Closed on Memorial Day

 

Our humble thank you to the service men and women 

who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We will be closed on Monday, May 30

Special hours on Thursday, April 28 !

 

Live & Learn Compounding pharmacy will be closing  at 1pm on Thursday, April 28.

We will reopen with regular  hours on Monday, May 2nd

Thank you for your business and understanding

Phone lines are down!

 

Internet phone lines are down-- almost everywhere!   The phone people are working on it as quickly as they can, but in the meantime, if you are calling in a refill or have a question, please send us an email at: 

liveandlearnsupplements@gmail.com

We will get your email when we reopen on Monday!  Thank you!

Spring Forward!

 

Yep, it's that time of year .... again. Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13. 

Regardless of how you feel about the practice, moving the clock forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall doesn’t just affect your schedule — it can throw off your body’s internal clock, too.

That hour of sleep that’s lost or gained can leave you feeling groggy and irritable. It can also be dangerous. Studies have found that both heart attacks and fatal car accidents increase after the spring shift to Daylight Saving Time.

“In a nation that is already sleep deprived, losing an extra hour can make a huge impact,” says sleep specialist Harneet Walia, MD.

Adjusting to the time change is different for everyone. Some people adjust in a few days; for others, it takes more time. For your health and safety, Dr. Walia offers these tips for dealing with the time change:

1. Start preparing a few days early. About a week before “springing forward,” Dr. Walia recommends that you start going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier than your usual bedtime. Your body needs that bit of extra time to make up for the lost hour.
2. Stick to your schedule. Be consistent with eating, social, bed and exercise times during the transition to Daylight Saving Time. Exposing yourself to the bright light in the morning will also help you adjust, Dr. Walia says.
3. Don’t take long naps. Shutting your eyes mid-day is tempting, especially if you’re feeling sluggish. But avoiding naps is key for adjusting to the time change, as long daytime naps could make it harder for you to get a full night’s sleep. “If you have to take them, take them early and for no longer than 20 minutes,” Dr. Walia says.
4. Avoid coffee and alcohol. Put down coffee and caffeinated beverages four to six hours before bedtime.Alcohol also prohibits you from getting quality sleep, so avoid it late at night.

 A lot of folks ask us about natural supplements to help with the transition. Our favorite is BestRest by Pure Encapsulations. A combination of herbal and natural products including GABA, valerian, l-theanine, and yes- melatonin, that have been recognized as helping with sleep. Order direct from our wholesaler throught the “supplements” tab on our website  www. Liveandlearnpharmacy.com

Read more about healthy sleep habits at the Cleveland Clinic 

February is Children Dental Health Month

 

Are you prepared for a dental emergency? 

I thought I was... then I got a call from my son's daycare asking if my son had his 2 front teeth when he left for school that morning. Yes, he did and, um,  no, he was not due to lose any, but that's how it goes with kids!   

Thousands of dental emergencies—from injuries to a painful, abscessed tooth—take place every day. Would you know what to do if your child broke a tooth or had a tooth knocked out while playing outdoors? What if you had a bad toothache in the middle of the night and couldn’t get to the dentist until the next day? Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Keep your dental office phone number and an emergency number where the dentist can be reached after hours with other emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fire and police departments. Some families post these numbers on the refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door near the phone. Call the dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency.

Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove any food or other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. If the toothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don’t rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your dentist should evaluate the condition.

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth: Try to find the tooth! This may not be as easy as you think if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or while skateboarding, so try to stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if the tooth is dirty. Don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it’s possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation, so try to get to your dentist immediately.

Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling.

Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gently with a clean cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding can’t be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. You may able to reduce bleeding from the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to put pressure on the wound.

Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object with floss, contact your dentist.

Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately.

Holiday Hours

Live and Learn Compounding Pharmacy will be CLOSED:

Thursday - Sunday, Dec 23- Dec 26

and 

Thursday - Sunday, Dec 30 - Jan 3

We will be open Monday thru Wednesday of those weeks 9am - 6pm

and resume our regular hours of Monday - Thursday, 9am - 6pm on Monday, Jan 4

 

Closed for Thanksgiving

 

Live and Learn Compounding Pharmacy

will be CLOSED

Wednesday, Nov 24 - Sunday, Nov 28

We will resume regular hours on Monday, Nov 29

Have a safe and happy holiday

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

 

Live & Learn Compounding Pharmacy will be closed on

 Monday, July 5.

Have a safe and happy holiday

Holiday Safety Tips For Pets

 

Family pets can be as curious as children when it comes to holiday decorations, foods, and visitors. Cats swallowing tinsel, dogs eating chocolate, and both getting the medicine from Aunt Sally's purse…pets need to be watched as carefully as children.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your holiday celebrations.

• Batteries in toys, greeting cards, electronic devices, flameless candles, and remote controls can cause serious injury if pets (or humans) swallow them. Internal burns can occur in a very short time.
•  If your pet swallows a battery, take the animal to the vet right away! It is NOT OK to wait.
• Water from Christmas tree stands can contain bacteria. Swallowing the water can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, even if the ingredients aren't poisonous.
• Pets can choke on tinsel, ribbons, and Christmas tree needles. They can be cut by broken ornaments. Keep trees and their decorations high up or blocked off.
• Poinsettia is not a deadly plant, despite frequent warnings in the media. However, the sap from poinsettia plants can be very irritating. Pets who chew on poinsettia can develop skin rashes and mouth irritation. If they swallow the plant, they could have stomach upset and discomfort.
• Holly leaves are prickly and can cause injury if a pet tries to eat them. Holly berries can be poisonous; they easily dry up and fall onto the floor where pets (and children) can find them.
• Alcoholic beverages and chocolate are among the foods which pets should not consume. Empty the glasses and store left-overs safely so pets won’t consume the drinks or develop food poisoning.
• Many human medicines are poisonous to pets. For example, small amounts of over-the-counter pain relievers can be fatal to cats and dogs. Even if your own medicines are stored safely, be aware that visitors may have medicines in their purses or suitcases. Provide a place for these things to be stored safely, out of sight and reach of pets (and children).
• 
  

Please remind your guests NOT TO FEED HOLIDAY FEAST LEFTOVERS to your pet. They may not know that many holiday foods may pose great danger to your four-legged companions. It may seem innocent enough to slip a few extra morsels of dinner or dessert under the table to a begging canine or feline friend, but even the most harmless-seeming meal scraps can sometimes be hazardous to pets.

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for the many feasts of the holiday season:

 

Candy Can Be Deadly. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be toxic to pets. Dark, semi-sweet, and Baker's each contain high-concentrates of theobromine, more than other chocolates varieties - but all chocolate can all be lethal to pets if ingested. Even "sugar-free" candy can be extremely dangerous,  so be sure to keep the candy bowls and snack trays well out of your pets’ reach!

Leftovers May Be Dangerous. Fatty leftovers, like meat drippings and bones, can cause internal injury, upset stomachs, diarrhea, or vomiting, and may lead to pancreatitis and obesity. Be sure to keep your friends and family informed and in check before they begin doling out unwanted scraps beneath the dinner table.

Bones Are Bad. Although bones from our holiday birds look good to pets, they are dangerous and can cause intestinal upset and may even splinter once chewed – becoming lodged dangerously in your pets’ throat – or in the process of being digested – creating serious intestinal problems.

Hold the Fruits and Veggies. It seems perfectly logical that because they are good for us, fruits and vegetables are good for pets – and that’s true, partly. Some fruits and vegetables, however, are actually toxic to pets. In terms of vegetables, keep an eye out for garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots dropping from the dinner table, as they are all highly toxic to dogs and cats, and can be fatal in severe cases. As for fruits, grapes, and raisins are the culprits you’ll most need to keep an eye on, as they too can be harmful to pets.

Watch the Packaging. Packaging can cause choking or intestinal blockage when ingested. Foil wrappers can become as dangerous as razors when swallowed, so keep a special eye out for wrapped foods and excessive packaging lying about your home.

Careful with the Caffeine. While you may often need that extra caffeinated boost to keep you going during this exhausting time of year, your pets do not – in fact, many products on the market with large amounts of caffeine or caffeine-like stimulants are toxic to pets. Be sure to steer your cats and dogs clear of anything containing caffeine around your house, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, caffeine pills, and soft drinks.

 

And a special warning about xylitol: Certain Sugar-Free Gums and Treats Can Kill Dogs

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly used in sugar-free candy and gum, as well as baked goods and toothpaste. It is also used to enhance sweetness in food such as peanut butter. Xylitol is used by many people as a healthy alternative to processed sugar because it has little effect on human blood glucose levels, making it useful for people with diabetes who are trying to control their blood sugar levels. Additionally, xylitol has been approved by the FDA as a way to prevent tooth decay.

But although this sweetener has health benefits for people, xylitol has serious toxic effects in our canine companions!

Xylitol has long been known to cause hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood glucose levels, in dogs. Within 30 minutes of ingestion, xylitol can cause the pancreas to secrete large amounts of insulin. This encourages the dog’s muscle and fat tissue to use too much blood glucose. The result, hypoglycemia, has devastating effects on a dog’s neurological system, which can lead to seizures or death. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are often lethargy, confusion, sudden blindness, stumbling, and shaking. More recently, xylitol has been shown to cause acute liver failure within 72 hours of ingestion.

Even small doses of xylitol can cause a pooch to become gravely ill. Only 0.1 gram of xylitol per 2.2 pounds of body weight can cause hypoglycemia, while only .5 grams can cause liver failure. Since a piece of sugarless gum can have between 0.3 and 1 gram of xylitol, it will only take a few pieces to poison a dog. There are 190 grams of xylitol in 1 cup of the sweetener. This means that if a recipe for 12 cupcakes call for a cup of xylitol, a 50-lb. pup can become ill after eating one cupcake!

If you suspect your canine companion has ingested a product containing xylitol, it is important that a veterinarian intervenes as soon as possible. Xylitol can be digested and reach maximum levels in the body in as few as 30 minutes. 

 

•  If your pet seems ill after getting into any kind of food or decoration, call your vet right away. If you have questions about something your pet may have swallowed, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Local specialists will answer your call, 24 hours a day.

 

https://www.poison.org/

https://www.banfield.com/pet-healthcare/additional-resources/article-library/safety-tips/holiday-foods-that-are-hazardous-to-pets

https://theparcvet.com/blog/certain-sugar-free-gums-and-treats-can-kill-dogs

COVID-19 testing basics

We’ve heard a lot about coronavirus testing recently. Let’s explore the different types of tests and what the steps are in the testing process.

NOTE: If you think you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and need a test, contact your health care provider immediately. 

Types of Tests

Many people don’t know that there are two different types of tests – viral (or "diagnostic") tests and antibody tests.

1. A viral test , also called a diagnostic test, can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others.
2.  An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection.

Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 might provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. If it does, at the time of this writing we do not know how much protection the antibodies might provide or how long this protection might last.

Testing Process

Many companies and labs have developed tests to diagnose COVID-19 based on detection of the virus’s genetic material in a sample from the patient’s nose or throat. The typical steps in this type of  testing for the coronavirus are:

1. A health care professional orders a COVID-19 test. All COVID-19 tests, including those used with a home collection kit, require a prescription.
2. You or a health care professional use a specialized, sterile swab to collect mucus from your nose or throat.
3. You or a health care professional put the swab in a sterile container and seal it for transport to a lab.
4. During the shipping process, the swab must be kept within a certain temperature range to keep the virus alive so that the test will be accurate. The sample must arrive at the lab within 72 hours.
5. A lab technician mixes chemicals with the swab to extract the genetic material of any virus that may be on the swab.
6. The lab technician uses special chemicals, called primers and probes, and a high-tech machine to conduct several controlled heating and cooling cycles to convert the virus's RNA into DNA, and then make millions of copies of the DNA.
7. When DNA binds to specific probes, a special type of light is produced that can be seen by the machine and the test shows a "positive" result for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

More information about COVID-19 testing can be found on the FDA website.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Sunshine! Barbecues! Fireworks! Who doesn’t love a good Independence Day celebration? But this year, celebrating Independence Day will be different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The American Red Cross offers safety tips you can follow.

If your community is reopening, know which precautions to take in public settings.

1. Continue to social distance by staying 6 feet away from others, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (over age 65 or any age with underlying medical conditions).
2. Continue to wear cloth face coverings in public. Face coverings are most essential when social distancing is difficult.
3. Follow guidelines for your area when it comes to how large gatherings can be. Avoid crowds and mass gatherings.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
5. Stay home if you are sick.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

Many public fireworks shows may be canceled this summer as communities try to avoid holding events where large crowds will gather. If you plan to use your own fireworks, check first if it is legal in your area.

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

GRILLING SAFETY

Grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year in the U.S. To avoid this:

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, stays away from the grill, including children and pets.
4. Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire. 
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

WATER SAFETY

Warmer weather means enjoying the water. Be “water smart,” have swimming skills and know how to help others. This includes home pools — where young children are most at risk of drowning — and open water, such as ponds, rivers and lakes — where older children and teens are more likely to drown than any other location. With less access to lifeguarded aquatic facilities this summer, youth and teens may consider open water environments that are not designated for swimming.

1. Talk to your children, including older youth and teenagers, about water safety. A variety of resources are available at redcross.org/watersafety and redcross.org/watersafetyforkids.
2. If you choose to take your family to the water, make sure the area is designated for swimming and has lifeguards on duty. Once there, maintain social distancing, both in and out of the water, between you and people who don’t live with you.
3. Wear face coverings on land, especially when physical distancing is difficult. Do not wear them in the water as it may be difficult to breathe. Don’t share goggles, nose clips, snorkels or other personal items.
4. Designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to supervise people during any in-water activity until the next person takes over.
5. Kiddie or inflatable pools can be a great way to have fun. Drain the water from the pool and flip it over after swim time is over.

Be sure to remember the basics:

·       Wear Sunscreen: Although being outside in the sun is a great way to absorb some healthy Vitamin D, make sure to use sun protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies show that sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer by 12 times!

• Eat Light: No one wants to eat a heavy meal when you’re outside in the heat. To make sure your food doesn’t weigh down your festivities, make salads and sides to balance the main course, maybe grill your meal! You might be snacking all day too, so make sure healthy snacks like veggie sticks are readily available.

• Stay Hydrated with Water: No matter where you are in America, July is hot! Be sure to drink plenty of water and keep your body from overheating, and stay away from caffeinated and sugary drinks that dehydrate you. Keep plenty of fresh fruit on hand too, as fruits are packed with vitamins, fiber, and water.

• Wear Some Earplugs: The sounds of summer—such as fireworks and marching bands—can definitely damage your hearing. In fact, fireworks have a sound decibel of 150, and ear protection is recommended for decibels above 85.

• Make Sure you’re Using a Clean Grill: A dirty grill can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. After you are done grilling, do a quick clean up of any visible debris and food, then turn up the heat and let the grill burn off a bit.

• Skip Sugary Deserts: This is the season when tons of fresh fruit is available from the grocery, farmers markets, and fruit stands! Cut up strawberries and melon or grill peaches, pineapple, or bananas to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding unnecessary processed sugar.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross offers a series of free mobile apps to put lifesaving safety information in the palm of your hand. Download these apps by searching for “American Red Cross” in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.  The Red Cross Swim App has water safety tips and resources for parents and caregivers along with child-friendly games, videos and quizzes.

Shifting and Shipping!

We didn't shut- we just shifted!

Few- if any - of us have been left untouched by the current crisis. People all over the world are doing things in very different ways than they were just a few short months ago. Shifts in habits, patterns and  mindset are the keys to quick recovery. The staff at Live and Learn Compounding Pharmacy is constantly monitoring and making adjustments to  the delicate balance between our commitment to serving the needs of our patients and protecting the health and safety of patients, employees, and their families. 

We are doing our part to help our patients comply with  Governor DeSantis statewide Stay-At-Home order. We are respectfully requesting that all patients have your prescription shipped to your home or work. 

To that end we are extending FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING for all prescriptions through April 30.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We're all in this together

We are open- free shipping and curbside pick-up

We are open and committed to serving our patient's needs while keeping every as safe as possible. 


Because our primary concern is always the health and safety of our patients and employees, and in light of recent COVID-19 concerns, we wanted to let you know that we are increasing our already high standards to make our pharmacy safe as we can. We are closely following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local governments, and public health agencies. All pharmacy staff members have been trained to uphold and practice the precautionary measures below:
 
1.    We make proper handwashing a priority.
2.    We are increasing frequency of our lab sanitization procedures.
3.    We are making sure any staff member feeling sick stays home.


In addition, we are offering FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING for all prescriptions through April 3.  We are respectfully requesting that all patients have your prescription shipped to your home or work. 

If you must pick up your prescription,we will call you when your prescription is ready for pick up.  Please call us when you arrive. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT YOU AVOID CASH TRANSACTIONS. We will take your credit or debit card card information on the phone and bring your prescription out to you.  


 
We are prepared to navigate these challenging circumstances with everyone’s safety in mind. 

Thank you from the entire Live & Learn Compounding Pharmacy Family,

Thanksgiving Week Hours

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our abundant blessings. The staff of Live & Learn Compounding Pharmacy would like you to know that we are thankful for your continued support and trust.  

In order to allow our employees to travel safely to their families, we will be observing holiday hours, noted below.

Please be sure to plan ahead so that you do not run out of medication.

THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS

Monday, Nov 25 : 9am - 7pm

Tuesday, Nov 26 : 9am - 7pm

Wednesday, Nov 27: CLOSED

Thursday, Nov 28 : CLOSED

Friday, Nov 29 : CLOSED

We will resume regular hours  Monday - Thursday, 9am - 7pm ,on Monday, Dec 2.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday!