D&H Blog

Welcome to the D&H Blog. Stay up-to-date with our latest news, events and notices. Our most recent posts are displayed here; please visit our archive to read older posts.

  • Headache Relief Tips

    July 30, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Headaches are something that nearly all of us have to deal with. Whether they be mild or severe, headaches are a common problem for many Americans. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 45 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches. Of these people, 28 million suffer from migraines.

    According to WebMD, there are over 150 different types of headaches. Below are the more common diagnostic headache categories:

    Tension headaches - These headaches cause mild to moderate pain because of muscle contraction. They are common among adults and adolescents

    Migraines - These headaches can last anywhere from four hours to three days. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite and/or abdominal pain

    Sinus headaches - Symptoms of sinus headaches include deep pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. They can also cause nasal discharge, fever, and face swelling.

    A headache is actually just the nerves in your blood vessels and head muscles sending pain signals to your brain. The mystery, however, is what causes these signals to flare up.

    You can reduce or possibly eliminate the occasional headache by following these simple tips from HeadacheUpdates.com:

    Avoid tobacco or second-hand smoke - Smoking has been known to trigger headaches and migraines

    Eat right and stay hydrated - Don’t skip meals and eat at regular intervals of time. Have plenty of fluids, since dehydration is one of the main causes of headaches.

    Get enough sleep - Eight hours is recommended for a reason! When you are tired, you are more susceptible to headaches

    Keep your stress level down - Stress is a big factor in causing occasional headaches. Less stress means less headaches.

    Get enough fresh air - Being shut in an office all day isn’t pleasant for anyone. Artificial lighting can trigger headaches for some. Make sure to head outside and get a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine.

    A healthy lifestyle is the best remedy for occasional headaches, so take good care of yourself. You could stop a headache before it even begins.

    If you’re in need of a good headache remedy, make sure to check out D&H’s Sidewalk Sale this week! It’s going on today (7/30) at our Paris Road store!

    Source: http://www.publicdoman.com/Headache-Relief-Tips.html

    http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-basics

    http://www.headacheupdates.com/migraine/headache-relief/headache-relief-tips/some-doable-tips-for-headache-relief.htm

  • Eyestrain

    July 28, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Because of this age for technology, it’s hard to avoid things like computers, videogames and mobile devices. Whether at work or during leisure time, many of us spend a large amount of time staring at a computer screen. This can eventually lead to eyestrain. The medical term for eyestrain is asthenopia. According to the Mayo Clinic, eyestrain is sometimes a symptom for a more serious eye problem.

    According to CNNHealth, eyestrain occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use. Overstimulation can occur from activities such as driving or reading for long periods of time, working on a computer, straining to see in very dim light, or being exposed to very bright light.

    Below is a list of eyestrain symptoms from Eye-strain.org:

    • Sore, itchy eyes

    • Watery or dry eyes

    • Blurred or double vision

    • Sore neck or back

    • Shoulder pain

    • Increased sensitivity to light

    • Trouble switching focus from computer monitor to paper

    It is probably impossible to completely change your daily routine or your job, but you can follow these simple tips from CNNHealth to prevent eyestrain:

    • Keep the room softly lit, so there isn’t much contrast between the television and its surroundings

    • Adjust your monitor so it is approximately 20-28 inches away from your eyes

    • Give your eyes a break by resting them for 5 minutes every hour

    • Blink often to refresh your eyes

    • Follow the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes take your eyes off your computer screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

    While there are no long-term consequences to eyestrain, it is still disruptive and can make it hard to concentrate. If you think your eyestrain symptoms may be related to something more serious, consult your doctor.

  • Top 5 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Blues

    July 27, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Back-to-school season is upon us, but there are still plenty of summer days to enjoy. Before the first bell rings, we challenge you to try D&H’s top picks for outdoor activities to enjoy in Columbia.

    1. Play Disc Golf

    Disc golf is easy to learn and provides an opportunity for a little friendly competition. There are two disc golf courses in Columbia:

    -Albert-Oakland Park, located at 1900 Blue Ridge Rd.

    -Indian Hills Park, located at 5009 Aztec Blvd.

    If you’re not quite sure how to play disc golf, you can learn more about it from the Professional Disc Golf Association here: http://www.pdga.com/.

    2. Go Swimming

    Relaxing poolside or splashing around in the water is the perfect way to spend a hot summer afternoon. Check out one of Columbia’s public pools:

    -Douglass Family Aquatic Center, located at 400 N. Providence Road

    -Lake of the Woods Pool, located at 6700 St. Charles Road

    -Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center, located at 1900 Blue Ridge Road

    -Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes Recreation Area, located at 2500 Chapel Hill Road

    -Stephens Lake, located at 100 Old 63 North

    3. Spend an afternoon at Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area

    Cosmo Park, located at 1615 Business Loop 70 W, is ideal for a family with many interests. There’s something for everyone here, including driving ranges, playgrounds, tennis courts, and baseball and softball fields.

    4. Hike or bike the MKT Trail

    Whether you plan on biking, running or walking, the MKT trail provides 8.9 miles for you to cover. With five access points at Fouth Street, Providence Road, Stadium Boulevard, Forum Boulevard and Scott Boulevard, you can enjoy the trail regardless of where you live and how much ground you plan to cover.

    5. Fish, swim or play at Stephens Lake Park

    Stephens Lake Park is a great place to take the family to enjoy summertime activities. Take a dive into the swimming lake, get your feet wet at the splash park, or take a walk around the trail in the 116-acre park.

    We hope you enjoy these activities as much as we do. For hours of operation and more information, head over to the City of Columbia’s website at: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec.

  • The Sunshine Vitamin

    July 20, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Even though summer days in July are hot and sticky, exposure to the sun can be good for your health! Take a look at the information below to learn about the “sunshine vitamin” and why it is important for a healthy lifestyle.

    What is vitamin D?

    According to Health and Wellness, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin; this means that the vitamin will dissolve in fat when consumed. Vitamin D helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium. Calcium helps strengthen bones and teeth, so it is important that your body consumes enough vitamin D to absorb calcium. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D also plays an important role in a healthy, functioning immune system, which can help ward off those pesky illnesses.

    Where can you get vitamin D?

    Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because the best way to increase your intake is through the sun. According to Living Health, for each minute that you spend in peak summer sunlight, your body can produce 1,000 IU of vitamin D. If you enjoy 10 minutes of sun a day for three days a week, you get the recommended dose. After 10 minutes a day, apply sunscreen to avoid the risk of skin cancer. The sun is the best and easiest way to get vitamin D, but you can also receive vitamin D by eating the following foods:

    • Salmon

    • Tuna

    • Butter

    • Eggs

    • Milk

    • Oatmeal

    Why is vitamin D important?

    Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone softening diseases such as rickets and osteomalcia. According to Womens Health, rickets is prevalent in children and osteomalcia is found in teens and adults. Both diseases are conditions where the bones become soft and weak. Mayo Clinic suggests that vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, cancer and several other autoimmune diseases due to recent research. Because most professions require employees to remain indoors during the day, many people have a vitamin D deficiency. It never hurts to take a walk outside in the sun after a long day at the office or during your lunch break. You could even park far away from the grocery store to receive an extra minute of sunlight while you are walking in.

    If you think you have a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your health care provider. Even though the air conditioning feels great, expose yourself to a little sun three times a week in order to receive the recommended dose of vitamin D!

  • Ringworm...it's not a real worm

    July 13, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, not a worm. It occurs when the fungus grows and multiplies in warm, moist places on your body like the scalp, nails and skin. Ringworm is more likely to occur in wet or moist areas on the skin, like from sweating.

    Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. Ringworm can also be passed through combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. It is also possible to get ringworm from your household pet.

    The symptoms of ringworm are:

    • Itchy, red, raised scaly patches in the shape of a ring (redder around the edges and normal skin color in the middle) that may blister and ooze

    • Bald patches in your scalp or beard, if those areas are infected

    • Discolored, thick and crumbling nails, if those areas are infected

    Ringworm is self-treatable, and should resolve in about four weeks. WebMD suggests these tips for treating ringworm at home:

    • Keep skin clean and dry.

    • Apply over-the-counter anti-fungal lotion or cream, like miconazole or clotrimazole.

    • Wash sheets and clothes every day while infected.

    • Contact your veterinarian for information on how to treat infected household pets.

    If the ringworm infection does not resolve or moves to your scalp, contact your primary care physician because prescription anti-fungal medication may be required.

    Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic on how to prevent ringworm:

    • Keep skin and feet clean and dry.

    • Shampoo regularly.

    • Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear or other personal care items.

    • Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, pools and in locker rooms.

    • Avoid touching pets with bald spots.

  • Summer Fruits and Vegetables

    July 9, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Because fresh produce is so readily available during the summer, it is the perfect time to start eating more fruits and vegetables.

    For a tasty, seasonal meal, try grilling fresh sweet onions, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and other summery vegetables. In place of your regular dessert, try substituting fresh fruit like melons, strawberries, blueberries and cherries.

    Fruits and vegetables are good for your health because they provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests eating generous amounts of fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are trying to reduce your daily calorie intake, fruits and vegetables are a great choice because they are naturally low in fat and calories.

    A great way to get your summer produce is to buy locally. Here in Columbia, there are two farmer’s markets available for you to shop:

    • Boone County Farmer’s Market

    -Location and Hours:1005 W. Worley Street (located at the corner of Worley and West Blvd.) on Saturdays from 8a.m. to 12p.m.

    • Columbia Farmer’s Market

    -Main Location and Hours: 1701 W. Ash Street on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM and Saturdays from 8a.m.-12p.m.

    -South Location and Hours: 3900 Forum Blvd on Thursdays from 4-6p.m.

    For more information about each of these farmer’s markets, please visit their websites at: Boone County Farmers and Columbia Farmers Market

  • Insect Bites and Stings

    July 8, 2010

    By D&H Drugstore Insect bites and stings are both annoying and painful. Many people fail to realize that they could also be hazardous to your health. Symptoms of an insect bite or sting result from the injection of venom into the skin. Sometimes this can trigger an allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction depends on the person’s sensitivity to the insect venom, and the amount of times they have been stung/bitten.

    Most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild. Mild reactions cause little more than an itching or stinging sensation, and moderate swelling that will disappear in a couple of days. Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders are insects that cause milder reactions. Insects that cause the most problems include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants. Below are some tips provided by DrGreene.com for dealing with insect bites and stings:

    • Go to a safe area to avoid getting additional stings.

    • To prevent the release of more venom, remove the stinger and then wash the area with soap and water.

    • To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold pack to the area around the sting or bite.

    • Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a paste made of baking soda to the effected area several times a day until symptoms subside.

    • Take an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).

    A small percentage of people develop severe reactions to insect bites and stings. These reactions are also known as anaphylaxis. According to Medline Plus, symptoms of anaphylaxis are: nausea, swelling, difficulty breathing, faintness, confusion, dizziness and vomiting. If anaphylaxis is suspected, seek emergency help immediately, and take the following actions provided by PubMed Health:

    • Check to see if the person is carrying any medications to treat an allergic reaction. People who suffer from extreme allergies commonly carry an epinephrine injection, or Epi-Pen. If they are carrying any such medication, inject the drug as directed.

    • Have the person lie very still on their back and raise their feet higher than their head. This will help to prevent the person from going into shock.

    • Loosen any tight clothing the person is wearing as to not constrict them from breathing.

    • If the person is having trouble breathing, do not give them anything to eat or drink.

    • If there is vomiting, turn the person on their side to prevent choking.

    • If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR immediately.

    If you or someone in your household is prescribed an EpiPen, be sure to have everyone read the usage directions before a problem develops.