How can we help?

Ask a Pharmacist

1. What are the contributing factors for high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is most often caused by age and family history. These things you cannot change. But there are lifestyle modifications you can make to lower your blood pressure.

One of the lifestyle changes that you can make to lower blood pressure is weight loss.  A 10-pound drop in weight will lower blood pressure by 6-7 points. Physical activity of about 30 to 60 minutes 5 to 7 days a week will lower blood pressure by an additional 5-7 points. Check with your Doctor to ensure you are able to do the exercise. A healthy diet following the Canadian food guide can lower pressure by an additional 11 points. So a good exercise, diet and weight loss program can lower blood pressure by 10 to 20 points.

Salt intake can be a contributor to high blood pressure by causing water retention. Removing the saltshaker and reducing the amount of salt used during cooking can make a big difference. Also processed foods can contain a lot of salt and are a not a great choice of food to consume. A lack of potassium can also increase blood pressure. A lot of high blood pressure medications can lower potassium levels so having some potassium in your diet can help.

Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can increase blood pressure. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the patient should be encouraged to stop. Limiting alcohol to a maximum of 2 drinks a day can lower blood pressure by about 5 points.

Lastly, emotional stress can cause increased blood pressure. Relaxation and reducing stress can significantly lower blood pressure. Usually a healthy diet and exercise program can help to reduce emotional stress, reduce weight and lower blood pressure.

2. What is Andropause?

Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause.  Some men go through a sudden change in testosterone levels, but most men have a more subtle hormonal decline after the age of 40 over a period of years resulting in physiological and psychological changes.  These correlate to the hormonal changes experienced by women during menopause.  After proper diagnosis including screening of testosterone and estrogen levels, therapy has been shown to be dramatically effective in relieving symptoms of andropause and restoring drive, health, potency and a sense of renewed vitality.

3. Are there any natural products which can be taken to decrease joint inflammation?

There are 3 common natural products that can be used to decrease joint inflammation; Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM.  Glucosamine and Chondroitin help to rebuild the cartilage in the joints.  MSM is an anti-inflammatory. You can get these as separate vitamins or combined into one.

4. What can you suggest to help me quit smoking?

The best way to quick smoking is to use as much nicotine replacements as possible to curb the cravings.  Start with the patch, and add on the gum or lozenges if you are still having cravings.  Reduce the strength of the patch and the amount of gum/lozenges over a 1-3 month period.  At Forbes Pharmacy we compound two specialty preparations to aid you with smoking cessation. We have nicotine lollipops that are used in a similar manner to the lozenges and gum and we also have a nicotine stick. The stick is rubbed on the inside of the wrist to allow nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream and is used to treat individual cravings.

5. Is there anything I can take when I feel a cold coming on? 

As soon as you feel a cold coming on, use Cold FX short term treatment.  Also, take a good multi-vitamin every day and add on about 1000mg of Vitamin C.  In addition Echinacea or Oil of Oregano can also be used.

6.  I have lower back pain.  What can I do to relive the pain?

Before self treating for lower back pain, you need to rule out more serious conditions that require the person to see a doctor

-recent trauma
-signs of infection (chills, fever, weight loss)
-pain lasting longer than 4 weeks
-sciatic pain (originating in lower back but radiating down the legs, described as "shooting pain"
 
For most people, lower back pain is significantly improved in 4 weeks and treatment aimed at relieving symptoms.

-recommended to maintain usual level of activity as permitted by the pain
-avoid heavy lifting, twisting motions, high impact exercise, prolonged standing or sitting
-ice within the first 48 hours of injury
 
Massage therapy and back strengthening exercises may be of use but are more effective for chronic pain.
 
OTC meds

-Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg - 1000mg up to four times daily (max daily dose of 4g) (caution for people with liver disease or those that drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day)
-NSAIDS like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200-400mg four times daily Aleve 220mg up to three times daily, Aspirin 325-650mg every 4 to 6 hours to a max of 4g per day.
NSAIDS have more precautions than Tylenol but reduce inflammation whereas Tylenol has little anti-inflammatory activity.  Avoid NSAIDS or use with caution if you have blood pressure issues, reduced kidney function, chronic heartburn/reflux, or are taking warfarin or other "blood thinners".
 
Muscle relaxants can be tried by those that don't respond to Acetaminophen or NSAIDS. They have more side effects and precautions and less evidence that they are effective for lower back pain but some people find them useful.

Side effects include:

-drowsiness/dizziness
-constipation
-abuse/addiction potential
 
White willow bark also shown to be effective for back pain. Active ingredient thought to be salacin which is converted to salicylic acid in the body. Need a preparation that is standardized to provide 120-240mg of salacin content daily. Have similar precautions to aspirin.
 
Things to reduce risk for developing lower back pain

-maintain a healthy weight
-warm up/stretch before exercise or physical activity
-avoid prolonged sitting or standing or if you must then take frequent breaks where you change position
-quit smoking
-use proper technique for lifiting (bend the legs not the back)
 
Source:"Patient Self-Care" First Edition, 2002 Canadian Pharmacists Association pg 415-425. The bit about white willow bark comes from Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 10th edition Therapeutic Research Factory 2008


7.  What Is Fever and when should I treat my child’s fever?

Fever is a symptom -- a sign that the body is fighting off an infection. Often fevers are caused by common things like colds, ear infections, and bronchitis.
Temperature readings vary depending on what part of the body you use (rectum, ear, mouth). Your child has a fever if their temperature is above:

        Rectal 100.4° F (38.0° C)
        Oral (by mouth) 99.5° F (37.5° C)
        Axillary (armpit) 98.6° F (37.0° C)
        Tympanic (ear) 100.0° F (37.8° C)

The main reason we treat fevers is to keep your child comfortable so they will eat, drink, or sleep. If your child has a mild fever but is playing, drinking fluids, and generally acting well, there is no reason to treat the fever.
Call your doctor if your child has a fever and is less than 3 months old, the fever has lasted more than 24 hours or if your child is vomiting

Reference: Antipyretics and fever in children. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2006;22(4):220409