Foods tough to Digest
Spicy Foods:
Hot peppers –such as cayenne or jalapeno-give food a
wonderful spicy kick, but they can also irritate the lining of
the esophagus on the way down. The result: an unpleasant
heartburn-like feeling after you eat. Even if you try to cool
down the heat by adding sour cream, you’re still getting all the
spice and the same amount of irritation. So rather than trying
to mask spice with high-fat cream, opt for milder versions if
you routinely suffer side effects.
Chocolate:
Most of the unfortunate consequences surrounding this
rich delicacy come not from simply eating chocolate, but from
overeating it. One small brownie as an occasional treat probably
is fine; a triple brownie a la mode probably is not. But anyone
who suffers from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) can
experience problems from even a small portion of chocolate.
That’s because chocolate causes the lower esophageal sphincter
to relax, allowing stomach acid to come back up.
Sugar Free Gum:
Sorbitol, the ingredient found in many
sugar-free gums, candies, and diet bars and shakes, can cause an
uncomfortable buildup of gas in your gut. Check the labels
before you buy to see if you can find sugar-free products that
use less troublesome sugar substitutes. The amount also is an
issue. Most people can handle 2 or 3 grams without any problems,
but a product that packs 10 or more grams will undoubtedly be
tough on the digestion.
Vaccinations for
Maintaining
a Healthy Lifestyle
When most people think of vaccination, they think of flu only.
But there are other beneficial vaccines, which are available and
often overlooked.
“Safeguarding your health is important and even easier now
that many pharmacists are licensed to vaccinate,” says Peter
Komosinski, who is our pharmacist in charge at Jerry’s Drug &
Surgical.
Peter, has undergone training and licensure to vaccinate
adults in the state of New Jersey. In many cases, booster shots
are necessary to maintain immunity, because immunity wears off.
Consult the following list, then discuss with your doctor to
determine if vaccination is indicated.*
Pneumonia
The threat exists year-round, not just in winter, and is the
leading cause of vaccine preventable death. It’s recommended if
you’re 65 or older, and if you’re at high risk because of
asthma, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, compromised
immune system, or any other health problems.
Tetanus and Diphtheria(Td)
Plus Whooping Cough (Tdap)
Whooping Cough is highly contagious, but not usually serious in
adults. The disease is more severe among children less than five
years old who typically catch it from adults. It’s important for
parents and care givers to get a booster shot when unsure of
last vaccination.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Susceptible people at high risk
for disease are: health care personnel, college students, and
international travelers, and adults born in 1957 or later who
have not been vaccinated with MMR.
Shingles
system, Shingles appears as an
extremely painful rash causing scarring and bacterial infection.
Most people 20 years or older have been exposed to chickenpox
virus, which can reawaken and cause shingles. This prevented
with the Zostavax Vaccine. (Now in Stock)
Flu
Must be done on an annual basis
because the flu virus changes every year. Vaccination is
recommended if you want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill
with influenza or transmitting it to others.
For your convenience, Jerry’s Drug & Surgical has
pharmacists on staff licensed to administer vaccines. Call
Jerry’s Drug & Surgical at (201) 339 – 1992 with your questions
or to make a convenient appointment to get your booster shots.
*Certain Vaccines might be contraindicated in persons with
immunodeficiencies and/or pregnancy. For further information,
visit www. Immunize.org and consult with your physician.
A Word From
Your Pharmacist
Organize Your Medications
If you have to take your medication several times a day it’s
important to make certain you understand when to take them. Some
medications should be taken with meals, while food may interfere
with other types of medication and decrease their effectiveness.
If you are taking medicine several times a day or several
medicines a day, it is helpful to make up a chart with complete
information and perhaps a check-off column. Another method is to
organize your medicines in the morning for the coming day by
placing them in labeled containers. Whatever way you decide, be
consistent, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are
not sure about your medication schedule. If you skip a
dose, don’t double the dosage of your medication
to catch up – check first. Call me with any questions
or to obtain a medication scheduling chart. (201) 339-1992 press
0 for operator.
Peter Komosinski , R.PH.
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