The lifetime risk of heart failure has increased to 24%; approximately 1 in 4 people will develop heart failure in their lifetime.

If you recently have been diagnosed with a heart disease or experienced a heart attack, you may have been prescribed some medications to treat symptoms, such as hypertension, blood clotting, arrhythmia, chest pain, high cholesterol, and more. It’s important to understand why you have been prescribed certain medications and how those medications work. Anticoagulants Anticoagulants are medications used to prevent the forming of blood clots in the bloodstream and may prevent clots from becoming larger. While anticoagulants are commonly referred to as “blood thinners”, these medications do not thin the blood, nor do they completely stop blood from clotting. Patients taking anticoagulant medication may experience wounds that take longer to stop bleeding due to the medication’s anticoagulating effects.¹ Commonly Prescribed Blood Thinners² Apixaban (Eliquis)  Dabigatran (Pradaxa) Edoxaban (Savaysa) Heparin Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) Warfarin (Coumadin) Antiplatelets are a group of anticoagulants that work to prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming a blood clot. Antiplatelets are more suitable for patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke due to narrowing of blood vessels. ¹ Commonly Prescribed Antiplatelet Agents² Aspirin Clopidogrel (Plavix) Dipyridamole (Persantine) Prasugrel (Effient) Ticagrelor (Brilinta) ACE inhibitors Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are medications that help relax the veins and arteries by widening blood vessels to lower blood pressure, reducing the workload of the heart. ACE inhibitors are commonly used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms in conditions such as: hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and more. ³ Commonly Prescribed ACE Inhibitors² Benazepril (Lotensin) Captopril (Capoten) Enalapril (Vasotec) Fosinopril (Monopril) Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) Moexipril (Univasc) Perindopril (Aceon) Quinapril (Accupril) Ramipril (Altace) Trandolapril (Mavik)  Angiotensin II receptor blockers Used to treat high blood pressure, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs, block the chemical angiotensin II from narrowing blood vessels. As a result, the medication relaxes and widens blood vessels to lower blood pressure. ARBs are commonly used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and kidney failure.⁴ Commonly Prescribed ARBs² Azilsartan (Edarbi) Candesartan (Atacand) Eprosartan (Teveten) Irbesartan (Avapro) Losartan (Cozaar) Olmesartan (Benicar) Telmisartan (Micardis) Valsartan (Diovan) Beta blockers Beta blockers are medications used to treat high blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine. This slows heart rate and causes the heart to beat with less force. This helps lower blood pressure and improves blood flow by widening veins and arteries. Beta blockers are commonly used to treat high blood pressure when other medications have not worked and are used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms in conditions, such as: arrhythmia, heart failure, chest pain, heart attacks, and more.⁵ Commonly Prescribed Beta Blockers² Acebutolol (Sectral) Atenolol (Tenormin) Betaxolol (Kerlone) Bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac) Bisoprolol (Zebeta) Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) Nadolol (Corgard) Propranolol (Inderal) Sotalol (Betapace) Calcium channel blockers Calcium causes the heart and arteries to squeeze strongly. To lower blood pressure, calcium channel blockers stop calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen. Calcium channel blockers can also slow heart rate, further lowering blood pressure. In addition to treating high blood pressure, calcium channel blockers are commonly used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease, chest pain, arrhythmia, and blood vessel conditions.⁶ Commonly Prescribed Calcium Blockers² Amlodipine (Norvasc) Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac) Felodipine (Plendil) Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) Nimodipine (Nimotop) Nisoldipine (Sular) Verapamil (Calan, Verelan) Cholesterol-lowering medications Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance found in your blood. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol can lead to fatty buildups in your arteries, increasing the risk for heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. To decrease “bad cholesterol” and increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol”, your healthcare provider may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication. Commonly Prescribed Cholesterol-Lowering Medications Statins² Satins are prescribed to decrease “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that increases the risk of heart disease. Statins may also increase “good cholesterol.”⁷ Commonly prescribed statins include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Fluvastatin (Lescol) Lovastatin (Mevacor) Pitavastatin (Livalo) Pravastatin (Pravachol) Rosuvastatin (Crestor) Simvastatin (Zocor) Nicotinic Acids² Niacin is prescribed to decrease “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides, while also increasing “good cholesterol.”⁷ Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors² Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia), are prescribed to decrease “bad cholesterol” and slightly decrease triglycerides. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors may also increase “good cholesterol.”⁷ Combination Statin and Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors² Combination statin and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin), are prescribed to decrease “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides, while also increasing “good cholesterol.”⁷ Drug and Supplement Interactions Many herbal supplements may interact with medications used to treat heart and blood vessel conditions. Below are some common herbal supplement and drug interactions:⁸ COQ-10  may lessen how well warfarin works and further lower blood pressure if you also take a medication to treat high blood pressure.⁸ Danshen  may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and digoxin (Lanoxin).⁸ Evening primrose, garlic, ginkgo biloba  may increase your risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin.⁸ Ginseng  may lessen how well warfarin works.⁸ Hawthorn  may interact with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and digoxin.⁸   If you are taking a prescription, heart-related or not, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare team (including our pharmacy team!) before making any major change in diet or supplementation. Your healthcare team can evaluate what may best fit your needs, check for interactions, and more.   If you have any questions about your medication regimen, it is encouraged to consult your healthcare team, including your pharmacist. As your pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care, beyond just dispensing medications. We are here to address your questions and concerns and support your unique healthcare needs.   Sources 1.      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279433/ 2.      https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-medications   3.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/ace-inhibitors/art-20047480 4.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/angiotensin-ii-receptor-blockers/art-20045009#:~:text=Angiotensin%202%20receptor%20blockers%20stop,Valsartan%20(Diovan) . 5.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522 6.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/calcium-channel-blockers/art-20047605 7.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958 8.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046488

If you or someone you know is on Medicare, you might have heard about the changes taking place this year. But first, let’s take a dive into what Medicare is.   What is Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance that is offered to adults who are 65 or older. There are four main parts to the insurance program which include: ¹ Part A – covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home healthcare Part B – covers outpatient care like diagnosis and treatment at a doctor’s office, and preventive services like vaccines and wellness visits Part C – also known as Medicare Advantage, a bundled plan that includes parts A, B, and sometimes D Part D – covers prescription medications Seniors become eligible for Medicare 3 months before their 65th birthday and have up to 3 months after their 65th birthday to enroll. There are some special cases where individuals will automatically be enrolled into Part A and Part B, for example, if they are already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. ² During the initial enrollment period, seniors can choose a plan that best fits their needs for that time being. Each year, those who are already enrolled in a plan can make changes to their current plan during a time period called Open Enrollment. During this time between October 15 and December 7, it is important to review your current plan, current medications, and evaluate other plan options to see if you can find better coverage or even save money. ³ Remember, if your plan works for you now, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you next year.   New Changes to Medicare Beginning this year in 2025, there are seven big changes to Medicare that you need to be aware of.   1. Prescription Spending Cap. For the first time in history, Medicare Part D and drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans will have a cap on out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs of $2,000. This cap includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for covered drugs. It does not apply to premiums or to drugs a plan doesn’t cover. ⁴   2. No Part-D "Donut Hole" A major change to Medicare is the removal of coverage gap, often called the "donut hole." Before 2025, coverage had four phases that included deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic coverage. The deductible coverage phase meant you had to pay the full cost of your drugs until you met your deductible up to $545, then pay copayments until you and your plan spend $5,030 on covered medications bringing you into the donut hole. In the donut hole, plans pay less for drugs, especially brand-names, and you may pay more out-of-pocket for the same meds than in the initial coverage phase. Catastrophic coverage did not begin until $8,000 was reached. ⁴ However, in 2025, the deductible for Part D plans can be up to $590, then you will pay copayments out-of-pocket for medications until the $2,000 cap is reached. ⁴ Once this cap is reached, you enter the catastrophic coverage where the plan pays the entirety of covered prescriptions for the remainder of the year, meaning you pay nothing.   3. Weight Loss Drugs Drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss are prohibited from being covered by Medicare. However, Part D plans can cover popular weight loss drugs if they are prescribed for other purposes like Ozempic and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. ⁴ Another popular approved drug is Wegovy prescribed to those with cardiovascular disease who are also overweight. According to Diane Omdahl, it is estimated that those with obesity or who are overweight could be eligible for Wegovy to help reduce the risk of serious heart disease. ⁴ This drug is likely to come at a high cost, but with the new $2,000 cap, those on Part D will greatly benefit.   4. Medicare Advantage Coverage In 2025, Medicare Advantage plans may make changes to help cover their additional expenses. These changes may include changes to the formulary (the list of covered drugs), reduce out-of-pocket maximums, increase coinsurance, or reduce extra benefits. ⁴ As an example, if you have a dental benefit, it may be less generous than it has been in the past.   5. Midyear Medicare Advantage Plan Statement If you selected a Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive a midyear statement that shows available benefits that have not yet been used. Plans are required to send these statements to ensure enrollees are using their plan to the fullest extent possible.   6. Caregiver Services Expansion The program for patients with dementia and their caregivers, called Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), will be serving more of the country this year than it did in 2024. This program provides: ⁴ 24/7 support Care navigator to find medical services & assistance Caregiver training Up to $2,500 a year for at home, overnight, or adult day-care respite services. GUIDE began with 96 initial organizations, and in July of this year, 294 more will join. These organizations include academic medical centers, hospitals, small and large group practices, and community-based organizations already providing programs for dementia patients. For a participant to qualify for the GUIDE program, they must be enrolled in Original Medicare and have a dementia diagnosis. Those in hospice or nursing homes are not eligible. ⁴   7. More Mental Health Providers As of 2022, only 20 percent of adults 65 and older reported they used mental health services. However, if additional access to these services were available, those numbers may be affected. Mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or addiction counselors were unable to bill Medicare before 2024, because they were not allowed to enroll as Medicare providers. Now, more than 400,000 behavioral health clinicians nationwide are eligible to enroll in the Medicare program, including telehealth providers. ⁴   As you look back on the past year and onto this year, it is crucial to fully understand your Medicare plan. You can find and compare health and drug plans on the Medicare website, medicare.gov/plan-compare , or you can sit down with your trusted pharmacist who knows your health concerns and current medications. It is also a good idea to review all your medications at least once a year, or when you get a new prescription. If you would like to have an in-depth conversation about Medicare, we encourage you to reach out to Senior ChoiceRx, our preferred Medicare insurance agency .   Sources 1.      https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medicare-advantage-part-d-2025-changes-costs 2.      https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11220-your-yearly-medicare-review.pdf 3.      https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-medicare-and-you.pdf 4.      https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-changes-coming-in-2025.html

There are many weight loss options available—make sure you evaluate all your options, and talk to your trusted pharmacist with any questions!

It is that time of year again when the days are shorter, the weather is colder, and you start to feel gloomy. We all understand the reason behind the shorter days and colder weather, but why do you feel sadder or even depressed in the winter? It could be due to a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD for short. Ironic name, isn’t it?   What is SAD? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to the change of seasons and lack of sunlight during the winter months. ¹ People with SAD may even feel depressed during other seasons of the year when it is rainy or cloudy, and on rare occasions, SAD may occur in the spring or early summer. To better understand exactly what SAD is, it is important to know what causes it and what it may look like.   What Causes SAD? There have been many causes of SAD observed and researched over the years; however, researchers are still determining these causes. Studies have indicated that those who have SAD are more likely to have reduced levels of serotonin, a vitamin D deficiency, and a disruption of melatonin levels. ² Serotonin:  This chemical, which is responsible for regulating mood, has reduced levels in those who experience SAD. Sunlight has been shown to play a role in serotonin levels, but with shorter daylight hours in the winter, serotonin levels may decrease. Vitamin D Deficiency:  This vitamin may help promote serotonin activity and is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. With less sunlight during the day, a vitamin D deficiency may occur. Melatonin:  This hormone is responsible for maintaining the normal sleep-wake cycle in the body. People who experience winter-pattern SAD may produce too much of this hormone which may increase sleepiness, leading to oversleeping.   Symptoms of SAD There are many symptoms of SAD ranging from mild to severe as the season progresses. Here are some symptoms to look out for as the seasons change: ³ Feeling sad or down most of the day, nearly every day Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed Sleeping too much Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty Thoughts of death or suicide Appetite changes leading to weight gain Tiredness and low energy It is normal to have down days, but if you experience any of these symptoms for days at a time, talk to your healthcare provider. Knowing and understanding these symptoms, along with speaking to your healthcare provider or mental health specialist, may help prevent a devastating outcome.   Who is Affected by SAD? Just like normal feelings, SAD can affect men and women of all ages. It is estimated that millions of Americans experience SAD, and many may not even know they have it. ² Among those millions of Americans, some individuals are more likely to experience the disorder than others.   Age, Sex, & Geography Age, sex, and geography all play a role in who is affected by SAD. It is common for the disorder to begin in young adulthood, with women experiencing it more often than men. ² Not only do age and sex play a factor, but also geographical area. People who live further north or further south of the equator are at a higher risk of SAD due to decreased sunlight during the winter season. ³   High-Risk Individuals Just like other disorders, some people with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of developing SAD than others. Those individuals include people who have: ² Family history of SAD Low vitamin D throughout other seasons Major depression Bipolar disorder Other mental disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, or schizophrenia   Prevention & Treatment Although there is no known prevention, taking action prior to the fall and winter months may help you manage the symptoms of SAD and prevent them from worsening over time. Some individuals have found it helpful to start treatment earlier, before symptoms occur and continue when the symptoms would normally ease, while others need continuous treatment to prevent the symptoms from returning. ³ There are various practices for effective treatment including light therapy, antidepressant medications, mood-boosting supplements, therapy, or a combination of these. Light Therapy:  involves sitting in front of a light therapy box, specifically designed to emit bright light and filter out harmful UV rays. Typically, this treatment takes 20 minutes or more per day and is commonly used first thing in the morning. Most people see improvements within the first couple weeks of beginning the treatment. ⁴ If you don’t have access to a light therapy box, try sitting near a sunny window or spending time outside if the weather allows. Medications/Supplements:  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are common antidepressants used to help treat SAD. Taking a vitamin D supplement or other mood-boosting supplements may also help boost your mood and support healthy vitamin D levels in the body. Therapy:  psychotherapy specifically may help treat SAD by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving. Focusing on changing unhelpful thoughts and actions may improve depressive and anxious feelings. This may include engaging in pleasant indoor or outdoor activities to refocus lost interests. ²   If you experience SAD symptoms during the fall and winter months, or maybe never noticed but fit the categories for being at risk, try the preventative measures mentioned and seek treatment if necessary. If you feel worsening or severe depression or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact your healthcare provider immediately for proper support. You can also use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  which provides 24/7, free and confidential support. ⁴         Sources: 1.      https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression/SAD 2.      https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder 3.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 4.      https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder

Do you know your breast cancer facts from your myths? Everyone should know what to watch for (yes, you too, men!) to have the best chance of fighting breast cancer!

Wondering if your bowel issues are something you ate or something more serious? Learn more about Chron's and Ulcerative Colitis in our newest clinical tidbit .

Did you know that many people are at risk of diabetes without knowing it? Learn how to watch for prediabetes and diabetes, as well as how to manage your lifestyle with either condition, in our latest clinical tidbit.

Prescription medications play a crucial role in maintaining our health and wellbeing. Incorporating a balanced diet, considering targeted supplementation, and consulting with your healthcare provider can help ensure you maintain optimal nutritional health while benefiting from your medications.  GLP-1 medications are among the latest advancements in diabetes and weight loss management, and include medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. While they offer significant benefits, it's important to be aware of potential nutrient deficiencies that may arise during treatment. As these medications work to regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight management, it may impact your body’s absorption of essential nutrients. Adequate protein intake, along with vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and calcium intake is particularly important when using GLP-1 medications.  Protein Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system. It also helps you feel fuller for longer, making it a great ally for weight management. Enhance your diet with high protein foods while taking a GLP-1, such as eggs, dairy, nuts, beans, chicken, or fish. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and DNA production. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in foods such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. It is also available as a dietary supplement as vitamin B12 or included in a multivitamin. Vitamin D Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut. This helps maintain bone and muscle health. Vitamin D is found in a few foods such as fortified milk and fish. Most vitamin D is produced by your body in response to sunlight. It is also available as two different types of dietary supplements, Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Both forms are equally effective at improving vitamin D deficiency.  Iron Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells and muscle cells, and energy production. Sources of iron include meat, fish, and beans. Iron supplements are available over the counter. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if you need to take iron supplements as too much iron can also be bad for your health. Calcium Calcium is an important mineral that can help with bones, your heart, muscles, and nerves. Calcium is present in many foods in our diet including dairy, dark leafy greens, fish, and fortified foods. There are several types of calcium supplements available over the counter including calcium citrate and calcium carbonate.  Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which supplements are right for you. Also consider including foods high in these essential nutrients into your diet. Taking these proactive steps can help you maintain optimal nutritional health while benefiting from your medications. Looking for supplements to fill in any gaps? Get 15% off your first order from Blue Sky Vitamin! Sources:  https://www.healthline.com/health-news/nutrient-deficiency-risk-wegovy-zepbound   https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/   https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.cowles-proxy.drake.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=912#mechanismOfAction   https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iron-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/description/drg-20070148

The outside of your body is just as important as the inside, with your skin being the first line of defense against the world. Your skin not only protects you but can also provide clues to your overall health, which is why you should always take good care of your skin. What Does Your Skin Protect You From? While we know that our skin is a barrier against the outside world, what exactly is it protecting us from on a daily basis?¹ Environment Your skin helps to protect you and keep you safe from a variety of different environmental factors. It helps to regulate body temperature and protect against excessive heat and cold, along with the sun’s rays. The melanin in your skin is the first line of defense against the sun, with higher melanin content providing greater protection.²  Infection If you happen to scrap your knee or are healing from surgery, don’t worry because your skin helps to protect and heal you from certain wounds you may get. It helps to heal itself by working with other parts of your body to go through the different stages of wound healing, which allows your body to help fight off germs and any other infections that may arise.³ Chemicals Your skin also helps to protect you against harmful chemicals in the air or that you may happen to encounter. There is a tough outer lay called the “stratum corneum” which acts a barrier that prevents deeper absorption of most chemicals. This layer of skin creates a waterproof like seal that helps to repel these substances.¹¹ How To Keep Skin Healthy Even though your skin does a good job at protecting you, there are ways that you can help yourself and your skin stay healthy. Treat your skin gently You should always make sure to treat your skin gently, since daily cleansing and shaving can often take a toll on your skin. With some ways to be gentler with your skin being: Limiting your time in hot water, as that can remove essential oils from your skin Avoid harsh soaps and perfumes. Pat your skin dry after being in water, since this allows your skin to retain some moisture.¹² Protect your skin from the sun Protecting your skin against the sun can not only help protect you from those painful red sunburns, but help to keep your skin healthy.⁴ Some ways to help prevent damage from the sun would be: Wear sunscreen even if it isn’t sunny outside, and make sure to get the correct type or your skin. Wear clothing that blocks UV rays. Don’t use your vitamin D deficiency as an excuse to go out unprotected in the sun, you can always get a vitamin D supplement from a local pharmacy if needed. Avoid tanning beds, since they expose you to excessive UV radiation in a small period and can have irreversible effects. Manage stress Stress has effects on your whole body, but did you know that stress can affect your skin as well? It can cause a chemical response in your skin that makes it more sensitive and reactive. It can cause skin issues to flare up such as psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema, and make these flare-ups slower to heal. There are ways that you can help keep skin healthy, even when you’re stressed:   Don’t neglect your skin. Taking care of your skin and establishing a solid skincare routine can help keep your skin healthy and happy. Take time for yourself, even if it is just ten minutes to read a book or take a bath, do something that helps to relax you. Get enough sleep every single night. This can help to lower your stress levels Know that you can set limits and boundaries when you’re feeling stressed. It is okay to say no when you’re not feeling well.⁵ Eat a healthy diet What you eat every day can affect your whole body, but especially your skin. Our bodies rely on proper hydration and a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and protein to function. ⁶  If you aren’t getting the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs, then your skin and body won’t function the same. To ensure you’re eating a healthy diet full of essential nutrients, you should:⁷ Follow the recommended portions for fruits and vegetables in every single meal. Cut down on processed foods. These can cause issues with your body and skin. Drink the recommended amount of water for your body weight every day.⁸ Avoid smoking and drinking Alcohol and tobacco are substances that you should avoid if you want to have healthy skin, as they can have adverse side effects. If you drink alcohol regularly, then you may experience a variety of side effects. Short term effects include dry skin and flushing of the skin, or your skin taking on more of a red tint. The long-term side effects are an increased risk of skin infections and skin cancer due to the prolonged alcohol use weakening your immune system.⁹  Regular tobacco smokers may experience different effects, such as yellowing of the fingers and nails, and discoloration of the teeth in the short term.  Long-term tobacco use may lead to dry skin, uneven skin pigmentation, baggy eyes, a saggy jawline, and deeper wrinkles and furrows on your skin. ¹⁰ Your skin is a vital organ and the largest organ that you have, and you should always try to take care of it. No matter your age, there are always little things that you can do to take better care of your skin!   Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279255/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000125.htm#:~:text=Melanin%20protects%20skin%20from%20the,tanned%20cells%20are%20sloughed%20off . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534261/ https://healthmatters.nyp.org/6-tips-to-protect-your-skin-from-the-sun/ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate https://akronmohs.com/blog/diet-and-skincare-how-big-an-impact-does-diet-have-on-your-skins-health/ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcoholic-skin#long-term-effects https://www.aocd.org/page/Smoking   https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html#:~:text=How%20fast%20the%20skin%20absorbs,the%20lower%20layers%20of%20skin https://www.cutislaserclinics.com/blog/take-it-easy-5-ways-to-be-gentle-on-your-skin/#:~:text=While%20these%20things%20help%2C%20it,get%20clearer%20and%20healthier%20skin .

We all age, so it's important that we all know what types of preventative care we should keep on our radar as we do so we can stay in tip-top shape for as long as possible!

Some say your senior years are the best years: your children are grown, grandchildren are in the picture, and you get to spend countless hours with your close friends doing the things you love. But you may be wondering, how can you stay healthy as you age so you can enjoy all these wonderful things?   What Can I Do? Your health should always be a priority, no matter your age. However, older adults need to pay closer attention to their health to help them live a happy, healthy, independent life. Follow these healthy aging tips to help get you on the right track!   Get Vaccinated Staying up to date on your vaccinations can help protect yourself   and those around you from life-threatening disease and illness. Since older adults are more likely to get certain diseases, your pharmacist or doctor may recommend receiving specific vaccinations as you get older. Below are a few vaccines they might suggest: ¹ COVID-19 Flu (high-dose or adjuvanted) RSV Pneumococcal Shingles The vaccines you should receive depend on your age. Starting at age 50, it is suggested you receive a shingles vaccine to avoid painful rashes caused by the shingles virus. At age 60, getting your RSV vaccine can help protect you and your loved ones, especially babies and young children, from respiratory illness. Once you reach age 65, vaccinating against pneumococcal disease can help prevent pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. ² It is also encouraged to get your flu shot every year, and your Td vaccine every 10 years once you’ve received your Tdap vaccine. When you get vaccinated, you are protecting more than just yourself – you also help protect those around you! Those that have weakened immune systems or long-term health issues are often not able to receive the same vaccines as the rest of us. Doing your part and getting vaccinated can help protect them too.   Prioritize Physical Health Staying active as you age is a great way to keep your body in good working order. Physical activity helps to increase mobility, prevent falls, and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Not only that, but it can give your brain a boost! Endurance exercises  like biking, dancing, and swimming help boost circulation and strengthen your heart and lungs. ³ Strength exercises  like weightlifting or resistance band exercises work to keep your muscles strong. ³ Balance exercises  like simply standing on one foot can help improve your coordination and build strength to help reduce the risk of falling. ³ Flexibility & stretching exercises  like barre and yoga help keep you limber. ³ Other ways to keep your physical health in check are to drink less alcohol, prioritize sleep, quit the use of tobacco, and get regular health care checkups. ³   Focus on Mental Health Mental health tends to deteriorate as we get older. Engaging your mind in challenging activities helps to keep your mind active and healthy and may even slow cognitive decline as you age. Learn something new  such as a new skill, game, or language. ³ Get out and about  to visit somewhere new or somewhere you love. Spend time on your hobbies  like reading a book, knitting, cooking, or playing an instrument. ³ Another way to care for your mental health is to keep stress in check. Chronic stress can lead to brain and body damage, which may in turn make you more stressed. Find activities that help to decrease stress levels. Speaking up if you are overwhelmed or feeling down can help save a life. Reach out to friends, family, or an anonymous help line if you are struggling with your mental health. You are never alone!   Fuel Your Body Eating foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals help to keep your brain and body healthy. Nuts, vegetables, and fish are great foods to promote heart health and brain function. ³ Other things to focus on while developing a healthy diet include: ³ Prioritizing nutrient-rich foods Limiting foods with unhealthy additives Saying “yes” to fruits and vegetables Watching your portion sizes Sometimes, diet alone isn’t enough to fuel your body with what it needs. As we age, our bodies go through changes that can alter our nutritional needs, and many medications may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. ⁴ Some people may benefit from taking supplements to fill in those gaps. Talk to your pharmacist to see if any of these supplements are right for you. ⁴ Calcium:  may be linked to healthy bone density and lessened bone loss Omega-3 fatty acids:  heart-healthy fats that may help fight inflammation Collagen:  may improve skin hydration and elasticity Coenzyme Q10:  aids in energy production Vitamin D:  may help with muscle mass, enhance immune function, and boost mood B vitamins:  aids in energy production, immune health, and brain function Protein:  may boost muscle mass and muscle function Ginkgo biloba:  may improve cognitive function Saw palmetto:  may support prostate health Curcumin:  helps boost healthy inflammation levels   Just because you are aging, does not mean you can put your health on the backburner. As you age, it is important to keep yourself healthy, inside and out! Getting vaccinated helps protect you and those around you, focusing on your physical and mental health helps keep you active, and fueling your body through diet and supplements may help boost your overall health. If you have any questions about vaccines, diet changes, supplement recommendations, or mental health, talk to our pharmacist!   Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/immunizations-and-vaccines/vaccinations-and-older-adults https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/vaccines-shots/get-vaccines-protect-your-health-adults-age-50-years-or-older https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/live-long-be-well-science-based-tips-for-healthy-aging https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/a-definitive-guide-to-supplements-for-healthy-aging