Though commonly found in adults over 65 accelerated muscle loss diagnosed as sarcopenia, may be avoidable. Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of muscle mass and/or quality characterized by a decline in muscle strength and/or physical performance. It is a condition commonly found in the geriatric population and can be compounded by lifestyle issues, such as suboptimal diet or lack of exercise. It generally starts at about age 40 and, for most people, progressively accelerates after age 65, affecting muscle size, strength and performance.

It can diminish a person’s ability to do everyday activities such as lifting objects and climbing stairs. Sarcopenia impacts an estimated 25% of the U.S. population age 60 and older, generating medical costs of more than $18.5 billion annually. The disease can be compounded by lifestyle issues, such as a poor diet or lack of exercise.

For example, it is know that adequate exercise is essential to healthy muscle metabolism. However, a sedentary lifestyle can have a direct and negative impact on sarcopenia. Muscle loss can cause a patient’s capacity for physical activity to become lower, making it even more difficult for aging patients to practice a variety of movements.

Poor nutrition is also a critical factor that can accelerate the muscle loss process. Sarcopenia patients are often observed to have nutritional deficiencies. Eating enough quality protein and consuming amino acids can be fundamental to muscle synthesis.

Fortunately, in addition to maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine, recent studies have proved that a proprietary formulation of astaxanthin, an exceptionally powerful antioxidant, significantly benefits sarcopenia patients. According to Dr. Kevin Conley, Ph.D., professor of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, “We saw improvement in strength, endurance and mobility among our study participants who took astaxanthin medicinal formula with a moderate exercise plan. This gives clinicians an option for their patients who cannot make the substantial lifestyle changes required to halt the crippling impact of muscle loss.”

To learn more about sarcopenia and the power of astaxanthin explore SarcopeniaHelp.com. You’ll also discover a 5 question quiz which may help determine if you or a loved one should discuss sarcopenia with your care provider.

The post What is Sarcopenia? first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

As we continue our series called: Ask The Pharmacist and drug interactions, we examine how the meds we take work (or not work) with alcohol – you might be surprised what alcohol we are chatting about.

The post Drug Interactions: Part 7 ~ Alcohol first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

Today we learn what happens when we combine medications that shouldn’t be combined – and what we need to be aware of before doing so.

The post Drug Interactions: Part 6 ~ Combining Drugs first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

As we continue our look at drug/drug interactions, our Pharmacy Resident, Katie Mahan, PharmD shares greats tip on ways to keep ourselves safe and healthy. You might be surprised how easy this concept is, and when done, can bring extra peace of mind to the meds you take and when to take them.

The post Drug Interactions: Part 3 ~ One Pharmacy first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

We are often reminded to ‘be ready for the big one’, which could mean something different to you, depending on your location. No matter earthquakes to hurricanes, one thing we should keep safe are our medications, which could be gone in the blink of an eye – today, we look at ways to be better prepared for any circumstances.

Thanks to our pharmacy student, Becca West.

The post Medication Emergency Preparedness first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

As we continue our series of Drug-Drug interactions, today we take a look at an interesting twist – how do the medications we are taking work (or don’t work) with our genetic set-up

The post Drug Interactions: Part 5 ~ Genes first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

Medication compliance is all about doing as the doctor (or pharmacist) ordered. Not adhering to the prescribed medication for the allotted time can cause more harm than good – we invited our Pharmacy Student, Susan Pham to address this important issue.

The post The Importance of Medication Compliance first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

Today we learn more about how the medications we can work with other things in our body, including food

The post Drug Interactions: Part4 ~ Food Absorption first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

ANSWER: Disaster can strike fast and if prepared properly, you are in a better position to survive and remain healthy. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your medications for a natural disaster:

• Carry a medication list in your wallet/phone  
• Include the following for each medication:
  • Name
  • Strength
  • Instructions for use
  • Reason for use
• Update the list after each doctor appointment
• REASONING: In case of emergency, a healthcare provider may need to continue your daily medications if you require medical attention. A medication list is a quick way to reference your medications, if needed.
• Use online tools to create your medication list, such as https://www.healthcareready.org/rx-on-the-run

2) Prepare to properly store your medications

• In the event of flooding, place medications in water-tight containers to keep them dry
• Keep ice on hand for refrigerated items in case the power goes out or you need to evacuate
• REASONING: Keeping your medications stored properly can ensure their quality so they work as intended.

3) Take a picture of your ID and insurance card

• REASONING: In the event you lose your ID and/or insurance card, having a picture on your phone of this information can come in handy for medical and pharmacy billing.

Contact your pharmacy if you find that you have lost your medications during an emergency to let them know that you are without medication. They can help you refill your medications so that you can continue taking them as directed. 

The American Red Cross emergency preparedness basics:

• Have a survival kit
• Make a plan in case of emergency
• Be informed about natural disasters that can occur in your area
• For more information on being prepared for natural disasters you can visit redcross.org

The post Disaster Preparedness and Your Meds first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.

Most parents know the vaccines their children need in early childhood and early adolescence, but many are unaware their college-age children need immunizations, too. Before you send your kids off to campus, make sure you have made an appointment with their doctor to get the vaccines that will keep them safe in this new stage of life.

Meningococcal Vaccines

While meningitis is rare, meningococcal vaccines may prove to be a lifesaver for your teen. The bacterial illness is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit), especially where people live in close quarters like college dormitories. This makes college students—and all teens and young adults ages 16 through 23 years old—one of the groups most at risk for the dangerous, fast-acting, and potentially deadly disease.

According to the United States Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), approximately 600-1000 people in the United States get meningococcal disease each year. Between 10-15 percent of the people who develop the disease will die, and 11-19 percent of the survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as loss of limbs, deafness, nervous system problems or brain damage.

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens should get vaccinated against meningitis. At 11-12 years old, kids should receive one dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine that helps protect against four types (serogroups) of the bacteria: A, C, W and Y. Teens should then again get a booster dose when they are 16 years old to continue having protection during the higher-risk years. If your child is ready to head off to college and hasn’t yet been vaccinated, experts recommend they get a dose as soon as possible to give the vaccine at least a month to become effective.

You may also choose to have your child vaccinated with the relatively new serogroup B meningococcal vaccine that protects against the particularly deadly meningitis B form of the disease.

Many colleges and universities now require meningococcal conjugate vaccine, and some even ask for proof of the meningitis B vaccine. Information on state requirements for public and private institutions is available through the Immunization Action Coalition, and should be also provided by your child’s school. The National Meningitis Association also offers a state by state map of requirements.

In Washington State, the law requires public and private degree-granting colleges to provide information on meningococcal disease to each enrolled first-time student if the college offers on-campus or group housing, and community and technical colleges to do so for only students who are offered housing. There is no vaccination requirement.

HPV Vaccine

The sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus, or HPV, is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives, even if they don’t know it. HPV can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men, as well as anal cancer, throat cancer and genital

warts in both sexes.

The HPV vaccine is CDC recommended for preteen boys and girls at ages 11-12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus. That said, only 60 percent of girls and 41.7 percent of boys aged 13-17 years have received 1 or more doses of the vaccine. If your teen hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor as soon as possible–it may just be the protection they need from life-threatening cancers later in life.

Flu Vaccine

About 1 in 4 college students get the flu every year, causing illness, academic disruptions and in some cases, fatal complications. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), part of the problem is college-aged kids don’t see their health as vulnerable. Thus, it’s a great idea for parents to send their kids off to school already protected. Flu shots are easily and conveniently available from most doctors and pharmacies.

For a complete list of recommended vaccines and immunization schedules, visit the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) website.  Information on immunization requirements and laws for Washington State college students are available on the Washington State Department of Health website. Some specific programs in health sciences may have additional requirements. You may also want to consult a pharmacist and your child’s doctor for specific recommendations, especially if your child has unique health challenges.

Immunizations have had an enormous impact on improving our health, and they’re one of the best ways parents can protect their children. Ask a pharmacist or medical care provider today about immunizing your child for a safe and healthy experience in college and beyond.

By: Stephanie Decker, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist for Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group and Clinical Affiliate Faculty Member of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy

The post THE VACCINES YOUR COLLEGE-AGE KID NEEDS NOW first appeared on Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group.