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Summary:  Not all laxatives are created the same.  Discussed in this episode are the nonpharmacologic options to relieve constipation, and the OTC Laxative options available should nonpharmacologic efforts fail.  Included is a brief explanation of the peristaltic movement that is pooping, and how the different laxative options affect that process.  Though there is often a silly poop joke or phrase lurking nearby i.e. dropping the kids off at the pool, a healthy and properly functioning bowel is essential for your overall health.  Please consult your healthcare providers for any questions and guidance about constipation and your gut health.

Topics:

·       Constipation Definition 02:00

·       Before Using Laxatives 03:00

·       OTC Laxatives 04:00

·       Bulk Laxatives (Metamucil/Citrucel/Fibercon) 06:15

·       Peristalsis and Bowel Movements 06:45

·       Osmotic Laxatives (Miralax/MOM) 07:50

·       Stool Softeners (Docusate) 09:30

·       Lubricant Laxatives 10:00

·       Stimulant Laxatives (Bisacodyl & Senna) 11:00

·       Laxative Overuse 12:00

·       Rx Laxatives

      Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation – Linzess 12:30

      Opiate Use – Relistor to prevent GI effects of opiates 13:10

·       Onset of Action 14:30

-              Bulk = 12 hrs to 3 days

-              Stool Softeners = 12 hrs to 3 days

-              Stimulant = 6 to12 hrs

-              Lubricant =  6 to 12 hrs

-              Enema/Suppository = 15 min to 1 hr

·       Side Effects/Over usage 17:30

·       Interactions with Medication  Consult Pharmacist 19:25

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Summary:  The chemistry of your mind and body are almost always changed by the medications you take.  But there is more to it than that.  These changes are changing, in response to both your medications and in response to your thoughts, feelings, food, exercise, and sleep.  About the medications, we focus on the benefit you might receive, and the possible risks associated with a potential drug therapy.  And we keep track of it.  This is always a good idea.  But what about how you think and eat and sleep and move?  Let's talk about it.
 Topics:

·      Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics 01:30

·      Drugs “On board” 02:30

·      Drugs & Your Chemistry 03:00

·      Cookies & Your Chemistry 04:30

·      Exercise, Sleep & Your Chemistry 05:00

·      Diet, Thinking, Feeling & Your Chemistry 06:00

·      Cortisol & Chronic Stress 06:30

·      GABA Receptors (Benzodiazepines) 07:45

·      Be nice? 08:40

·      Meds & Risk-Benefit 09:00

·      Hurricane Helene 09:15

·      Premarin (pregnant horse urine) 12:15

·      Depression…You Are Not Alone 14:15

·      Depression Help Resources 15:15

       Suicide & Crisis Lifeline = 988

       Crisis Text Line = 741741

       Outside of U.S = Befrienders Worldwide

·      John Prine “Hello in There” 16:00

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Summary:  Preconceived notions within healthcare professionals about what another person might be, before we have a direct, open and genuine interaction with them, can derail the best treatment for that person.  To provide the best treatment, efforts to effectively communicate continue by healthcare; but the person – the patient – must also make efforts to express themselves openly and honestly regarding their healthcare.  Shared decision making:  this episode is about getting in there, establishing an understanding of your options, and working WITH your healthcare team, including your pharmacist!    

 Topics:  

·      Shared Decision Making 01:15

·      Generational Theory 02:00

·      Culturally Competent Care 03:40

·      Person Type = Another Bias 07:10

·      Patient Perspective 12:00

·      Medical Terminology = Bias 14:30

·      Direct, Open & Genuine Talk with Healthcare 16:30

·      Mary Berry 17:15

·      LEARN (to facilitate shared decision making) 18:25

·      Pharmacists – Team with them!  20:30

·      Mayo Clinic 21:00

·      Journaling 21:30

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 Summary:  Why have bedbugs reemerged?  What to do if bitten?  And how to manage and prevent possible bedbug infestation.  

Topics:

·       Sleep Tight 01:30

·       Bedbugs 02:00

·       DDT 03:45

·       Antihistamine, Topical Steroid Tx 06:15

·       DDT & Auto-Immune Disease? 06:45

·       DDT Risk Benefit (Africa) 08:15

·       Prevention 09:00

·       Permethrin 10:15

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Summary:  This episode recounts the experience of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, from its arrival to the continued recovery.  Being smart about what's fact or fiction, being there for your neighbors, and being prepared for a potential disaster (which we were not) are discussed here.  Also discussed is a possible cure for the stress in this situation...go help someone.

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 Summary:  What’s happening on the other side of the prescription counter?  Probably more than you think.  Safety and appropriateness of the drug regimen is an ongoing process, and it may slow down the speed with which you get your medication, but it’s essential in making sure the drug is safe and efficacious.  The importance of being a good teammate in your own healthcare is what this, and all episodes, is aboutl.

 Topics:

·       Five Safety Checks 02:15

·       Clinical Review by Pharmacist 04:00

·       Best Treatment Evolving 06:45

·       Provide Complete and Accurate Medication Profile 11:15

·       Be a Good Teammate on Healthcare Team 12:00

·       It’s For You 13:00

·       Medication Counseling – Use It 13:254

·       Journaling (determine Cause & Effect) 14:30

·       Work WITH Your Healthcare Providers 15:00

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 Summary:  Paying $75,000 dollars for a car because you want to have a back massage between home and work is one thing, but to face exorbitant costs because you want to live a healthy and longer life is a tough pill to swallow.  Discussion of the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider is essential, and the costs of that therapy should be included in that conversation.  

Topics:

·       Most Common Med Indications 03:30

·       Top 10 Most Prescribed Medications 04:00

·       Most Common Meds by Cost 05:30

·       Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) 10:30

·       Managing Cost 12:15

·       Pharmacoeconomics 13:00

·       Risk-Benefit

·       GoodRx 14:00

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 Summary:  neffy® nasal spray received fast track approval from the FDA on August 9, 2024 for the emergency treatment of type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adult and pediatric patients who weight at least 66 pounds.  This may be a gamechanger in that it provides emergency epinephrine treatment for anaphylaxis without needles.  But, as with all medications, correct use and monitoring is necessary.  

Topics

·       Fast Track Approval 01:30

·       $$$                          03:15

·        Minimum Weight 66 pounds 04:15

·       Approval Process 06:00

·       Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics 07:00

·       Epi Mechanism of Action 08:00

·       How to use neffy 10:45

·       Storage 13:00

·       Gamechanger? 15:00

·       risk – BENEFIT 16:20

·       Dosing (1/2 Life) 18:25

·       Storage 22:15

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Summary:  Previous podcasts (July 2023) have covered The Pill and the newly approved, progestin only, OTC oral contraceptive – the Opill.  The Opill is on the shelves and available online now.  This episode provides a brief overview.  For more detailed information about the Opill, consider listening to the July 2023 podcast:  Opill – the OTC Pill.   

Topics:

·      Opill-Antibiotics Interaction (Rifampin) 02:00

·      How to Take 02:40

·      Reminder July 2023 Podcasts:  The Pill and The Opill 03:10

·      Missed Doses 04:20

·      Opill Drug Interactions 07:15

·      Brief History of Oral Contraception 09:00

·      Opill Contraindications 12:20

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Summary:  There are more ways to change your chemistry than taking drugs.  Kindness.  Being helpful, generous, and considerate – without expecting anything in return – has positive effects upon both the body and mind.  But here’s the rub:  you must be kind without expecting anything in return.  So don’t be kind to be healthy…simply be kind.  It’s all easier said than done.  This episode also addresses the need for kindness in healthcare, from the healthcare professionals to the patient, and from the patient to the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists – all who are trying to help. 

 Topics:

·       Kindness Definition 01:15

·       Body Benefits 01:30

·       Mind Benefits 02:00

·       Safe & Efficacious 06:00

·       Trust 09:30

·       Doctor-Patient Relationship 11:00

·       Kickstart Kindness (Mayo Clinic) 13:00

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