The Use and Mis-Use of Antibiotics

At Grey Matters Health, we're always watching for news articles to help inform and encourage you in your brain health journey. The recent article "Doctors Share The 14 Things You Can Do To Lower Dementia Risk Right Now" from Womens Health provides expert-backed strategies to help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Dementia, including Alzheimers, affects millions globally, but proactive lifestyle changes can significantly lower the likelihood of cognitive decline.Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and quitting smoking. Cardiovascular health is vital, as a healthy heart promotes better brain function. Incorporating physical activity, such as walking or strength training, and eating a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, supports brain health.Mental stimulation is equally important. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Social connections also play a crucial role; maintaining an active social life helps combat loneliness and improves cognitive resilience. Additionally, quality sleep is emphasized, as inadequate rest can lead to harmful brain changes over time.Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding exposure to air pollution are other essential steps. The article underscores that while no single change guarantees protection, adopting multiple healthy habits can dramatically reduce your dementia risk and enhance overall well-being. By starting these practices now, you can protect your brain for the long term.You can read the entire article at www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63227792/lower-dementia-risk-doctors/.For more about protecting your future independence and longevity, visit www.GreyHealthMatters.org.

As we age, taking medications often becomes a part of everyday life. Whether it's for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, these medications are necessary to keep us healthy. But for many seniors, the cost of prescriptions can be a major concern. With a fixed income, paying for medications can sometimes feel like a financial burden.One solution that has been helping seniors save money is something called Cost-Plus Pharmacy.  Let us explain what Cost-Plus Pharmacies are, how they work, and how they can make a big difference in lowering medication costs for seniors.What is a Cost-Plus Pharmacy?A Cost-Plus Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that operates a little differently from the typical drugstore you might be familiar with. In most pharmacies, the cost of medications is marked upsometimes by a lot. This markup helps the pharmacy make a profit, but it also means youre paying more for your prescriptions than the pharmacy actually paid for the drugs.On the other hand, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy sells medications at a price thats closer to what they paid for them, plus a small, reasonable markup. The idea is to be more transparent and fair about pricing. This can help lower the price you pay for your medications, which is great news for seniors, especially those who take multiple medications.How Does a Cost-Plus Pharmacy Work?To keep things simple, think of it this way: lets say a pharmacy buys a medication for $10. A traditional pharmacy might sell that same medication to you for $20, marking it up by $10 in order to make a profit. But in a Cost-Plus Pharmacy, instead of doubling the price, the pharmacy may only add a small amountmaybe $2 or $3.So, instead of paying $20 for that medication, youd only pay $12 or $13. That small difference can make a big impact when youre taking multiple medications each month.One of the best things about Cost-Plus Pharmacies is that theyre open about their pricing. They usually show customers exactly how much they paid for each medication and how much they are adding as a markup. This transparency helps you understand exactly what youre paying for, making it easier to see that you're getting a fair deal.Why Is This Important for Seniors?Many seniors take several medications to manage chronic health conditions. The cost of these medications can quickly add up, and its not always easy to find affordable options. For those on a fixed income, like many seniors, paying for medications can become a financial struggle.For example, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average senior spends about $1,200 per year on prescription drugs. That number can be even higher for those who take multiple medications regularly.Medicare Part D can help with some of these costs, but it doesnt cover everything. Plus, there are gaps in coverage, like the "donut hole," where seniors must pay full price for their medications after reaching a certain spending limit. This leaves many seniors paying high out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions.Cost-Plus Pharmacies, such as Blueberry Pharmacy, aims to fix this problem. By offering lower prices on medications, these pharmacies can help seniors save money, making it easier to afford the medications they need without breaking the bank.How Can Cost-Plus Pharmacies Save Seniors Money?There are several ways that Cost-Plus Pharmacies help seniors save on their medications.1. Lower Prescription PricesThe biggest advantage of a Cost-Plus Pharmacy is that medications are sold at a lower price than what youd find at a traditional pharmacy. Rather than charging extra fees or high markups, these pharmacies focus on offering a fair price. For example, a medication that may cost $50 at a typical pharmacy could be priced at $35 or less at a Cost-Plus Pharmacy. Thats a savings of $15 on just one medication! If you need several medications, these savings can really add up over time.2. No Hidden FeesAt many regular pharmacies, you might find that your prescription comes with extra chargesdelivery fees, processing fees, or other hidden costs. These fees can make your final bill higher than you expected. Cost-Plus Pharmacies are often more transparent about their pricing. Theyll give you an exact breakdown of the cost, so you know what you're paying for. This way, you avoid any unpleasant surprises when its time to check out.3. Affordable Generic MedicationsGeneric medications are often much cheaper than brand-name drugs, but not all pharmacies carry affordable generics. Many Cost-Plus Pharmacies focus on offering a wide range of generic medications at lower prices. For seniors, choosing generic drugs is one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Cost-Plus Pharmacies make it easier to access these more affordable options.4. Special Programs for SeniorsSome Cost-Plus Pharmacies offer special programs to help seniors save even more money. For example, they may have senior discount programs or loyalty cards that give you even deeper discounts. Some pharmacies also offer free home delivery, which can be a huge help for seniors who may have trouble going to the pharmacy in person.5. Fewer Prescription ErrorsPrescription mistakes can be costlynot just in terms of money, but also in terms of health. If a pharmacy gives you the wrong medication or makes an error on your prescription, you may need to go back to correct it, which can add more time and money to the process. Because Cost-Plus Pharmacies tend to offer more personalized service and fewer customers, they often have fewer mistakes and are able to fill prescriptions more accurately. This can save you both time and money in the long run.As the cost of prescription medications continues to rise, finding ways to save money on those medications is more important than ever. For seniors, a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy can be a great option to lower prescription costs without sacrificing quality or service.By offering lower, more transparent pricing, Cost-Plus Pharmacies are helping seniors save money on the medications they need. Whether youre looking for a more affordable pharmacy in your area or you want to try an online option, these pharmacies can make a real difference in your healthcare expenses.If youre a senior or care for one, its worth looking into a Cost-Plus Pharmacy such as Blueberry Pharmacy. With a little research or by contacting us directly, you could be saving money on your prescriptions every month, making it easier to stay healthy without stressing about the cost. Reach out to us today!

Have You Started Your Winter Skincare Routine?  Follow These 11 Steps for Supple Skin this Season   Most of us know how important it is to protect our skin from the suns damaging rays in the summer. But did you also know its important to have a winter game plan to keep your skin moisturized and glowing? In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates November Healthy Skin Month to educate and empower people of all ages to learn how to take great care of their skin. Its the bodys largest organ, after all and everybodys got it!    Read on for some skin-loving actions you can take this month and all season long.   1.    Protect your skin from the sun if youre going to go outside. Yes, even in winter! Keep those summer habits alive and slather on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and dont forget to cover up with protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat. UVA and UVB rays are alive and well all winter long and they can still cause damage to your skin, raise your risk for skin cancer and contribute to premature aging.   2.    Avoid tanning beds. You may be tempted to keep your sun-kissed look going all winter long courtesy of a tanning bed, but resist. Research shows that UV rays from tanning beds can increase your risk for skin cancer and could age your skin, resulting in more wrinkles.   3.    Learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer. There are certain changes to your moles, birthmarks and skin that may be cause for concern. Known as the ABCDEs, if you notice these signs, the National Institute on Aging recommends making an appointment with your primary care provider or a dermatologist to make sure its not an indication of cancer:          Asymmetry (i.e. one half of the spot looks different from the other half)          Borders are irregular          Color changes or it has more than one color          Diameter is larger than a pencil eraser          Evolving; meaning it in size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially if its bleeding), or shades of color   4.    Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Winter brings colder temperatures and drier air, and your skin may need a little extra TLC to feel its best. To avoid or treat dry, itchy skin, the AAD suggests applying moisturizer right after you step out of the shower, so it can lock in the extra moisture. Further, the AAD recommends using an ointment or cream instead of lotion, because those products tend to be less irritating and more effective when dealing with dry skin. Just make sure the items you select are gentle and fragrance-free, otherwise they may feel a little harsh, especially if your skin is cracked or chapped.   5.    Dont neglect your lips. The cold weather, the dry air, the wind and the sun can all wreak havoc on your skin and cause your lips to chap. Use a non-irritating lip balm or lip moisturizer to seal moisture into your smile.   6.    When you shower or bathe, opt for warm water, not hot. It sounds counterintuitive and a little less enjoyable. Who doesnt love a hot shower when its freezing cold out? But in truth, hot water will only further dry your skin, because it may strip off natural oils you need to retain moisture.   7.    Consider using a humidifier. Winter air tends to be dry, and when the heater kicks on in your home, its even more so. A humidifier returns some of that moisture to the air, and your skin may thank you for it.   8.    Quit smoking. Have you ever met a 40-year-old heavy smoker who looked much older? Thats because tobacco isnt doing the skin or other systems in the body any favors. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the long-term effects of smoking may include dry skin, uneven pigmentation, bags around the eyes, sagging around the jaw and deepening wrinkles and furrows on the face. If you need help quitting tobacco, talk to your doctor or reach out to the American Lung Associations Tobacco Quitline.   9.    Make healthy food choices. What you eat and drink impacts the way your body functions, and research has shown that if youre not getting the right nutrients your skin may show it. Strive to eat a healthy diet, filled with whole foods, antioxidants and fiber. Make a habit of consuming lots of lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And dont forget to drink lots of water. Proper hydration may also help your skin look and feel better.   10.  Find ways to manage your stress. Stress can worm its way through our entire physical being and cause disruptions in surprising ways. According to the AAD, stress can affect the way our skin appears by increasing inflammation, slowing down the wound-healing process and potentially interfering with skin conditions. Because our glands produce more oil when were stressed, people with acne experience breakouts, and people with psoriasis and eczema may have flare-ups. To help regulate your system, try different stress management endeavors, such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and deep breathing. When you find one you like, make a daily practice of it.    11.  Get your zzzzzs. When you sleep, your body can focus its energy on repairing different systems, including your skin. Research has shown that people who arent getting enough sleep on the regular may show earlier signs of aging, experience diminished skin barrier functions and feel less satisfied with their appearance. Aim for seven to nine hours a night to get the biggest benefits from sleeping.    Itchy, uncomfortable skin isnt a winter requirement. By making a few simple changes to your routine in the fall, you can help put moisture back where it belongs, quickly, before things get uncomfortable.   If youve made the changes above, however, and you find that you still have some skin concerns, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist today. They can address any possible skin conditions and offer personalized advice to help keep you feeling healthy and radiant in every season.   To learn more about Medicare or Health insurance in our area in Alabama, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama at 251-344-2115