Packing a small travel pharmacy kit can help you handle minor issues and stay comfortable during your travels. Why Pack a Travel Pharmacy Kit?   When you’re away from home, it’s not always easy to find the right medicine right when you need it. A personalized kit with a few basic items can save you time, money, and stress—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time searching for a pharmacy. Must-Have Medications to Bring Pain Relief  Bring your go-to pain reliever—like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin. These can help with headaches, sore muscles, or minor aches. Cold & Allergy Relief  Travel can trigger allergies or colds. Helpful items include: Antihistamines (like Claritin or Zyrtec) for allergies Decongestants (like Sudafed) for stuffy noses Cough drops and cold meds (like DayQuil/NyQuil) for general relief Digestive Support  New foods or travel routines can upset your stomach. Pack: Antacids (like TUMS) for heartburn or indigestion Laxatives (like MiraLAX or Dulcolax) for constipation Anti-diarrheal meds (like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol) for tummy trouble Motion Sickness Relief  If you get queasy on boats, planes, or car rides, bring something like Dramamine or Bonine (meclizine) to help prevent nausea. Your Prescription Medications Pack enough for your entire trip plus a few extra days , just in case. Bring them in the original labeled bottles if possible, especially for flights or international travel. A pill organizer can make it easy to stay on schedule. Keep a written list of your current medications in case of emergency. Helpful Extras to Pack Sunscreen  (SPF 30 or higher) Aloe Vera Gel  for sunburn relief Insect Repellent  (look for one with DEET or picaridin) Band-aids  for small cuts or blisters Pro Tip:  Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag. If your checked luggage gets delayed or lost, you’ll still have the essentials with you. Small travel-sized containers or pill organizers help keep everything neat and easy to find.

When it comes to supporting men’s health, dietary supplements are often part of the conversation. From  Saw Palmetto  to  Vitamin D ,  omega-3 fatty acids , and  magnesium , these supplements are widely used—but are they truly effective? If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the supplement aisle wondering which ones are right for you, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the science, benefits, and potential risks behind some of the most popular supplements for men’s health. Men's Supplements don't need to be confusing or complicated. 🌴 Saw Palmetto: Prostate Health Support Saw Palmetto  is often marketed as a natural remedy for  benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) —a common condition in older men that leads to an enlarged prostate. ✅ Potential Benefits: May help manage symptoms of BPH (like frequent urination). Limited evidence suggests possible support for  sexual health  and  hair loss , but results are mixed. ⚠️ Side Effects to Watch: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea Dizziness, fatigue, nausea 🩸 Medication Interactions: If you're on  anticoagulants  (like warfarin) or  antiplatelets  (like clopidogrel), Saw Palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement. ☀️ Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D  plays a vital role in  bone and immune health . It helps your body absorb calcium, which keeps your bones strong and resilient. 💊 Dosing Tips: Available in strengths ranging from  400 IU to 5000 IU Recommended daily dose: 600 IU  for adults under 70 800 IU  for adults 70 and older 😊 Tolerability: Generally well-tolerated, but may cause  nausea or vomiting —taking it with food can help. Vitamin D is easy to find at any pharmacy and comes in various forms like tablets, gummies, and softgels. 🐟 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart Health Hero Commonly referred to as  fish oil , omega-3 fatty acids support  cardiovascular health  by lowering  triglyceride levels  and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. 🐠 Natural Food Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) Flaxseed Walnuts 💡 Supplement or Diet? While supplements are available both over the counter and by prescription, a  balanced diet  is still the best way to ensure you're getting enough omega-3s. Supplements can be a great add on for patients with high triglycerides.  🥬 Magnesium: The Quiet Essential Magnesium supports  muscle function, energy production , and  nerve health —yet many people don’t get enough from their diets. ⚠️ Signs of Deficiency: Fatigue or weakness Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting 🥗 Best Sources: Leafy greens (like spinach and kale) Nuts and seeds Whole grains If you're experiencing symptoms of low magnesium, supplements may help fill the gap—but consult your provider before starting. 🧴 What About Multivitamins? Multivitamins often include combinations of essential nutrients like  zinc, magnesium, vitamin D , and more. With so many options on the market, it helps to: Read labels  to understand what’s included Identify your personal health needs Avoid megadosing  unless prescribed Multivitamins can offer convenience, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choose a product that aligns with your health goals and dietary gaps. When in doubt ask your pharmacist.  🧠 Final Thoughts: Are Supplements Right for You? Supplements can be a helpful addition to your health routine—but they’re not magic bullets. Effectiveness varies from person to person, and some supplements may interact with medications or cause unwanted side effects. ✔️ Takeaways: Know  why  you're taking a supplement. Choose  quality products  from reputable brands. Talk to your  healthcare provider  before starting anything new. Your health is unique—and the best supplement plan is one that fits  your individual needs .   References  https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto

Summer is a season of sunshine, long walks, backyard barbecues, and plenty of outdoor fun. But as summer heats up, we need to take extra care to keep our families safe and healthy, including our pets. As your trusted pharmacy, we aren’t just here to fill your prescriptions—we’re dedicated to serving the whole family, including your furry companions.  Whether you’re planning your next outdoor adventure or relaxing in your backyard, these tips will help keep your pets cool, comfortable, and protected all summer long. Summer Health Risks for Pets Heatstroke and Dehydration Pets can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans. Dogs pant to cool down, and cats groom themselves, but both can quickly overheat on hot days. Watch for signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. ¹ Signs of heatstroke include: Excessive panting or drooling Bright red or pale gums Lethargy or collapse Vomiting or diarrhea Confusion or disorientation If you notice any of these signs, immediately move your pet to a cool area. Offer water (but don’t force them to drink), apply cool, wet towels, and contact your vet. Prevent heatstroke by keeping your pets cool and comfortable in the summer: Ensure pets have access to a cool, shaded area.¹ Avoid going on walks during the hottest part of the day. Instead, go on walks in the morning or later in the evening.¹ Ensure pets have cool drinking water available.¹ If your pet has a thicker coat, ensure they are regularly groomed as advised for their breed.¹ Stock up on electrolyte powders, pet-safe cooling mats, and hydration boosters to help keep your pet cool during the hottest days.   Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes thrive in warm weather and carry dangerous diseases. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms, while ticks may spread Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis.² Keep your pet protected whether you're hiking, walking in the park, or relaxing on the porch. Use vet-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives year-round. Inspect your pet after outdoor time, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Vacuum and wash bedding regularly. Treat your yard for pests (using pet-safe products).   Hot Surfaces It’s easy to forget how hot sidewalks and driveways can get during summer. A surface that feels warm to us may be scorching for your pet’s paws.   Not sure if the ground is too hot for your pet? Place your hand on the ground for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.³   Hydration and Nutrition Hydration is critical during summer. Dogs and cats can dehydrate quickly when it’s hot, especially during play or outdoor time. Signs of dehydration include: ⁴ Dry nose or gums Sunken eyes Lethargy Loss of skin elasticity Tips to keep pets hydrated: Provide multiple water bowls in shady or cool areas. Add ice cubes to water bowls. Use portable bowls or pet hydration packs when out and about. Feed moisture-rich foods like wet pet food or hydrating treats (in moderation). Adjusting feeding schedules may also help—many pets eat less in hot weather. Try feeding in the cooler morning or evening hours to maintain appetite and comfort.   Fireworks and Summer Events Fireworks may be fun, but loud noises from fireworks or parties can be scary for pets. Loud booms and flashing lights often cause panic, anxiety, and even injuries if pets try to escape. Keep your pets safe by: Keeping them indoors in a quiet, secure room.⁵ Creating a safe, quiet space with familiar toys and bedding.⁵ Using calming aids (natural chews, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps).⁵ Playing soft music or white noise to mask outdoor sounds.⁵ Ensuring their microchip and ID tags are up to date in case they bolt.⁵   Travel and Vacation Safety Planning a road trip or beach getaway? Make sure your pets are safe and comfortable on the go. Use a secured crate or seatbelt harness. Pack food, water, medications, and toys. Make frequent stops for bathroom and water breaks. Never let pets roam freely in the car. Never leave pets unattended in a car. On an 85°F day, a car can reach over 100°F in just 10 minutes. This can be fatal, even with windows cracked.⁶ If boarding, choose a reputable facility and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Or consider a pet sitter if your pet is more comfortable at home.   Water Safety Many pets enjoy water, but not all are natural swimmers. Pools, lakes, and beaches all carry risks—strong currents, pool chemicals, and drowning. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake, or beach with your pet, practice water safety: Supervise pets near any body of water. ⁷ Use pet life jackets for boating or swimming.⁷ Rinse off salt or chlorine after a swim.⁷   We believe pets are family, and their health matters as much as yours. Keeping your pet safe in the summer doesn't have to be complicated. A little planning, the right supplies, and advice from your trusted pharmacy can go a long way.     Sources: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats https://www.aspca.org/news/how-keep-your-pets-safe-during-flea-and-tick-season https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/ https://www.humaneanimalpartners.org/10-tips-for-keeping-pets-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks/ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pets-vehicles https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips

Like any medication, Statins have the potential to deplete your body of certain vitamins. This can be solved with supplements.

Whether you have recently started a new medication or have been taking one for a while, it’s important to fully understand the medication’s side effects, any interactions, and the proper instructions. To help you ask the right questions, continue reading! Any medication, whether it is a prescription, over-the-counter option, herbal/complementary therapy, or vitamins and supplements, can have unwanted side effects, called adverse effects.¹ Adverse effects may vary between each patient depending on weight, age, gender, general health, and the state of their disease. These adverse effects may also vary between mild, moderate, or severe.  Some common, mild adverse effects include: ·         Constipation ·         Skin rash ·         Diarrhea ·         Dry mouth ·         Headache ·         Nausea A few effects that are more serious include: ·         Suicidal thoughts ·         Abnormal heartbeat ·         Internal bleeding Make sure to discuss any potential side effects from your medications with your pharmacist, especially if you are taking other medications. You should always report new side effects to your pharmacist or primary care provider. What Should I Avoid While on this Medication? When starting a new medication, it is important to know if it has any potential interactions with any other medications you are taking, food, alcohol, or even sunlight exposure. According to MedlinePlus.org , “A drug interaction is a change in the way a drug acts in the body when taken with certain other drugs, foods, or supplements or when taken while you have certain medical conditions.” A few of these examples include: ² ·         Aspirin and blood thinners ·         Statins and grapefruit ·         Gingko and blood thinners ·         Aspirin and peptic ulcers Certain Medications and Certain Foods Some foods are best to avoid when taking certain medications, as it may reduce or increase the effectiveness of the medication or cause other side effects. Certain vitamins and supplements, including essential oils, may also interact with medications. Alcohol Another harmful drug interaction includes drinking alcohol while taking medication. Most medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, include a warning on the label indicating not to consume alcohol while taking this medication. Mixing alcohol with medications may cause mild to severe side effects such as: ⁴ ·         Nausea and vomiting ·         Headaches ·         Drowsiness ·         Fainting ·         Loss of coordination ·         Internal bleeding ·         Heart problems ·         Breathing difficulties ·         Increased risk for overdose ·         Memory problems Alcohol may also make your medication less effective or cause the medication to become toxic or harmful to your body. Some medications, such as cough medicine or laxatives, may contain up to 10% alcohol and when mixed with alcoholic beverages, may become extremely dangerous. Even if you don’t consume the medication and alcohol at the same time, medication is designed to stay in your system, meaning it may still be around by the time you decide to take a drink. Sun Exposure Did you know that some medications may cause adverse effects when you are exposed to sunlight? Photosensitivity is a chemically induced change in the skin due to certain ingredients in medications. This chemical change may cause sunburn-like symptoms, rash, or other unwanted side effects and may appear days after sun exposure or right away. A few examples of medications that may cause sun sensitivity include: ³ ·         Antibiotics ·         Oral contraceptives ·         Retinoids ·         Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes Not everyone who takes these medications may experience photosensitivity, but it is good to ask your pharmacist if it is a possible side effect. How Do I Take This Medication? When talking to your pharmacist about your medication, you should ask them how to administer it, how long to take it, the time of day to take it, whether to take it with or without food, and how much to take. Administration Taking medications correctly and understanding the right way to administer them can help reduce risks and possible further problems. There are many different ways to administer medications. Some common ways include: ⁵ ·         Inhalable:  breathed in through a tube or mask ·         Intravenous:  injected in a vein or IV line ·         Nasal:  given into the nose by spray or pump ·         Oral:  swallowed by mouth ·         Rectal:  inserted into the rectum ·         Sublingual:  held under the tongue ·         Transdermal:  given through a patch placed on the skin The type of administration depends on the part of the body that is being treated, how the drug works within the body, and the formula. Duration Each medication comes with different instructions on how long to continue a medication. Some prescriptions will say to continue a medication until symptoms go away, some have specific time periods (e.g. take once a day for 2 weeks), and others note to take as needed. Time of Day Taking medication at night versus in the morning can make a huge difference. Some medications are prescribed to be taken at night because they contain ingredients that may cause drowsiness, while others may have beneficial effects if taken in the morning. With or Without Food Knowing whether or not to take your medication with food is important for a few reasons. It may help ease side effects such as upset stomach or nausea if you take your medication during a meal. Taking medication on an empty stomach may help with absorption of the drug, as the presence of food may reduce the absorption in the body. Dosage Amount Taking the correct amount of medication is important to avoid a potential overdose. In contrast, if not taking enough of the medication, it may not work properly and produce the desired results. Other Ways We Can Help We are here to be more than just your place to get prescriptions. We are your source for trusted healthcare! We offer services to help you understand your medications and stay on track. Talk to us today about how we can help you! Also, as an additional resource, Drugs.com  ⁶ offers a full library of medications, symptoms, interactions, and more. Sources 1.      https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323485 2.      https://medlineplus.gov/drugreactions.html 3.      https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/sun-and-your-medicine 4.      https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines#:~:text=You've%20probably%20seen%20this,problems%2C%20and%20difficulties%20in%20breathing . 5.      https://www.healthline.com/health/administration-of-medication 6.      https://www.drugs.com/

World Immunization Week is April 24-30. Learn about different vaccinations and why it's important to stay protected against these diseases.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a gastrointestinal condition that causes recurrent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort in association with increased or decreased bowel habits. Watch the video to learn more!

National Public Health Week is April 7-13. During this week, we want to take a moment to highlight some information that will keep you safe.

We are now officially in spring, which means it’s time to take stock, clear out, and get rid of things that no longer serve us. When thinking about things cluttering your countertops, bathrooms, or medicine cabinets, a perfect place to start is checking your over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions. But before we get there… Why is it important to clear out our medicine cabinets? Peace of Mind Many of us have the tendency to keep things around “just in case” or to over-purchase when items go on sale. If we’re not careful, this inevitably means these medications will expire no matter how well-intentioned we may have been in saving money or thinking ahead in the first place. Taking stock of what we have and use frequently can help us make room for things we need. It also doesn’t hurt to get rid of things to reduce clutter: a win-win!   Safety Keeping around expired medications or medications you no longer take may not seem like a huge deal, but the repercussions of accidentally taking an expired medication or one you shouldn’t be taking in the first place can be serious and have major negative effects. An easy way to know when you should get rid of medicines: 1.       Your doctor changes your prescription, but you have some left over 2.       You are no longer sick, and your doctor says you should stop taking the medication 3.       The over-the-counter medications you have you no longer use or need 4.       The medications are expired 3   How to safely dispose of medications? Do NOT flush MOST medications While flushing medicines is an easy option, it is not always a safe option. Medications contain elements like hard-to-break-down chemicals that negatively impact the environment, polluting water resources, and affecting fish and other aquatic life. These chemicals can also end up in your drinking water, affecting your local community. 4 There are, however, exceptions to be aware of. The FDA has a comprehensive list of medications that can be flushed because they are “sought-after for their misuse and/or abuse potential” and “that can result in death from one dose if inappropriately taken. If children, adults, or pets in your home accidentally or intentionally ingest, touch, misuse, or abuse a medicine on the flush list, they can suffer serious consequences including death.” 5 A full list of medications that can be flushed can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines#FlushListLinks Take advantage of drug take-back programs Twice a year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day nationwide. On April 26th, participating pharmacies are accepting unused prescription medications on-site, but many accept medications all year. During the last National Take Back Day on October 26, 2024: 4,425 law enforcement participated, there were a total of 4,644 collection sites, and a total of 629,953 pounds of medications collected. 1 2     Give us a call today to see how we can help you safely dispose of your prescriptions!   Long-term Solutions: Keeping on top of your medications Yearly taking stock of your medicine cabinets is a great way to consistently check what you use, what you need to repurchase, and what you need to dispose of. But what if you could have a better long-term system in place?   Medication Reviews Sitting down with a pharmacist and reviewing your medications is a great way to mitigate any unnecessary medication interactions, causing an excess of unneeded and unused medicines cluttering your counters and shelves. Your pharmacist can make sure that all your medications are working for you as they should as well as checking to see if there are any areas of improvement, such as adding or subtracting over-the-counter vitamins and supplements.   Medication Compliance Packaging and Med Sync Services A great way to cut down on pill bottle clutter overall is to take advantage of any medication packaging and med sync services the pharmacy can provide. This can mean compiling your medication into one easy-to-use packaging system that indicates time and day, decreasing the chance of missed doses; downsizing the number of containers to take when you’re traveling; and eliminating the need to sort pills. Medication synchronization services can also decrease the number of times you have to stop at the pharmacy to pick up your meds. This not only saves you time, gas, and energy, it also can help simplify and, in a sense, declutter your to-do list. Get in touch today to see how our services can make your life simpler! Sources: 1-      https://www.dea.gov/takebackday 2-      https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/NTBI27%20Totals.pdf 3-      https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000943.htm 4-      https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000943.htm 5-      https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines

Let's talk about nutrition!

Patient Safety Week is March 9-15. It is crucial to prevent avoidable harm during healthcare treatment. Take a moment to learn about important medication information and ways to stay safe.

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining good health and proper bodily function. Every 30 minutes, they work to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. Additionally, they help regulate blood pressure, signal the production of red blood cells, keep bones healthy, and balance blood chemicals vital for life. ¹  According to the National Library of Medicine in an online article titled, Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Diet for a Reduction in the Severity of the Disease, “About thirty-seven million US adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is more than one in seven. Even more astonishing, nine in ten adults do not know they have the disease, and half of the adults with little kidney function who are not on dialysis are unaware they have CKD.” ²  CKD often goes undiagnosed due to lack of apparent symptoms. How to check your kidney health: Understanding how your kidneys function is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle that meets your specific needs. Regular physical exams can help detect any signs of kidney disease by checking various indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, swelling, pain, and skin changes. These exams can sometimes reveal subtle symptoms of kidney issues. It is recommended to have a physical exam every 1-2 years if you are between 20 and 50 years old, and annually if you are over 60. If you suspect that something might be wrong with your kidney function, you can ask your primary care doctor for a urine test. Be alert for symptoms such as foamy or bubbly urine, blood in the urine, swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or face, excessive fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs, itching or rashes, and anemia caused by a low red blood cell count. ³  Keep in mind that these symptoms could also indicate different underlying conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have a medical condition or a family history of kidney disease, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring, including blood pressure checks and urine tests during your office visits. Early detection of kidney disease can help slow or prevent the progression to kidney failure. Who is at risk? Certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits can make individuals more at risk for CDK. This includes: ³ Type 1 or 2 diabetes High blood pressure Inherited kidney disease (polycystic) Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract (kidney stones, enlarged prostate and some cancers) Recurrent kidney infection Conditions that cause kidney inflammation Heart disease Smoking Obesity Older age Frequent use of medications that damage the kidneys Alcoholism What if I have or am at risk for kidney disease? If you discover that you have kidney disease or are at risk due to conditions affecting your kidneys, there are habits you can adopt to promote kidney health, such as following the renal diet. The renal diet is specifically designed for individuals with kidney disease. Before diving into the details of the renal diet, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you do not have kidney disease but have a condition that impacts your kidneys. They can help you determine whether this diet would be beneficial for you. However, if you do not have kidney disease or any related conditions, the renal diet is not recommended, as it restricts certain nutrients that are essential for your overall health. What is the renal diet? A renal diet aims to decrease the amount of waste in the blood by limiting sodium, phosphorus, and protein intake. Individuals with compromised kidney function have difficulty removing these waste products from their blood, so reducing specific nutrients in their diet can help preserve kidney function. Additionally, some patients may also need to limit their intake of potassium and calcium. ⁴  Since each person's body is unique, it is essential for each patient to collaborate with a renal dietitian to create a diet tailored to their specific needs. Key points about the renal diet: ⁴ Limit processed foods and limit sodium intake to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack.  Restrict milk and dairy products to a total of 8 oz per day.  Limit potassium-rich foods, including fish, citrus juices, beans, spinach, potatoes, bananas, and avocados.  Manage protein intake according to the stage of CKD you are currently in.  Fluid control is crucial for individuals in the later stages of CKD. Only drink the amount that your doctor recommends, including any food that can melt at room temperature and fluids used in cooking.  Avoid high-phosphorus foods, such as meat, fast food, seeds, milk, canned fish, cola, and cheese.  Focus on fresh, high-quality whole foods, including lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're unsure where to begin, consider starting a food journal. Make it a habit to pay close attention to food labels, and work with your doctor and renal dietitian to understand the specific portions and dietary recommendations tailored to your unique needs and the stage of CKD you are in. What about vitamins and supplements? When following a renal diet or taking medications for CKD, you may need to add vitamins to your daily routine to compensate for any deficiencies in your diet. It's important to avoid herbal remedies and over-the-counter nutritional supplements unless your healthcare provider or CKD dietitian recommends them. Below is a list of vitamins that you may need to take, as well as those that should be avoided. Recommended Supplements ⁵ Depending on your health and other factors, your healthcare provider may recommend the following vitamins: B Complex:  works to help prevent anemia Other B Vitamins:   thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin  may assist your body in converting food into usable energy. Iron:  If you are taking a medication to prevent anemia, you may need to add an iron supplement. Only take iron if your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. Vitamin C:  Supports healthy tissue and promotes faster healing from wounds, bruises and infections. Since the renal diet lacks nutrients, your healthcare provider may recommend this. Vitamin D:  Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones. Your healthcare provider may prescribe this to you in the later stages of CKD. You should only take this supplement if your healthcare provider tells you to. Supplements to Avoid ⁵ Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, D and K: These vitamins are likely to do more harm than good by building up in your body which can cause issues over time. If you are living with CKD, the renal diet may be beneficial for you. If you have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and stay informed about the vitamins you should include in your diet. You can find high-quality vitamins at your local pharmacy. Don’t hesitate to ask our pharmacy team how we can support your health journey. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/about/index.html https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8467342/#B1-nutrients-13-03277 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521#:~:text=Generally%2C%20earlier%20stages%20are%20known%20as%201,urinating%20either%20too%20much%20or%20too%20little . https://nephcure.org/managing-rkd/diet-and-nutrition/renal-diet/ https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/vitamins-and-minerals-chronic-kidney-disease