關於政府資助老年人帶狀皰疹疫苗和即將更改藥品福利計劃的資訊

最近，我們收到大量有關安省新政府資助老年人帶狀皰疹疫苗的問題。在這個月的博客里，我們將回答你關於帶狀皰疹疫苗的問題，并解釋即將到來的可能會影響到你的安省藥品福利計劃的變化。

新政府對帶狀皰疹疫苗的資助

目前安大略省藥品福利沒有支付帶狀皰疹疫苗（Zostavax II），老年人是要自費購買這種疫苗的，它的成本約為$ 200，一次性接種。安省政府的目標是提供資金以支付該疫苗，但是只有65-70歲之間的老年人將有資格受惠。根據加拿大公共衛生機構的指引，帶狀皰疹疫苗被推薦用於60歲以上的人，並且還可以用於50歲以上的老年人。這意味著，一些老年人仍然將不得不自己支付這種疫苗。要購買這種疫苗，你需要醫生處方，并由醫生注射。

** 美健藥房全年都有帶狀皰疹疫苗供應 **

65歲及以上老人符合支付$2的收入標準有更改

在我們解釋即將到來的安省藥品福利計劃的變化之前，我們將從給予您對這個方案的一些背景信息開始。

安大略省藥品福利計劃是由安大略政府提供資金為65歲及以上老年人支付部分處方藥費用。安省處方藥物表涵蓋的藥物會隨時更新。要找出這個藥物是否由安大略省藥品福利支付，你可以到以下網頁https://www.healthinfo.moh.gov.on.ca/formulary/並將藥名輸入搜索。否則，你也可以要求我們的美健藥房的藥劑師來幫你查看。

如果你的處方藥是由安省藥品福利支付，政府要求你自己支付處方藥的部分將取決於你的年度收入情況而定。

如果你的收入超過 $16,018（單人）或超過 $24,175（夫婦），那麼政府要求你支付墊底費$100，每年都開始於8月1日。 $ 100 的抵扣完全支付後，每一個處方只需支付 $6.11，直到下一年的8月1日。

在美健藥房，我們為高收入的老人減免 $2.11，

所以你只需要支付每張處方$4。

符合低收入老年人的標準將發生改變

2016年8月1日開始，單身老年人為少於$19,300 或一對夫婦的收入為少於$32,300，將有資格成為“低收入”老年人。低收入老年人在安省藥品福利的資助下將支付每張處方費$ 2，沒有年度墊底費。

在美健藥房，我們將繼續免收這$ 2 

這即將到來的變化意味著以前被認為是“高收入”，並要支付$ 100和每張處方6.11的老年人，如果他們的收入是單人少於$19,300 或一對夫婦為少於$ 32,300，現在可能有資格獲得了“低收入”的待遇。

但是，如果老年人的收入比新標準高，他們將要支付年度墊底費$ 170(實施新標準之前，每年度墊底費原本$ 100)。此外，當你付滿該年度的墊底費后，自付額也從$ 6.11上升到$ 7.11，這也將在2016年8月1日起生效。

每年的墊底費不用一次性收齊，每次配藥時，根據處方的成本來收費，直到付完$ 170。在此之後，無論處方費用是多少，你只需要每張處方支付$ 7.11，。

美健藥房將繼續2016年8月1日之後，

繼續免收高收入的老年人的$ 2.11

通過社會救助提供的公共藥物福利，長期護理院，特殊護理院，家庭護理及藥物延齡計劃沒有變化。

如果您有任何疑問關於政府資助老年人帶狀皰疹疫苗和即將更改藥品福利計劃如何影響您的藥物受益，請不要猶豫撥打

905-305-0111 與美健藥房聯繫。我們將竭誠為您服務。

Upcoming drug benefit changes for Ontario Seniors including the Shingles Vaccine

Recently, we have been receiving lots of questions about the new government funding for the shingles vaccines for Ontario seniors. In this month’s blog, we will answer your question about the shingles vaccines and we will explain how the announcement by the government on the upcoming changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit program may affect you.

New government funding for the Shingles Vaccines

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax II) is currently not covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit. Seniors have to pay out of pocket to purchase this vaccine and it costs approximately $200 for the one-time vaccination. 

The Ontario government aims to provide funding to cover the cost of this vaccine for seniors, however, only seniors between 65-70 years old will be eligible for this coverage. According to the public health agency of Canada, the shingles vaccine is recommended for persons aged 60 and older and may also be used in adults 50 years of age or older. This means that some seniors will still have to pay out of pocket for this vaccine after the new funding is in place. To purchase this vaccine, you need a prescription from your doctor and it has to be administered at your doctor’s office. 

Custom Care Pharmacy has the shingles vaccine in stock all year round. 

Changes to the eligibility for $2 co-payment of the Ontario Drug Benefit coverage for 65 years and over

Before we explain the upcoming changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit program, we will start by giving you some background information on this program.

The Ontario Drug Benefit program is provided by the government of Ontario to pay for the cost of some prescription medications for seniors that are 65 years old and over. The medications that are covered under this program are listed in the Ontario drug formulary and medications are added or removed on an ongoing basis. 

To find out if a medication is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit, you can go to the following webpage https://www.healthinfo.moh.gov.on.ca/formulary/ and enter in the name of the medication to search the formulary. Otherwise, you can also ask our pharmacist at Custom Care Pharmacy to check for you.

If your prescription medication is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit, the amount that the government requires you to pay for the prescription medication will depend on your income that was stated in your annual income tax submission.

For example:

If your income is less than $16,018 as a single senior or less than $24,175 as a couple, then you are only required to pay $2 co-pay for each prescription. At Custom Care Pharmacy, we waive the $2 co-pay.

If you income is more than $16,018 as a single senior or more than $24,175 as a couple, then the government requires that you pay for the first $100 towards your prescription costs. This is called an annual deductible and it begins every year on August 1st. After the $100 deductible is completely paid, the government requires that you pay only $6.11 for each prescription until the next August 1^st

At Custom Care Pharmacy, we waive $2.11 for high income seniors so you only need to pay $4 per prescription.

Changes to the income thresholds to qualify for the low-income seniors’ benefit

Beginning August 1, 2016, single seniors with an income up to $19,300 or $32,300 as a couple will qualify for the “low income” seniors’ benefit. Low-income seniors, under the coverage of Ontario Drug Benefit, will pay only up to $2 co-payment per prescription with no annual deductible. At Custom Care Pharmacy, we will continue to waive the $2 co-pay.

This upcoming change means that seniors that were previously considered “high income” and has to pay an annual deductible of $100 and $6.11 per prescription afterwards, may now be eligible for the “low-income” seniors’ benefit if their income is less than $19,300 for single or $32,300 as a couple.

However, if the seniors’ income is higher than the new thresholds, they will have to pay $170 for the annual deductible beginning on August 1^st, 2016, compared to the $100 annual deductible previously. Furthermore, the co-payment portion that comes after the annual deductible is fulfilled, has increased from $6.11 to $7.11. This will also take effect on August 1^st, 2016. 

The annual deductible will not be collected all at once. Each time you fill a prescription, the cost of the prescription is added towards the deductible until $170 is fulfilled. After that, you will only need to pay $7.11 for each prescription that is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit, regardless of how much the prescription cost.

Custom Care Pharmacy will continue to waive $2.11 for high income seniors after August 1^st 2016

No changes are proposed to public drug benefits through Social Assistance, Long-Term Care Homes, Homes for Special Care, Home Care and the Trillium Drug Program.

If you still have any questions on how the upcoming changes may affect your drug benefit coverage, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 905-305-0111. We will be happy to help you. 

如何為腸鏡檢查做準備?

在我們的藥房，人們經常詢問我們有關結腸鏡檢查 (colonoscopy) 前需準備的藥物。我們可以幫助你選擇恰當的藥物并指導如何正確用藥，讓你在結腸檢查前做好充分準備。

在安大略省，建議50歲及以上的人們去做 大腸癌篩查。對於大多數人來說，可以每隔2年重複一次，在家做一個簡單的測試稱為糞便隱血試驗（FOBT）。然而，對於因為家庭成員有患大腸癌的高風險的人, 建議使用結腸鏡檢查。FOBT結果異常的人也會建議做結腸鏡檢查。

做結腸鏡檢查是非常重要的，因為如果結腸癌在早期發現，它具有90％被治愈的可能性。

這個檢查是在醫院做的，醫生將檢查結腸，採取活組織切片檢查，並切除任何異常生長的部分。該過程持續一個半小時，你可能需要服用鎮靜藥物，讓你在手術過程中感覺更舒適。

結腸鏡檢查前的準備：

結腸鏡檢查前，病人會收到說明告知在結腸檢查日期之前的2天內必須做的準備。如果您沒有收到任何信息，請務必聯繫診所，因為你的診所或醫生可能對結腸鏡檢查的準備有他們自己的具體建議。

一般情況下，你需要清空你的結腸，因為任何在結腸內的殘留物都可能會在檢查中掩蓋了清晰的視野。結腸鏡檢查之前的一天，必須遵循特殊的飲食。通常情況下，你不能吃固體食物。一般是允許飲清澈的液體，如清水，茶或清湯，但是，你不能午夜後吃或者喝任何東西。

您還需要服用瀉藥，所以建議您留在家裡，因為你將要經常使用的衛生間。用於結腸鏡檢查的藥物可以非處方藥購買，但是，對於65歲及以上患者，安大略省藥品福利（ODB）會支付這些藥物的費用，但需要醫生的處方。如果你還沒有處方，我們可以幫你聯繫你的醫生把你的處方傳真給我們。

一般來說，你將在手術前2天睡前口服通便劑（Dulcolax）2片，然後在檢查的前一天，在白天服用瀉藥粉沖劑（Odan PURG）2次，相距約4小時。

何時服用瀉藥粉沖劑取決於第二天的檢查時間。例如，如果檢查被安排在上午，那麼兩袋瀉藥粉沖劑的將在檢查前一天服用。但是，如果檢查定於下午，您就要在檢查前一天服用一包瀉藥粉，檢查當天早上再服一包。你必須遵照指引的時間來服用這些藥物，這是非常重要的。

小袋里的粉末具有潤腸通便的作用，服用前要加冷水混合。建議飲用前用5盎司（150ml）的冷水混合，攪拌均勻，不要用太熱的水混合粉末因為混合物將變得非常熱，很難喝。

一定要告訴你的醫生你目前正在服用哪些藥物，特別是服用鐵補充劑或稀血的藥物（如阿司匹林，氯吡格雷，華法林，Pradax，Xarelto等。

在美健藥房，我們可以幫你準備你的用藥報告，方便您帶給您的醫生，讓他們可以看到你正在服用的藥物的完整清單。

醫生可能需要暫時調整劑量或停止某些藥物，以避免結腸鏡檢查中出現任何問題。

如果您有關於結腸鏡檢查所需藥物的任何疑問，請隨時打905-305-0111美健藥房與我們聯繫。

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

At the pharmacy, we often see patients looking for the medications to prepare for a colonoscopy. We can help by selecting the right medications for you and clarifying the dosing instructions to get you ready for the procedure.

In Ontario, Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for people 50 years and older. For most people, a simple at home test called the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) can be done every 2 years. However, for people at increased risk because of a family member with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is recommended.  A colonoscopy can also be recommended as a follow-up test for an abnormal FOBT result.

It is important to do the colonoscopy because if colon cancer is caught early, it has a 90% chance of being cured.  It is a procedure that is done at the hospital, where a doctor will examine the colon, take biopsies and remove any abnormal growths. The procedure lasts about half an hour and you can receive a sedative medication on site to make you more comfortable during the procedure.

Preparing for a colonoscopy:

To prepare for a colonoscopy, patients will likely receive an instruction sheet that explains what they have to do during the 2 days prior to the procedure date. If you have not received any information, be sure to contact the clinic for the details because your clinic or your doctor may have their own specific recommendations for the preparation of a colonoscopy.

In general, you will be asked to empty your colon because any residue in your colon may obscure the view during the procedure. You will be instructed to follow a special diet the day before the exam. Usually, you will not be allowed to eat solid food the day before the procedure. Clear liquids such as plain water, tea or clear broth are generally allowed, however, you may not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure.

You will also be instructed to take laxatives, so it is recommended that you stay home during the day prior to the procedure since you will be using the bathroom frequently.

The medications used for colonoscopy preparation can be purchase without a prescription, however, for patients 65 years and older, the Ontario drug benefit (ODB) will cover the cost of these medications with a prescription from your doctor. If you do not have a prescription yet, we can ask your doctor to send us a prescription.

In general, you will be instructed to take an oral tablet laxative (Dulcolax or Bisacodyl) 2 tablets at bedtime, 2 days before the procedure. And then on the day before the procedure, you will be asked to use a powder sachet laxative (Pico-Salax or Purg Odan) 2 times during the day, about 4 hours apart.

The timing for taking the powder sachet laxative depends on the time of the procedure scheduled on the next day. For instance, if the procedure is scheduled for the morning, then both packets of powder sachets are used on the day BEFORE the procedure.

However, if the procedure is scheduled for the afternoon, you may be asked to use one packet of the powder sachet laxative on the day before the procedure and one packet on the morning of the procedure date.

The time that you have to take these medications is usually specified in the instruction sheet, it is very important for you to follow the given instructions.

The powder sachet laxative has to be mixed in water prior to taking it. It is recommended to mix the powder in 5 oz (150ml) of cold water and stir it frequently prior to drinking it. Do not use hot water
to mix the powder because the mixture will get very hot and difficult to drink.

Be sure to tell your doctor about the medications that you are currently taking, especially if taking supplements that contains iron or medications that thins your blood (i.e. Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin - warfarin, Pradax, Xarelto, etc.).

At Custom Care Pharmacy, we can prepare a medication profile report for you to bring to your doctor so that they can see a complete list of medications that you are currently taking. 

The doctor may need to adjust your dosage or stop certain medications temporarily to avoid any problems during the colonoscopy. If you have any questions about the medications that you need to purchase for your upcoming colonoscopy, please feel free to contact us at Custom Care Pharmacy 905-305-0111

中国农历新年旅游用药提示和健康的食品的食谱

臨近中国农历新年，許多華人可能有出国旅游和探親訪友的计划。对于那些没有出国旅行计划的華人可能會计划在加拿大與朋友和家人共進晚宴。

在这个月的博客，我们将提供新年旅行药物一些有用的貼示，以及一些健康和美味的食谱！

看看我们的新网站：

www.mycustomcarepharmacy.ca

旅游药物：

对于享受安大略省药品福利（ODB）的老年人计划前往國外超过3个月的，最好是尽可能早跟你的药剂师商量配藥计划。这是因为ODB对配出國度假的药物數量有限定，这取决于你上次配药的時間和你手上還剩多少药。

例如，如果你刚拿了3个月的药物，你可能无法获得6个月的藥量。所以一定要你知會我们的药剂师，我们可以帮助你计划好，以确保您能够获得最大的旅游所需药物。我们也将帮助你填写一份确认您的旅游计划所需要的文件。

在美健药房，这项服务是免费给你。

旅行疫苗:

        

告诉你的医生以確認你是否需要相应的疫苗來預防您在旅行中得病。有些疫苗是需要在您旅行前的1-2个月就要给予。您也可以考虑口服疫苗，Dukoral，以防止旅行者的腹泻。这些常见的疫苗在美健药房都有现货。

健康和美味的食谱：

         

美健药房目前出售零热量，零糖分，零碳水化合物，可用于煮餐的醬料。下面是兩款選用濃厚和辛辣烧烤酱的美味食谱。

不要忘了報名參與我们的

免费烹饪示范活动

在 2016年1月31日

与国内知名的减肥厨师

丹尼尔 Verati！

2-4pm，

在美健药房电话  905-305-0111

预订您的座位！

                                                    

牛肉煮中国白菜 (4人份)

• 1 1/3 磅的加瘦牛肉碎
• 6 杯切碎的中國白菜
• 2 杯切成片的青椒
• 1 茶匙Walden農場的燒烤麻辣醬
• 2 瓣大蒜剁碎
• ½ 扎香菜剁細
• 6 湯匙醬油
• 2 茶匙橄欖油
• 海鹽，辣椒適量調味

加入油之前先加熱炒鍋，加入碎牛肉煮5分鐘。倒掉多餘的油，把肉放一邊。加入青椒煮幾分鐘然後加蒜，再加入中國白菜煮軟，加入醬油，鹽和辣椒調味。加適量燒烤麻辣醬，文火煮1分鐘。頂配香菜。

每份：卡路里356，21克脂肪，32克蛋白质，10克碳水化合物

                                           

四川風味的西蘭花煮火雞(4人份)

• 1.5 磅的火雞胸脯肉切成1英寸的方塊
• 6 杯灼過水的椰菜花
• 2 杯青椒
• 2 湯匙剁碎的姜
• 1/3 杯Walden農場濃厚的辣味燒烤醬
• 2 湯匙橄欖油
• 2 湯匙醬油

將燒烤醬和醬油放入小碗裡，備用。在炒鍋或大煎鍋里高溫熱油。

加入火雞煸炒3-4分鐘，直到熟透。用漏勺裝起。

倒入油，加入蔥，蒜，生薑到鍋里。攪拌約30秒。添加西蘭花和辣椒。炒3分鐘，直到蔬菜是香脆嫩滑。加入火雞和混合好的醬料。翻炒約1分鐘或至湯汁濃厚。

每份：卡路里373，18克脂肪，蛋白质38克，15克碳水化合物。

预祝大家新年快乐, 身体健康!

Chinese new year travel medication tips and healthy food recipes!

As we approach Chinese New Year, many of us in the Chinese community may have plans to travel abroad to see our friends and family. For those of us that are not travelling, we may be planning dinners and gatherings for our friends and family here in Canada.

In this month's blog, we will provide some useful tips on travel medications, as well as some healthy and tasty food recipes for the new year! Don't forget to visit our new website: www.mycustomcarepharmacy.ca for more info!

Travel medications:

For seniors covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) that are planning to travel for more than 3 months, it is best to talk to your pharmacist as early in your vacation planning as possible. This is because there are some government restrictions on dispensing vacation drugs supply under the ODB, depending on when you got the medications last and how much medication supply you have on hand.

For example, if you have just picked up 3-months supply of medications, you may NOT be able to get a 6-months supply for vacation. So make sure you talk to our pharmacists and we can help you plan out your re-fill schedule to ensure that you can receive the maximum travel supply of your medications. We will also help you fill out the required documentation confirming your travel plan.  At Custom Care Pharmacy, this service is of no charge to you.

Travel vaccines:

Talk to your doctor about getting the appropriate vaccines to prevent illness during your travel.  Some vaccines need to be administered 1-2 months prior to your travel. You may also consider getting an oral vaccine, Dukoral, to prevent travellers' diarrhea. These common vaccines are in stock at Custom Care Pharmacy.

Healthy and Tasty recipes:

Custom Care Pharmacy now carries zero-calories, zero sugar, zero carb dressings that can be used for preparing your meals. Below are 2 delicious recipes using the thick and spicy BBQ sauce.

Don't forget to RSVP for our FREE cooking demonstration event on JAN 31 2016 with famous weight loss Chef Dan Verati!2-4pm at Custom Care PharmacyCall 905-305-0111 to reserve your seat!  

Beef with Chinese Cabbage 

1 1/3 pounds ground beef extra lean
6 cups Chinese cabbage finely sliced
2 cups green peppers cut into pieces
1 teaspoon walden farms BBQ thick and spicy sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 bunch coriander chopped fine
6 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt to taste
cayenne pepper to taste

Heat the wok before adding oil and bring up to high heat. Add ground beef and cook until tender. Season with soy sauce. Salt and cayenne pepper.
Add BBQ sauce, simmer for 1 minute. Top with coriander.

Per serving: 356 calories, 21g Fat, 32 g protein, 10g carbohydrate

Szechuan-Style Turkey and Broccoli

1 1/2 pounds turkey breast cut into 1" cubes
6 cups broccoli flowerets blanched
2 cups green pepper
2 tablespoons garlic minced
2 tablespoons ginger shredded
1/3 cup Walden Farms BBQ Thick and Spicy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Combine BBQ sauce and soy sauce in small bowl. set aside. Heat oil in wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Add turkey and stir-fry 3 to 4 mins or until cooked through. Remove with slotted spoon.

Add oil, green onions, garlic and ginger to skillet. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Add broccoli and peppers. Stir-fry 3 minutes or until vegetables are crispy and tender. Add turkey and sauce mixture. Stir-fry approximately 1 minute or until sauce thickens.

Per serving: 373 calories, 18g Fat, 38g Protein, 15g Carbohydrate

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous chinese new year!