Do we need vitamin and mineral supplements?

Who needs vitamin and mineral supplements?

At the pharmacy, people often ask us if they should be taking a vitamin or mineral supplement. For young female patients that are pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon, we recommend that they start taking a pre-natal multivitamin as soon as possible. This supplementation is very important for the development of the baby because it contains 'Folic Acid' as well as other vitamins and minerals that are needed during pregnancy. Many women will stop taking the  pre-natal vitamin after giving birth, however, it is recommended that the pre-natal multivitamin supplementation be continued for 4-6 weeks afterwards and as long as breastfeeding continues. 
   
For people who are picky eaters or those who are often skipping meals, they could be lacking essential vitamins and minerals from not eating certain group of food. Sometimes, vegetarians may become low in iron because they are not consuming any red meat. Also, people who are lactose intolerant may not be getting enough calcium from their diet because they avoid milk and other dairy products. According to Osteoporosis Canada, adult women require at least 1000mg of calcium a day and women over 50 years old require 1200mg of calcium a day. Even for those of us who drinks milk and eat dairy products, we still may not be getting enough calcium from our diet alone. 

To find out if your current diet is providing you with sufficient vitamins and minerals, we recommend that you talk to a dietitian.  Large grocery stores, like Loblaws, will sometimes have dietitians on-site that provide free consultations to customers.

Medications induced vitamin or mineral deficiency

Drugs can often cause deficiencies in vitamins or minerals in our body. One common example is the use of diuretic to lower blood pressure in seniors and over time, the patient may become deficient in potassium, sodium and other minerals depending on the type of diuretic being used. If you are taking a diuretic, you should ask your pharmacist about what to watch out for and how to prevent the deficiency from occurring. Sometimes, it may be as simple as eating more bananas and oranges to increase potassium intake. Other times, oral supplementation may be required. 

People that are taking Metformin, a diabetes medication, for more than 10 years should be aware that their body storage of vitamin B12 could become deficient. This is because Metformin can cause malabsorption of vitamin B12 from diet. If you have been taking Metformin for more than 10 years, your doctor may recommend that you take oral supplementation of Vitamin B12 or have an annual injection to prevent this deficiency. 

For patients that frequently take "stomach pills", like "Tecta", to lower their stomach acid, these medications can alter the absorption of vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium and calcium. If you take this type medications everyday for more than a few months, you may want to consider taking supplementation for Vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium and calcium. 

For patients taking cholesterol lowering drugs, like Lipitor, this class of drug can decrease the body's Co-Q10 level. Coenzyme Q10 is something that the body requires for proper function of many organs. It also helps to provide energy to the cells inside our body. To prevent a deficiency in CoQ10, oral supplements are available for purchase.

Upcoming patient seminar

Mark your calendar for the upcoming FREE patient seminar at Custom Care Pharmacy. 

Topic: Healthy weight loss to reduce your need for chronic medications, like hypertension drugs, cholesterol drugs, diabetes drugs. 

Date: August 30th 2015 (Sunday)

Time: 2 pm - 4 pm

Location: Custom Care Pharmacy

Plus FREE taste test of Ideal Protein weight loss food products

Call to reserve your spot today! 905-305-0111

如何減掉腹部脂肪和腰圍對我們健康的重要

我們的腰圍可指示我們的健康風險，因為較寬的腰圍，有更多的多餘的脂肪在我們的腰部。根據心臟及中風基金會和加拿大糖尿病協會2013臨床指引，

·    90   cm 厘米（36   inches 英寸）的腰圍以上的中國男人，或

·    80   cm 厘米（32   inches 英寸）的腰圍以上的中國女性

涉及具有健康問題，如2型糖尿病，心臟疾病和高血壓。

很多人誤用腹部最小部分的位置來測量腰圍。根據心臟及中風基金會的指示規定，我們做腰圍測量的時候，我們應該用髖骨的頂部對齊捲尺底部邊緣。

此外，心臟及中風基金會有一個短片向您展示如何做一個適當的腰圍測量。您可以在下面的鏈接點擊查看。
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__ZEebzObWs&feature=player_embedded

大多數人都知道，做運動和改良飲食習慣可以幫助減肥。吃得健康，吃得少量，以及適量運動是有助於你保持健康體重的生活方式的改變。起步常常是困難和維持生活方式的改變是更具挑戰性!

就是這個原因,  美健藥房即將提供一個全面的醫學設計減肥方案。

這種減肥方法是包含了兩個關鍵部份的醫學設計方案:

1) 第一部分是幫助肥胖者成功瘦身，即減掉多餘脂肪

2) 第二部分是健康生活式的教育，幫助您維護您的瘦身成果。

此外，您將獲得美健藥房一對一的指導來協助您順利完成无象源瘦身計劃的4個階段。

此方案通過食用以蛋白質為基礎, 低碳水化合物，低脂的加拿大製造 Ideal protein食品來減輕體重。幫助患者減掉體內的脂肪，同時保持肌肉質量。

請致電905-305-0111並註冊接收後續資料!  如果您是註冊該計劃的前20名成員，您將會獲得$50折扣 用於Ideal Protein 減肥方案!。心動不如行動!

關於幫助減肥的處方藥：

在加拿大的處方藥里只有奧利司他（Xenical®）可用於減肥。上一代的減肥藥物，其中包括二乙胺（Tenuate®）和西布曲明（Meridia®），不再在加拿大使用。

奧利司他通過阻止酵素（由叫脂肪酶）分解脂肪起效。這樣可以使脂肪留在小腸而不被吸收，排出體外。奧利司他可減少約30％脂肪的吸收。

奧利司他被批准用於與降糖藥物（磺脲類藥物，二甲雙胍，胰島素）聯合使用。奧利司他可能有助於改善超重或肥胖的2型糖尿病患者的血糖。

 奧利司他最常見的副作用是胃腸道症狀，如腹痛，油性大便，氣體洩漏排便，突然內急 ，排便數量增加。如果任何一餐含有非常高的脂肪, 出現這些副作用的風險也會更高。

奧利司他並不適合每一個人, 需要醫生的處方才可以使用。此外，政府的藥物計劃不支付奧利司他,   藥費也比較昂貴。

如果你需要減肥治療詳細資料，請聯絡美健藥房的藥劑師905-305-0111。

How to lose belly fat and why our waist circumference is important to our health.

Our waist circumference can indicate our health risk because the wider our waist circumference, the more excess fat is around our waist.  According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines,

a waist circumference of 102 cm (40 inches) or more in men, or
a waist circumference of 88 cm (35 inches) or more in women, is associated with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Specifically for Chinese patients, the target is even lower:

a waist circumference of 90cm (36 inches) or more in Chinese men, or
a waist circumference of 80cm (32inches) or more in Chinese women

is associated with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Many people mistakenly use the smallest part of the abdomen as the location to measure waist circumference.  The instructions from the Heart & Stroke Foundation specifies that we should use the top of our hip bone to align the bottom edge of the measuring tape when we do a measurement of waist circumference. Furthermore, the Heart & Stroke Foundation has a video to show you how to do a proper waist circumference measurement. You can click on the following link to see the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__ZEebzObWs&feature=player_embedded

Most people already know that weight loss can be achieved through exercise and diet modifications. Eating healthy and watching portion sizes, along with regular exercise are lifestyle changes that will help you obtain a healthy weight for long term. Getting started is often difficult and maintaining the changes in lifestyle is even more challenging. 

This is the reason why Custom Care Pharmacy is bringing in Ideal Protein, a medically designed weight loss protocol, to help patients lose body fat while maintaining muscle mass.

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method contains 2 key components:

The first part is to help patients with weight loss, reducing excessive body fats

The second part is provide the patient with a healthier lifestyle education to assist them in maintaining their results.




Custom Care Pharmacy will provide you with one-to-one consultations through each phase of the weight loss protocol.

If you are interested in trying this program, call us at 905-305-0111 now to register for follow up information. The first 20 people to register will receive a $50 discount towards the weight loss program!

Are there prescription drug treatment for weight loss?

In terms of drug treatment, the only prescription medication that is available for weight loss is orlistat (Xenical®). Previous medications for weight loss, including diethylpropion (Tenuate®) and sibutramine (Meridia®), are no longer available in Canada.

Orlistat reduces the absorption of fat by about 30% in the intestine. It is approved for use in combination with antidiabetic medications (sulfonylureas, metformin, insulin).


The most frequent side effects of orlistat are related to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, oily bowel movement, gas with leaky bowel movements, sudden urge to have a bowel movement, increased number of bowel movements. The risk for these side effects is higher if any single meal has a very high fat content.

Orlistat is not for everyone and it needs to be prescribed by your doctor.  It is not covered by ODB and the drug cost can be expensive.

For more information on weight loss and treatment options, contact our pharmacist at Custom Care Pharmacy 905-305-0111

子宮頸抹片检查對女性很重要

子宮頸抹片检查 (Pap Smear or Pap Test)是用於檢查宫颈异常细胞的变化。在安大略省，女性满21岁才有资格每3年进行 一次子宮頸抹片检查。所有的子宮頸抹片检查是由安省政府支付的。你可以从你的医生那裡查出你什麽時候做過最后一次的子宮頸抹片检查。

子宮頸抹片检查對女性很重要，因为它可以挽救你的生命。子宮頸抹片检查可以幫助 医生及時發現子宫颈癌的早期迹象，并立即在必要时开始治疗。如果子宫颈癌能被及早發現，成功治疗的可能性是很高的。

子宫颈癌的原因几乎100％是由于人类乳头瘤病毒（HPV）引起。每4名妇女中就有3名在他们生命中接觸到HPV病毒，通常它是没有出現症状。

我們已經有疫苗可以保护人體免受HPV感染。 Gardasil是安大略省現用的可抵御4种HPV的疫苗。最近，又有一个新的疫苗，Gardasil 9，投入使用。它可以防止9种 类型的HPV。在安大略省，HPV疫苗是免费提供给所有8年级女孩，她們可以在学校里接種Gardasil疫苗。疫苗一共有3針。 打了第一針后，第二針定于2个月后， 第三針是定在6个月后。打完所有3針以獲取充分的保护是非常重要的。

对于在8年级没有接種Gardasil疫苗的女性来说，可以询问您的医生，现在就接種疫苗。对于還在讀9年级到12年级的女孩，她们仍然可以在公共卫生单位獲取免费的疫苗接種。有关联系信息，请点击以下链接：

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

美健药房有两种疫苗（Gardasil的和Gardasil的9）的存貨。如果您有关于疫苗的问题，请随时联系我们的药剂师@905-305-0111。

此外, 很多女性喜欢吃亚麻籽粉...

天然和有益的奥米加3来自有机亚麻籽粉（亚麻籽）！

在美健药房全新到货现已发售!

Smartgrain sprouted flax powder

•安省农场自然生产

•浸透天然鱼油DHA和EPA，以提高最高的奥米加3含量

•普通亚麻籽粉是因为氧化反应开封后只有3-4个月有效

•Smartgrain亚麻籽开封后抗氧化，有效18个月！

* 乳癌患者和服用血液稀釋劑病人可能不適合用, 請與醫生先諮詢

The importance of getting a PAP test for women

A Pap test or a Pap smear checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix.  In Ontario, women over 21 years old are eligible for a Pap test every 3 years. All Pap tests are covered by OHIP. Make sure you find out from your doctor when you had your last Pap test. 

It is important for women to have a Pap test because it can save your life. The Pap test allows your doctor to detect for early signs of cervical cancer and immediately initiate treatment if necessary. If cervical cancer is detected early, the chance of successful treatment is very high. 

The cause of cervical cancer is almost 100% due to a type of virus called the Human papillomavirus (HPV). Every 3 out of 4 women will get the HPV virus at some point in their lives and there are usually no signs or symptoms.

There are vaccines available that can protect against the HPV. Gardasil is the vaccine used in the Ontario's HPV immunization program that protects against 4 types of HPV. Recently a new vaccine, Gardasil 9, became available. It can protect against additional types of HPV. In Ontario, the HPV vaccine is available free of charge to all Grade 8 girls through school-based clinics. The vaccine is given in 3 doses. After the 1st dose is given, the 2nd dose is scheduled for 2 months after. The third dose is given about 6 months after the 1st dose. It is important to get all 3 doses for full protection. 

For women, who did not received the vaccine in Grade 8. Ask your doctor about getting the vaccine now. For girls in Grade 9 to Grade 12, they can still get the vaccine free of charge at the Public Health Unit. For contact information, please click on the link below:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

Custom Care Pharmacy has both vaccines 

(Gardasil and Gardasil 9) in stock. If you have questions about the vaccines, please feel free to contact our pharmacist at 905-305-0111. 

Also, SMARTGRAIN FLAXSEED powder is back in stock! 

Read our blog from June 2014: 

http://customcarepharmacy.blogspot.ca/2014/06/part-2-high-cholesterol-drugs-diet-tips.html

to learn how Flaxseed powder can help reduce your cholesterol! 

 

Are you using NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ or Aleve® pain medication?

For this month’s blog, we will be talking about two over-the-counter products: NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ and  Aleve® pain medication.

Spring has arrived and many people may begin experiencing symptoms of seasonal allergies. Nasal congestion, nasal dryness and nasal drips can all be very irritating for people suffering from seasonal allergies. 

NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ can help relieve these symptoms. The medicinal ingredient in Neilmed Sinus Rinse is “Sodium Chloride”, which is commonly known as salt. The sinus rinse is a saline solution that is soothing to the nose and it can be used 1-6 times daily. Rinsing with tap water or home-made salt solution can sometimes cause a burning sensation. 

This product does not require a prescription for purchase, it can be found in most pharmacies in the over-the-counter section. 

Custom Care Pharmacy is giving away a small quantity of FREE NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™ samples! Come in and sign up as a Custom Care Pharmacy member to receive the free sample! Limit one per family, while supplies last!

Neilmed Nasal Rinse is easy to use. You can fill the bottle with lukewarm distilled, filtered or previously boiled water and pour the mixture packet into the bottle. Make sure you shake the bottle gently to dissolve the mixture. 

To use the rinse, you should stand in front of a sink, bend forward and tilt your head down. Squeeze the bottle gently to allow the solution to enter into your nose.  

For a proper rinse, keep squeezing the bottle GENTLY until at least 1/4 to 1/2 (60 mL to 120 mL or 2 to 4 fl oz) of the bottle is used. Do not swallow the solution.

If the symptoms of nasal congestion persists or if there is an infection, make sure you consult with your doctor. There are prescription nasal sprays to treat various nasal problems. 

Another common condition that people often seek over-the-counter treatment for is aches and pain.  ALEVE^® is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, it contains naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This product is indicated to treat pain and stiffness of arthritis. It can also be used to relieve muscle ache, headache, menstrual cramps and toothache.

ALEVE^® is for adults (age 12 and over). Patients over 65 should take no more than 1 caplet every 12 hours. ALEVE^® may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure you talk to a pharmacist first before taking this product. 

Custom Care Pharmacy is giving away a small quantity of FREE ALEVE^® LIQUID GELS samples! Come in and sign up as a Custom Care Pharmacy member to receive the free sample! Limit one per family, while supplies last!

Custom Care Pharmacy Hours of Operation: 

Monday to Friday  10am to 8pm 
Saturday                9:30am to 5pm
Sunday                  Closed

關於非處方藥：NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™鼻竇沖洗液和 Aleve® 止痛藥

在這個月的博客中，我們將談論兩個非處方藥：NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™鼻竇沖洗液和 Aleve® 止痛藥。

春天來臨，很多人可能會開始經歷季節性過敏症狀，例如，鼻塞，鼻乾燥，鼻黏液后滴都是非常難受。 Neilmed鼻竇沖洗可以幫助緩解這些症狀。在Neilmed鼻竇沖洗液中的成分是“氯化鈉”，也就是俗稱的鹽。鼻竇沖洗液是舒緩鼻子的鹽溶液，可以每日使用1-6次。有些人可能用水或自製的鹽溶液沖洗鼻子，但有時可引起燒灼感。

NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™不需要處方購買。如果家裡有已經煮熟過的水，過濾水或蒸餾水瓶，就可以隨時使用沖洗液。

美健藥房現有少量免費NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™鼻竇沖洗樣品贈送！請到美健藥房並簽署成為藥房會員就可收到免費樣品！ 每個家庭限送一份，送完即止！

使用NeilMed® SINUS RINSE™沖洗鼻時，只需把瓶子裝滿蒸餾過的，過濾的或熟水，將小包鹽粉倒入瓶中，擰緊瓶蓋，輕輕地搖動瓶子使其溶解。

站在水槽前，向前彎曲和傾斜你的頭。放置沖洗瓶緊貼你的鼻腔。輕輕地擠壓瓶子直到溶液開始進入你的鼻孔。正當的沖洗方法是，保持輕輕地擠壓瓶子直到至少1/4至1/2（60毫升至120毫升或2至4盎司）的溶液被使用。不要吞下沖洗的溶液。

如果鼻塞症狀持續或如果你懷疑鼻塞是因細菌感染引起，請諮詢你的醫生。藥房有處方鼻噴劑以治療各種鼻部的問題。

在藥房, 止痛藥是另一個常見的請求。 ALEVE®是一個非處方（OTC）的消炎止痛藥。它的成份是萘普生鈉, 非類固醇。它可用於治療關節的疼痛和僵硬。它也可用於緩解肌肉疼痛，頭痛，月經痛和牙痛。

          ALEVE®是適用于12歲以上的成人。65歲以上的患者應 每12小時應不超過1粒。 ALEVE®未必適合所有人使用，所以服用此產品前一定要先質詢您的藥劑師。

美健藥房現有少量免費ALEVE®LIQUID GELS樣本贈送！請到美健藥房並簽署成為藥房會員就可收到免費樣品！ 每個家庭限送一份，送完即止！

藥房營業時間：

週一至週五  上午 10:00 至晚上 8:00

週六      上午 9:30 至下午 5:00

週日      休息