Louisiana Pharmacists Association
Public Service Announcements
July as Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month
Bioterrorism is defined as “the deliberate or threatened use of bacteria, viruses or toxins to cause disease, death, disruption or fear.” Preparing for a bioterrorism attack is similar to preparing for any other disaster. The Louisiana Pharmacists Association urges the residents of Louisiana to take just three simple steps to become better prepared: Plan, Prepare, and Participate.
PLAN:
1. Make an emergency plan and practice it! (Don't forget to include pets.) Decide how and when your family will reunite if separated during an emergency.
2. Know the emergency plan at the workplace, church, children's school/daycare, or any places where family members spend time.
PREPARE:
- Put together a Disaster Supply Kit. Some key items that should be included are:
- A three-day supply of water and food that won't spoil
- Clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags for all family members
- First aid kit, including family's prescription medications
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks. (Keep in mind that if power is out, cash may be your only way to purchase needed items.)
- Sanitation supplies
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
- An extra pair of glasses
- Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged in your home. SAFETY NOTE: Do not attempt to relight a gas pilot. Call the utility company.
- Learn about bioterrorism and the realistic threat of a biological attack.
PARTICIPATE:
- Keeping in mind that the first response to a disaster is typically local. It may take at least 7 to 14 days until outside help can arrive. Thus, getting involved in your community is strongly encouraged! Ways to become involved include:
- Volunteer with agencies such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army
- Get involved in preparedness efforts at your workplace, in your neighborhood and in your community.
- Learn CPR and First Aid.
- Your pharmacist may offer immunizations and other emergency care services. Speak with your pharmacist about other ways that you can be better prepared!
There are some great resources that offer additional information. These include:
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June is Skin Cancer Prevention Month
The Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) would like to recognize June as Skin Cancer Prevention Month. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over one million new skin cancers are diagnosed each year and it has been reported that ONE in FIVE Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime! Your pharmacist is your most accessible healthcare provider. Ask your pharmacist for more information or for recommendations about specific products!
While there is much information available, here are a few key reminders from LPA:
1. WHO is most likely to get skin cancer?
The World Health Organization lists individual risk factors for skin cancer to include: fair skin, lighter colored eyes, fair-colored hair, tendency to burn rather than suntan, history of severe sunburns, many moles and/or freckles, and a family history of skin cancer.
2. WHAT can I do to protect myself?
Limit time in the midday sun (between 10am and 4pm) since the sun's UV rays are strongest during these hours; watch for the UV index (taking extra precautions when the UV Index predicts exposure levels are moderate or above); use shade wisely; wear protective clothing; use sunscreen (a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15+, apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors); avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors.
3.HOW MUCH sunscreen do I need?
The recommendation is that about 35 ml will cover a person for one application. So, a tube of sunscreen would provide about 3 applications. Don't forget the nose, cheeks, and ears!
4. Are CHILDREN at greater risk? YES.
Children are at a higher risk of suffering UV damage than adults and because they tend to spend more time outdoors, the potential risk increases. A short time in the midday sun can result in serious burns and a single sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the skin cancer risk.
5.WHAT are the SPECIAL precautions for CHILDREN?
ALWAYS keep babies less than 12 months old in the shade; NEVER let infants nor young children sleep in the sun; encourage your children to play in the shade, make sure your children wear protective clothing (including a hat and sunglasses); get your children used to wearing sunscreen; apply sunscreen lotion generously, with special attention to the most exposed body parts (face, ears, neck, shoulders, back, knees, and tops of feet); NEVER allow children or teenagers to use sunlamps.
6. Are there MEDICATIONS that can cause sun sensitivities? YES!
The most common medications that cause sun sensitivities include the fluoroquinolones (for example: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), tetracyclines (for example: tetracycline, doxycycline), and sulfonamides (for example: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim – AKA Bactrim or Septra). Ask your pharmacist if your medication may cause sun sensitivities!
Other resources include: www.skincancer.org, www.who.int, and www.kidzworld.com. The Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) hopes you have a great and sunburn-free summer!
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May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
The Louisiana Pharmacists Association in the month of May would like to bring attention to "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." For asthma and allergy sufferers, May is peak season and the beginning of several months of battles with these disease states. For healthcare providers, especially pharmacists, now is the perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.
Please visit www.aafa.org (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) for toolkits and information to help prevent and treat asthma and allergy symptoms.
As always, please contact your pharmacist with any questions for the best possible treatment options and/or doctor referrals.
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April is Parkinson's Awareness Month
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. On March 26, the U.S. Senate designated April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, marking this occasion nationally for the first time. It is vital that the 1 million Americans living with this disease and their families, caregivers, friends, and other members of our community educate others about this disease. Without them, research would grind to a halt. Without them, no one would know our stories. Without them, we would lose hope.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that affects movement, speaking, and cognitive function. It is the second most common neurological disease, behind only Alzheimer’s disease. For these reasons, it is important to increases awareness in our country about this disease community.
With Parkinson’s Awareness Month upon us, let us continue taking strides in educating the public and advocating for a cure. As we join together, with one voice, we look forward with hope to the day when Parkinson’s disease will be no more.
Here is a list of support Organization’s that may be a valuable resource:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm
http://www.apdaparkinson.org
http://www.parkinson.org
Of course, your local pharmacist is also an excellent source of information about the medications used to treat Parkinson's Disease.
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March is Poison Prevention Month
More than 2 million children suffer from accidental poisonings every year. March 14-20, 2010 is dedicated as National Poison Prevention Week and Louisiana Pharmacists Association encourages everyone to participate in safeguarding medications to prevent unintentional medication poisonings.
To keep your medicines child-safe APhA recommends the following tips:
• Never rely solely on any kind of packaging to protect kids.
• Keep all medications in child-proof cabinets or medicine cabinets that children can't reach.
• Leave prescriptions and OTC medications in its original container. This identifying information may help save the life of a child who has accidentally ingested medicine.
• Buy medicines in child-proof containers.
• Don't keep medicines in places like a diaper bag or purse where children may have access. House guests should also not leave medications in a suitcase or out in the open in a spare bedroom or bathroom.
• Don’t take medications in front of children because kids imitate adults.
• Never refer to medicine as "candy."
• Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about how to child proof your medications.
• Dispose of medications properly. Visit www.smarxtdisposal.net for more information.For poison emergencies call 1-800-222-1222For more information poison prevention and child safety, visit www.poisonprevention.org(Back to top)
February is American Heart Month
The Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) would like to recognize and help raise awareness about heart attacks. Most people consider a heart attack as sudden onset and extremely painful, but this is not always the case. The American Heart Association says that most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Some of the risks factors of a heart attack include being overweight, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Studies show that aspirin may help prevent a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin does have risks and may interact with other medications. You should not take aspirin without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Visit www.americanheart.org for more information.
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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
The Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) would like to recognize and help raise awareness to help prevent the disease ofglaucoma. If you have any questions please consult your eye doctor or your local pharmacist.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Everyone, from infants to seniors is vulnerable. Moreover, among African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.
Over 3 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.
The most common type of glaucoma—primary open angle glaucoma—is hereditary; so if you do have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know they are at increased risk.
Help Raise Awareness
Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma don’t know they have it. Here are three ways you can help raise awareness:
1. Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know.
2. Refer a friend to the web site, www.glaucoma.org
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.
Facts and Statistics
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness, and in the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.
The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately. Your pharmacist can be a great source of information!
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. And among Hispanics in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African-Americans. Also, siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma.
Are you at risk for glaucoma? You may be at risk if one or more of the following describes you:
· African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
· Over 60 years of age
· Have diabetes or hypertension
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While there is much information available, here are a few key reminders from LPA:
1. WHO is most likely to get skin cancer?
The World Health Organization lists individual risk factors for skin cancer to include: fair skin, lighter colored eyes, fair-colored hair, tendency to burn rather than suntan, history of severe sunburns, many moles and/or freckles, and a family history of skin cancer.
2. WHAT can I do to protect myself?
Limit time in the midday sun (between 10am and 4pm) since the sun's UV rays are strongest during these hours; watch for the UV index (taking extra precautions when the UV Index predicts exposure levels are moderate or above); use shade wisely; wear protective clothing; use sunscreen (a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15+, apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors); avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors.
3. HOW MUCH sunscreen do I need?
The recommendation is that about 35 ml will cover a person for one application. So, a tube of sunscreen would provide about 3 applications. Don't forget the nose, cheeks, and ears!
4. Are CHILDREN at greater risk? YES.
Children are at a higher risk of suffering UV damage than adults and because they tend to spend more time outdoors, the potential risk increases. A short time in the midday sun can result in serious burns and a single sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the skin cancer risk.
5. WHAT are the SPECIAL precautions for CHILDREN?
ALWAYS keep babies less than 12 months old in the shade; NEVER let infants nor young children sleep in the sun; encourage your children to play in the shade, make sure your children wear protective clothing (including a hat and sunglasses); get your children used to wearing sunscreen; apply sunscreen lotion generously, with special attention to the most exposed body parts (face, ears, neck, shoulders, back, knees, and tops of feet); NEVER allow children or teenagers to use sunlamps.
6. Are there MEDICATIONS that can cause sun sensitivities? YES!
The most common medications that cause sun sensitivities include the fluoroquinolones (for example: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), tetracyclines (for example: tetracycline, doxycycline), and sulfonamides (for example: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim – AKA Bactrim or Septra). Ask your pharmacist if your medication may cause sun sensitivities!
Other resources include: www.skincancer.org, www.who.int, and www.kidzworld.com. The Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) hopes you have a great and sunburn-free summer!
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