Managing Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually type 1, HSV-1) and typically appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. They can be painful and tend to recur periodically. Treatment options include antiviral medications, topical creams, and home remedies to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. If you’re experiencing cold sores and need medical advice, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Managing cold sores can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Here are some tips:

1. **Keep it clean**: Wash the affected area gently with soap and water to prevent infection and keep it clean.

2. **Apply ice**: Applying ice to the cold sore can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it to the sore for 10-15 minutes at a time.

3. **Use over-the-counter creams**: Over-the-counter creams containing docosanol, benzocaine, lidocaine, or other numbing agents can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.

4. **Avoid triggers**: Identify and avoid triggers that may cause cold sore outbreaks, such as stress, fatigue, sunlight exposure, and certain foods (like nuts and chocolate).

5. **Use lip balms with SPF**: Protect your lips from sun exposure by using lip balms or creams containing SPF, especially during sunny days or when skiing or spending time outdoors.

6. **Avoid touching or picking at the sore**: Touching or picking at the cold sore can worsen the condition and increase the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.

7. **Stay hydrated**: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help promote healing and reduce the severity of symptoms.

8. **Manage stress**: Stress can weaken the immune system and trigger cold sore outbreaks. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time doing activities you enjoy.

9. **Consider antiviral medication**: In severe cases or for frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir to help reduce the duration and severity of cold sores.

10. **Boost your immune system**: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to help support your immune system’s ability to fight off the herpes simplex virus.

If your cold sores persist, worsen, or occur frequently, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend prescription medications or other interventions to help manage your symptoms effectively.

LOVE DON’T COST A THING (2003)

The predominant image that emerges from Troy Beyers’ Love Don’t Cost a Thing is Steve Harvey’s teeth. As Clarence, father to the film’s ineffably hapless, gottagettadate high school student protagonist, Harvey embodies an amiable, old-schoolish foolishness, eager to instruct Alvin (Nick Cannon) in the fine arts of dancing to Al Green and being a “true player.” These might provide nominal jump-offs for Harveyan humor. But at the same time, he’s trapped inside a remake of the wholly pedestrian Can’t Buy Me Love (Steve Rash 1987), which means that he’s playing a dad inspired by John Hughes. Though he mugs energetically and smiles extra-widely, Harvey’s PG-13 comedy can’t fill up the film’s numerous holes.

One of these is the lack of updating or rethinking of basic high school movie tenets — and you know how much these need rethinking. Alvin’s outsider status is indicated not only by his dated hairdo(s) and terrible clothing choices, but also by arguments at home with a slightly cooler younger sister, after-school employment (pool boy to the wealthy), and affiliation with the resident nerd club (Kenan Thompson [formerly of Kenan and Kel], Kevin Christy, and Kal Penn) who are, in this case, building a shiny car engine to win a national contest and college money.

While Cannon, like Can’t Buy Me Love‘s Patrick Dempsey before him, reveals considerable charisma (as he also did in Drumline), the film won’t cut him a break — it’s relentlessly cartoon-sized, never trusting anyone (characters, actors, or viewers) to comprehend any little bit of innuendo. Rather, Cannon is subjected to all sorts of dopey jokes. When Alvin spots the girl of his dreams at a pool party — Paris (Christina Milian) — he goofily imagines she’s beckoned to him, then walks, lips a-pucker in his dreamstate, into the very pool he’s supposed to be cleaning, much to the derisive delight of the surrounding bling bling boys, that is, fellow students who love themselves too much.

Things only degenerate when the plot kicks in. Miss Thing dents her mom’s Cadillac Escalade, and as everyone knows, such conveyances cost fortunes to fix. Strapped for the $1500 repair bill, she agrees to let Alvin buy her for a month, or rather, buy the appearance that they’re dating, so that for his last 30 days in high school, he can see what it’s like to live on the other side, to feel revered.

The story goes that as Alvin and Paris spend time performing their coupledom, she actually comes to appreciate his “genuine” niceness (even as you see Clarence schooling him in how to be a man, giving him a shoebox full of assorted condoms). Paris is briefly distracted by her girlfriends, who lust after new toy Alvin, and her ex, now a pro basketball player who’s plainly dallying with groupies. At the same time — and so “ironically” — Alvin becomes insufferable because he buys his own enlarged rep at school. Hanging with the cool kids only makes him stupid, or brings his inherent stupidity to the surface. Dissing his dad and infinitely patient mom (Vanessa Bell Calloway), ignoring his longtime friends, he forgets to finish the engine project so he can hang with the cool kids and wear the Sean John tracksuits Paris buys for him.

This plot point — that Alvin’s desire to be popular overwhelms his own ostensible good sense — might have worked more convincingly if Paris, the original object of desire, seemed at all desirable. But she’s as bland and detached as high school divas come, this despite best efforts by the adorable but still awkward Milian. (It’s worth noting that she’s been caught in an “about-to-be” industry loop for some time, as her first album has been about to be released for two years, and who has just dropped her second first single/duet with Ja Rule, this one with her name first — what that says about Ja’s rising or falling star is a mildly interesting question, as is the odd choice to make the second single sound much like the first). She was fine hosting MTV’s Wannabes last year, but she might benefit from more careful management.

Who, for example, decided it was a good idea to have her croon a little diary-poem tune with guitar in her lap and blind-shadows across Paris’ bedroom wall? Alvin comes to visit, and he encourages Paris to confess her deepest feelings, so that he might soothe her and tell her how special she is. The formula, of course, holds that such a scene will show the rich girl’s vulnerability, so that her developing affection for Alvin might lead to a happy romantic clinch (contingent on his own learning of a few lessons having to do with loyalty and doing what’s right). But the moment is so simultaneously mushy and peculiar that it’s difficult to feel sympathy for either of them.

The blind-shadows in Paris’ bedroom raise another issue — the film’s oddly edgy cinematography (courtesy Chuck Cohen, who also shot Any Given Sunday and Training Day). Love Don’t Cost a Thing is as unlike a romantic comedy in appearance and tone as any I can remember — scenes are often surprising, with camera lurches, wide lenses, and handheld scampering effects. If only the camerawork had something to do with (or better, some tonal influence on) the plot and dialogue, both distractingly silly. And if only Steve Harvey had a few more close-ups.

Things You Might Not Know About HPV

You’ve probably heard that human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can, in rare cases, cause cancer. But what is HPV, exactly? Did you know that there’s a vaccine that can prevent it? Or that you can get some types of HPV without having sex?

1. There are many types of HPV and not all cause cancer

HPV isn’t just one type of virus — it’s more than 200 types that are related. For example, the type of HPV that can cause genital warts differs from the kind that can cause cancer.  Out of those 200 types, there are about 14 that are considered high risk for causing cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37,000 cases of cancer are caused each year in the United States due to HPV infection. However, in 9 out of 10 people who get HPV the infection will clear on its own, making it much less likely to cause cancer.

2. You are likely to get at least one type of HPV in your lifetime

HPV is the most common STI in the globally and most sexually-active people will get at least one type of HPV in their lifetime.

3. HPV usually doesn’t cause symptoms

Aside from the types of HPV that cause genital warts, most HPV infections won’t cause symptoms, meaning people who have HPV usually don’t know they have it.

4. High-risk HPV causes not only cervical cancer but also other cancers

People of all genders — not just women — can develop cancer from HPV. In fact, CDC data shows that, in the world, 4 out of 10 cases of HPV-caused cancer occur in men.

High-risk HPV types lead to cancers not only of the cervix but also of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

Recent research has shown that people living with HIV, particularly men who have sex with men, are at higher risk for developing HPV-caused anal cancer but that early treatment is important to produce better outcomes.

5. Most HPV infections — even high-risk ones — clear on their own without treatment

“Most people acquire HPV shortly after becoming sexually active but have no symptoms,” . Most people clear the infection—including the high-risk types—within two years without ever knowing they had it.

6. A single HPV vaccine dose could still be beneficial in some cases

The CDC currently recommends that teens under age 15 get two doses of the vaccine at least six months apart, and that people between ages 15 and 26 and people who are immunocompromised get three doses.

However, new research is showing that a single dose may be just as effective.

Globally, HPV vaccination decreased between 2019 and 2021, putting more people at risk for HPV and related cancers. In December 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated their HPV vaccination guidelines to recommend single doses to improve access to the vaccine, especially for girls aged 9-14.

All children can get vaccinated for HPV, typically starting around age 11. The CDC recommends that everyone under age 26 get vaccinated, and some people up to age 45 can get vaccinated if they weren’t as children, though the vaccine is more effective if given before someone becomes sexually active.

7. You can become infected with HPV without having intercourse

HPV is not transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen or saliva, but through skin-to-skin contact. This happens most easily through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal and oral sex. HPV can enter the body through any mucous membrane, such as mouths, lips, anus and parts of the genitals.

A condom, when used properly, does reduce the risk of HPV transmission. “It is not 100 percent but it does have some effect. This is because the HPV virus is found mostly in the penile skin so if you cover the shaft of the penis, then you are making some progress. But vaccines are much more effective, so certainly vaccinating people is the more effective way to prevent infection,” says Wald.

8. Partners of uncircumcised men have a higher risk of cervical cancer than partners of men who have been circumcised

There is historical data that shows Jewish and Muslim women are less likely to get cervical cancer.

“People thought that this fact must be related to male partner circumcision so they studied it,” says Wald. “They found that indeed circumcision reduces the risk of HPV in men, and therefore also the risk of HPV transmission from men to women.”

9. There is screening for cervical cancer caused by HPV, but not for the other cancers caused by the virus

The American Cancer Society recommends that women and people assigned female at birth who are between ages 25 and 65 get screened for HPV every five years.

“Women can at least be screened for cervical cancer,” , “But for men, there is no screening for anal cancer or the other cancers that might develop from HPV. That is one of the reasons that you should give the HPV vaccine to boys.”

There have been studies showing that oral screening for HPV is possible: one current method is via oral screening during a routine dentist appointment. However, there are no oral tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the CDC does not currently recommend routine screening for oral HPV in men — even though cases of HPV-related cancer have increased among men in recent years.

10. Getting cervical cancer from HPV increases risk for vulvar cancer

The same HPV types that are linked to cervical cancer are also linked to cancer of the vulva. Therefore, women and people assigned female at birth who are infected with HPV or have a history of cervical dysplasia have a higher risk of developing vulvar cancer, too.

Human Papiloma Virus

How Serious Are Seizures?

Most people don’t understand how serious seizures can be. They either think that seizures are not a problem or that everyone may die from them. The truth lies somewhere in between. The types of problems people may have ranged from injuries, the effect of repeated seizures on the brain, seizure emergencies, and death.

This is a scary topic to read and talk about. But it’s important to know the facts so you know what questions to ask your doctor and health care team. Also, knowing your risks, or those of your loved ones, may help you learn what to do to lessen these risks!

Some seizures rarely cause problems for people. Overall, the chance of injury is higher for people with uncontrolled seizures. The type of injuries a person may get depends on the type of seizure, how long the seizure lasts, where the seizure occurs, and if it develops into an emergency.

Some common injuries may include:

  • Bruises
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Falls

More serious problems, such as broken bones, concussions, head injury with bleeding into the brain, or breathing problems, usually are seen in people who have generalized seizures with falls, long seizures, or repeated or clusters of seizures.

The overall risk of dying is 1.6 to 3 times higher in people with epilepsy than in the general population (IOM Report, 2013Forsgren et al, 2005). The risk of dying among children with epilepsy may be a bit higher since most children without epilepsy have very low risks.

  • People whose epilepsy is caused by things like a stroke or a brain tumor or other problem in the brain may die sooner from the cause of the epilepsy and not the seizures.
  • How frequent and severe a person’s seizures are affects their risk for dying.
  • People with seizures with no known cause may die only 2 years earlier than expected.
  • People with seizures with a known cause may die 10 years earlier than expected.

A long convulsive seizure (called “tonic-clonic or convulsive status epilepticus“) is a medical emergency. Generally speaking, a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is a medical emergency.

  • If seizures can’t be stopped or repeated seizures occur one right after another, permanent injury or death can occur.
  • People with epilepsy can also die from problems that occur during or after a seizure, such as inhaling vomit. This problem can be prevented if the person is turned onto one side as soon as possible. This allows saliva, vomit, or other fluids to drain out of the mouth and not go back into the lungs. Learn more seizure first aid.
  • Despite the risks, it’s important for people to remember that it is not common for people to die from seizures.

People who are not seizure-free need to be careful about possible accidents during a seizure:

  • Death from drowning is more common among people with epilepsy.
  • Drowning can even occur in a tub with only a few inches of water. Therefore, people who have seizures probably should stick to showers instead of baths.
  • If you have epilepsy, your doctor – and the agency in your state or province responsible for licensing drivers – will help you decide whether it is safe and legal for you to drive.
  • You should also be careful on train or subway platforms and when walking near busy streets.
  • With some planning, you should be able to lead an active and safe life.

SUDEP is likely the most common disease-related cause of death in people with epilepsy. SUDEP is thought to occur when a person with epilepsy who is in their usual state of health dies unexpectedly. The death is not related to an accident and no other cause of death can be found if an autopsy is done.

SUDEP is not frequent, but it’s a very real problem.

  • It occurs in 1 out of every 1,000 people with epilepsy.
  • It occurs more often in people with poorly controlled epilepsy. For example, 9 out of 1,000 people being considered for epilepsy surgery die of SUDEP.
  • SUDEP rarely occurs in children.
  • The person is often found dead in bed and doesn’t appear to have had a convulsive seizure. They are often found lying face down.
  • About a third of SUDEP cases show evidence of a seizure close to the time of death.
  • No one is sure about the cause of death in SUDEP. Some researchers think that a seizure causes an irregular heart rhythm, breathing problems, or other problems in the brain or other body areas.

Help is on the way. The Epilepsy Foundation has established the SUDEP Institute to:

  • Spread the word about death in epilepsy
  • Help people learn ways to prevent it
  • Get help to people who have lost a loved one to SUDEP
  • Speed up research on the causes and prevention of SUDEP
  • If your seizures are not controlled, seek out the help of an epilepsy specialist  or visit an epilepsy center to explore treatment options.

How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight?

Weight loss can be achieved through a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips for successful weight loss:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. This could be a certain amount of weight loss per week or month.

2. Healthy Eating: Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid or limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-calorie beverages.

3. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Use smaller plates, measure your food, and avoid eating straight from the package to prevent overeating.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes feelings of hunger can be a sign of dehydration.

5. **Regular Exercise**: Incorporate both cardiovascular exercise (like walking, running, cycling) and strength training into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

6. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Stick to your healthy eating plan and exercise routine even when you don’t see immediate results.

7. Get Plenty of Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels related to hunger and appetite, leading to overeating.

8. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy. Stress eating can sabotage weight loss efforts.

9. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or join a weight loss group. Having accountability and encouragement can make a big difference.

10. Track Progress: Keep track of your food intake, exercise, and progress towards your goals. This can help you stay motivated and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, sustainable weight loss takes time and effort, and it’s important to focus on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program.

HOW WEIGHT LOSS OCCURS 

Weight loss occurs when you consistently consume fewer calories than you burn each day. Conversely, weight gain happens when you consistently eat more calories than you burn.

Any food or beverage you consume that has calories counts toward your overall calorie intake. That said, the number of calories you burn each day, which is known as energy or calorie expenditure, is a bit more complicated.

Calorie expenditure is composed of the following three major components (1Trusted Source):

  • Resting metabolic rate (RMR). This is the number of calories your body needs to maintain normal bodily functions, such as breathing and pumping blood.
  • Thermic effect of food (TEF). This refers to the calories used to digest, absorb, and metabolize food.
  • Thermic effect of activity (TEA). These are the calories you use during exercise. TEA can also include non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which accounts for the calories used for activities like yard work and fidgeting.

If the number of calories you consume equals the number of calories you burn, you maintain your body weight.  If you want to lose weight, you must create a negative calorie balance by consuming fewer calories than you burn or burning more calories through increased activity.

SUMMARY:Weight loss occurs when you consistently consume fewer calories than you burn each day.

Factors affecting weight loss

Several factors affect the rate at which you lose weight. Many of them are out of your control.

Gender

Your fat-to-muscle ratio greatly affects your ability to lose weight.

Because women typically have a greater fat-to-muscle ratio than men, they have a 5–10% lower RMR than men of the same height (2Trusted Source).

This means that women generally burn 5–10% fewer calories than men at rest. Thus, men tend to lose weight quicker than women following a diet equal in calories.  For example, an 8-week study including over 2,000 participants on an 800-calorie diet found that men lost 16% more weight than women, with relative weight loss of 11.8% in men and 10.3% in women (3Trusted Source).  Yet, while men tended to lose weight quicker than women, the study didn’t analyze gender-based differences in the ability to maintain weight loss.

Age

One of the many bodily changes that occur with aging is alterations in body composition — fat mass increases and muscle mass decreases. This change, along with other factors like the declining calorie needs of your major organs, contributes to a lower RMR (4Trusted Source5Trusted Source).

In fact, adults over age 70 can have RMRs that are 20–25% lower than those of younger adults (2Trusted Source6Trusted Source). This decrease in RMR can make weight loss increasingly difficult with age.

Starting point

Your initial body mass and composition may also affect how quickly you can expect to lose weight.  It’s important to understand that different absolute weight losses (in pounds) can correspond to the same relative (%) weight loss in different individuals. Ultimately, weight loss is a complex process.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Body Weight Planner is a useful guide to how much you can lose based on your initial weight, age, sex, and how many calories you take in and expend (7Trusted Source).  Although a heavier person may lose double the amount of weight, a person with less weight may lose an equal percentage of their body weight (10/250 = 4% versus 5/125 = 4%).

For example, a person weighing 300 pounds (136 kg) may lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) after reducing their daily intake by 1,000 calories and increasing physical activity for 2 weeks.

Calorie deficit

You must create a negative calorie balance to lose weight. The extent of this calorie deficit affects how quickly you lose weight.

For example, consuming 500 fewer calories per day for 8 weeks will likely result in greater weight loss than eating 200 fewer calories per day. However, be sure not to make your calorie deficit too large.  Doing so would not only be unsustainable but also put you at risk for nutrient deficiencies. What’s more, it might make you more likely to lose weight in the form of muscle mass rather than fat mass.

Sleep

Sleep tends to be an overlooked yet crucial component of weight loss. Chronic sleep loss can significantly hinder weight loss and the speed at which you shed pounds.  Just one night of sleep deprivation has been shown to increase your desire for high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods, such as cookies, cakes, sugary beverages, and chips (8Trusted Source9Trusted Source).

One 2-week study randomized participants on a calorie-restricted diet to sleep either 5.5 or 8.5 hours each night.  Those who slept 5.5 hours lost 55% less body fat and 60% more lean body mass than those who slept 8.5 hours per night (10Trusted Source).  Consequently, chronic sleep deprivation is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers (11Trusted Source12Trusted Source13Trusted Source).

Other factors

Several other factors can affect your weight loss rate, including:

  • Medications. Many medications, such as antidepressants and other antipsychotics, can promote weight gain or hinder weight loss (14Trusted Source).
  • Medical conditions. Illnesses, including depression and hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too few metabolism-regulating hormones, can slow weight loss and encourage weight gain (7Trusted Source15Trusted Source).
  • Family history and genes. There is a well-established genetic component associated with people who have overweight or obesity, and it may affect weight loss (16Trusted Source17Trusted Source).
  • Yo-yo dieting. This pattern of losing and regaining weight can make weight loss increasingly difficult with each attempt, due to a decrease in RMR (18Trusted Source).

SUMMARY:Age, gender, and sleep are just a few of the many factors that affect weight loss. Others include some medical conditions, your genetics, and the use of certain medications.

Managing Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

What are indigestion and heartburn?

Indigestion and heartburn are symptoms that are very common in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, you have an 8 in 10 chance you will experience these symptoms at some point in your pregnancy.

Indigestion, also called ‘dyspepsia’, is a feeling of pain or discomfort in your stomach. This mostly occurs after eating or drinking.

Heartburn, also known as reflux, is a burning pain in your stomach or chest going up towards your throat. It’s caused by stomach acid coming up your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The acid irritates the lining of your esophagus.

Sometimes food might come back up from your stomach into your mouth. You might also notice a bitter taste in your mouth.

Why might I get heartburn when I’m pregnant?

Heartburn may be caused by changes in your hormone levels. One of the pregnancy hormones, called progesterone, can relax the muscle that usually holds your oesophagus closed where it meets your stomach. This allows food and acid from your stomach to go back up your oesophagus.

Heartburn becomes more common as your pregnancy progresses. This can happen when your uterus (womb) pushes up against your stomach as your baby grows. This also pushes the contents of your stomach up into your oesophagus.

You’re more likely to get heartburn during pregnancy if you’ve had a baby before or if you get heartburn when you’re not pregnant.

What kinds of things will give me heartburn?

Heartburn can be triggered by what you eat and drink, such as:

  • a big meal
  • high-fat foods
  • spicy foods
  • chocolate
  • citrus fruit juices
  • drinks containing caffeine, including coffee, tea and cola
  • alcohol (which is not recommended in pregnancy)

Other things that may trigger heartburn include:

  • doing exercise soon after eating
  • lying down after eating
  • feeling anxious

Because everyone is different, it’s a good idea to take note of the particular foods, drinks or activities that give you heartburn while you are pregnant.

Can heartburn hurt my baby?

Heartburn usually won’t cause any problems for your baby, but it’s uncomfortable for you.

healthy diet is important for both your and your baby’s health. If heartburn is making it hard to eat healthy food, it’s best to treat it.

How can I avoid getting heartburn?

If your symptoms are mild, changing how you eat may help prevent heartburn. You could try:

  • eating smaller meals more often and eating slowly
  • avoiding eating for 2 or 3 hours before exercise or going to bed
  • avoiding foods and drinks that give you heartburn
  • avoiding eating and drinking at the same time, which can make your stomach more full
  • sitting up straight while eating and not lying down after a meal
  • raising the head of your bed or sleeping on at least 2 pillows
  • sleeping on your left side

You might find it helpful to chew gum, which makes you produce more saliva to help neutralise the acid from your stomach. Drinking milk can also help neutralise acid.

Is there any medicine I can take?

If your heartburn doesn’t improve by changing how you eat, your doctor or midwife may suggest that you take medicine for it.

Antacids are the first type of medicine to try. They can relieve your symptoms quickly. Antacids are safe in pregnancy as long as you don’t take more than the recommended dose. There are many different types — talk to your pharmacist to find one that’s most suitable for you.

If antacids don’t control your symptoms, speak to your doctor about other medicines you can take.

When should I see a doctor?

If your heartburn symptoms don’t go away with medicine, it’s important to see your doctor. A serious pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia can cause pain under your ribs and a feeling of heartburn.

You should also see your doctor immediately if:

  • you are vomiting up blood
  • you are losing weight
  • swallowing is painful or difficult

Nigerian pharmacists can play a significant role in improving patient health and well-being through various strategies

Nigerian pharmacists can play a significant role in improving patient health and well-being through various strategies:

1. **Medication Counseling**: Pharmacies can provide counseling services to patients, ensuring they understand how to take their medications correctly, including dosage, frequency, and potential side effects. This helps improve medication adherence and reduces the risk of complications.

2. **Health Education**: Pharmacists can educate patients on various health topics such as proper nutrition, exercise, disease prevention, and medication management. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and encourages healthier lifestyles.

3. **Collaboration with Healthcare Providers**: Pharmacists can work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated patient care. This collaboration can involve medication reviews, monitoring for drug interactions, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary to optimize patient outcomes.

4. **Community Outreach Programs**: Pharmacists can engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about health issues and provide access to essential healthcare services. This can include health screenings, immunizations, and disease prevention campaigns tailored to the needs of the local population.

5. **Promotion of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Safety**: Many patients self-medicate with over-the-counter medications without consulting healthcare professionals. Pharmacists can offer guidance on the safe use of OTC medications, including potential interactions with prescription drugs and appropriate dosages.

6. **Chronic Disease Management**: With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, pharmacists can play a vital role in managing these conditions. They can provide ongoing support to patients, monitor their progress, and help them adhere to their treatment plans.

7. **Quality Assurance**: Pharmacists can ensure the quality and safety of medications by conducting regular checks on drug storage, handling, and dispensing practices. This helps prevent medication errors and ensures that patients receive high-quality pharmaceutical products.

8. **Advocacy for Policy Changes**: Pharmacists can advocate for policy changes at the local, regional, and national levels to improve access to healthcare services, promote medication safety, and enhance patient outcomes. This may involve collaborating with government agencies, professional organizations, and other stakeholders.

By implementing these strategies, Nigerian pharmacists can make a significant contribution to improving patient health and well-being across the country.

Ways Retail Pharmacy can retain their customers in 2024

Here are some tips for retail pharmacies to retain their customers:

1. Excellent Customer Service: Provide friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient service to make customers feel valued and cared for.

2. Personalized Care: Offer personalized medication counseling and health advice tailored to each customer’s needs.

3. Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs that reward customers for their continued patronage, such as discounts, points, or special promotions.

4. Convenient Services: Offer convenient services like online refills, home delivery, or drive-through pickup to make it easier for customers to access their medications.

5. Health Education: Provide educational materials or host workshops on health topics relevant to your customers’ needs, helping them better understand their medications and health conditions.

6. Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through sponsorships, health fairs, or partnerships with local organizations to build trust and loyalty.

7. Follow-Up Care: Follow up with customers to ensure they are satisfied with their medications and address any concerns or issues they may have.

8. Communication Channels: Maintain open communication channels through email newsletters, social media, or mobile apps to keep customers informed about promotions, health tips, and pharmacy updates.

9. Professionalism: Maintain high standards of professionalism, cleanliness, and organization in your pharmacy to instill confidence and trust in your customers.

10. Feedback Mechanisms: Encourage feedback from customers and actively listen to their suggestions and concerns to continuously improve your services and meet their needs.

ways to preserve your Eye glasses

Preserving your eyeglasses is important to maintain their functionality and appearance. Here are some tips to help you preserve your glasses:

1. **Store Properly**: When not wearing your glasses, always store them in a protective case. This prevents scratches and keeps them safe from accidental damage.

2. **Clean Regularly**: Clean your glasses daily using a microfiber cloth specifically designed for glasses. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or clothing, as these materials can scratch the lenses.

3. **Use Proper Cleaning Solution**: Use a mild soap or a cleaning solution specifically made for eyeglasses. Avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the lens coatings

4. **Avoid Excessive Heat**: Avoid leaving your glasses in hot environments such as a car dashboard or near heaters, as excessive heat can warp the frames or damage the lens coatings.

5. **Handle with Care**: Always handle your glasses with clean hands and avoid placing them face down on hard surfaces to prevent scratches.

6. **Adjust Properly**: Ensure your glasses fit properly to prevent unnecessary stress on the frames. If they feel loose or tight, visit an optician for adjustments.

7. **Avoid Water Damage**: While it’s important to clean your glasses regularly, avoid exposing them to excessive moisture or water, especially if they are not water-resistant.

8. **Remove with Both Hands**: When removing your glasses, use both hands to ensure even pressure and prevent bending or misalignment of the frames.

9. **Regular Maintenance Checks**: Schedule regular check-ups with your optician to ensure your glasses are in good condition and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

10. **Keep Away from Chemicals**: Avoid exposing your glasses to harsh chemicals such as hair spray, perfume, or household cleaners, as they can damage the frames and lenses.
By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your eyeglasses and keep them in good condition for years to come.

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