Remedies for Arthritis Pain

There are simple steps to minimize debilitating pain, but first talk with your doctor before changing anything in your life-style. Your physician’s advice is most important to you.

Aerobic exercise like swimming, walking, or riding a stationary bike daily for 30 minutes 3 times a week can reduce stiffness & pain. Start slow to prevent over exertion, which can cause pain. Rely on your doctor or physical therapist for their trusted guidance.

Strive for balance in your diet eating plenty of vegetables, fruits & grains, while keeping away from sugar, salt, & alcohol. Limit your consumption of fat & cholesterol to keep your weight under control, because it helps to prevent osteoarthritis.

          Heat or ice may quell the burning of arthritis pain; Ice for sudden flare-ups, chronic pain, or when your joints are inflamed. Reserve heat treatment-like hot bath, moist heat pad or a hot pack wrapped in a towel- for when you feel sore & achy.
          Capsaicin cream (active constituent in hot peppers) smeared over your join inhibits your nerve cells ability to transmit pain impulses possibly limiting arthritis pain.

Jerry’s Drug & surgical is offering a discount coupon of $2.00 off any cream containing the active ingredient – Capsaicin.

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12 Ways to Avoid Colds & Flu

Are you avoiding your co-worker or family member with that hacking cough, cold or flu? Get a grip before the grippe gets you.

• Wash hands as much as possible not only after shaking someone’s hand. Running water & soap over your hands dilute any germs and send them down the drain.

• Touching your nose and your eyes may hurt you, since those are the most common places for germs to get in.

• When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to get 8-10 hours of sleep, because when tired you’re body isn’t fighting as hard to keep you healthy.

• Build up your body with healthy foods like fresh fruits & vegetables, which support your immune system.

• Exercise regularly enhances immune function. Get on those sweats pants.

• Keep your distance from people displaying symptoms like coughing and sneezing (Sick friends, family & co-workers). Seems obvious, but effective.

• Use alcohol-based sanitizing gel or hand wipes, caution: read the label carefully.

• Smoking decreases immune response, while increasing risk of infections by making structural changes in the respiratory tract. Smoking destroys cilia, the little hair like fibers inside our noses. This can help increase infections risks.

• Beware of the Double Dipper; they may be passing germs to those who dip their chips after them.

• Biting your nails may be hurting you, because germs under your nails may be ingested.

• Purses & pocketbooks pick up germs like we do, so you can be re-infecting yourself every time you pick up your handbag. Use vinyl or leather handbags in the winter, because they are easier to wipe-down.

•  Get a flu shot as early as possible. Jerry’s Drug & Surgical offers flu shots daily. Pneumonia vaccine shots are always available.

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  A Word from your Pharmacist

  Tips to get the best from your medication:

  -        Don’t take anyone else’s medications. Prescriptions are written for a specific individual.

  -        Alcohol can interfere with medications, so avoid drinks containing alcohol.

  -        Be sure to let each doctor you go to know all the medications you are taking. It can affect the final results.

  -        Make a list of your medications.

  -        Be sure you understand directions and whether your medication is to be taken with or without meals.

  -        Not all medications bring immediate relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what results to expect.

  -        If you have questions about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

  -        Most oral medications should be taken with a full glass of water.

  Peter Komosinski, R.PH