Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD accounts for most of the deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States in 2021. Inhalers are the mainstay treatment for COPD and [...]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of two types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers available in the United States when you have aches, pains, and inflammation. NSAIDs are commonly used with 30 million users worldwide daily. The two most commonly used NSAIDs OTC are ibuprofen (Advil) and [...]

Question: I heard there are vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What are they and who should get them? Answer: In 2023, the FDA approved two vaccines to protect adults from RSV. These vaccines help older adults and infants who could get very sick from RSV. Question: What should [...]

What is The Opill? The Opill is the first oral birth control pill approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use. The Opill is for birth control only, it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Barrier methods, such as condoms, must be used to prevent these diseases. The [...]

Minor bleeds are a common occurrence in everyday life for all age groups. Bleeding occurs when a blood vessel has been broken. It can also be a common side effect for patients who are on medications that thin the blood, also known as anticoagulants. Minor bleeds usually resolve quickly [...]

With the weather turning dark and rainy as winter approaches in the Seattle area, people are at a higher risk for infections. In addition to staying up to date on vaccines, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding sick contacts, a nutrient-rich diet also plays a key role in maintaining [...]

What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a common eye disease that involves damage to the nerves within the eye leading to blindness. In 2020, the CDC had reported an estimation of about 3 million Americans with diagnosed glaucoma with the expectation for the numbers to increase. Glaucoma is recognized as [...]

What is Ginger? Ginger is a plant that has been historically used for cooking and a variety of medicinal purposes as early as 400 BC in China. Ginger can be used in numerous forms including powder, capsules, oil, or topical gels or ointments for medicinal purposes. This plant is [...]

What are fats? The body uses three types of nutrients which are fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They help the body with its energy, structural support, hormones, production of vitamins, and other functions. However, too much fat intake can be harmful. Some types of fat can lead to increasing the [...]

Understanding Medication Is Key Every time you visit a pharmacy, you leave with a paper about your medicine. But sometimes, that paper is hard to understand, or it gets lost. But good news; there may be technology tools that can help with your needs. Today, mobile apps are stepping [...]