should come as no surprise that heart disease is the number one