Patient profiles for insurance or income tax purposes.

It is the end of the year and Thrifty will provide my patients with a detailed list of all the prescriptions you have purchased for the entire year, with a grand total dollar amount that you spent.

You may need this for re-imbursement from an insurance company, or for your CPA for tax purposes, etc.

Come by or call anytime and we can print your list for any time frame in less than a minute at no charge.

A big thank you to the great listeners and friends among them that I have enjoyed meeting!

Mixing alcohol and medications . . . this time of year we have to be very careful with holiday parties. Remember mixing certain medicines can be dangerous:

• Narcotics can be dangerous and even deadly with alcohol
• Blood pressure medicines can cause drowsiness with alcohol
• Antihistamines can cause drowsiness ane confusion

So please consult your pharmacist before mixing any medication with alcohol.

"Santa for Seniors" . . . Home Instead Senior Care and Thrifty Pharmacy have joined together to provide a Christmas tree decorated with the Christmas "wish lists" of Oklahoma City Seniors who are alone or financially challenged this year.

Non-profit agencies team up with us to provide lists of seniors who would benefit from this program. ONce the names are received, ornament style cards are printed with the senior's first name, gift wish and gender.

Thrifty Pharmacy has a tree in both locations and all you have to do is come by, pick out an ornament, purchase the gift and bring it back to the Pharmacy with the ornament attached. We would ask that gift sacks be used for the ease in distribution.

Volunteers from Home Instead will pick up the gifts and distribute them for the community between December 11th and 15th.

Thrifty Pharmacy is still hosting the Visiting Nurses for flu shots Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm & Saturday 10am to 3pm - until the end of December.

In addition, beginning December 4, the Nurses will be performing cholesterol screening & glucose levels for $25 . . . a fast & easy way to have your glucose and cholesterol levels taken.

The cost of a flu shot is still $28 - or - they will bill Medicare B.

Remind listeners about FOOD POISONING, that is so prevelant this time of year.

We forget how long food has been out when we have family gatherings or parties. Bacteria will start to grow on food that has been out only ONE HOUR!

Also - do not save leftovers longer than four days.

This bacteria can cause severe diarrhea and vomitting - and sometimes requires hospitalization.

This is especially a problem for the elderly or young children as they dehydrate quickly!

A reminder that Wednesdy, November 15 until December 31, they can once again sign up for a medicare D prescription plan or change their current plan. There are many different plans - so get some advice. You may want to change plans if it did not meet your needs last year.

We anticipate an easier time this year - with copays and information being loaded in their system correctly.

Thrifty Pharmacy would be happy to discuss any aspect of Medicare D with you.

Zinc-eeze . . . the lozenges Dr. Dani Lynch compounds at her pharmacy. They contain vitamin C, zinc gluconate, nutrasweet and natural flavorings.

They will shorten the life of a cold virus, help with allergies, help heal canker sores and help with a sore throat.

Dr. Lynch has compoiunded these for years - so they have a proven track record - and actually taste good!

You can buy them over the counter - 24 lozenges cost $7.99.

GET YOUR FLU SHOTS @ THRIFTY PHARMACY!

Tips for preventing chapped lips:

- Routinely apply lip balm containing vaseline, vitamin E or aloe vera & has a sunblock
- Apply lip balm before applying lipstick
- Drink 64 oz. of water each day
- Avoid licking & biting & thumb sucking
- Make sure oral devices like retainers, braces & false teeth fit properly

Remember wind & temperature extremes contribute to the problem.

THRIFTY PHARMACY
is the presenting sponsor.

Children can trick or treat thru 21 different booths inside the zoo.
The candy is supplied by the zoo - so we know it is safe.

HAUNT THE ZOO
Thursday, October 26 to Tuesday, October 31
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Children $5 - Parents Free

CHECK OUT THE WITCHES!

MEDICARE D scam going on in OKC! November is the month when seniors can again sign up for a Medicare D prescription plan or change your current plan.

But be careful! Medicare has received about 2500 complaints from Seniors. They say they have been contacted by Medicare to change their plan or sign up - but in order to do this the senior must give the caller all sorts of information, including bank account info. DO NOT GIVE THIS INFORMATION - MEDICARE DOES NOT CONTACT YOU BY PHONE - YOU sign up with an individual plan by filling out info and mailing in!

Medicare per say - does not have a plan - it just certifies private insurance companies to have Medicare D plans.

A reminder that Thrifty Pharmacy flavors liquid medications. We can flavor any liquid medication and it really changes the taste. Some medications are really bitter or just have a bad flavor. We can add sweetening agents or bitterness suppressors.

Cost is $4.00 - but to save your child throwing up the medicine or a constant battle - it is worth it.

MonaVie - a nutritional beverage . . . made up of 19 fruits, mainly the acai berry (which is considered one of the #1 super foods). It has high levels of anti-oxidants, fiber, protein and essential fatty acids. It has been shown to increase energy, improve sleep, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure . . . also the anti-oxidants are showing some anti-aging properties.

We don't get involved unless we have looked at the studies and are very impressed. Several doctors in OKC are recommending MonaVie to their patients. Call or come by for more information.

Oklahoma State Fair Senior Day . . . Thrifty Pharmacy encourages seniors to stay active and celebrate Healthy Aging Month during the month of September by attending the Oklahoma State Fair on Senior Day, Wednesday September 20th.

Senior Day begins at 8:30 a.m. and all seniors aged 55 and older will be admitted free today. The GOLDEN AGE CELEBRATION located in Carriage Hall will feature a variety of activities from free health screenings to a senior royalty contest, antique tractor parade, senior spelling bee and senior swing dance.

For more information, visit the website at: www.oklahomastatefair.com

Fibersure . . . made by Metamucil, but when mixed in liquid it is clear, non-thickening and flavor free. It can be added to any liquid, it can also be cooked into or baked into your favorite foods.

Per serving, it provides 20% of the recommended daily amount of fiber. It can be bought over the counter.

Mucinex Granule Packets for children. They are a pediatric version of Mucinex that contains guaifensein, which helps thin mucus when those fall colds and allergies hit.

They are flavored grape and bubblegum. They are easy to take and really help with chest congestion.

They are called Mucinex Mini-Melts and 12 packets in a box cost about $8.00.

Drugs that have become available in generic this summer:

- Zoloft
- Plavix
- Effexor 37.5
- Zocor
- Proscar

Be sure to ask your pharmacist to fill these drugs in generic - generic by law must contain the same active ingredient as brand name. Also, they are generally about 30-40% cheaper if you pay cash and if you have insurance will decrease your copay.

Continuing back to school tips - since the kids will be together again in mass, we need to pay attention to germs. The main mode of transmitting disease is hand to mouth. Therefore, I suggest using a hand sanitizer at school. It comes in many convenient forms . . . hand wipes, alcohol gel or foam. It is relatively inexpensive and may save and may save you from getting an infection.

Back to school time means renew and prepare the kids prescriptions. If they are in Elementary, Jr. High, or High School, make sure the prescription is labeled and given to the proper administrative person to be given to the child during the day.

If the student is in college - don't wait until the last minute to get refills - if the doctor has to be called for a refill . . . this can take 2-3 days for a call back. While they are at college it may be easier for you and them to have their prescription transferred to a pharmacy close to school - and again - make sure they are labeled!

Thrifty Pharmacy is proud to be the sponsor of KOMA's Fan Jam for the third year!

LISTEN to Danny & Lisa each morning for your chance to win Fan Jam Tickets.

BE THERE to meet Danny & Lisa, enjoy great music and food!

Saturday, August 12th @ 7p.m.

"Head On" . . . the new product for headaches and their successful marketing campaign .

As we know, you apply directly to the forehead at the first sigh of a headache. From a pharmaceutical standpoint it is an herbal, homeopathic remedy that should do nothing to help headaches. But there are many people who are using and say it works. I see nothing but a placebo.

"Oral sunscreens" . . . .people are very interested in these. Sunpill & Heliocare are the most known. BEWARE! These products give people a dangerously wrong impression.

Sun Pill contains vitamins, minerals & anti-oxidents. Heliocare contains a fern extract that has anti-oxident effects.

These products might help reduce skin damage from the sun - but they are in no way a substitute for sunscreen!

New treatment for canker sores . . . it is called Canker Cover. It is a small patch applied directly to the sore and left on for 8 hours. It immediately stops the pain. One patch usually usually heals most canker sores . . . it contains menthol & beta-carotene.

It is available in boxes of 6 patches for about $10.00.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE, or "Part D" as it is commonly referred to.

Most of the 40+ plans in Oklahoma provide for prescription coverage with the patient paying a portion. After the total yearly drug costs equals $2,250.00 - then the patient will pay 100% of their prescription drug costs.

After the patient has paid $1,350.00, bringing the total yearly expense to $3,6000.00, then the Insurance plan "kicks back in" to provide for more of the Prescription cost.

Many people are very satisfied with their plans, but if you are one of the ones who would like to select a different plan, the open enrollment period begins in November 2006 through December 2006.

ZOSTAVAX . . . a new vaccine to reduce the risk of shingles in people 60 years and older.

Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. As people age, it is possible for the virus to reappear in the form of shingles. ZOSTAVAX boosts the immunity against the virus.

It will be available soon.

An explanation of blood pressure . . . it is the force in the arteries when the heart beats, (which is systolic pressure), and when the heart is at rest, (diastolic pressure).

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but is more common in people 35 or older. It is most prevalent in black people, older people and those that are obese.

Normal B.P. is less 120/80
Hypertensive B.P. is more 140/90

It is a good idea to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) . . . DVT is preventable and treatable!

Symptoms are:

- persistant leg cramps
- pain, swelling or redness
- skin warm to the touch

Risks include:

- pregnancy
- obesity
- long plane or car trips
- birth control pills
- trauma

This is of special interest to me after my tendon transplant and am non-weight bearing for 6 weeks.

For more information OU Vascular Center is a great resource @ 271-8346.

Similasan Earache Relief . . . this is a new homeopathic way to temporary relieve earache in children and adults.

It can be used alone or in conjunction with antibiotics - and said to have no side effects or interactions with medications. It is good for earaches from colds, drafts, flu, and swimmers ear.

This solution could be a good alternative in this time when doctors are trying to prescribe fewer antibiotics.

June and July are peak months for Rocky Montain Spotted Fever!

We had a mild winter so ticks are very prevalent.

Poison Control recommends contacting a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop within 10 days of being bitten by a tick: fever, chills, severe headache or rash.

If you can find a tick on you or your pet - do not burn it, pull it out with your fingers or try to smother with something like fingernail polish. Use tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin and pull gently straight back - do not squeeze the tick.

Time saving tips at the pharmacy - for patient and pharmacist:

- When you call in your prescription for refill, know your prescription number - located in upper left hand corner.

- Know the name of your medication - don't refer to my little "blue pill"

- Check the bottom of bottle to see if you have refills available & that prescription is in date.

- Call pharmacy back if they had to call doctor for refills, before you come in to pick up.

Sunburn . . . it is the season and it is hot!

We need to be careful about being out in the sun. The number of reported skin cancers is on the rise. It is recommended to use at least a 30 pf sun block for adults and higher for chldren.

If you do get sunburn, take a cool shower and use an Aloe Vera gel that contains lidocaine. The aloe will moisturize and help the healing process; the lidocaine will ease the pain. Do not pop the blisters, they will go down on their own.

Remember, don't forget the children and especially babies.

Soft contact lens users are getting warnings about serious fungal infections in the eye. Most cases so far involve Bausch & Lomb's Renu Solution. The company has stopped shipping the product to retailers until they determine if it is their solution causing the eye infection.

People need to remember to follow a few simple rules to avoid infection:

- wash hands before handling lensdes
- clean lens case after each use
- do not wear lenses longer than recommended
- do not moisten contacts by putting them in your mouth

Also, if you have redness or discharge from your eyes, contact your ophthalmologist.

Medicare Part D one more time. The government has decided to allow people that have signed up for regular Part D and are unhappy with the plan they have, can make a change now before the 15th to another plan.

This does not include dual eligible or low income. Remember also that the 15th is the deadline to avoid paying a penalty. The next enrollment period is Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st. Those without other creditable drug coverage who don't enroll in a plan at all by May 15th will incur a minimum 7% lifetime penalty if they wait until Nov. 15th.

Please give us a call at 751-2852 @ Quail Plaza or 715-4405 inside Crest Foods in Edmond and we will help with your questions.

Nasoclear Day & Nasoclear Night . . . nasal sprays for the relief of nasal congestion naturally.

The over the counter sprays are non-drowsy and non-adictive. The Day formula provides up to 4 hours of relief . . . the Night formula provides up to 8 hours of relief.

Again, it is water based, non-adictive, which means it will not cause rebound like other decongestant sprays currently on the market.

It will be available in about 1 week for retail sale and costs about $9.95.

Emsam . . . the first skin patch to treat major depression. The transdermal patch is designed to deliver an anti-depressant through the skin and into the blood stream. Also, at its lowest strength, it can be used without dietary restrictions. It will also give a more constant blood level than oral forms.

It is rather expensive without insurance - a month's supply is about $450 - so check with insurance before filling the prescription.

Zanfel . . . the only known product to wash away Urushiol from the skin completely.

It is poison ivy time - Urushiol is the toxin known to cause the itching and rash associated with poison ivy, oak, sumac and other related plants.

Zanfel usually relieves the itching in 30 seconds! Severe cases might require two applications - but the rash should subside in a few hours.

A new skin patch coming out called Daytrana, which contains methylphenidate. This is the same drug in Ritalin that is used for children 6 to 12 years old that have difficulty taking the tablet.

One advantage of the patch is it can be removed if there are side effects. A disadvantage is the child could remove and share with other children.

This is a drug that is greatly abused and overused by physicians and parents of active children.

The difference between anti-histamines and decongestants and when it is appropriate to use each of them.

Oasis moisturizing mouthwash and spray . . . dry mouth is a distressing problem often caused by commonly dispensed drugs.

Dry mouth has a direct negative impact on nutritional intake and quality of life.

Dry mouth sufferers have difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking, but a major problem is promotion of dental cavities.

Oasis locks in moisture and helps protect from dryness for up to 2 hours. It is alcohol free, sugar free and does not contain known allergens.

It can be bought over the counter . . . the rinse is about $6.00 and the spray is about $5.00.

Allergies . . . there are a number of myths around that many people believe. One of the most prevalent is that only children can develop allergies. Anybody at any age can develop an allergy.

Another is that hay fever is caused by hay, again, not true. It is just a term used to describe the symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.

There are also no dander free furry pets. They shed dander, which are partivles of dead skin. This is what causes an allergic reaction. A safe pet might be a gold fish

Allergies cannot be passed to another person. Some people mistake the symptom of allergies as a cold. With the warm dry spell we have had, we have had a lot of early "spring allergies" from trees, plants and a lot of dust. Now with the rain we will have mold spores.

Check with your physician or your pharmacit for advice on prescription medicine or OTC medicine.

Medicare Part D . . . one more time . . . as some may not know May 15th is the deadline for signing up. After this date your premium will go up 1% per month every month you wait.

Not everybody needs to sign up. You need to ask your insurance person if they are creditable. This means that your plan is as good as or better than anything Medicare has to offer. If so you are okay. We had a lot of problems after January 1st when Part D went in effect, most of it due to to backlog on the insurances side. They are predicting the same thing at the last half of May and most of June, because of the rush of enrollees at that time.

If you have questions, please call us now to beat the rush and associated problems.

Expiration dates . . . occasionally we need to go through the medicine cabinet and check the dates on the drugs. All prescription bottles should have a date when filled. If more than a year old you should call your pharmacist and ask them about it.

OTC's (over the counter) drugs will have an expiration date on the bottle or box. All expired drugs should be disposed of properly. If unsure how to, ask your pharmacist. While you are in the mood to check expiration dates, if you have an emergency stockpile, you should check those items also. Bottled water has an expiration date as well as canned goods. These items should be rotated out every so often.

The talk around town - inhalable insulin. The inhalable is not going to take the place of injectable insulin, at least not for quite a while. Exubera (the brand name for Pfizer's product) is a powder form and will be inhaled through the mouth from a dispenser. You will still need to inject the hormone occasionally.

People with asthma, lung disease, and smokers will most likely be advised not to use Exubera. Some people have reported coughing and difficulty breathing after use. Another drawback is the size of the dispenser - about the size of an eyeglass case.

At this time, they are predicting release this summer and will cost 4 to 5 times the cost of inectable insulin. How the insurance will pay is still undecided.

The importance of having a cool mist humidifier in your home right now.

With the dryness at an all time high in Oklahoma this year, I have seen so much bronchitis, asthma and lung infections. These happen when lungs are dry from the environment and then we add the heater in the house causing more dryness. When the lungs are dry they are a prime target for respiratory infections.

They make humidifiers that will take care of an entire house, but if nothing else, have one in the bedroom.

Liver failure associated with Acetaminophen . . . a recent study showed that 51% of liver failure cases were linked to Acetaminophen.

This is due to people not realizing all of the products that contain Tylenol/Acetaminophen.

Many over the counter cold remedies and pain relievers contain Acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications - so many people end up taking multiple products that contain Acetaminophen.

Be careful - check ingredients or ask your pharmacist.

Smints . . . a powerful sugar-free breath mint that gives you fresh breath and clean teeth. This is the only 100% Xylitol mint to help get rid of plaque and keep teeth clean.

Smints come in a hygenic dispenser. They can be bought over the counter for $4.49, which is much more expensive than most breath mints, but these do so much more.

Mucinex-D - it is an extended release combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. It helps clear nasal/sinus congestion and thin and loosen mucus. This is a very helpful product right now with all the allergens in the air.

Remember to take this in the day time, as pseudoephedrine does stimulate your system and keep you awake.

It can be bought over the counter - a box of 18 tablets runs about $11.00.