July is Sarcoma Awareness Month
Sarcoma is still considered to be the “forgotten cancer.” Efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding. How as a community do we raise funds for vital research if people don’t know that this cancer exists? Though the Sarcoma Foundation of America works tirelessly every day to raise awareness, during Sarcoma Awareness Month we aim to further highlight the extraordinary challenges that sarcoma patients face and the need for more sarcoma research and better sarcoma therapies. What is Sarcoma Sarcoma is a rare cancer in adults (1% of all adult cancers), but
Sunscreen Tips
The school year is drawing to a close, and many families are planning their summer vacations. Wherever your vacation plans take you, the beach, a theme park or enjoying time outside close to home, the sun is everywhere, and proper precautions need to be taken by every member of your family. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotches or spots on your skin. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and
Taking Care of Our Mental Health
An estimated 44 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. From depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD just to name a few, mental health covers a wide range of symptoms. Mental health challenges are still wrought with a stigma that prevents people from seeking the help they need. Since COVID-19, According to Mental Health America, an organization whose goal is to promote mental health as a part of overall wellness. the number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed. From January to September 2020, 315,220 people took their anxiety screen,
#CelebrateDifferences, Autism Acceptance
5 million young people and adults in the US have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and the diagnosis rate is increasing 10-17% each year making it the fastest-growing developmental disorder. 500,000 people with autism are transitioning into adulthood and so, The Autism Society of America has launched a new campaign, #CelebrateDifferences, focused on gaining acceptance of those with autism and not just awareness of the disorder. Their goal is to help those with autism to live fully in all areas of life through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. That's a staggering statistic. Like most cancers, the key to treating it successfully is early detection. Knowing the early warning signs, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer is vital. What are the symptoms of colon cancer? The trouble with colon cancer is that sometimes there are no symptoms at all in the beginning. However, if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, it is important not to ignore them. Colon cancer symptoms include: constipation diarrhea changes
What To Do When You Can’t Swallow Your Pills
If you have trouble swallowing pills, you’re not alone. A survey by Harris Interactive reported that 40% of American adults have difficulty swallowing pills, even though most have no problems with food or liquids. Of those who experience difficulty swallowing their medications, 14% have delayed taking their meds, 8% have skipped a dose, and 4% have discontinued using their medication altogether. There can be several reasons why you have trouble swallowing your pills. Gag reflex. Swallowing a solid substance like a pill without chewing feels unnatural. So it may trigger your involuntary gag reflex, which protects you from choking. Anxiety. Fear
What is Cholesterol
If you watch TV, chances are you have seen an advertisement for cholesterol medicine. But what exactly is cholesterol and is it as bad as these advertisements make it out to be? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is in all of the cells inside your body. It is something that your body produces naturally and something your body needs! You see, cholesterol is used by your body to make hormones, vitamin D, and other things that help you digest your food. The trouble with cholesterol is when you don’t have the right balance of cholesterol types. There are two types
Protect Yourself and Your Family. Get a Flu Shot.
As you’re making your lists and checking them twice this holiday season, don’t forget to add getting your flu shot. Peak flu season runs from December through February. It is estimated that 5-20% of the population will get the flu this year leading to 200,000 hospitalizations due to complications from the flu virus. What’s more, 3000-49000 people die each year from the flu, making it one of the deadliest viruses around. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months old get an annual flu shot. This recommendation has been in place since 2010 when the CDC voted for “universal” flu vaccinations.
Can you catch a cold from getting cold?
Now that it is November, the weather is getting colder. Even here in South Louisiana, people are starting to break out the sweaters and jackets so they can bundle up. Moms are forcing their children to wear long pants to school and put jackets on before they leave for the school bus. When the children complain moms say, “You don’t want to catch a cold.” But can you catch a cold from getting cold? The simple answer is no, you cannot. When you get a cold, runny nose, cough, perhaps a fever, you have come into contact with a virus. Just
Pill Packs Now Available
Managing your medication can be challenging, especially for seniors who often take several medications each with their own dosing schedule. Depending on which medications you take, the pills may look very similar, so it is easy to get them confused and possibly take the wrong medication in the wrong amount at the wrong time. Remembering to take your medications a prescribed by your doctor is vital to ensuring your medications work as they are supposed to. So, Neighbors Pharmacy is now offering convenient Daily Dose Packs to make the process of taking your medications easier. Daily Dose Pill Packs are becoming