Since Walsh’s opened its doors in 1952, we’ve been committed to helping our friends and neighbours to live independently, remain in their community and homes for as long as they are able, and also enjoy being able to get around- both in and outside of their home.
We’ve also maintained that sometimes the best medicine is simply a good dose of knowledge. We’re hoping we can share some of that knowledge and insights into healthier lifestyles through this blog.
We encourage, and invite, you to share your experiences with us and with others who visit our website and read our blog. Share your challenges, and how you’ve been able to find strategies which you find helpful.
While June 21st is officially the beginning of Summer, we all begin looking forward to getting outdoors as soon as the snow is gone and the scent of Spring is in the air. Often your sense of well-being can be directly related to how you feel; and often how you feel is directly related to how much you’re able to experience the world around you. We spoke about the importance of mobility in April, but it bears repeating…
For some with mobility issues, and/or other limitations, that’s not always possible. Often mobility options are limited and getting around for some is a challenge. Activity for many can also be compromised if a person has difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, or doing similar activities. These limitations aren’t simply limited to seniors, by the way. There are many who experience these day-to-day challenges, which can affect people of any age.
While more and more seniors are generally healthier and more physically fit than seniors of previous generations, many older Canadians still experience limitations to their activities. In part, these limitations can be associated with the normal course of aging- from arthritis to reduced vision.
But there is some good news...there are a multiple and varied ways to help you maintain your independence and at the same time experience a healthier, more active everyday way of life.
Outdoor activities involving recreational pastimes such as short walks (using a walker, rollator, walking poles, or a cane); gardening (with assistive devices to get down and up), even shopping, combined with other moderate exercise and supplemental programs can add a sense of well-being for all of us. Activities such as these also provide a personal sense of satisfaction that can be so important to a personal health maintenance program. How do you feel about this?
Walsh’s Pharmacy and Health & Lifestyle Centre(s) offer a broad range of assistive devices, safety products and exercise therapy programs to help get you started. And, we have accredited staff members who can also help you make the right choices related to blood pressure, circulation devices, and compression stocking needs. As well we can provide guidance in selecting a cane, a walker/rollator, multiple bathroom safety accessories, or even a lift chair and scooter. Don’t limit yourself…seek expert help.
Why not visit with us today, and find out how we can help you maintain your chosen independent lifestyle. See what’s in store for you at Walsh’s.
Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Thursday, 13 April 2017
Let’s Talk…About Mobility and Living Independently
You’ve heard us say this before: we believe that people in our community deserve the best health support services, programs and advice that a health care provider can make available…and sometimes the best medicine can simply be a good dose of knowledge. We’re hoping we can share some insights into healthier lifestyles with this blog- we also invite you to share your experiences.
April is Mobility Month at Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre. We are celebrating our 65th Anniversary this year…65 years of helping our customers and patients maintain an independent and healthier lifestyle.
We’ve all heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers”. Well, April does bring showers… and May certainly the flowers. April is also the start of the outdoor season when the days seem warmer, the scent of Spring is in the air, and many of us simply have had enough of Winter and want to get started on outdoor activities.
However, for those with mobility issues, getting around can often be quite a challenge… and you don’t have to be a Senior to experience these day-to-day challenges. Why not share some of your challenges, and how you have, or are overcoming those issues.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help you maintain an independent lifestyle while, at the same time experiencing a healthier, more active everyday life.
Outdoor activities involving recreational pastimes such as a short walk, gardening, and even shopping, combined with other moderate exercise and supplement programs can add a sense of well-being for all of us. These also provide a personal sense of satisfaction that can be so important to a health maintenance agenda. Walsh’s Pharmacy, and Health & Lifestyle Centre offers assistive devices, safety products and exercise therapy programs to help get started.
We also have accredited staff members who can also help in helping to make the right choice related to blood pressure, circulation, and compression stocking needs; as well we can provide guidance on the selection of a cane, a walker/rollator, bathroom safety and even a lift chair.
While many seniors are generally healthier and more physically fit than seniors of previous generations, many older Canadians still experience limitations to their activities. In part, these limitations can be associated with the normal course of aging- from arthritis to reduced vision.
Activity for many can be compromised if a person has difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, or doing similar activities. These limitations don’t necessarily only apply to seniors; they can affect people of any age.
Walsh’s Health &Lifestyle Centre opens this month; why not come see us for all your mobility needs.
April is Mobility Month at Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre. We are celebrating our 65th Anniversary this year…65 years of helping our customers and patients maintain an independent and healthier lifestyle.
We’ve all heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers”. Well, April does bring showers… and May certainly the flowers. April is also the start of the outdoor season when the days seem warmer, the scent of Spring is in the air, and many of us simply have had enough of Winter and want to get started on outdoor activities.
However, for those with mobility issues, getting around can often be quite a challenge… and you don’t have to be a Senior to experience these day-to-day challenges. Why not share some of your challenges, and how you have, or are overcoming those issues.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help you maintain an independent lifestyle while, at the same time experiencing a healthier, more active everyday life.
Outdoor activities involving recreational pastimes such as a short walk, gardening, and even shopping, combined with other moderate exercise and supplement programs can add a sense of well-being for all of us. These also provide a personal sense of satisfaction that can be so important to a health maintenance agenda. Walsh’s Pharmacy, and Health & Lifestyle Centre offers assistive devices, safety products and exercise therapy programs to help get started.
We also have accredited staff members who can also help in helping to make the right choice related to blood pressure, circulation, and compression stocking needs; as well we can provide guidance on the selection of a cane, a walker/rollator, bathroom safety and even a lift chair.
While many seniors are generally healthier and more physically fit than seniors of previous generations, many older Canadians still experience limitations to their activities. In part, these limitations can be associated with the normal course of aging- from arthritis to reduced vision.
Activity for many can be compromised if a person has difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, reaching, or doing similar activities. These limitations don’t necessarily only apply to seniors; they can affect people of any age.
Walsh’s Health &Lifestyle Centre opens this month; why not come see us for all your mobility needs.
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
Seniors and the Summer...
For over 60 years, Walsh’s Pharmacy has believed that people within our community, at large, deserve the best health care services and advice that we can provide. It is with this in mind that Walsh’s has committed to providing those in our community, and beyond, with programs, products and services which help to meet the demands of a busy life and lifestyle.
One of the more significant lifestyle adjustments we make is the one from middle age to senior citizen. According to the 2011 Census, there are almost 5 million people aged 65 and older in Canada. As we get older, we find we have to adjust to meet a variety of changes and challenges in our daily lives. None can be more dramatic than those involving senior citizens who must cope with the fact that activities once handled with ease are often more physically taxing than they previously experienced, and take longer to do.
One of the single most important things seniors can do for themselves to reduce the risk of age-related decline is exercise- plain, ordinary, every-day exercise. A recent study found that moderate exercise- a 40 minute walk, 3 times a week for instance, is not only good for the body, but also the mind. Extreme weather conditions, of course, would be cause for adjustment to this suggestion. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, less than half of Canadians aged 40 years and older are regularly involved in some form of physical activity.
Conferring with your health care provider can help to improve conditions of lifestyle at home, both indoors and out. If mobility is an issue, then perhaps visiting Walsh’s health & lifestyle centre might provide some of the tools to improve health and well-being.
With extreme summer weather conditions being more and more of a consideration, you should always be alert to the circumstances of being sun safe, as well as being aware of heat and humidity, before embarking on any outdoor activity. Conditions of high heat and humidity can be particularly challenging for seniors.
Being sun safe means remembering to limit sun exposure during the day, particularly between 10 am and 4 pm. Seek shade as much as possible, or use an umbrella when outdoors. As well, wear an appropriate level sunscreen which your health care provider can recommend; wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses with proper UVA/UVB protection.
As with most activities, moderation should always be your guideline, and always, always check with your health care provider to ensure that any exercise regimen you embark on, in any form, is right for you.
Enjoy a healthy and safe summer.
One of the more significant lifestyle adjustments we make is the one from middle age to senior citizen. According to the 2011 Census, there are almost 5 million people aged 65 and older in Canada. As we get older, we find we have to adjust to meet a variety of changes and challenges in our daily lives. None can be more dramatic than those involving senior citizens who must cope with the fact that activities once handled with ease are often more physically taxing than they previously experienced, and take longer to do.One of the single most important things seniors can do for themselves to reduce the risk of age-related decline is exercise- plain, ordinary, every-day exercise. A recent study found that moderate exercise- a 40 minute walk, 3 times a week for instance, is not only good for the body, but also the mind. Extreme weather conditions, of course, would be cause for adjustment to this suggestion. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, less than half of Canadians aged 40 years and older are regularly involved in some form of physical activity.
Conferring with your health care provider can help to improve conditions of lifestyle at home, both indoors and out. If mobility is an issue, then perhaps visiting Walsh’s health & lifestyle centre might provide some of the tools to improve health and well-being.
With extreme summer weather conditions being more and more of a consideration, you should always be alert to the circumstances of being sun safe, as well as being aware of heat and humidity, before embarking on any outdoor activity. Conditions of high heat and humidity can be particularly challenging for seniors.
Being sun safe means remembering to limit sun exposure during the day, particularly between 10 am and 4 pm. Seek shade as much as possible, or use an umbrella when outdoors. As well, wear an appropriate level sunscreen which your health care provider can recommend; wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses with proper UVA/UVB protection.
As with most activities, moderation should always be your guideline, and always, always check with your health care provider to ensure that any exercise regimen you embark on, in any form, is right for you.
Enjoy a healthy and safe summer.
Nutrient Depletion and You...
Since 1952, Walsh’s Pharmacy has maintained that people within our community, deserve the best health care services and advice that we can provide. It’s with this core belief in mind that Walsh’s has committed to providing those in our community, and beyond, with programs, products, services and advice which help to meet the demands of a busy life and lifestyle.
Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and let’s talk…
Millions of Canadians take prescription medications to help manage health, or lifestyle issues. However, many of the people taking any number of medicines don’t realize that the medications they take can adversely affect the amount of nutrients stored in the body. In general, most medications actually deplete specific vitamins and minerals in the body, and cause any number of additional health-related problems.
Just as farmers replenish the nutrients in the soil every Spring and Fall, those taking prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter remedies, need to replenish the nutrient levels in their body. Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in everyday body function- including cellular processes. This role may also include other important functions such as maintaining the body’s immune system, or digestive functions, as well as others.
Depending upon the medications, or class of medicines taken, different nutrients can automatically be depleted from the body. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs which are used for chronic pain relief can deplete Calcium; Potassium; Vitamins B6, C, D, Folic Acid, as well as several other minerals needed for a healthier lifestyle.
We recommend, for example, that if you are taking any of the following classes of medications to manage, or control, certain conditions such as:
Antibiotics Anti-Seizure Medications Anti-Ulcer
Birth Control Blood Pressure/Heart Cholesterol
Chronic Pain Relievers Diabetes Diuretics
…then you should, at least, be taking an appropriate supplement and/or a Multivitamin to counteract any of the nutrient depletion effects that many of these medications can cause. While this list is by no means complete, we recommend you see your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for additional detail.
Always check with your health care practitioner before embarking on any change to your health-related routine, particularly when it involves prescription medications. And remember to ask your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice about your medications and how to counteract the effects of nutrient depletion.
As we head into the Fall season, most people step up their Vitamin and supplement in-take. It’s always best to speak with your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist to determine what specific supplement program is right for you. See us first for all your health-related needs.
We can help you stay healthy.
Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and let’s talk…
Millions of Canadians take prescription medications to help manage health, or lifestyle issues. However, many of the people taking any number of medicines don’t realize that the medications they take can adversely affect the amount of nutrients stored in the body. In general, most medications actually deplete specific vitamins and minerals in the body, and cause any number of additional health-related problems.
Just as farmers replenish the nutrients in the soil every Spring and Fall, those taking prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter remedies, need to replenish the nutrient levels in their body. Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in everyday body function- including cellular processes. This role may also include other important functions such as maintaining the body’s immune system, or digestive functions, as well as others.Depending upon the medications, or class of medicines taken, different nutrients can automatically be depleted from the body. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs which are used for chronic pain relief can deplete Calcium; Potassium; Vitamins B6, C, D, Folic Acid, as well as several other minerals needed for a healthier lifestyle.
We recommend, for example, that if you are taking any of the following classes of medications to manage, or control, certain conditions such as:
Antibiotics Anti-Seizure Medications Anti-Ulcer
Birth Control Blood Pressure/Heart Cholesterol
Chronic Pain Relievers Diabetes Diuretics
…then you should, at least, be taking an appropriate supplement and/or a Multivitamin to counteract any of the nutrient depletion effects that many of these medications can cause. While this list is by no means complete, we recommend you see your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for additional detail.
Always check with your health care practitioner before embarking on any change to your health-related routine, particularly when it involves prescription medications. And remember to ask your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice about your medications and how to counteract the effects of nutrient depletion.
As we head into the Fall season, most people step up their Vitamin and supplement in-take. It’s always best to speak with your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist to determine what specific supplement program is right for you. See us first for all your health-related needs.
We can help you stay healthy.
The Flu and Flu Shots...know the Facts
Walsh’s Pharmacy has maintained that people within our community, deserve the best health care services and programs that we can provide. With this in mind, Walsh’s Pharmacy in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will be providing Flu shots for those in our community, and beyond who receive the flu vaccine. See in-store to learn more about the Flu, and why you should consider being vaccinated.
Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and let’s talk…
Most anyone who has ever had the flu, or influenza (in its many forms), knows that it is easily caught and is easily spread. While symptoms may vary from person to person, and seem like you’re getting a cold, the flu can be much, much worse than a cold. These symptoms may take the form of a headache, chills, and dry cough followed by body ache and fever.
For some, the flu can lead to some very serious complications, and while most people fully recover, others can experience more serious problems such as pneumonia, and require hospitalization.
Each year brings a new strain of the flu, requiring a new flu shot to be effectively protected. An annual vaccination, or flu shot, is considered the only effective preventative measure proven to reduce the severest of outcomes. Often people miss getting a flu shot because of a lack of time, availability, or accessibility. Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacists and staff will be doing their utmost to accommodate as many patients who require, or should get, a flu shot as possible during the beginning of the “flu season”.
While diet, exercise, and taking vitamins and supplements all contribute to overall health, they aren’t always enough to protect you from the flu virus. This is particularly true if you already have a medical condition. A flu vaccination, at the start of the flu season (which generally begins in October), can provide increased protection, or at least, reduce the more serious effects of the virus should you contract it.
In fact, children and seniors tend to be the groups most at risk and susceptible to the flu. Additionally, anyone with chronic heart, or lung disease, diabetes, or those with a weakened immune system should be immunized against the flu.
While some people, due to medical reasons should not get a flu shot (those with severe allergies or hypersensitivity to eggs, for instance), most anyone over the age of 6 months, can and should, get a flu shot. You can also check our website for information related to Allergies, and other health-related references.
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about our flu shot program schedule.
Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and let’s talk…
Most anyone who has ever had the flu, or influenza (in its many forms), knows that it is easily caught and is easily spread. While symptoms may vary from person to person, and seem like you’re getting a cold, the flu can be much, much worse than a cold. These symptoms may take the form of a headache, chills, and dry cough followed by body ache and fever. For some, the flu can lead to some very serious complications, and while most people fully recover, others can experience more serious problems such as pneumonia, and require hospitalization.
Each year brings a new strain of the flu, requiring a new flu shot to be effectively protected. An annual vaccination, or flu shot, is considered the only effective preventative measure proven to reduce the severest of outcomes. Often people miss getting a flu shot because of a lack of time, availability, or accessibility. Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacists and staff will be doing their utmost to accommodate as many patients who require, or should get, a flu shot as possible during the beginning of the “flu season”.
While diet, exercise, and taking vitamins and supplements all contribute to overall health, they aren’t always enough to protect you from the flu virus. This is particularly true if you already have a medical condition. A flu vaccination, at the start of the flu season (which generally begins in October), can provide increased protection, or at least, reduce the more serious effects of the virus should you contract it.
In fact, children and seniors tend to be the groups most at risk and susceptible to the flu. Additionally, anyone with chronic heart, or lung disease, diabetes, or those with a weakened immune system should be immunized against the flu.
While some people, due to medical reasons should not get a flu shot (those with severe allergies or hypersensitivity to eggs, for instance), most anyone over the age of 6 months, can and should, get a flu shot. You can also check our website for information related to Allergies, and other health-related references.
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about our flu shot program schedule.
Cold and Flu Fighting Advice
Walsh’s Pharmacy has maintained that people within our community deserve the best health care services, programs and advice that we can provide. Sometimes the best medicine is a good dose of knowledge. October is the beginning of the flu season, as well as the time of year for cold viruses.
10 Proven Ways to Stay Healthy this Winter
Here are 10 proven ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu. Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and Let’s Talk…
1. Wash your hands often. Colds and the flu are spread by direct contact, either from person to person, or from person to object. So, simply shaking hands, or touching the same chair can transfer the virus;
2. Get plenty of Rest. Getting enough sleep is integral to your health, especially when you’re ‘under the weather’. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night;
3. Keep your Hands away from your Face. Your eyes, nose and mouth are prime areas for viral germs, so keeping your hands away from your face is important to minimize the spread of germs;
4. Sneeze into your Elbow, not your Hand. We all know to cover our coughs and sneezes, but to limit the transfer of a virus, cough or sneeze into your sleeved elbow;
5. Keep Hand Sanitizer at the Ready. When a sink isn’t nearby, hand sanitizer works. Keep one in your purse or pocket, desk or car, for convenient use;
6. Drink Water and Eat Well. Keeping your body hydrated and well nourished is a year round necessity, but especially during cold and flu season; remember to have multivitamins as part of your daily regimen;
7. Get fresh Air. When cold air arrives, people are more likely to stay indoors. To minimize exposure to germs, which thrive in warm, heated areas, go outside periodically to help boost your immune system, and to also revitalize your mind;
8. De-stress and Relax. Think positive thoughts. Relax more, and try to stress less. Studies have demonstrated that people with a negative outlook on life were more susceptible to colds and flu than those who had a positive view;
9. Don’t smoke. This is true regardless of cold and flu season. Smokers are more likely to get severe colds, and to get them more frequently. Smokers also take longer to recover from illnesses than non-smokers;
10. Get a Flu Shot. Getting a flu shot protects you and your loved ones, especially at-risk children and seniors who could experience serious complications from the flu. As mentioned last month, watch for Walsh’s Pharmacy flu shot information.
Speak with your health care practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice regarding the best way to avoid, or fight your cold and flu symptoms. Let’s talk...
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about our flu shot schedule.
Here are 10 proven ways to prevent the spread of cold and flu. Visit Walsh’s Pharmacy and Walsh’s Health & Lifestyle Centre today, and Let’s Talk…
1. Wash your hands often. Colds and the flu are spread by direct contact, either from person to person, or from person to object. So, simply shaking hands, or touching the same chair can transfer the virus;
2. Get plenty of Rest. Getting enough sleep is integral to your health, especially when you’re ‘under the weather’. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night;
3. Keep your Hands away from your Face. Your eyes, nose and mouth are prime areas for viral germs, so keeping your hands away from your face is important to minimize the spread of germs;
4. Sneeze into your Elbow, not your Hand. We all know to cover our coughs and sneezes, but to limit the transfer of a virus, cough or sneeze into your sleeved elbow;
5. Keep Hand Sanitizer at the Ready. When a sink isn’t nearby, hand sanitizer works. Keep one in your purse or pocket, desk or car, for convenient use;
6. Drink Water and Eat Well. Keeping your body hydrated and well nourished is a year round necessity, but especially during cold and flu season; remember to have multivitamins as part of your daily regimen;
7. Get fresh Air. When cold air arrives, people are more likely to stay indoors. To minimize exposure to germs, which thrive in warm, heated areas, go outside periodically to help boost your immune system, and to also revitalize your mind;
8. De-stress and Relax. Think positive thoughts. Relax more, and try to stress less. Studies have demonstrated that people with a negative outlook on life were more susceptible to colds and flu than those who had a positive view;
9. Don’t smoke. This is true regardless of cold and flu season. Smokers are more likely to get severe colds, and to get them more frequently. Smokers also take longer to recover from illnesses than non-smokers;
10. Get a Flu Shot. Getting a flu shot protects you and your loved ones, especially at-risk children and seniors who could experience serious complications from the flu. As mentioned last month, watch for Walsh’s Pharmacy flu shot information.
Speak with your health care practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice regarding the best way to avoid, or fight your cold and flu symptoms. Let’s talk...
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about our flu shot schedule.
Diabetes, You and Living with Diabetes
Walsh’s Pharmacy has maintained that people within our community deserve the best health care services, programs and advice that we can provide. Sometimes the best medicine is a good dose of knowledge. November is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada, and Walsh’s Pharmacy is doing its part to “spread the word”. You may have heard, or read, about Diabetes, and its effects. But did you know that while this disease, and its effects, are growing, many Canadians may not even be aware that they might have it.
Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs, or that cells don’t respond properly to the insulin being produced by the body. Insulin is important because it moves glucose, which is a simple sugar, into the body’s cells from the blood. It also has a number of other important effects on metabolism, and the process by which the body converts nutrients into energy.
The food you eat provides the body with glucose, used by the body’s cells as a source of energy. If insulin isn’t available, or isn’t working correctly, glucose will stay in the blood. High blood glucose levels can be toxic, and the cells that don’t get enough glucose, are lacking in the fuel they need to function properly. These two problems cause the symptoms of Diabetes.
There are two types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. While Type 1 is associated with an auto-immune disorder, more than 90% of all people in North America with Diabetes have Type 2. Approximately 1/3 of people with Type 2 diabetes may not even be aware of their condition, as symptoms are not always noticeable without testing. A healthcare professional can teach you to recognize the warning signs; early detection = early treatment = improved outcomes.
More than most conditions, Diabetes requires a significant amount of patient effort. Coping with Diabetes is a lifelong challenge and involves not only you, but your doctor, your family and your Walsh’s pharmacist.
I remind people with Type 2 Diabetes that there are 3 important things they can do in their treatment: first, make lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.); second, use your medication as prescribed; and three, monitor your Blood Glucose Levels regularly. We can provide training and guidance on all three elements of this regimen.
Recent guidelines issued by the Canadian Diabetes Association states that it is essential for all people with Diabetes to self-monitor their blood glucose levels with a blood glucose monitor, and record these reading at different times of the day.
If you have questions, speak with your healthcare practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice and guidance regarding Diabetes. Let’s Talk…
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about Diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs, or that cells don’t respond properly to the insulin being produced by the body. Insulin is important because it moves glucose, which is a simple sugar, into the body’s cells from the blood. It also has a number of other important effects on metabolism, and the process by which the body converts nutrients into energy.The food you eat provides the body with glucose, used by the body’s cells as a source of energy. If insulin isn’t available, or isn’t working correctly, glucose will stay in the blood. High blood glucose levels can be toxic, and the cells that don’t get enough glucose, are lacking in the fuel they need to function properly. These two problems cause the symptoms of Diabetes.
There are two types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. While Type 1 is associated with an auto-immune disorder, more than 90% of all people in North America with Diabetes have Type 2. Approximately 1/3 of people with Type 2 diabetes may not even be aware of their condition, as symptoms are not always noticeable without testing. A healthcare professional can teach you to recognize the warning signs; early detection = early treatment = improved outcomes.
More than most conditions, Diabetes requires a significant amount of patient effort. Coping with Diabetes is a lifelong challenge and involves not only you, but your doctor, your family and your Walsh’s pharmacist.
I remind people with Type 2 Diabetes that there are 3 important things they can do in their treatment: first, make lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.); second, use your medication as prescribed; and three, monitor your Blood Glucose Levels regularly. We can provide training and guidance on all three elements of this regimen.
Recent guidelines issued by the Canadian Diabetes Association states that it is essential for all people with Diabetes to self-monitor their blood glucose levels with a blood glucose monitor, and record these reading at different times of the day.
If you have questions, speak with your healthcare practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice and guidance regarding Diabetes. Let’s Talk…
Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about Diabetes.
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