Enjoying Summer Safely

As you head outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray, clinicians urge

RACHEL COPPOLA | COVERAGE, NEWS SERVICE OF BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS

As summer vacation season kicks off, taking commonsense precautions to avoid sun, heat and insect-borne illnesses can help ensure a fun and safe season.

Follow these summer safety tips:

Stay sun safe
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection on all exposed skin, and reapply it every two hours regardless of SPF rating or more if you are swimming or sweating. “Consider a mineral-based sunscreen instead of a chemical-based one because it reflects UV rays away from the skin, and make putting it on part of your everyday routine like eating breakfast and brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Ashley Yeats, a family physician and VP of medical operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Wear sunglasses, a broadbrimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt or clothing with built-in sun protection, and try not to go outside midday when the sun is most intense. Yeats also advises doing monthly skin checks according to the ABCDEs to help identify concerning moles: Asymmetry (half of the mole doesn’t match the other), Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolving size, shape or color.
Keep critters away
Yeats advises applying insect repellant with EPA registered active ingredients such as DEET that are appropriate for the age of the person to ward off ticks and mosquitoes that can carry and transmit Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and to bathe before bed to wash it off. Yeats also recommends wearing pants tucked into long socks, especially if you will be hiking or walking in high grass, and avoiding activities at dawn and dusk. When you come in from the outdoors, check your skin for ticks and a bullseye rash that can indicate a tick bite. “Symptoms of Lyme disease, West Nile and EEE are fever and lethargy — unfortunately the same as COVID-19,” Yeats says. If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor and discuss your recent activities.
Stay cool and hydrated
As temperatures and humidity climb, Yeats notes it’s important to guard against dehydration and heat stroke by staying cool. “The very young and very old are less capable of dispersing body heat than others,” she said, so special care should be taken to keep babies and the elderly cool. Drink plenty of water: “If you are thirsty, you are past the point when you don’t have enough water in your body.” Make sure you have a fan or air conditioner or cool down by putting a cold washcloth on your neck. Additionally, she recommends checking in on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors, especially now, when many of the climate-controlled places these folks used to go to, such as the mall or senior center, may be closed because of the pandemic. Yeats says to be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses, including a rash, fever, nausea, light-headedness and fatigue.

If you have a medical concern, Yeats says, call your primary care provider as a first step.

“It’s important to be prepared and take these necessary precautions,” Yeats says. “But the good news is that many of these conditions, including moles, rashes and bug bites, are highly amenable to being evaluated and screened through telehealth.”

“We want you to get outside with your family and go for runs and hikes and bike rides,” Yeats says. “But we also want you to be safe.”

PICTURE OF DR. ASHLEY YEATS BY MICHAEL GRIMMETT

Coverage is a news service of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Ate Too Much During Thanksgiving Celebrations? Here’s What to Do

The average American eats a whopping 3,000 calories and 150 grams of fat on Thanksgiving — and that’s not even counting seconds.

Besides all the cleanup and extra laundry and dry cleaning you need to do, perhaps you find yourself getting a bit too stuffed after Thanksgiving celebrations every year as well. This time around, you want to be prepared. Specifically, you want to know how to make yourself feel better quickly if you’ve eaten too much.

We’ve got you covered for Thanksgiving 2021 and beyond. Unbuckle your belt and read on for our best tips to get yourself back on track post-feast.

Roasted turkey garnished with cranberries on a rustic style table decoraded with pumpkins, gourds, asparagus, brussel sprouts, baked vegetables, pie, flowers, and candles.

1. Hydrate

We’re not encouraging you to grab a filling pint of beer or a sugary cocktail after Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, if you’re feeling overly stuffed, you should try and sip as much water as you can.

Water can ward off constipation, and it can help reduce bloating faster. Just be sure not to drink too much at once, as chugging water while you’re stuffed will only add to that feeling. Sip slowly and often instead.

2. Skip the Snooze

Some people need prescriptions to help them sleep. For them, a post-Thanksgiving dinner nap might be a welcome part of the day.

However, that shut-eye after your meal could be stalling your digestion. Try and stay awake for at least one to two hours after you eat to keep things moving and relieve your discomfort sooner.

3. Get Moving

If you’re feeling like you have enough energy to do more than just stay awake, head outside for an after-dinner walk. A little bit of movement can stoke digestion, and it can help balance out blood glucose levels, too.

That might feel a bit ambitious for you after such a big meal, and that’s okay. Try getting up and going through a full-body stretch. Even something that gentle can have the same positive effects on your post-Thanksgiving state. If you have an elderly loved one, take him/her out on a walk to share some quality time together. It’s better than hiring a home caregiver.

4. Return to Your Regular Routine

Some people make the mistake of yo-yo-ing on the day after Thanksgiving. By that, we mean they follow up their indulgent feast with a very light day of eating or even a crash diet. This is never a solution to the post-holiday bloat.

Instead, just return to your normal way of eating. Incorporate lots of healthy, nutritious and fiber-rich produce to keep your digestion rolling. However, you don’t need to overhaul your diet completely — just go back to the way you usually eat.

5. Ask Your Pharmacist

If you’re really having digestive issues and the above tips don’t help, you can always ask your pharmacist for help. They may be able to point you in the direction of a medication or supplement that can boost your digestion, relieve bloat and otherwise diffuse the discomfort you feel after such a big meal.

Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Celebrations

Everyone indulges on holidays, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up for enjoying your Thanksgiving celebrations. Instead, eat what you want, then take the steps necessary to get back to feeling like yourself. We’re thankful it’s that easy, too.

Dealing with Fall Allergies

Many people think of Spring and Summer as big allergy triggers. But actually, Fall can be quite the culprit as well. Ragweed is rampant in autumn and can cause all sorts of problems for allergy sufferers like coughing, red and itchy eyes, and sneezing. Mold and dust mites can be another Fall allergy trigger, especially since you tend to spend much more time indoors. Here are some ways to prepare for and deal with fall allergies.

Stock up on Allergy Meds

Having everything you need for an allergy attack ready and waiting is a good idea. Since we’re going into flu season, and still have the effects of the pandemic to contend with, stocking up on supplies is key. The local pharmacy near me has everything I need to get a Fall allergy kit ready. Over the counter medications like antihistamines, pain killers, nasal sprays and decongestants are all essential to have on hand. Your pharmacy probably carries some alternative health options that could be helpful as well. Look for vapor rubs and essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint that can alleviate respiratory allergy symptoms. On the other hand, if your allergies require prescriptions, then make sure you get your prescription refills.

Give Your House a Deep Clean

Since dust and allergens tend to accumulate in the fibers of your carpets, curtains, and linens, the Fall is a great time to deep clean your home. You could rent a carpet cleaning machine or hire a cleaning service to deep clean your carpets. For curtains and linens, I find that the local dry cleaner near me is the perfect spot for help. When I mentioned that I have allergies, they said they have hypoallergenic products they could use to treat my laundry items. And don’t forget the bedding! Most dry cleaners clean comforters, bedspreads and other household items. Just be sure to call ahead to check their policies.

Clean or Replace Your Vacuum

This is something that people don’t often think of. But your vacuum can be quite the collector of dust and allergens. If you own a vacuum with a replaceable or cleanable filter, the Fall is the perfect time to do that. Read the manufacturer instructions (you can find most online) for how to replace or clean your vacuum filter and also clean out the bottom brush head. This will not only get rid of stored dust and dirt, but it will ensure your vacuum is working at its maximum power to suck up all those allergens.

Now that you’ve done everything you can to prepare for allergies, enjoy the Fall!

Dealing with Skin Allergies

So many Americans are affected by skin allergies, so much so that skin allergy remedies are a lucrative industry. Different factors can make skin allergies worse like weather, pollen and common airborne allergens. Here are some tips for those dealing with skin allergies.

Check With Your Local Pharmacy

Skin allergies are sometimes tricky to treat since they vary so much from person to person. Check with a compounding pharmacy about medications specifically for your individual needs. Compounded medications for skin will be specially formulated for you by type and dosage, so you’ll get the quickest most reliable results.

Be Aware of What Fabrics Irritate Your Skin

You may be unaware that some of the clothing you wear regularly is irritating your sensitive skin. It could be the fabric itself, or the detergent you’ve been using to wash them. Always look for “free and clear” detergents that don’t contain any dyes or perfumes. Additionally, look for a local green dry cleaner nearby that tailors to those with sensitive skin. Ask for no fragrances and hypoallergenic products.

Check With Your Doctor

Sometimes skin allergies could be pointing to a more serious health problem. If your skin suddenly becomes dry or irritated, its best to have it checked out by your doctor or dermatologist. Raised rashes, odd-shaped markings or irritation paired with fevers should always be checked by a medical professional right away.

Moisturize Frequently

Dry weather or heat can bring on skin allergies, especially if you’re already prone to dry skin. To avoid this, I always keep my skin moisturized with a natural, perfume-free lotion or oil. I like to buy lotions and creams specifically formulated for sensitive skin at a local drugstore near me, which also can fill prescriptions from my dermatologist. Older people also tend to have dry skin, so family caregivers or professional home health aides should also take care to keep their loved one or client’s skin moisturized.

Skin allergies are a pain, but they don’t have to be. Take care of your skin and take care of each other.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas for all the special guys in your life. This year is undeniably different than previous Father’s Days, so it may require a little thinking outside the box. Some traditional stores aren’t yet fully open, and special outings and celebrations may not be possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to worry! I’ve compiled some unique Father’s Day gift ideas that are perfect for our current situation.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are always a good idea for any holiday gift. But this year, consider a gift card from your Dad’s local dry cleaner. Once things get up and running again, he’ll want to freshen up his wardrobe and get out of those sweats and t-shirts. Or he may try shirt laundry service at his office so he can look his best always at work. If the dry cleaners won’t work for your guy, the local drugstore will have a large selection of gift cards for local restaurants and stores.

Private Home Care

This gift could work for grandpas as well as Dads. If your dad is caring for his elderly father, or could just use some help himself, contacting a private home care agency may be the perfect gift idea. A caregiver or home health aide could be a lifesaver, and something they may not always feel comfortable asking for themselves.

Last-Minute Gifts

Because of COVID-19, it’s hard to follow our usual gift-giving routines. If you haven’t been able to go to a department store or find what you need online, you may need to run out and grab something locally. Luckily, pharmacies are considered essential right now and almost all are offering special extended hours. The local pharmacy near me, for example, turns out to be a treasure trove of Father’s Day gifts. Cologne, coffee mugs, fancy chocolate – you’d probably be surprised what you can find at the drug store. The community pharmacy probably carries Father’s Day gift sets as well to make it even easier.

Don’t let the global pandemic stop you from treating those special Dads in your life to the perfect gift they deserve.

Photo by Mockaroon on Unsplash

Celebrating Mother’s Day During COVID-19

We usually celebrate Mother’s Day with flowers and gifts for mom, taking her out to dinner and may be a shopping spree or a trip to the spa or salon. While our city is still in lockdown, with restaurants, salons and shops closed, how are you celebrating Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day Gifts

For the most part, we can order gifts online and get them ready by Mother’s Day. If you cannot get a gift delivered in time, don’t forget that your local drugstore is still open and carries a variety of health and beauty products that your mom would love – from age-defying skin care, hair coloring and styling to perfumes and manicure products. Your community pharmacy may provide curbside service so you can stay safe.

Take a load off

Mom is always busy caring for her family. The list of household chores is never ending. During the quarantine, the amount of cleaning and disinfecting has probably quadrupled. So a great gift would be to take over some of her work. How about letting the local dry cleaner nearby do the laundry? Schedule a laundry pickup before Mother’s Day, so that she is relaxed and not worried about doing the laundry.

If mom’s work includes caring for grandpa and or grandma, which is not unusual in this age of the “Caregiving Crunch,” you can take a load off her by hiring respite care providers from the local home care agency. A home health aide can provide respectful professional care and companionship for a senior loved one while the family caregiver takes a break.

Fun activity together

Do something fun with your mom at home, such as watch a movie on tv, take a trip down memory lane by viewing old photos together, make handicrafts or artwork, give mom a manicure, and so on.

Dinner

If your mother is living in the same house, you can perhaps cook a nice dinner or if you are not a good cook, you can order a big meal online and get it delivered to the house. But if your mother is not under the same roof, you can try sharing a virtual dinner on Zoom. That way, you can still see and chat with each other during dinner.

With a little creativity and preparation, we can still give mom a memorable Mother’s Day during these unprecedented times. Stay safe and have fun with your mom on Mother’s Day!

Photo by Karolina Bobek ✌ on Unsplash

Personal Hygiene During COVID-19

Everyday household tasks can become a source of anxiety in these times. Do you start worrying about how to get the basics done while keeping yourself and loved ones safe and healthy? Simple hygiene measures can help.

Personal Hygiene

A piece of advice that is repeatedly stated by the authorities as a top precaution is to wash our hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Make sure the soap or sanitizer fully covers your hands, then rub hands together for 20-30 seconds. For hand sanitizers, use those that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol. Having trouble finding hand sanitizers in the grocery store? Try your community pharmacy. If they have the ability to provide compounded medications, they may be able to produce sanitizers themselves.

Remember to avoid touching your face because the virus is spread through droplets that may cling to surfaces that you touched.

Cleaning Clothes

There’s no research as yet on how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on clothes or other fabrics, but it’s still a good idea to change and wash your clothes regularly — especially if you’ve just come home from the grocery store (or the office if you aren’t working from home). If you are doing the laundry at home, wash your clothes using the warmest appropriate water setting in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you dry the items completely.

Consider using a laundry delivery service instead of making trips to the laundromat to avoid too much people contact and save time for other chores. Dry cleaning can help to disinfect clothing and other household items like towels and bedding because it uses high heat. Some Boston dry cleaners provide germ-free laundry services, too.

When handling dirty laundry from a person who has symptoms, wear disposable gloves. If you are using a drycleaning pickup service, you should tell the dry cleaner that the laundry may be infected.

Housecleaning

It is also important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces or objects including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, phones, keyboards, sinks, and faucets at least daily. Clean dirty surfaces with a regular household detergent first, then disinfect with any EPA-registered household disinfectant.

Let’s all stay safe and healthy during these unusual times!

Photo by Irina Ba on Unsplash

Natural Products to Use on Your Skin

There is no need to spend tons of money on expensive skin products and lotions. But by stocking up on a few different natural ingredients that are inexpensive and easy to find at a local grocery store or community pharmacy near me, I can always be prepared for a variety of skin-related situations. Read on to learn more.

Witch Hazel

No, it’s not something to use to put a curse on someone. Witch hazel is actually a common astringent that used for many different topical needs. Besides being very inexpensive, you can usually find it in a few various forms at your local independent pharmacy. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, you can use witch hazel for a variety of skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes from allergic reactions and even hemorrhoids.

hands with beautiful skin — Photo by Lazar Gugleta on Unsplash

Aloe

Aloe vera is a handy thing to have in your cabinet, especially in the summertime. When rubbed gently on the skin, aloe vera is incredibly soothing to sunburns and can even help it heal faster. While I could easily pick up aloe vera lotions and creams in the grocery store or a drug store near me, having an aloe vera plant is another great way to reap its benefits in raw form. Simply use the gel-like substance directly from its thick leaves.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great to cook and bake with, but it’s also amazing for your skin. Besides having natural anti-bacterial properties, it’s incredibly moisturizing and can be used even on sensitive skin. Use it when treating athletes foot or toe fungus, or for clearing up folliculitis, a common skin rash caused by inflamed hair follicles on the arms and legs. Coconut oil is very high in antioxidants, which means regular use can actually improve the texture and appearance of your skin.

So next time you’re at the drug store, pharmacy or grocery, keep a lookout for these natural ingredients that can help keep your skin healthy. But if you have more serious skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, warts, fungal infections, wounds and scars that require customized treatment, you should always consult a professional healthcare provider. Compounded medications can be ordered from a dermatology compounding pharmacy to contain ingredients to help with various skin conditions. They include topical delivery systems to provide localized treatments in many different forms, including ointments, gels and creams to enable better absorption into the skin.

Why Shop Local?

When you shop at your local pharmacy or drycleaner, you’re not only building relationships but also strengthening the fabric of your entire community. Local business owners know you, and you know them.

When you see someone frequently at the coffee shop, dry cleaner, or hardware store, you build relationships with people who have similar needs and interests. Shopping at local businesses connects neighbors with each other. It’s social networking without the screen!

You get better customer service when you shop local. When you fill a prescription at a community pharmacy you are likely to be served by the owner or a long-time employee who knows your medical history and medication needs. Many local pharmacies also offer specialties such as compounded medications. A local laundry service or dress shop knows your preferences so you get more personalized service.

Local businesses are more likely to donate to community events, local non-profits, and sports teams. Studies have shown that they do so at over twice the rate of large chains. This kind of participation brings the community closer together.

Did you know that each dollar you spend at a local independent business can bring as much as $3.50 into the local economy? Local businesses are customers of local ad agencies, insurance brokers, accountants, printers, lawyers and other services and often buy locally-made goods too. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to start more local businesses.

Some studies have reported that local businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue than national chains thus creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. But it’s not just the jobs at the independent pharmacy, the laundry pickup service, or the boutique that get created. As the local economy strengthens, you’re helping create jobs for firefighters, police officers, teachers, and other public service employees as well!

Author: The WSI Touch is a digital marketing agency serving small and medium-sized businesses in Boston, Massachusetts.

Free Fun at Capron Park Zoo

Hey Bostonians! The Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring Free Fun Fridays again this year. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit museums and cultural venues across Massachusetts for free!

Among the venues is Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro which is about 50 minutes from Boston. It’s a nice ride out of town to see exotic animals such as the white lion, red panda, emus and pythons. But for us, the main attraction is the splash pad, a fun and exciting zero-depth water playground that thrills children of all ages. For maximum enjoyment, bring bathing suits and beach clothing and sunscreen for your kids. The local pharmacy near me offers a quality selection of sunscreens and other health and beauty aids for the whole family and they provide more individualized care than the national chains. You should try them, if you are not yet a customer.

Source: http://capronparkzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/LION-AND-BEAR-BEHIND-THE-SCENES-.png

The adults can use some sunscreen too, but take care that it doesn’t stain your clothing. The oil component of these lotions leaves invisible stains that can become visible over time. These stains may not be easily removed in normal washing. I usually take stained clothing to a dry cleaner near me for stain removal.

The park does not allow visitors to bring picnics, but there is a Concession Stand that offers delicious fresh cooked food, ice cream and cold drinks while you rest at shady picnic benches.

The Zoo is a wonderful place to visit at other times of the year too. There are educational classes on animals and how to take care of them, conservation, photography and more. If you have teenage children, you may consider enrolling them into the Zoo Crew program which gives teens the opportunity to volunteer at the Zoo. The Zoo also offers birthday party packages for children – a perfect birthday celebration for the kid who loves animals!