Pharmacy News Archives - Page 5 of 13 - Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc.

Celebrating Mantachie’s Nurse Practitioners

November 12, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

nurse practitioners; Amanda Martin, FNP; Donna Cannon, FNP; and Crystal Nichols, FNP — Amanda Martin, FNP; Donna Cannon, FNP; and Crystal Nichols, FNP

The second week in November we celebrate our clinic’s Nurse Practitioners. And we’re pretty lucky to have some of the best.

These mid-level providers have become our go-to providers over the last twenty years, but the profession started in 1965. It began in response to a dearth in primary care providers. In 1989 Congress provided limited reimbursement for these nurses and the profession experienced tremendous growth in the 1990s. By 2000 Nurse Practitioners were able to practice in all 50 states.

Our NPs provide excellent primary care services for our patients, and we are fortunate to have highly trained providers in our facility.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: nurses, providers, Wellness

Ethnicity Overrules Weight in Diabetes Risks

November 5, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

We’ve long associated Type 2 diabetes with being overweight. In fact, excess weight is one of the prime risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. This risk factor may not play as key a role in diabetes in some races.

A new study published in Diabetes Care, a journal of the Americal Diabetes Association, found Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans have a higher rate of Type 2 diabetes at a lower weight.

Medical providers usually reserve diabetes screening for those overweight patients. The results of this study, however, suggests providers should look at more than a patient’s weight and BMI. Minority patients should receive diabetes testing earlier, even when they are not overweight.

Providers calculate whether or not a patient is overweight based on their BMI. A BMI of 25 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 is considered obese.

As a patient, you know your body best. Know and recognize the symptoms of diabetes.

Urinating often
Feeling very thirsty
Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
Extreme fatigue
Blurry vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Regardless of your weight, if you have these symptoms, it’s time to see your medical provider. If you are of a minority race talk to your medical provider about diabetes testing regardless of your weight and age.

The best way to treat diabetes is to find it early.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: diabetes, weight

Miley Cyrus, Larry Bird, and Joe Biden Share This Common Medical Condition

September 24, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

What does Miley Cyrus have in common with a late former president, a former vice president and a member of the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team”? Not much as it turns out. But the former Disney star does have an irregular heart rhythm, a condition she shares with the late President George H.W. Bush, former Vice President Joe Biden and Larry Bird, a former NBA standout and member of the lauded 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball team, better known as the Dream Team.

Although Cyrus was unclear on the cause of her irregular heartbeat when she discussed the condition in her 2009 memoir Miles To Go, most speculate it’s due to atrial fibrillation, or AFib, the same condition that causes heart rhythm problems for Bush, Biden, and Bird.

What is AFib and Who’s at Risk?

AFib is one of the most common heart conditions in the world most often characterized by an irregular heart rhythm and it affects an estimated 2.7 – 6.1 million people in the United States each year. The estimated range of people affected is wide. Many people living with AFib are unaware they have the condition because they experience little to no signs or symptoms.

AFib is often mistaken as a mild condition due to its commonality and seemingly manageable symptoms. However, untreated AFib can lead to heart failure, stroke, blood clots, and other heat-related illnesses.

The CDC reports about 9% of people over age 65 to have AFib while just 2% of people under 65 have the condition. Although anyone is at risk for AFib, Caucasian women over 65 are more likely to have AFib than any other group.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common sign of atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat. However, it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

General fatigue
Chest pressure or pain
Fluttering in the chest
Dizziness, anxiety, and shortness of breath
Faintness or confusion
Sweating

How to Treat It and Reduce Your Risk

Atrial fibrillation is a medical condition in itself, but it’s also often a sign of an underlying problem or illness. AFib could be the result of something as simple as consuming too much caffeine or as serious as a condition like high blood pressure or another more serious heart problem. Successful treatment of AFib begins with a proper diagnosis. To get this diagnosis, patients may undergo in-depth exams and a series of tests such as an echocardiogram.

In many cases, AFib can be treated with certain lifestyle changes such as saying no to a second cup of coffee in the mornings if your AFib is related to too much caffeine consumption. In other cases, treating the underlying condition stops AFib symptoms.

The best way to reduce your risk of AFib is to visit your medical provider regularly for checkups and to contact them at the first symptoms of AFib. All cases of AFib have the potential to become serious which is why an early diagnosis is essential.

Are you concerned about your risk of developing AFib? Mantachie Rural Health Care can help ease your concerns and begin the diagnosis process. Contact us today to request an appointment.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: celebrity, heart disease, Wellness

Suicide Prevention Month: What You Need to Know

September 17, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

An average of 129 suicides occur each day in the United States. 129. Let that number sink in for a moment. That means that today, more than 100 Americans will take their own lives.

Disturbing statistics like this are the reason September has been recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. Organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline understand the causes of suicide and believe this is one manner of death that can be prevented.

The Causes of Suicide

Unlike most illnesses or causes of death, the exact cause of each individual suicide can’t always be narrowed down. However, a number of common risk factors are found in many suicide victims according to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders such as schizophrenia and some personality disorders.
Drug addiction or alcohol abuse
History of abuse or trauma
Feelings of hopelessness
Aggressive or impulsive tendencies
A major physical illness or injury
Lack of healthcare, particularly for mental or substance abuse treatment
Relationship, job or financial loss
Family history of suicide
Previous suicide attempts
Lack of social support; stigma surrounding mental health, substance abuse, and suicide
Local clusters of suicide
Ease of access to means of suicide
Religious or cultural beliefs, especially if suicide is viewed as a noble resolution for a problem
Exposure to others who have committed suicide including in real life, internet or media

As you can see, there’s no shortage of risk factors for suicide. It’s important to note that white, middle-aged men are at a greater risk for suicide than any other group. In fact, white males accounted for almost 70% of suicides that occurred in the U.S. in 2017.

Spotting the Risks

Suicide Prevention Month is a great time to remember to be aware of the risks of suicide. You already know the risk factors, but you also need to recognize the warning signs that come with those factors. You should get help if you or someone you love:

Talks about wanting to die.
Looks for means for suicide, such as searching for ways online or buying a gun.
Speaks about feelings of hopelessness, a lack of a will to live, unbearable pain, or being a burden to others.
Begins behaving recklessly or acts anxious or agitated
Becomes increasingly isolated or withdrawn.
Sleeps too much or too little.
Displays extreme mood swings, shows rage, or speaks of revenge.

If you recognized any of these behaviors or risk factors in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait to reach out and get help. Mantachie Rural Health Care has joined the fight against suicide by providing accessible and affordable healthcare and behavioral healthcare to everyone in our community. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one address mental and physical issues that increase the risk of suicide.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate help. Suicide Prevention Month spreads awareness and saves lives. By sharing this valuable information with someone, you might save their life.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: addiction, behavioral health, Depression, Mental Health

Your BMI’s Role in a Healthy Future

September 10, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

If you need to lose weight to manage your diabetes or simply get healthier and reduce your risks of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high bad cholesterol, start by calculating your body mass index (BMI).

What is the BMI scale and How Do I Use It?

The body mass index uses weight x’s height to calculate your BMI number. The number, measured on a scale, indicates if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI Scale

Underweight = <18.5
Normal Weight = 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight = 25 – 29.9
Obese = 30 or greater

You can calculate your BMI at home. Luckily, you don’t have to be great at math to do it, thanks to handy online calculators. Try this one from the National Blood Heart and Lung Institute. You’ll find other links here including the BMI table, which shows you where your weight lies on the scale and the ideal weight number for your height. You’ll also find information on how to get started controlling your weight and recipes to help you eat healthier.

The keys to weight loss are support and an organized plan to not only lose weight but keep it off for good. Our Witcher’s Weightloss Warriors meet every Monday to support one another and learn healthy habits. The best news? The program is free! Contact Mantachie Rural Healthcare today to schedule an appointment to discuss your results and learn how to sign up for our Witcher’s Weightloss Warriors!

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: diabetes, nutrition, Wellness

How To Handle Raw Chicken

September 3, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

It’s safe to say that chicken is America’s favorite meat. However, each year around 1.2 million people in America contract a foodborne illness like salmonella from cross-contamination with items including raw chicken and eggs.

As tailgating season heats up and the holidays continue to creep around the corner, knowing how to properly handle uncooked chicken protects your dinner guests safe from foodborne illnesses. Check out our quick guide to handling raw chicken.

If you plan to pick up a pack of chicken at the grocery store, place it in a disposable bag to prevent it from cross-contaminating other items in your cart.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken. Want an easy tip for making sure you’ve washed your hands for the proper amount of time? Sing the happy birthday song to yourself as you wash!
Never, ever wash uncooked chicken. The juices can spread across the kitchen and contaminate countertops, the sink and other items present.
Use a separate cutting board for raw chicken.
Never, ever place foods or anything else on a surface that contained raw chicken.
Wash countertops, cutting boards, dishes, utensils and any other item touched by raw chicken in warm, soapy water.
Always use a food thermometer to ensure you cook chicken at a safe temperature of at least 165℉.
Never eat undercooked chicken.
Store leftover cooked chicken within two hours of serving, or one hour if the temperature outdoors is over 90 degrees.
Don’t forget to clean your grill after cooking chicken. This piece of cooking equipment often gets looked over during cleanup which often leads to heavy consequences later.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: nutrition, Wellness

Thinking of self-medicating with leftover antibiotics? Don’t.

August 20, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

With back-to-school, we see an increase in strep throat, stomach virus, lice, and colds. Soon we’ll be talking about flu season as well. When you or a family member starts coughing or sneezing, it’s tempting to search the medicine cabinet for leftover antibiotics. After all, it worked last time. Before you self-medicate, let’s talk about how antibiotics work and when you really need them.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. This helps you feel better and prevents you from spreading your illness to others. Antibiotics save lives. Before their invention, many people died from strep throat and surgery was riskier. But they only work on bacterial infections such as:

Some ear and sinus infections
Strep throat
Whooping cough
Skin infections
Bladder and kidney infections
Bacterial Pneumonias

Notice cold, flu, and stomach bugs aren’t on the list.

Dangers of Self-Medicating

The more a bacteria comes in contact with an antibiotic, the more likely it is to become resistant to it. This means we have to use stronger antibiotics to kill the same bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance is only one of the dangers of self-medicating. Some people are allergic to antibiotics and their risk of a reaction increases each time they take antibiotics. Just because you or your child did not have an allergic reaction the last time you took the antibiotics doesn’t mean you won’t have a reaction this time.

Ever notice your stomach seems more upset after taking certain medications? Antibiotics also damage or kill the good bacteria in our gut. By taking antibiotics you don’t need you could create more problems.

Finally, antibiotics don’t work on colds. And who wants to take unnecessary medications?

How do you know if your medications are an antibiotic?

Not every prescription your doctor gives is an antibiotic. You may have left-over cough medicine or decongestants that will treat your cold symptoms. Typically liquid antibiotics are much thicker than cough medicine or decongestants. If you aren’t sure, you can look up the medication on rxlist.com or better yet call the pharmacy where you had the medicine filled or your medical provider.

When do you need antibiotics?

Colds last 10-14 days. Treat the symptoms with Tylenol or ibuprofen and decongestants if needed. Home remedies like hot tea, chicken soup, rest, and warm showers may also make you feel better. Antibiotics will not. If you’re not feeling better or feel worse after two-weeks, make an appointment with your medical provider.

If you have the symptoms of strep throat, kidney or bladder infections, or skin infections, it’s time to see your doctor immediately. Same is true if you’re coughing and unable to catch your breath. While you might not need antibiotics, your provider can help you treat the symptoms and find the underlying cause.

Feeling under the weather? Our providers are happy to treat your illness whether you need antibiotics or not. Call 662-282-4226 to request an appointment.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News

Are Hand Sanitizers Safe?

August 6, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

During the last twenty years, hand sanitizers have emerged as a staple in schools, clinics, hospitals, and many businesses. Hand sanitizer manufacturers advertise it as a safe alternative to hand-washing, but the Food and Drug Administration still recommends washing with plain soap and warm water for the safest and most effective cleaning. They suggest using sanitizer only when soap and water are unavailable.

Like other chemical-based products, critics accuse hand sanitizers of being harmful to our health. In 2016, triclosan, an ingredient in hand sanitizer, was banned from further use in the product. Additional claims charge that regular use of the product lowers the body’s natural defense against germs and bacteria. But are any of these allegations true? In a recent interview with WebMD, an FDA expert weighed in on current thoughts about hand sanitizers and the steps the FDA is taking to further investigate this product’s safety. Check out the interview here.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: Wellness

Disaster Preparedness for Diabetes and Chronic Illness

July 23, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

In Mississippi, we typically identify natural disasters in the spring and fall when flash floods, high winds, and tornados. In July, we more commonly face high temperatures and high electric bills from running our air conditioner 24/7. We designate July as the perfect month to put together your disaster preparedness for diabetes and chronic illness plan. You’re not under the gun to gather supplies before bad weather hits tomorrow and can reserve some time to consider your options.

What exactly do you need in your disaster preparedness kit?

The list in this image covers our diabetic patients, but what about those with other chronic conditions?

Food, water, and medical supplies to last for 72 hours. Store a small box of non-perishable items in a pantry or closet for easy access. These include bottled water and canned goods Medical supplies could include over-the-counter medications in addition to prescription. Some ideas include pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, bandaids, hand sanitizer, gloves, and other first-aid kit needs.

Prepare 7-10 days of prescription medication. Should a natural disaster force you from your home, this kit allows you to access all your medications until you can reach a pharmacy for refills or return home. Store all prescription medications in a waterproof container.

Copies of important documents and medical records. Asthma patients need their asthma action plans. Cancer patients will need information about their doctors and treatment plans. All patients with a chronic illness will need lists of current medications, contact information for providers, copies of insurance cards and IDs.

Updating your disaster preparedness kit

Once you’ve assembled your kit and stored it in a place where you can easily access it, you need to check the contents once a year. Even non-perishable foods have an expiration date as do over-the-counter medications and prescription medications. If your insurance cards, provider contact information or IDs have been updated, add those new documents to your disaster kit.

We never want to think about disaster striking our home or community, but we’ve witnessed the devastation left in the wake of tornadoes, flash floods, and hurricanes many times over the last twenty years. If disaster strikes your body will endure under enough stress coping with the sudden changes and decisions. Being prepared allows you a better chance at staying healthy while managing the chaos disaster brings with it.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: diabetes

Ariana Grande Develops Sudden Food Allergy to Tomatoes

July 16, 2019 By Mantachie Rural Health Care, Inc. Leave a Comment

In May Ariana Grande announced on Instagram that a sudden illness caused her to cancel scheduled performances in Orlando and Tampa. A day later she revealed a sudden allergy to tomatoes had caused her throat to close and that she still felt as though she were “swallowing a cactus”.

Most of us associate food allergies with children and babies, not twenty-five-year-olds who have been eating tomatoes all their lives. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA) Open Network revealed 10% of adult Americans reported having developed a food allergy in adulthood. Less than 25% of those, however, did not have any allergies as a child.

Interestingly, only half of those adults who reported a food allergy had mentioned it to their medical provider. Most simply avoided the offending food.

What’s your risk?

It’s hard to pinpoint the risk of a specific person to develop a food allergy in adulthood. Allergies often develop after repeated exposure to a substance, which means you might have eaten that shrimp pasta without any problems a week ago but you could experience a reaction to it today. As mentioned above, only 10% of adults report a food allergy so don’t let this fear keep you up at night.

What are the symptoms?

Food allergies almost always include some type of skin reaction which could include swelling, itching, and hives. Other reactions may include one or more of these symptoms:

Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Repetitive cough
Shock
A weak pulse
Dizziness

Most reactions to food happen within 30-60 minutes of having ingested the substance.

How do we treat it?

Obviously avoiding the offending food is first on the list, but you should also contact your doctor. You may need to carry an Epi-pen.

Another reason to contact your provider and see an allergist is your allergy may not be to the food you suspect. Medications can lower the immune system allowing your body to overreact to normal substances or your allergy could be to the medication and not the food at all. It’s also possible you have an “oral allergy syndrome” where your body mistakes the proteins in the food you’ve eaten to pollen like grass to which you are allergic.

What are the most common food allergies?

Never heard of a tomato allergy? That’s probably because it’s not on the list of the top 9 most common food allergies, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t a real allergy. Most food allergies in adults, however, are related to one of these:

Shellfish
Milk
Soy
Peanuts
Wheat
Tree Nuts
Sesame
Finfish
Eggs

Ariana Grande is back on her concert tour now, which is a reminder that food allergies may alter some of what you can eat, but it doesn’t have to limit your activity.

Filed Under: Pharmacy News Tagged With: allergies, Wellness