Is an aspirin a day appropriate for you?
Volume 1, Issue 3
Is an aspirin a day appropriate for you?
The recommendation has been for men and women to start on an aspirin-a-day regimen when they reach a certain age to prevent a FIRST or SECOND heart attack or stroke. New studies have been released with updated recommendations.
In general, aspirin 81mg a day is recommended in men at age 45 and women at 55 IF they have additional heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, AND they are not at increased risk for bleeding.
For patients who are diabetic, the American Diabetes Association recommends aspirin 81mg/day for most diabetic men over 50 and women over 60 IF they have other risks such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol or family history of heart disease.
Before beginning this regimen, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of taking a baby aspirin (81mg) with your doctor who knows your overall health and medical condition.
H1N1 vaccine
According to the CDC, the week of February 21 to 27 had low flu activity in the United States with most flu to be caused by 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu, is expected to continue to rise and fall for another few weeks. Because there is still time to be plagued with the 2009 H1N1 and/or seasonal flu, consider receiving the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine is still available at any of our three retail locations. Come by and visit with the pharmacist to see if the vaccine is right for you.
Can saline nasal irrigation or “neti pots” increase sinus infections?
With spring season coming, many individuals will be plagued with allergies and will begin the frequent use of nasal irrigation or “neti pots” to help keep those allergy issues in check. There is new concern that chronic use might increase the risk of sinus infections because of a decrease of nasal mucous produced as well as immunity protectors. Be advised to keep your “neti pot” and irrigation bottles clean to reduce contamination. It is recommended to wash them after every use and not to share them with others. It is best to limit use of nasal irrigation to once or twice daily to prevent over-drying or irritation of nasal passages.
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Be sure to join the Whaley’s Pharmacy and Whaley’s Mommy & Me-Before, During & After fan pages to continue to be a part of the Whaley’s family. Learn about new products and services offered at Whaley’s that you won’t want to miss out on. See you at Whaleys!
For questions or for future topic suggestions, please e-mail: whaleyswisdom@embarqmail.comor call Jana Ruediger at East End Drug: (573) 636-3733
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Tmengwasser