The Hope of Infertility
The word infertility is one that millions of people who want to conceive wish never to hear. And yet, with the number of treatment options available today, infertility can also signal hope.
Infertility is, by far, one of the most complex and highly technological disciplines in the field of medicine. It is a specialized area that involves great physiological detail, but also has a strong emotional component.
In a recent Wall Street Journal essay entitled "My Fertility Crisis," writer Holly Finn addressed both the physical and emotional hurdles of infertility, relating her own experiences as a single woman in early 40s trying to conceive. She chronicled the challenges of IVF treatment — the investment of time, costs and a medication protocol that includes antibiotics, hormones and steroids — and why she continues to face them.
William York, Concord Pharmacy’s resident expert on fertility medications, says that Finn’s assessment of the complexity of the overall process — drug protocols, timetable and costs, plus emotional investment — is an accurate portrayal and indicative of what most people experience when undergoing infertility treatment.
"Every day, I see how emotionally charged this issue is for the patient," York says. But, he notes, infertility doesn’t have to equate with frustration and disappointment. "Certainly, the infertility treatment process is a challenge, but it can also be rewarding,” he states. “And it can be successfully managed in certain ways, such as the protocol of prescribed medications for both female and male infertility issues."
York adds that when couples have difficulty conceiving or carrying to term, many times fertility medicine can solve the problem. With an ever-expanding knowledge base gleaned from nearly 30 years of working directly with world-class fertility specialists, Concord Pharmacy has become a partner to physicians and a go-to resource for people searching for information and advice on various fertility treatment options and medications.
“We believe strongly that patients are absolutely better served by having our pharmacist involved face-to-face with them and with their physician,” he explains. “We can provide an added level of detailed knowledge and care for which there is no substitute. Our mission is to help you and your doctor succeed in your quest.”
For more information about Concord Pharmacy’s services, including fertility treatment, please click here.
William York, R.Ph., is Senior Vice President of Concord Pharmacy and considered by the industry to be an expert in the field of fertility medications. He is knowledgeable in the areas of administration, dosing, injection, and drug information with respect to the various fertility centers’ protocols.
Sources:
Wall Street Journal Digital Network, The Saturday Essay, July 23, 2011, Holly Finn, "My Fertility Crisis,” wsj.com.
Take Charge of Your Health
It’s no secret that, for those who are overweight, losing weight is an important factor in living a longer and healthier life. In fact, weight loss can actually be thought of as a side effect of becoming healthy!
The health risks of being overweight
During the past 20 years, there has been a huge upswing in the number of overweight and obese people in the United States. Today, nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight and about one-third of them can actually be classified as obese.
Being overweight can lead to the development of major health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, gallbladder disease and more. It can also cause problems like sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints) and health complications in pregnant women.
In short, the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have health problems.
Weight loss can help improve the harmful effects of being overweight. Studies show that you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds. However, many overweight people have difficulty reaching their healthy body weight.
Helping people “Take Charge” of their health and weight
Concord Pharmacy’s “Take Charge Professional Weight Loss/Healthy Lifestyle Strategies” is the first of its kind offered by a pharmacy in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. The Take Charge program isn’t a diet, though – rather, it is a lifestyle strategy targeted toward people who have hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and/or high cholesterol.
With so many weight loss programs on the market today, why choose a program run by a pharmacy? Because pharmacists, like those at Concord, are typically the most accessible and trusted healthcare professional that patients see — they are in an excellent position to handle such a program and make a difference in people’s lives. Plus, it makes sense for pharmacists to administer this type of program because they are very familiar with an individual’s medical history and medications and they can tailor the program to suit each participant.
Program specifics
The “Take Charge Professional Weight Loss/Healthy Lifestyle Strategies” is a 13-week program. It is individualized for each person based on basal metabolic rate, body fat measurements and other factors, including age, weight, specific medical issues and overall health outlook.
Pharmacists determine how much the person needs to eat, as well as how to lose weight healthily for their particular body needs. While there are no supplements in the Take Charge program, participants start out by replacing two meals and two snacks per day with Take Care functional foods — a complete, nutritionally balanced meal. The third meal consists of healthy lean meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Weekly consultations set structure for lifestyle changes
During the first Take Charge meeting, the participant and the pharmacist meet for a comprehensive discussion and evaluation of the person’s overall health, including:
- Personal medical history
- Family medical history
- Current lifestyle and daily routine
- Full body analysis, including measurements, blood pressure reading and more
This information enables the pharmacist to personalize the individual’s Take Charge program to meet their specific needs. At the next meeting, the pharmacist provides a comprehensive evaluation of the participant’s current lifestyle and how it is impacting their future health.
Future Take Charge weekly meetings track the participant’s medical information such as blood pressure, weight, body fat composition, heart rate and, sometimes, cholesterol levels. Tracking this information will clearly measure the changes taking place in the participant’s body. In many cases, the Take Charge Pharmacist will work hand-in-hand with the participant’s primary doctor to adjust medications as needed.
Participants will also be provided with a Patient Education Manual each week. These manuals guide them through making necessary changes to their daily habits. The Take Charge Pharmacist will summarize each lesson, helping individuals set realistic goals they can be excited about.
Extended consultation for long-term success
Once participants have completed the 13-week program, they will have learned everything they need to know about living a healthy lifestyle. But the transformation will reach well into the future, as they try new foods and activities and enjoy feeling better.
Participants will continue to experience the benefits that come from making healthy choices each and every day. Take Charge Pharmacists will always be available to share one’s success or provide continued support when needed.
Wendy Cook, PharmD, director of Concord Pharmacy’s Take Charge program, says that the pharmacist’s role is one of the most important keys to success. “The program is clinically designed to help overweight people achieve their weight loss goals, but losing weight is also a very personal and emotional journey,” she explains. “I’m here not only to explain and administer the program, but also to serve as a coach, an encourager and a cheerleader.”
Many participants choose to continue consultation beyond the 13-week program. Others choose periodic consultation. Just as each person’s body is unique, so are his or her needs for guidance and support. Whatever your needs, your Take Charge Pharmacist will be available for you throughout the program and as you continue your lifestyle transformation into the future.
To become a participant in the Take Charge program, contact Concord Pharmacy here. To learn more about the Take Charge weight loss program, visit www.takechargerx.com.
Wendy Cook holds a doctorate in pharmacy and works at Concord Pharmacy's Austell location.
You’ve just had your annual physical and the results are in — your cholesterol is in the “too high” range. You’re not alone: an estimated 42 million Americans have high cholesterol, while millions more are on the borderline. Even more startling: more and more physicians are checking cholesterol levels in children due to the increasing numbers of youngsters with obesity and diabetes.
What is High Cholesterol?
Your body needs cholesterol — a waxy substance found in the blood lipids that helps build healthy cells, produce hormones and support other important bodily functions — but having high cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
“If you're overweight, inactive or have a family history of high cholesterol, you're more likely to have it,” says Dr. Tammy Hawkins. “If you’re in one or more of these high-risk categories, you should have your cholesterol level checked annually.”
Total cholesterol readings measure HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad or “fatty” cholesterol) and triglyceride (a type of blood lipid) levels. For most individuals, a total cholesterol reading of less than 200 is considered desirable, while a range of 200-239 is borderline and a reading of 240 or above is defined as high.
High cholesterol is often inherited, but it can also be the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Treating High Cholesterol
It’s important for people with high cholesterol to implement healthy lifestyle changes. These include:
• Eating heart healthy foods, including high fiber foods, grains, lean meats and fish, and avoiding saturated fats and trans fats.
• Losing weight if overweight.
• Establishing a regular exercise program.
• Smoking cessation.
• Decreasing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
Statins such as Lipitor and Crestor are the drugs used most often to treat high cholesterol and have high rates of success. Statins decrease the amount of cholesterol your body makes.
Secondary medications that raise HDL levels and lower LDL and triglyceride levels (such as Tricor) may be added to your regimen to improve your total cholesterol reading.
Your local Concord pharmacist is happy to help your sort out the ups and downs of cholesterol. For a list of Concord Pharmacy locations,
click here.
Feeling the Burn
There it is again. That uncomfortable “on fire” sensation you feel in your abdomen and chest after you eat certain foods or a big meal. Sometimes it’s accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth, nausea, burping and/or bloating. You’re experiencing a problem that millions of Americans share — heartburn.
Basically, heartburn is a form of indigestion that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, irritating the lining. Many adults experience heartburn at least once a month. Others suffer from its more severe cousin, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) commonly called acid reflux, every day.
Some causes of heartburn include certain foods (such as fried and fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and peppermint); eating large meals or too close to bedtime; stress; certain medications; hiatal hernia; smoking; and restrictive clothing.
Milder heartburn issues can often be treated successfully by taking one or more of these simple steps:
• Change your diet — eliminate foods that trigger heartburn symptoms, eat smaller meals, do not eat close to bedtime.
• Lose weight — being overweight can put increased pressure on the stomach, increasing the chance for heartburn. Even losing just 5 to 10 percent of your excess weight can result in fewer heartburn episodes.
• Stop smoking.
• Find ways to reduce stress in your life, such as getting regular exercise and sleep, eating balanced meals and practicing stress reduction techniques.
• Ask your pharmacist or physician to review your medications to determine if any are the cause of your heartburn.
• Try over-the-counter remedies. Antacids such as Maalox and Tums neutralize stomach acid to soothe the stomach and reduce pain. H2 blockers like Pepcid AC actually block the acid; some of these also contain an antacid to neutralize acid. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prevacid and Prilosec OTC reduce acid by shutting down many of your stomach’s acid “pumps.”
Chronic acid reflux can lead to esophageal cancer, ulcers or a variety of digestive health issues. “If you’re experiencing severe symptoms more than once a week, it’s important to see your doctor,” advises Dr. Tammy Hawkins. “You may require a prescription-strength PPI or other medication to effectively control stomach acid.”
Your local Concord Pharmacy stocks a wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux. For a list of our locations, click here.