When you think of home medical supplies, your mind probably goes to first aid kits. While first aid kits are definitely a good start, there are other medical supplies that you should have on hand in case of a medical emergency. Whether you’re dealing with a paper cut or serious injury, the proper medical supplies can mean the difference between a small injury or life and death.

Find out what medical supplies your home needs from your McAllen pharmacy.

Medical Supplies to Keep at Home

1. Thermometer

A medical thermometer is the best way to accurately measure your body temperature. This is important because your temperature can say a lot about your health.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, your body temperature is one of the four key vital signs your doctor examines. With more doctor appointments becoming virtual, a medical thermometer can allow you to take your temperature at home and help your doctor to make a more adequate diagnosis.

2. Emergency Blankets

Emergency blankets are a good tool to have on hand for someone with hypothermia or shock. A blanket can limit the amount of heat that a person loses and block out any wind that could make the cold worse.

If someone has just gone through trauma or shock, an emergency blanket can limit the effects a person experiences. There are many other ways you can use an emergency blanket in an emergency situation, like building a shelter, waterproofing other supplies, or sending out a signal of distress.

3. Medical-Grade Splint

Having a medical-grade splint on hand can help someone who’s suffered a broken or sprained bone until a medical professional can treat it. A splint is able to manage the pain of a broken bone and protect it from further injury.

Before using a medical-grade splint, familiarize yourself with how to properly use it or ask for assistance. Improper use can create further damage and pain to the injured person.

4. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit has the necessities that a person may need in the event of an emergency or common injury. Although the contents of first aid kits may vary, your first aid kit should contain:

• Bandages
• Antibiotics
• Burn gel
• Iodine pad
• CPR mask
• Instant cold pack
• Tourniquet
• Aspirin or Tylenol
• Antihistamines
• Antacids

Having a first aid kit with high-quality medical supplies can make all the difference. If you have a first aid kit at home already, check to make sure everything is up to date and add any additional supplies you may need.

First aid kits should also be tailored to fit any activities or special needs you have at home.

5. Eyewash

Injuries to the eyes can be quite common. Products like hairspray, dry shampoo, and liquid food items can cause eye injuries.

Once you’ve injured your eye, eyewash can help clean the ocular surface of any chemicals or debris. If a standard eyewash is hard to come by, contact lens solution is another great option for washing out your eye.

6. Humidifier

If your home has a low humidity level, there’s a greater chance of viruses and bacteria spreading. When you cough or sneeze, air droplets that contain germs and viruses get spread into the air. If the air is below a certain Relative Humidity (RH) level, the germs and bacteria can stay in the air for longer amounts of time.

A humidifier can also soothe your sinuses and protect your eyes, throat, and skin from dry air.

Get the Medical Supplies Your Home Needs With Help From Saenz Pharmacy

Having the right medical supplies in your home is an important step for the safety of yourself and loved ones. Gathering these medical supplies can seem overwhelming, but your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy are happy to help! We can answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction for your home medical supply needs.

Schedule an appointment with your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy today to get the medical supplies your home needs!

The winter months bring with them cold weather, darker nights, and lots of time indoors. It can be easy to get stuck indoors trying to escape the chilly days. However, it’s important to stay healthy this winter to maintain your physical and mental health for the new year.

Learn how you can stay healthy this winter with tips from your McAllen pharmacist at Saenz Medical Pharmacy.

What is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a form of depression triggered by a change in season. This can start in the fall or winter when the weather gets colder and you’re stuck inside more.

About 5% of adults in the U.S. suffer from SAD each year, with 75% of those adults being women. With the right treatment and help from a professional, you can get through your seasonal depression.

Ways to Stay Healthy in the Winter

During winter, it’s important more than ever to maintain your physical and mental health. Although this should not replace the advice of a medical professional, there are some tips you can follow to stay healthy this winter:

1. Keep Your Body Active

Exercising during the winter months is a great way to ward off seasonal depression. Regular exercise can boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals that can help fight off the winter blues.

Other health benefits of winter exercise include minimizing the risks associated with weight gain, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and certain types of cancer. If you want to enjoy the benefits of exercise in the winter months, but don’t want to brave the cold, you can try the following exercises:

• Swimming
• Rock climbing
• Indoor sports
• Weight training

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your workouts in the winter. Making it enjoyable can help motivate you and allow you to get the most benefits out of it. If you’re still unsure where to start, start with a simple walk indoors or outdoors and add more exercise as you go.

2. Feed Your Body Superfoods

Winter is a great time to improve your diet and give your body the nutrients it needs. The right foods can help you lose or maintain weight and protect your body from winter ailments. Some winter superfoods to try adding to your diet include:

• Winter squash
• Ginger
• Kale
• Citrus fruits
• Apples
• Brussel sprouts
• Sweet potatoes
• Avocados

These superfoods can give you a large number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Many contain omega-3 acids that can help combat seasonal depression. Feeding your body these superfoods can improve your overall physical and mental health this winter.

3. Protect Your Mental Health

Being stuck inside during the cold, winter months can have a negative effect on your mental health. The days get darker faster and it can be easier to get stuck in a rut.

In order to stay healthy this winter, it’s important to protect your mental health. Some ways to protect it include:

• Figure out what makes the holidays meaningful to you
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Read or listen to uplifting music, podcasts, or audiobooks
• Remind yourself that winter is temporary
• Schedule activities you look forward to and enjoy
• Make sleep a priority
• Reach out to a trusted individual to talk

Your Local McAllen Pharmacy Is Here for You

Making your health a priority this winter can help you enjoy the holidays and set you up for a great year. These tips may help protect your mental health, but you may need to seek the help of a medical professional or mental health counselor if you’re not seeing an improvement. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or other medications that can improve your seasonal depression.

If you have questions regarding your medications, reach out to your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy. Our local pharmacists can answer any questions you may have and give you advice on the best medication for your case.

Stay healthy this winter by scheduling an appointment with your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy to go over potential treatment options.

The cold and flu season is upon us, which means runny noses, sore throats, and dry coughs. The flu and common cold can keep you from work, family events, and your daily routine.

Thankfully, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dreaded seasonal sickness. Learn how to avoid the flu and common cold with these tips from your McAllen pharmacist.

Tips for Avoiding a Flu and Cold

1. Get a Flu Shot

The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is by getting the flu shot. Those who get the flu vaccine can reduce their risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent.

During 2019-2020, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza illnesses. This will also help stop the spread to your family and friends.

It’s best to get the flu shot before flu season begins. Speak to your provider if you have any questions about the flu shot and whether you’re a good candidate.

2. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands with soap and water can help you get rid of the viruses on your skin. Scrub for 20 seconds or more; you can sing “Happy Birthday” twice while you scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

It’s critical to wash your hands at the following times:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• After using the restroom
• Before eating your food
• Following coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After changing a diaper or helping a child use the bathroom
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

It may sound like a simple thing to do, but washing your hands can greatly reduce the spread of cold and flu germs. During flu season, it can make all the difference for you and your family.

3. Use an Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Although washing your hands is a superior method for killing cold and flu germs, a restroom or washing station isn’t always available. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill most cold and flu germs that exist on your hands.

To get the most out of your hand sanitizer, make sure your hands aren’t visibly dirty, use enough to coat all parts of your hands, and rub the product in until all parts of your hand are completely dry.

4. Avoid Contact With People Who Are Sick

Physical contact can increase the risk of transmission. Large environments such as airports, grocery stores, or waiting rooms can make it difficult to protect yourself from catching a virus.

For those who are at a higher risk of contracting the flu, it’s best to avoid crowded areas during flu season—October to mid-March. If you must go out into large, crowded areas, bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to better protect yourself and your loved ones.

5. Clean Your Surroundings

A messy house or office space is a breeding ground for germs. To get rid of those germs it’s important that you wipe down counters, desks, electronics, doorknobs, or any other place where dust and germs build up.

Not only can a cleaner space make you feel better, but it can decrease you and your family’s chances of getting sick. For the best results, try using disinfectant wipes or sprays when cleaning.

Your Local McAllen Pharmacy Is Here for You

When cold and flu season hits, it can feel like a matter of time until you get sick. Although these tips should not replace your doctor’s advice, they may help you avoid the flu and common cold this year.

If you’re suffering from the flu and common cold, and have questions regarding the best medication to take, reach out to your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy. Our knowledgeable pharmacists can assist you with choosing a medication and answer any questions you have.

Make an appointment today with your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy to go over flu and cold medication options.

A pharmacist wears many hats. While one of the major roles they perform is to fulfill prescription needs, they do so much more than that.

Whether it’s reviewing your medication for potential drug interactions or teaching you how to self-administer your medicine, your pharmacist can help you in more ways than one.

Take advantage of all your pharmacist has to offer and learn about all the different ways that your pharmacist can help you stay healthy from your McAllen pharmacy.

5 Amazing Things Pharmacists Do

1. Check Your Medications for Possible Drug Interactions

If you are taking more than one medication at a time, there is a possibility that some of them will not mix well together. This often happens when you are taking both over-the-counter and prescription medications.

For your pharmacist to spot potential problems, they will need a full list of the medications you are taking. Once they have looked it all over, they will be able to recommend a treatment option to you or your doctor if needed. If you are unsure whether it is safe to take two separate medications at the same time, reach out to your pharmacist and they can give you an answer.

2. Help You Manage Side Effects

Medications often come with various side effects, some harder to deal with than others. Your pharmacist can figure out whether the symptoms are due to your diagnosis, the medications you are taking, or something entirely different.

Once your pharmacist has looked over your list of medications, they can recommend other medication or treatment options to help manage the side effects of your medication. If you have been prescribed medication, but have questions regarding the side effects, your pharmacist can go over that information and give you the answers you’ve been seeking.

3. Answer Medication Questions

The medical field is always advancing, and with that comes new medications and treatment options. Thankfully, pharmacists take the time to study these new forms of treatment and can explain how they work, how they are administered, and how they may affect patients.

Because some of these medications are new or rarely used, doctors may also have questions. They can consult a pharmacist and have better information to provide their patients, or may refer them to a pharmacist with further questions.

4. Teach You How to Self-Administer Medication

There are many medications that require the patient to self-inject themselves. Because pharmacists are trained in administering injections and vaccinations, they can teach patients how to properly administer their medications to themselves and provide tips that may help.

Learning how to self-administer your medication can feel intimidating and overwhelming at first, but reaching out to a pharmacist will allow you to educate yourself and put your worries to rest.

5. Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

The purpose of antibiotic medications is to fight off bacterial infections and illnesses. If bacteria evolves and stops responding to this medicine, it is called antibiotic resistance.

This can happen when you don’t follow the instructions on a medication properly and the bacteria your body is trying to fight off becomes drug-resistant. To prevent antibiotic resistance, you will need to follow the instructions of your medication very carefully.

Your pharmacist can walk you through the instructions and answer any questions you have to ensure your medication works properly.

Stay Healthy This Year With Help From Your McAllen Pharmacist!

Pharmacists are a great resource when it comes to your health and medication. Your pharmacist can answer any questions you may have and educate you about the medication you are taking.

Schedule an appointment today with your McAllen pharmacy for assistance with your medication.

Make an appointment today to visit with one of our pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy!

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and affects over 200,000 people in the United States each year. Every October, we take a month to recognize those with breast cancer and their loved ones. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Saenz Pharmacy is honoring the battle against breast cancer and raising awareness for breast cancer screenings and treatment.

In the spirit of prevention, your McAllen pharmacist at Saenz Pharmacy has written a guide about how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, as well as how you can reduce your risk of developing it.

Reducing Your Risk

Unfortunately, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of getting it.

• Maintain a healthy weight—Weight gain and an increase in body weight have both been linked to a higher risk for breast cancer after menopause. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you avoid excess weight gain.
• Get physically active— Many studies have shown a lower risk of breast cancer in those who exercise on a regular basis, both a moderate and vigorous amount. Read here for more information on the benefits of regular physical activity.
• Stay away from alcohol or limit intake— Alcohol, even in small amounts, has been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer. Abstaining from alcohol altogether is recommended, but if you must drink, limit yourself to 1 alcoholic beverage a day.

Although these are ways to lower your risk, there are certain risk factors that are out of your control, including your gender and age. If you are concerned that you may be at risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the prevention steps you can take.

Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Once breast cancer is suspected, there are a number of diagnostic tests that your doctor can run to determine if cancer is present or if the condition is benign. Doctors use three different types of test to check for the presence of breast cancer:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• Breast biopsy

While you will likely need to undergo one of the tests listed above to confirm, there are common symptoms that may be indicators of breast cancer. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer:

• Breast pain
• Swelling in part, or all of the breast
• Clear or bloody nipple discharge
• Peeling of the skin on the nipple or breast
• Changes in the appearance or shape of your breast
• Swelling under your arm

If you find a lump in your breast, see your doctor as soon as possible for additional tests and a physical examination. Your doctor will decide which tests need to be run and can create a treatment plan that works best for you.

Getting Treatment

Many factors, including the size, stage, and location of the tumor, will all play a part in what treatment you will receive. Your doctor will go over all the data and decide on a treatment plan moving forward.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. Because every case and form of breast cancer is different, there are several types of surgery that your doctor may choose to perform. Along with surgery, you may need additional forms of treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of radiation to find and kill cancer cells. Depending on where the cancer is, your doctor may choose to use external beam radiation outside the body, or brachytherapy inside the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that can be done on its own, but it is often used alongside surgery. Chemotherapy shrinks the tumor, getting rid of it altogether or making any necessary surgery less invasive.

Hormone Therapy

The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, can fuel the growth of breast cancer tumors. Hormone therapy is used to block the body from producing those hormones and can slow or even stop the cancer from growing.

Medications

There are certain prescription medications that can greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer or slow and stop the cancer growth.

Tamoxifen and raloxifene are prescription medications that block estrogen in breast tissue. Herceptin is another medication that is used to block the production of HER2 protein, a protein that aids in cancer cell growth.

Your doctor will work with you to find the right treatments for your specific needs. If you have any questions about your medications, your pharmacist can give you further information on those medications.

Battle Breast Cancer With the Help of Your Pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy!

The battle against breast cancer is one that many men and women in the United States face every year. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, one of the best ways to honor those battling against breast cancer is by learning about the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, as well as how to reduce your risk of developing it.

Schedule a consultation with your McAllen pharmacists today to discuss any questions you may have regarding your medications, including those you take to treat or prevent cancer development.

Book an appointment to speak with a pharmacist regarding breast cancer medication today.

For those with diabetes, having easy access to an emergency kit is critical to protecting their health and safety in case an emergency should arise. Because such a kit can make such a big difference in an emergency, it’s not surprising that it can be stressful to decide what to include in it.

Learn how to properly prepare a diabetes emergency kit with the help of your reliable pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy. If you have any questions about handling an emergency, be sure to ask us here at your local McAllen pharmacy.

What To Include in Your Emergency Kit

1. Create a Medical History and List of Contacts

If a medical emergency arises and you are unable to speak for yourself, it is important to have your medical information and list of emergency contacts on hand for first responders and other health care providers. Here are a few examples of what type of information to prepare:

• The dosage of your medication, what time you take it, and the frequency
• List of other medical conditions you may have, including allergies
• Contact information for your physician and pharmacy
• Information for two or more emergency contacts

How you choose to store this is up to you, but it is highly recommended that you wear a diabetes medical ID bracelet, which can provide meaningful information to first responders once they arrive on the scene.

2. Store a Week’s Worth of Extra Medication

For your safety, it is important to pack at least a week’s worth of your medication in your emergency kit. There will be different medication and supplies for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Here are some examples for each type:

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Insulin
• Clean syringes
• Extra supplies for your insulin pump including, extra reservoirs, infusion sets, and batteries

Type 2 Diabetes:

• Oral or injectable medication
• Extra insulin
• A cold pack and insulated bag if you have refrigerated medication

If you need advice on the proper medication to pack, be sure to consult your McAllen pharmacist. Supplies and medication vary depending on the type of diabetes and its severity.

3. Pack Supplies to Test Your Blood Glucose

A major part of managing diabetes is to monitor your glucose levels on a regular basis. Your body needs blood sugar to function properly and if it drops too low, it could lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.

Here are the supplies you will need to test your blood glucose:

• A blood glucose meter or continuous glucose meter (CGM)
• Extra test strips
• Extra batteries
• Extra sensors
• Syringes
• Pen needles for insulin pen
• Sharps container for needles and syringes
• Alcohol swabs
• Sanitizer
• Blood sugar readings log

After packing your supplies, make sure that you regularly check and update the contents to ensure you have the proper amount in case of an emergency.

4. Include Methods to Raise Your Glucose Levels

Hypoglycemia happens when you have a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels. If this happens in an emergency situation, you need to have sources of glucose on hand to raise those blood sugar levels. Some options include:

• Over-the-counter glucose tablets (Lift Glucose Chews and ReliOn ™ Glucose Tablets)
• Over-the-counter glucose gel (Insta-Glucose® and Dex4® Glucose Gel)
• Snacks high in carbohydrates that your body can convert into glucose like granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruits.

If you are unsure of what to bring as a source of glucose or how to properly package it, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your pharmacist. They will be able to recommend glucose sources and walk you through the proper ways to use and store them.

5. Pack Extra Water for Rehydrating

Being dehydrated can raise your blood sugar levels, causing a diabetic episode. It is advised that people with diabetes have at least three days worth of water on hand in case of an emergency. The CDC also recommends that you have at least one gallon per person a day at home. For your emergency kit, simply pack two or three 16 ounce water bottles inside; this will be enough water for you to re-hydrate.

For Assistance With Your Diabetes Emergency Kit, Consult Your McAllen Pharmacy!

A diabetes emergency kit can make all the difference in an emergency situation, so it is important that the proper supplies are inside.

If you are not sure what to put in your emergency kit, schedule an appointment with your McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy. Our pharmacy staff will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have!