May is the month when many women celebrate Mother’s Day. Maybe breakfast in bed, homemade cards, extra hugs….? It’s pretty wonderful to feel so cared for. But how well do you take care of yourself?

One big piece of self-care involves regular screening tests, which can prevent many health problems—or help you nip them in the bud as early as possible. Life can get hectic, though, so it’s easy to forget or to put it off. From the Fort Collins pharmacy experts, here is a brief overview of the tests the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends for women. Remember: these are...

Spring has sprung—or it’s just about to. That means spring allergies are “blooming,” too. But sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a cold and a seasonal allergy, also known as hay fever. Here are some signs to look for and ways to find relief.

Know the signs. Both colds and allergies can cause sneezing, stuffiness, or a runny nose. But there are telltale differences between a cold and seasonal allergy. Ask yourself these five questions. The more times you answer “yes,” the greater the chance the culprit is a seasonal allergy.

1. Are plants starting to flower...

As you started into the new year, did you resolve to have healthier habits? Many people do. But a long-term study found that Americans are not doing as well as they were 20 years ago in maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. And that increases their chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. Let the Fort Collins pharmacy specialists at Good Day Pharmacy tell you about Life’s Simple 7.

Life’s Simple 7. In the study, the percentage of Americans who met all these heart-healthy lifestyle goals—what the American Heart Association calls Life’s Simple 7—dropped from 8.5...

It’s certainly not a cure-all. But it’s pretty impressive.

As the Fort Collins pharmacy of choice, Good Day Pharmacy knows exercise is one of the few things that can help prevent or slow the development of most—if not all—major health problems. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, bone loss—to name a few. Topping things off, exercise can help ease the aging process, for example, by strengthening and stretching muscles and joints.

In no time at all, you may also notice other subtle changes from exercise: more energy, less...

It’s that time of year, driving to and from holiday parties, and thinking about how to do it safely. Avoiding drivers that are under the influence of alcohol seems to be at the top of our minds. But did you ever think about how common prescription medications might impair driving ability? Discovered by the Fort Collins pharmacy specialists at Good Day Pharmacy, here is an article published in Pharmacy Times that reveals five dangerous types of prescriptions for drivers.

Driving under the influence of prescription...

As the Fort Collins pharmacy of choice, Good Day Pharmacy knows there’s more than one way to tackle the risk of high cholesterol. That’s a type of fat that can clog up your arteries and block blood flow.

Check it out. Without being tested, though, you can’t be certain about your risk. Yes, you might be in good company being in the dark: According to the American Heart Association, five out of every 10 people in the U.S have raised or abnormal levels of cholesterol in their blood but many don’t realize it as there are no outward signs.

Fitness pays off. You probably already know...

Have you decided not to vaccinate your child? Are you concerned about vaccine safety? Do you think diseases like measles and whooping cough are problems of the past? Please think again.

When you don’t vaccinate, it may affect both your child and the whole community. Here’s one example: As of May 29, 173 people in 21 states and Washington DC became sick with measles. The infection was traced back to Disneyland in California. More than 80 percent of these people had not had vaccines or had no proof of vaccination.

Here’s another: In 2012, nearly 50,000 cases of whooping cough...

Medications can be life saving. But take heed: They can also rob your body of nutrients you need. Nutrient loss can happen in many ways. For example, a medication may:

• Depress your appetite, which means you may not eat enough to stay nourished.

• Increase your desire for less healthy foods, such as lots of sugar, bread, or pasta.

• Reduce absorption of certain nutrients in the “gut,” especially in seniors.

• Block a nutrient’s effects at the level of the cell.

• Increase loss of nutrients through your urinary system.

Symptoms of nutrient loss...

Did you know that only seven percent of people understand how to use asthma inhalers the right way? Combine that with a wide array of asthma medications and asthma management can become more than a little confusing. Together, we can change that!

Everybody is different. So your doctor will decide which type of medication and inhaler is best for you. But here’s a brief overview of what you need to know.

Types of inhaled medications. Inhaled medications help airways stay open without some of the side effects of those taken by mouth or injection. These medications work in different...

Whether it simply bruises your ego or breaks a bone, taking a fall is no fun. Each year, one in three seniors 65 and older experiences a fall—a number that has grown in recent years. For people in this age group, falling is the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths.

However, fewer than half these people tell the doctor about their falls. But that could add insult to injury because one fall may lead to another.

Don’t keep it a secret. Be upfront with your doctor. Provide details about when, where, and how you fell. We can help you pinpoint the problem and suggest...

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your heart is working overtime. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure not only raises the risk of heart disease. It also increases risks to your arteries, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Blood pressure measurements give you two readings: the top number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps blood. The bottom number is the pressure in arteries between beats.

If you don’t know what your blood pressure is, it’s time to find out. Bottom line? High blood pressure can be a silent killer.

What...

Caregiving can be extremely taxing on even the most resilient people, especially during the holidays. While caregiving for a loved one or friend, or as a career is most rewarding, it also has its challenges and stresses. Here is some information from The Mayo Clinic.

Watch for Signs of Caregiver Stress – Sometimes caregivers are so focused on those they are caring for that they don’t realize their own health and well-being are suffering.

Watch for these signs of caregiver...

It’s that time of year again….time to get your flu shot! Every year, people come into the pharmacy asking who should, and who shouldn’t, get a flu shot. And now, since there are several different types of flu vaccine, it’s more confusing than ever. Remember to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical condition that leaves you questioning whether or not you should get the flu shot. Also, know that there is a new influenza vaccine called Flublok® that does not use eggs in the manufacturing process, and is approved for people who are allergic to eggs. And if you forget to get...

With the new school year just around the corner, many children will need to receive immunizations. Colorado students are required by law to be vaccinated against certain diseases for school attendance and for this reason, parents are urged to avoid the last minute rush and make plans now before the school year begins.

Making sure that children get their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things you can do as a parent to ensure their long-term health in addition to the health of classmates, friends, and others.

Remember Good Day Pharmacy for your back-to-school...

Chikungunya is a disease which is spread to humans by the bite of an infected Asian tiger mosquito called aedes albopictus. It is spreading quickly through the Caribbean and travelers should beware. Read more about symptoms, prevention, and treatment here.

You can feel it coming-the stuffy yet drippy nose, the itchy and watery eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation. Every year, the landscape starts turning green, and you and your family start to suffer.

This year can be different, however! With a little bit of thought and planning, you can reduce the Spring keep your kleenex handy days to a minimum.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

Know your triggers: Are you most miserable when the Cottonwood fluff flies? Or is it when the grasses bloom? Knowing what pollens, danders, spores, and mites activate your...

A sudden fall. A serious diagnosis. Surgery isn’t always something for which you can plan. Even so, you can take steps to make recovery at home a little faster and safer. You just might need to depend on others for extra help. With the benefit of advance planning, of course, do what you can before the day of surgery.

Simplify. What felt easy before surgery may suddenly feel a little like mountain climbing. Take a few simple steps now to eliminate steps later.

• Stock up on food and other supplies. Buy ready-made meals or prepare and freeze single...

Kay Bransford calls her parents the “senior edition of Bonnie and Clyde.” Both have been recently diagnosed with dementia, but have been showing signs of forgetfulness for the past year or two.

Bransford recalls her parents, who have both had their driver’s licenses revoked but continue to drive, telling her the story they’ll tell police if they’re ever pulled over. In that moment, Bransford is certain the couple knows that they’re not allowed to drive, and are defiant about breaking the law. But just minutes later, the couple has forgotten the story completely and they don’t...

Fibromyalgia is a painful disease that affects more women than men. It is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sensitivities (to temperature, foods, medications, odors, noise, bright lights), and sleep, memory, concentration and mood issues. The pain can fluctuate, or come and go altogether. There are medications that are used to treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia. As an alternative to traditional therapies and with our state of the art compounding laboratory and pharmaceutical experience, we have the ability to compound amitriptyline cream. This cream can be applied...

February is American Heart Month. If someone you care about has been diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease, now is the perfect time for you to learn more about it and the different symptoms associated with each type.

Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure and is the Number 1 cause of death associated with high blood pressure. It is not a single disease; rather, it refers to a group of disorders that includes heart failure, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy.

...

With the summer sun upon us, and hoping that you will take advantage of the great outdoors, this is the perfect time to discuss the importance of getting sufficient amounts of sunlight for its vitamin D-boosting benefits. Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones, protection against heart disease, improving blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and protection against some cancers and depression.

In order to get enough vitamin D from the sun, you need about 15 minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms, and hands at least twice a week, without sunscreen. People...

A new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association examines the benefits of HRT. Here is an interview about the study with Dr. Sue Decotiis, a hormone replacement specialist at the New York University Langone Medical Center, on CBS This Morning.

June is National Men’s Health Month, and it is the perfect time to think about testosterone replacement therapy for men! Testosterone is needed for maintaining muscle mass, proper levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being, and sexual function. There is a natural decline of testosterone in males which starts about age 30.

Some causes of low testosterone include:

· Injury, infection, or loss of testicles

· Chemotherapy or radiation

· Hemochromatosis (too much iron)

· Pituitary gland dysfunction

· Inflammatory diseases

· Some...

May is Celiac Awareness Month and you can learn about gluten-free living on May 8th, 2pm to 7pm, at Good Day Pharmacy in the Medical Center of the Rockies ’ south medical office building – 2500 Rocky Mountain Avenue , Loveland. We’re located right on the ground floor with easy parking! A celiac disease consultant will provide free 20 minute consultations and answer your celiac disease questions and provide guidance. Gluten-free vitamins and supplements will be on sale during the entire month of May. And to make the event more fun, we’re adding free facials by a licensed esthetician who...

Calcium is noted to be one of the most important minerals, especially when it comes to bone health. But did you know that calcium has countless other benefits? During infancy calcium is required for initial bone and teeth growth. During adolescence when bones are developing, calcium is needed to support bone and teeth development. A consistent calcium supply is important for growing children and teens as it can substantially reduce the risks of osteoporosis later in life. As we continue to age our bones tend to become porous and less dense, which calls for even more calcium. How much...

The Good Day Pharmacy nutritional supplement, Policosanol, is a mixture of nine different aliphatic alcohols which are designed to support healthy cholesterol. Octacosanol, a derivative of the wax from sugar cane plants, is the main ingredient in Policosanol and works as a powerful antioxidant to help maintain healthy arteries. This, combined with the actions of eight other alcohols, including triacontanol and hexacosanol, appear to support healthy LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) levels, and promote cardiovascular health.

Studies that have been published regarding...

Folic acid is an important member of the vitamin B family (it is B9) and has many healthful, protective benefits. Here is a list of some:

• Prevents birth defects, and may also help prevent miscarriage and Downs Syndrome. It is good to take during pregnancy, but more effective to take before becoming pregnant.
• Protects the heart and is recommended for people at risk of heart disease. It contributes to lowering cholesterol and the incidence of plaque in the arteries.
• May help fight Alzheimer’s disease and other age related mental disorders.
• May help...

With the worst flu season in more than a decade under way, employees should take these steps to avoid getting themselves, or others, sick.

• Germy items! The areas in offices with the most germs are sink faucet handles, microwave door handles, refrigerator handles, telephones and keyboards. Disinfecting your workspace on a daily basis, and washing hands after touching these items (and before eating), will help the spread of germs.
• Wash hands! Hands should be washed before eating, after reading magazines in break rooms, after using shared office equipment, and after shaking...

Tamiflu® is an antiviral prescription medicine that is sometimes prescribed for influenza. Tamiflu® can lessen symptoms and make flu illness one to two days shorter, says the CDC. It can also help prevent flu in people who have come into close contact with someone who is sick with the flu. Some studies have even reported that it can decrease the duration of illness by 30% to 40%, and decrease flu severity by 40%, but only if it is taken in the first 36 to 48 hours of illness. The prescription medication can be taken by adults and children older than one year of age, during the first two...

The Centers for Disease Control reports that this flu season is off to its earliest start in almost a decade, which is a sign of a potentially bad flu season. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot already, it isn’t too late to do so, but do it soon. According to the CDC, everyone six months and older should get a flu shot. Here is a list of people who are at highest risk for developing complications from influenza.

• Seniors – Adults 65 and older are more susceptible to the flu due to a weakening immune system as the body ages.
• Children – Because their immune systems are not...

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Press Release yesterday, Wednesday, October 24th, 2012. (Read Full Press Release) The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 14 to 0, that all pregnant women should receive the Tdap Immunization. Tdap offers protection from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) all in one vaccine. Tdap is recommended, not only for pregnant women, but also for adults who have never had Tdap, adults 65 and older who expect to have close...

A third of pharmacy customers say they use multiple pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. That enables multiple opportunities to foul up patient adherence and negatively impact patient outcomes.

To learn more: Click Here

If you or a loved one is headed off to college, please consider going to Good Day Pharmacy for your Meningitis and Gardasil™ shots!

Please click here for a complete list of immunizations and vaccinations offered by Good Day Pharmacy!

The meningococcal bacteria cause a rare, but potentially fatal disease that causes meningitis which is inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Infection can lead to death within 24 to 48 hours, or cause permanent disabilities. The bacteria are mainly...

Tdap offers protection from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) all in one vaccine. Tdap is recommended for adults who have never had Tdap, adults 65 and older who expect to have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months, healthcare workers under 65 who have direct patient contact, and new mothers who have never gotten Tdap should receive a dose as soon as possible after delivery. For more information from the CDC click here.

When was the last time you had a tetanus shot?

If...

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention one in three adults age 65 and older will experience a fall. Falls can cause mild to severe injuries and are the number ONE cause of injury related death of seniors. Here are some more quick statistics:

• People aged 65 and older account for 85% of fall related deaths.
• In 2009, 2.2 million older adults were treated for injuries in emergency rooms with about one quarter of them being admitted to the hospital.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries...

Testosterone replacement therapy may have many health benefits for older men that are deficient in the hormone. The goal of testosterone treatment is to restore the hormone level back to the normal range. Symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Low sex drive (libido)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and poor energy level
• Increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression
• Irritability
• Low sense of well-being

Testosterone replacement therapy can:

• Improve psychological...

Maintaining good vitamin D levels can greatly benefit the health of seniors. Unfortunately, many people are vitamin D deficient! Fifty percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D and up to 70-80 percent of seniors are deficient. Vitamin D benefits include reducing pain, fractures and falls, strengthening bones, reducing colds and flu, decreasing risk of heart disease, and improvement in mood and energy level. Encouraging seniors to get vitamin D levels checked is important.

Very few foods contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is manufactured in your body when ultraviolet rays from the sun...

Lift chairs are specially designed to improve quality of life and increase mobility by assisting a person to stand from a sitting position. Lift chairs can improve quality of life and independence for many people as well as save strain and reduce the potential for falls in the home.

Choosing a Lift Chair

When choosing a lift chair, it is important to size the chair to the user’s height, weight, and seat width. Good Day Pharmacy carries many models and can be demonstrated in one of our lift chair showrooms! There are many colors and fabric choices, as well as features that may...

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using bio-identical hormones can improve quality of life for many women. Studies have established that estrogen replacement decreases the risk of colon cancer, estrogen and progesterone combined decrease fracture risk, and hormones can increase energy levels and enhance libido. It is also used to relieve moderate to severe hot flashes and symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. There are molecular differences between the hormones we produce naturally, versus synthetic and animal-derived hormones. Typically, women experience much less unwanted side-effects...

The FDA is changing long-standing rules on sunscreen labeling, requiring that sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation in order to be labeled “broad spectrum.” By this summer, OTC sunscreen manufacturers will have to follow this new regulation, along with a few others. Many common phrases used on sunscreens, such as “sunblock,” “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” and “prevents skin cancer,” will no longer be permitted by the FDA. The length of time that the product is “water resistant” will need to be used instead. The new regulations will also require an SPF rating of 15 or...

The flu has come to Colorado! The CDC reports that cases of influenza in the state are now “widespread.” (See weekly influenza surveillance report, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm ). What’s the easiest way to reduce your risk of getting flu, aside from a flu shot? Hand washing! If you start feeling the symptoms of the influenza virus coming on (see the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm for the full list of symptoms), a prompt visit to a...

We are proud to offer a TOP CONSUMER RATED product… Crane© Cool Mist Humidifiers. We also offer FUN shapes for KIDS, such as Sponge Bob! Check out the video to see a product demo.

Available at these Good Day Pharmacy locations:

1) 2001 S. Shields in the Spring Creek Medical Park

2) 2601 S. Lemay next to Sunflower Market

1) 2033 Boise Ave across from McKee Medical Center

2) 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave in the South Medical Office Building at Medical Center of the Rockies

If improving your heart health is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider fish oil. Research shows that fish oil:

• decreases triglyceride levels
• lowers blood pressure
• decreases the growth rate of plaques that clog arteries
• improves blood vessel function
• decreases the risk of irregular heartbeat, which can lead to sudden cardiac death

For best results, a high quality fish oil should be taken daily. Many clinical studies have shown that EPA and DHA from fish oil (two forms of Omega-3 fatty acids) reduce the incidence of...

Good Day Pharmacy accepts Express Scripts ® Insurance (also known as E.S.I.) and welcomes new customers. Transferring your prescriptions is easy… let us assist you in person, on the phone, or online via our website! Transfer your prescriptions today!