10Aug

Common Health and Medication Myths Debunked

August 10, 2022 admin 157

Medication myths are common, even among the learned. This affects the way people use medications and of course, their efficacy. Following these myths may even result in the development of further health challenges.

Some common medication myths include –

Injections are more effective than oral medications.

This is a common myth among Nigerians. It is so prevalent that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has had to wade in and declare that tablets and capsules are as potent as injections.

Both injections and tablets are effective. The important thing is taking the right drug in the right dosage. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist to educate you on drug use.

2. I do not need to continue taking my medications since I already feel stronger.

The fact that you do not like taking medications does not mean you should abuse them. You must take the full dosage if your doctor prescribes certain medications for your ailment. Even though you may no longer experience the symptoms, this does not mean the illness is completely gone. To avoid a relapse, please follow your doctor’s prescription to the letter.

3. Antibiotics are the solution!

Antibiotics abuse — For many people, every ailment’s solution can be found in antibiotics. Stomach upset? take antibiotics, painful menstruation? antibiotics, constant headache? antibiotics to the rescue.
Not only is that a form of drug abuse, but you are also putting your life at risk. When the need for antibiotics finally arises, your body may have become antibiotic-resistant. This will interfere with the efficacy of the antibiotics and hinder recovery.

4. **Alcohol cannot interfere with medications**
The fact is that alcohol interferes with certain medications and reduces their efficacy. It can also interact with these medications to cause certain complications in your body.
Alcohol may also intensify the side effects of certain medications.

5. **Spicy foods, alcohol, and stress cause ulcer**

H.pylori — This used to be the belief but recent research has shown that the bacterium, *Helicobacter pylori* is responsible for the development of ulcers. Lifestyle choices and spicy foods can only aggravate your ulcer but they are not the cause.
This article does not exhaust the list of common health and medication-related myths. Before you take any medication that was not prescribed by a medical professional, please consult your pharmacist.

Do you know any more health and medication myths? Add yours in the comment section.

03May

World Asthma Day 2022, ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’

May 3, 2022 admin 168

Sometimes, ignorance creates a huge gap in Asthma care.

Here are some common misconceptions about asthma

Asthma is infectious.

According to World Health Organization, “The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways.” Asthma is not infectious.

People with asthma should avoid exercise

Exercise is actually good for people with asthma as it helps strengthen the lungs. However, a medical professional should recommend suitable exercise and the duration as well as help the patients manage the disease.

Everyone grows out of their childhood asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease and as such, can flare up at any time in the patient’s life. However, for some persons, asthma symptoms can reduce or disappear over time. Persons living with asthma should always be aware of the symptoms, have their asthma medications handy and be careful in case of reoccurrence.

Asthma is a childhood disease

Asthma can affect anyone irrespective of their age – adults or children

Asthma is not ‘sent’ by village people.

Inhaled substances and particles can trigger asthma allergy, not village juju.

Asthma is a death sentence

With proper management and asthma medications, persons living with asthma can live long and happy lives.

25Feb

HPV facts, meaning, vaccine and prevention

February 25, 2022 admin 175

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection transmitted via vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

HPV Vaccine with syringe and empty vial — Human Papilloma Virus vaccine

It is one of the commonest STIs yet among the least known
HPV has various strains
There is a vaccine for HPV, but no cure yet
However, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all the strains of HPV
HPV vaccination is not only for young people. It can still be effective for those aged 26 to 45. However, you need to consult your doctor if you are within this age range before taking the vaccine
HPV vaccine is best given between the ages of 11 and 13 years, that is before the young ones become sexually active
Most people with HPV do not have visible symptoms though some will present with genital warts
Even without visible symptoms, HPV carriers can still infect others.
Some strains of HPV are high-risk strains and have been associated with cancer
In some cases, the body fights off the virus naturally

You can reduce the risk of HPV by –

Vaccination, ideally given before a person becomes sexually active
Having one sexual partner who only has sex with you
Proper use of condom

04Feb

February 4, 2022 admin 161

World Cancer day 2022 – Close the care gap

The theme for World cancer day 2022 to 2024 is “Close the care gap”. Why is there a need to close the care gap? According to The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), “the campaign theme is all about improving access to quality cancer care for everyone – no matter who they are or where they live”. A huge cancer care gap exists in most parts of the world. This gap limits accessibility to cancer treatment and care leading to higher data rates from cancer-related complications.

The care gap exists in many forms. Some people lack access to quality cancer medical care and facilities, for some, there is no money to access the needed cancer healthcare where it is available. For others, they fight their cancer battles alone with little or no moral support. There is also the gap of inadequate/lack of information.

The location also poses a care gap in cancer care as people in developing countries and rural areas have a harder time accessing quality healthcare.

Dr. Omolola Salako a Clinical oncologist, Founder, and Executive Director of the Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre asserts that the ratio of a clinical oncologist to new cancer patients in Nigeria is 1 to 1,250 compared to 1 to 137 in the US. This situation is direr because these few oncologists in Nigeria reside mostly in the cities.

How can you and I close the care gap?

There is little that each of us can do in our little ways. For one, if you know someone suffering from cancer, show them MAXIMUM support and care for the burden they bear is a heavy one. There was once a story about this friend to a cancer patient. The cancer patient had to shave off the remainder of her hair when the hair loss from chemotherapy became worse. Her friend stood by her to the point of also going bald for her friend’s sake. This gesture may not cure cancer, but it will surely boost the morale of that cancer patient to keep fighting.

One can also offer financial support. A lot of people do not have access to cancer screening and treatments because they are not financially buoyant. We see some individuals and NGOs undertaking free cancer screening exercises. This is a great way to close the care gap.

Have you ever gone for any cancer screening, like ever?

If you have never been screened for any type of cancer, then please do so, especially if you are above 30 or have a family history of cancer. This is the best way to personalize the ‘close the care gap’ theme. Cancer is best handled with early detection.

Technology cannot be left out in this journey to close the gap. In Nigeria, digital technology is gradually being employed in cancer treatment and care. Such innovations include the oncopadi and notitia. More of such innovations could be pivotal in changing the cancer narrative.

Possible cancer treatment options

Cancer can be prevented to a large extent. In some cases, especially when there is early detection, cancer can equally be treated.

Some cancer treatment options are –

Chemotherapy
Surgery
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant.

Cancer screening

Cancer screening centers are not as common as they should be and this presents another care gap. We advise that you visit Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching hospital Nnewi if you are in the Southeast, to get most of your cancer screenings done. Check this link for other cancer screening centers in Nigeria.

If you know of any other certified cancer screening centers within Anambra state and the South East, please share in the comment section.

How you can reduce the risk of cancer

Paxs Pharmacy uses this World Cancer Day to remind individuals to do everything within their powers to reduce their cancer risk and take action, beginning with these recommendations:

1. Make time for exercise – 30 minutes is all you need. We suggest that you start simply, maybe with a 30-minute walk, five days per week. Stretch, move around, or even dance in between your sedentary job. These efforts can make a statistical difference.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. Cancer of the breast, bowel, pancreas, esophagus, gall bladder, kidney, and female reproductive organs have all been linked to obesity. To make things easier for you, Paxs Pharmacy offers BMI calculations to quickly assess your weight and offer practical advice on how to attain or maintain a healthy weight.

3. No smoking. Ever. The use of tobacco products is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and has been linked to other types of cancer as well. This also applies to alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, which health officials warn may cause health problems, including cancer, due to the nicotine and chemicals they contain.

4. Get regular cancer screenings. While screening cannot reduce the risk of cancer, early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Women should follow current screening guidelines for early detection of the breast and uterus. Men should do the same for prostate cancer.

5. Consider immunization against certain diseases. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Consider talking with your doctor/pharmacist about getting immunized against hepatitis B, and the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Together, we can help reduce this cancer menace in our society by joining the campaign to close the care gap. Until we achieve health equity, cancer and other diseases will continue to torment mankind irrespective of where you reside or your race.

HAPPY WORLD CANCER DAY FROM PAXS PHARMACY

12Jan

A healthy 2022

January 12, 2022 admin 58

Want some good health goal ideas?

Here is a health goal list you can select from –

Move more, sit less. This applies mostly to office workers, drivers and other people whose jobs require sitting down for long stretches of time
Eat healthy, avoid junk foods and carbonated drinks
Get enough sleep based on your age
Exercise regularly and stay physically active. It could be dancing or even walking
Spend more time outdoors, get fresh air, meet people
Spend less time on screens (television, computers, tablets and phones)
Stop smoking and alcohol intake
Stay positive and avoid negative thoughts
Go on a vacation no matter how short
Avoid self-medication
Go for regular medical check ups
Reduce stress, meditate more

How do you achieve these health goals?

It is easier to set goals than to achieve them but with determination, the right attitude, and a practical plan, you can turn these goals into habits.

Make your goals realistic. Want to quit smoking? Don’t set your goal to quit completely before the 1^stof February. You can go from taking 10 sticks a day to 7, then 4, 2 and 0. Unrealistic goals will make the goal attainment daunting and you will become frustrated and discouraged. Start with something you can achieve easily. If you spend every free time on your phone, begin to spend some of that free time on books, with friends/colleagues/neighbors – physically. That way, you can create the habit and stick to it more easily.
Break the goals down into smaller bits. For instance if you want to start eating more healthy foods, start by replacing junk foods with healthy foods in your fridge. Then start cooking at home more often. If you try to go for the big goal at once, you may lose the zeal and focus. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Reward yourself when you scale through each milestone.This will boost your courage and enthusiasm.
Set specific, measurable and time-bound goals. For instance, “I will exercise 20 minutes on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays of every week for the first 6 months”. If you are not intentional about it, you will easily lose focus and apathy will set in.
Write down your goals. This will make it feel more real and achievable. In addition, writing it down will help you keep track and measure your progress.

Share your goals with others. Share with a friend or family or join a group of like-minded people that want the same goals as you so as they can hold you accountable.
Use apps to keep track of your progress. Apps like GoalsOnTrack and Habit List are great.
Don’t lose sight of your purpose. It is easy to forget why you want to eat healthy or meditate more. If the purpose is to live a healthy life, lose weight, have better control of your life, etc., keep that in view always.
Be prepared to handle any obstacle that could get in the way. Never assume that it will be a smooth ride because you have it all planned out. Life happens. Sometimes, internal and external challenges will get in the way. Prepare your mind to tackle them as they come rather than give in.

Setting good health goals is good and easy, but achieving set goals is even more important. One good thing is the fact that if you can commit to these goals, before long they will become habits. All you need is consistency and a strong belief in your ability to achieve the set goals.

You can have a discussion with our pharmacists about the most suitable health goals for you based on your health history. Visit us today for a chat, our doors are always open to you.

10Dec

Paxs Pharmacy now at Roban Mall, Asaba

December 10, 2021 admin 51

The journey of one step which began with one small pharmacy outlet at Nkpor has grown by leaps and bounds into eleven shops with the birth of our youngest child – Paxs Pharmacy, Roban mall, Asaba branch.

This is in a bid to fulfill our Mission statement -, “To provide Accessible, Affordable and Exceptional Healthcare Solution, Efficiently Delivered by Friendly, Supportive and Knowledgeable Professionals”. We have only just begun. We will not relent until healthcare is easily accessible to our communities.

The grand opening of this second Asaba branch at Roban mall was a colorful occasion witnessed by some dignitaries and of course, our customers and well-wishers.

Here are sights from the opening ceremony at Roban Mall, Asaba

Images from the grand opening of Paxs Pharmacy, Roban Mall, Asaba branch.

Paxs Pharmacy is renowned for its quality products and services. Visit any of our branches today for any of the following services

Pharmaceutical care services at Paxs Pharmacy

We owe it all to all our esteemed customers, without you, where will we be? Thank you and see you at the top.

01Dec

World AIDS Day 2021: “End Inequalities. End AIDS.”

December 1, 2021 ebele 56

The world raises awareness about HIV/AIDS every first of December. The focus for this year is on ending inequalities that pose as obstacles to the termination of the AIDS “pandemic (UNAIDS)”

In a bid to raise more awareness and provide further education concerning HIV/AIDS, here are some facts about the infection –

HIV/AIDS no de show for face
Mos people infected with HIV do not know that they have become infected. However, some people may experience glandular fever-like illness with fever, rash, joint pains and enlarged lymph nodes) immediately after the infection
The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.
The majority of people infected with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of AIDS within eight to 10 years.
HIV is transmitted through penetrative (anal or vaginal) sex, blood transfusion, the sharing of contaminated sharp objects including needles in health-care settings and drug injection and between mother and infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

How can HIV infection be prevented?

Sexual transmission of HIV can be prevented by:

Monogamous relations between uninfected partners.
Non-penetrative sex.
Consistent and correct use of male or female condoms
Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in the case of sex between an infected and an uninfected person (ARV can result in an undetectable viral load in infected persons
Pre-exposure prophylaxis taken by people who are not infected with HIV.
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision reduces the chances of men acquiring HIV from women. However, circumcision is not a magic bullet. Circumcised men can still become infected by and infect their sexual partner
Additional ways to avoid infection:
If you are an injecting drug user, always use new needles and syringes that are disposable or that have been properly sterilized before reuse
Ensure that blood and blood products are tested for HIV, and that blood safety standards are implemented.
Pregnant mothers living with HIV/AIDS should not only begin antenatal care on time, but follow through with every medical instruction given by their caregiver.

There is no known cure for HIV yet. However, there is effective treatment, which, if started promptly and taken regularly, results in a quality and long life for someone living with HIV (similar to that expected in the absence of the infection).

Go for HIV/AIDS testing and counseling now, to be on the safe side.

16Nov

Access to diabetes care

November 16, 2021 admin 64

It has been 100 years since the discovery of insulin as a recourse for people living with diabetes, yet a lot of old and young people have their lives snuffed out by diabetes. This situation is worse when there are late diagnoses, monitoring, treatment, and management of diabetes which impedes the fight against the ailment.

It is estimated that about 6 million Nigerians are living with Diabetes mellitus (DM) but more worrisome is the fact that two-thirds of persons living with diabetes are not even aware of that health status. Of that figure that is detected, a large percentage does not receive proper/adequate treatment. The cost of treatment and care for DM is not affordable for the common man, likewise the recommended food for better management of the disease. In addition to that challenge, many people living with diabetes have no access to the type of information they need to live healthier and longer lives. Of course, there is the group that will rather resort to self-care than heed the advice of their professional healthcare providers.

People who are not aware that they are diabetic face greater challenges because they live in dangerous ignorance. This group of people go about their businesses with no diabetes care or treatment at all. They are at the mercy of the disease until they are diagnosed, if ever. Often, by the time the disease is diagnosed in such persons, it has already gone too far and probably done some damages to their body. In such a scenario, it is more difficult to control and manage diabetes.

What happens when persons living with DM do not have access to proper diabetes care?

A lot of complications can arise when persons living with diabetes lack access to diabetes care. According to Mayoclinic, the longer you have diabetes — and the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications.

Uncontrolled diabetes can have adverse effects on various parts of the body including the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, and teeth.

Increased risk of heart diseases such as stroke, heart attack and the narrowing of arteries.
Vision impairments like glaucoma can occur in a person living with diabetes, especially when there is little or no treatment and care.
Kidney damage (nephropathy) can result from uncontrolled diabetes.
Foot damage is a common complication associated with diabetes when the nerve on the foot is damaged or there is reduced blood circulation to the foot. This may lead to infections and sometimes, amputation when there is a cut or blisters on the leg.
Nerve damage (neuropathy) is another danger of diabetes common among people that have lived with the ailment for a number of years.
Living with diabetes exposes one to the risk of dental problems including swollen and bleeding gums.

How to improve access to diabetes care/treatment and prevent diabetes complications

It cannot be overemphasized that access to quality treatment is critical to the survival of persons living with diabetes. Persons living with diabetes can prevent/prolong the onset of complications from diabetes.

Blood glucose test — Patient being tested for blood sugar level

The first step is to always know your blood glucose level. You can walk into any certified healthcare facility, including Paxs Pharmacy to check it as often as possible. The knowledge of your glucose level is vital in diagnoses and treatment of diabetes. If you can, please purchase the blood sugar test kit so that you can easily test your sugar level at home.
Encourage your family and friends to check their blood glucose level. Diabetes is not a disease for the aged. Young people can also suffer from diabetes and its complications, especially when it is undetected and uncontrolled.
Request for blood glucose test whenever you are in the hospital for any health challenges even if you have no obvious symptoms of diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, please do not indulge in self-care, rather, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and advise to the letter.
Healthy feeding goes a long way to curtail the effects of diabetes and reduce the sugar level. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist about the best food for diabetics as well as the quantity and right time to consume them.
As your healthcare provider will tell you, exercise is an integral part of treatment regimen for diabetes. He/she will advise you on the most suitable type of exercise for you.
There are various medications for diabetes, but you cannot just go to the market and buy any of your choice. Your healthcare provider, based on your health history and blood glucose level will prescribe the right medication. Do not take insulin because your cousin is taking insulin. Make sure you follow professional prescription.
Another reason you must employ the services of professionals when tackling diabetes is that your doctor or pharmacist knows when to check your cholesterol and blood pressure as these factors also affect treatment and control of diabetes.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Pay attention to your feet for cuts and boils. Also be on the lookout for any changes in your body like increased urination, vision problems, increased fatigue, thirst and sweating.

As individuals, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to live our best lives in the healthiest way available to us. Take charge of your health, live healthy.

22Oct

Smoking cessation: Dangers of smoking and 9 practical guidelines to help you quit smoking

October 22, 2021 admin 64

“Smokers are liable to die young” mantra does not seem to deter smokers from developing an addiction despite the numerous negative effects of smoking on their health. A lot of smokers want to quit but do not know how to or find it difficult to do so successfully.

A look at some of the dangers of smoking may give smokers the needed motivation to quit.

Dangers of smoking

Smoking can lead to a myriad of health challenges or worsen existing ones. In fact, according to America’s Center for Disease Control (CDC), Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general. In effect, smoking increases the risk of death.

Here are some specific effects of smoking –

Damage to the lungs
Pregnancy complications
Heart diseases
Almost all types of cancer such as lung cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, etcetera
Increased risk of death from cancer
Low immune system
Reduced fertility and other fertility challenges
Reduced dental/oral health
Increased risk of diabetes type 2
Clouding of eye sight
Skin, hair and nail conditions

Do you know that second-hand smoking also has adverse effects? Yes, when someone stays close to a person that is smoking, smoke is inhaled and this can lead to health challenges too. According to CDC, second-hand smoking, can result in diseases in adults such as –

Lung cancer
Stroke
Coronary heart diseases

For children, they may experience –

Infant death syndrome
Acute respiratory infections,
Middle ear disease,
Severe asthma,
Slowed lung growth

Despite knowing the numerous health implications of smoking, people still find it difficult to quit because it is highly addictive. We have therefore outlined some simple guidelines that will make it easier to quit smoking if you follow them religiously.

Smoking cessation guidelines

Be mentally prepared to quit. Smoking cessation is a thing of the mind. You have to really want it to be able to achieve it, just like most things in life.

The mere thought of quitting can be daunting and demoralizing, yet, it is not impossible. If others have done it and are still doing it, you can too. Prepare your mind, begin to see yourself as a non-smoker, tell yourself that you can and that you will quit smoking.

Then have a smoking cessation plan.

Make a list of reasons to quit smoking. It could be for your health, for the safety of your unborn child, to save money, etcetera.
Identify the things that trigger your smoking habit most. It could be drinking alcohol, hanging out with smokers. Create a plan to help you avoid those triggers.
Identify your smoking pattern. Do you smoke when you want to poo, when you are watching television in the sitting room or when you are stressed out or working on something difficult?
Fix a date or time frame to quit smoking. Some people just go ahead to choose a particular day to quit while others quit gradually. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow through.
Enlist the help of trusted family and friends. Your friends, family or neighbors can help you to follow through with your smoking cessation. Make them a part of your plan. For instance, when the smoking urge arises, they can hang out with you or take a walk with you. Most importantly, tell your smoking friends/relatives not to smoke around you.
Seek the help of professional counselors. At Paxs Pharmacy, our pharmacists are on hand to walk you through the process and give you the necessary support and prescriptions.
Join smoking cessation support groups if there are any around you. Otherwise, seek for them online. There is the Truth Initiative among other online support groups that you can join. Some smoke-free apps are also available for you to download. These will help you on your journey.
Outline specific smoking cessation methods that you want to employ based on your smoking triggers and habits. When the urge to smoke hits, what do you do? You can exercise, chew carrots or chewing sticks, change location or route, chat with friends/colleagues, do whatever will take your mind off smoking for that moment.

Paxs Pharmacy is here to help you with your smoking cessation plans. Talk to any of our pharmacists today about your intention to quit smoking. They will counsel you and offer some smoking cessation tips and tricks, including nicotine replacement products like nicotine gums.

10Sep

September 10, 2021 admin 60

Food allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to a food or a substance in a food. The immune system identifies the food as a danger and triggers a protective response. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger the reaction.

Symptoms of food allergy

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can present in various forms and may involve the skin, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, or the cardiovascular system. They can present in one or more of the following forms:

Hives (skin rashes/welts)/itchy skin
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Repetitive cough
Stuffy/runny nose
Swelling of the tongue/lips
Weak pulse
Dizziness or feeling faint

When the symptoms are severe, it is called anaphylaxis. This can become life-threatening as it may hinder proper breathing and can send the body into shock. Such a reaction can also affect various parts of the body (stomach, chest, skin) at the same time.

Causes of food allergy

There is the possibility that any food can cause allergy, but there are some foods commonly associated with food allergy including –

Tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews

Groundnut/peanut
Egg
Fish
Wheat
Soy

Can allergy develop in adulthood?

Often, allergic reaction to foods begins in childhood. In some cases, children outgrow the allergy as they get older, but some do not. However, some allergies are developed during adulthood. For instance, someone can suddenly begin to react to a food or food substance that he/she was never allergic to in the past.

Understand what causes the allergy and know how to prevent it

Symptoms of food allergy can occur within minutes of eating the food, in some cases, hours. Also, exposure to the allergens can induce the allergy without direct consumption.

If you suspect that you have a food allergy, you need to be able to pinpoint the exact food that triggers the reaction, know the quantity and the method of preparation/consumption that affects it. Then, your pharmacist or doctor can help you with tests and treatment.

It is important that you also know the type of reaction and how long the reaction lasts to help your healthcare provider with diagnosis and treatment. It will also help you to avoid the offending food/food substance.

Another important reason for you to track these details is that it is not every reaction to food that can be diagnosed as a food allergy. It could be some other ailment.

The basic way to prevent food allergy is to know what triggers it and avoid that, knowing that the allergy can be severe or mild at any given time that one is exposed to that food. This may prove difficult if you eat out often. Therefore, one needs to be wary of what he/she eats outside.

It is also advisable to thoroughly read the ingredient labels of food items before consumption.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the right medications for your food allergy. As a matter of necessity, you need to have such medication on you at all times in case you unknowingly consume the food that you are allergic to.

Remember, do not indulge in self-medication or drug abuse because you are trying to ward off food allergies. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.