As schools start to welcome students back for face-to-face classes after a long hiatus, there has been much talk about whether kids need the COVID vaccine. Besides, kids are known to have a stronger immune system than adults. However, it doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible since kids still get other vaccinations in Calgary. Here are a few reasons why kids need the COVID vaccine.

Why Kids Need COVID Vaccinations in Calgary for School

Social Distancing Can’t be Followed

When COVID first popped up, health professionals advised everyone to keep a safe distance from others since we don’t know who had it. When you are at school, you can’t follow social distancing. It is such a small place, and your kids will eventually converse with the other kids there. It won’t be long before they play with each other as it has been a long time since their last opportunity.

Symptoms are Less Severe

People who get vaccinations are less likely to get symptoms such as loss of taste and high fever. After a series of vaccinations, you will likely only experience a cough and cold. Then the virus will be gone after a few days. Gone are the days when you need to quarantine after travelling to another city or country. There is still the need to take medications for minor illnesses, but it won’t be that much.

No Need to Worry About Other Vaccines

When you think about having your kids receive other vaccinations, that won’t be a problem when your kids just got the COVID vaccine. It is completely safe for your kids to receive additional vaccinations after receiving the COVID vaccine. However, you should still see a doctor, especially when you experience a few side effects. After all, the doctor would need to examine your family history before deciding.

The Possibility of Getting COVID Again

Unlike other diseases, kids who got the virus before are not safe from getting it again. It is possible that they can get it, and the symptoms are much worse if you don’t get the vaccine. On the other hand, vaccinations will lessen the effect, so you don’t have to feel worried about your kids when they get sick.

Reduce Risk of Hospitalisation

When your kids get confined to the hospital because of COVID, it can not only compromise their long-term health but also have them running behind in their schoolwork. The longer they get confined, the further behind they are and, at worst, could put them more at risk if they’re already immuno-compromised. If you got the vaccinations, that would prevent such scenarios from occurring.

If your kids have yet to get the vaccine, you best get them from a reliable source. Plenty of scams out there make it hard to keep track of the legitimate ones. When you get it from a clinic that offers a variety of health services, then you should feel confident the vaccinations will help your kids in the long run.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

How heat can affect your body and tips on staying cool this summer

With the summer here many Calgarians take full advantage of the festivities, outdoor fun and of course, the sunshine. Summer brings a lot of additional things with it, but not all are always positive. Things such as common illnesses, allergies and heat can all affect your health in a negative way if certain precautions aren’t taken. In order to help keep you safe this summer here’s everything you need about how the heat can affect your body and some tips on keeping cool

How heat and hot weather can affect your body

When the weather is hot, this can affect our bodies in many ways. The combination of heat from the environment in tandem with our naturally produced internal body heat can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can cause common illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more. This only exacerbates the importance of being cautious with what activities you are doing and how long you are staying outside.

One of the reactive responses to heat your body will take is sweating. This is your body’s natural cooling system, as sweat is pushed out onto the surface of your skin, it will evaporate into the air to draw heat away and attempt to cool your body down.

But this response can have a negative effect if you aren’t hydrated enough. When it’s especially hot and you begin to sweat profusely, you can actually sweat away too much fluid and essential minerals like sodium and potassium. Dehydration and prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion so it’s important to aid your body in cooling off by something that is balanced with salt and sugar, heading to a cool place and resting.

Tips for staying cool in hot weather

Drink plenty of water

Since dehydration is a major risk and can act like a catalyst for other heat related illnesses. It’s important to make sure that you’re drinking water or something that can replace some of the nutrients your body needs.

Eat small meals, avoid foods that are high in protein

Salty and protein rich foods can produce metabolic heat when being digested and cause water loss. Smaller meals throughout the day will help keep you cooler.

Dress appropriately and wear sunscreen

Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing to help your body cool off. Wearing sunscreen will help you avoid sunburn while also helping you remain cool when in direct sunlight and heat.

Vaccinations Calgary: Which COVID booster should I get?

As COVID-19 continues to captivate our undivided attention two years after it was made known to the world, questions regarding the vaccination and booster still swirl. It has been well established by medical professionals around the globe that receiving your COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you as well as others, and the booster is no exception in providing security. It has become paramount to protect yourself against this raging pandemic by masking when required and obtaining each dose of the vaccine, including the booster. Questions concerning the booster are still fresh, as many are unsure what type of booster they need and what ages are permitted to receive it.

Learn more about vaccinations in Calgary, the COVID booster, what you should get, and what age groups are eligible to receive it.

Vaccines and booster shots

A COVID-19 booster shot is necessary after someone has received each of their vaccines, as the effects of both doses of the vaccination begin to wane over time. The booster will give you half of the regular dosage you initially got to increase immune protection to combat the contagious virus. The differences between the vaccines were sufficient enough that you were supposed to receive the same dosage twice to avoid potential adverse effects. Because the booster isn’t made of the exact dosage as the first two vaccines, and since the waiting period to receive has been longer than the intervals in which people got their two vaccines, it doesn’t necessarily matter what booster shot you receive.

Can you mix and match?

Mixing and matching your booster is not only permitted to do, but some medical professionals have exclaimed that it can potentially boost the immune system. Getting a different booster than the vaccine you received also creates more flexibility when scheduling your appointment to receive the booster shot. Advantages have been seen in those who have mixed their boosters shots as immunity can become more enhanced, particularly if you have received certain vaccinations that have less efficacy than, for example, Moderna and Pfizer.

If you have questions about what booster will be most beneficial to your own health, you should contact your healthcare professional to navigate you in a suitable direction.

A man receiving his COVID-19 booster vaccination from a healthcare professional

Is it permissible to mix and match the first two shots?

While mixing and matching the booster will do no harm and can be incredibly effective for the immune system, the same cannot be said for mixing and matching your first two COVID vaccine doses. Global health officials recommend that you receive two of the same vaccine dosage, whether that be Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, or Pfitzer until directed otherwise.

Who is eligible to receive the third and fourth dose?

According to the government of Alberta, anyone over 12 can receive a booster vaccination if the proper amount of time has elapsed since a second dose–which is a minimum of five months. Immunocompromised children who are between the ages of 5-11 can also receive the booster shot a minimum of eight weeks after their second vaccination dose. As for the newly established fourth dose, all Albertans over 70 can receive their vaccinations in Calgary and immunocompromised people over 12 and Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit peoples over the age of 65 can also schedule an appointment to receive their fourth shot.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. All our programs and services will be tailored to the needs of our consumers. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113.

Getting a flu shot is very important during the winter months. Our immune systems get weaker and we’re more susceptible to catching the flu. But what happens if you get a cold? Can you still get your flu shot or do you have to wait until you’ve beaten your cold?

When You Should Go To A Flu Clinic in Calgary

If you have a mild cold, you’re okay to visit your local flu shot clinic in Calgary and get vaccinated. Most people will have no issues with the flu shot while being sick with the cold. At most, you may feel a little more lethargic since your immune system is reacting to the flu shot.

When You Shouldn’t Go To A Flu Clinic in Calgary

But there are cases where you shouldn’t go get a flu shot. If you have a really bad cold, then you probably want to avoid getting a flu shot until you’ve recovered. A serious cold with fever is the perfect example of when you should not get a flu shot. But if you have postnasal drip, coughing, and sore throat, you should be fine.

If you’re worried about catching the flu because you are surrounded by a lot of people on a regular basis, visit your flu shot clinic in Calgary and ask about nasal spray vaccines. This is an alternative form of a flu shot. It’s weaker than the regular flu shot. If you’re a little under the weather and worried about the shot, it’s a valid choice.

Some Facts To Know

You have to be aware of the facts. Studies show that getting a flu shot when you have a mild illness doesn’t result in you getting sicker. If you are worried, you do have the choice to wait until recovery.

Until you fully recover, you can still protect yourself from the flu by using medical masks. These masks help decrease the risk of you catching the flu. It’s a great way to protect your immune system until you recover from your cold. You often see these masks worn in Asia where travelers are trying their best to avoid getting sick while in airports and airplanes.

When it comes to producing breast milk, it can be tough for some women to lactate the required amount for their child. It is why plenty of new mothers get a breast pump rental in Calgary to help them.

Unfortunately, there are many different types of breast pumps available for rent, so finding the right one can be difficult. But these tips can help guide you.

4 Ways To Choosing The Best Breast Pump Rental In Calgary

Do Your Research

You shouldn’t just accept or rent any breast pump available at your pharmacy in SW Calgary. You need to take the time out to find the right unit for you, so research is paramount. Look up the type of products on offer, how you can use them, and if they fit into your budget. The more information you collect, the better a decision you can make.

Determine Your Needs

As a mother, you’re the only one who is going to know what you need for your child, and more importantly, for your body. You then have to determine the needs for getting a breast pump rental in Calgary. Consider how much milk you need regularly, how often you are going to have to do it, and if it is going to be worth your time and money. Settling on your required needs will help you find the right unit to help you.

Speak To An Expert At Your Pharmacy In SW Calgary

With expertise and firsthand knowledge, speaking to your local expert at your compounding pharmacy in Calgary can prove super useful. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know about their products and provide you with insider tips that can help. They can point you to the right model that works for your needs.

Take Time To Learn Pumping

Without a doubt, learning to pump your breasts might be difficult at first. So don’t stress if you can’t get it right the first few times. However, if you are having real difficulty getting the required milk, then you can look towards changing your rental. Trialling and testing different rentals will help you find the right model at your pharmacy in SW Calgary.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113.

When it comes to going to a pharmacy in SW Calgary, you want to know if the technician that is handling your medication is up to the job. This isn’t a regular job that anyone can do; it’s an important job that has profound ramifications if a mistake is made.

How can you tell if they are reliable enough for you? These are the five traits that make the difference when it comes to finding a great technician at a pharmacy in SW Calgary.

5 Traits Of A Great Pharmacy Technician In SW Calgary

A Great Memory

It is great to know that once you enter your pharmacy in SW Calgary, your technician knows your prescriptions and your conditions inside out. Having someone remember your drugs, your medication and your situation is essential for your health and well-being. It is also a life-and-death prerequisite for the job.

Detailed Orientated

The last thing a patient wants is someone who gets mixed-up about their medication. A technician that is on top of everything and is super organized will not have any of those problems. They will be able to recognize who you are (hence the need for a good memory) and keep on track of everything you need systematically. That way, you never have any problems.

Scientifically Adaptable To Compounding

Compounding is the art and science of creating personalized medicine. So when you go to a compounding pharmacy in Calgary, you’re going to get a pharmacist that can compound and mix medicine for you, making sure you get the treatment you need, while ensuring nothing goes wrong. So if you have a pharmaceutical technician like this, you’re in good hands.

Being Knowledgeable & A Front Line Educator

You want someone that is a front line educator for you, so if you need to know anything, they’ll be there to support you. Pharmacists committed to education mean they understand all types of drugs and medicine, their benefits and their side-effects. Having someone that understands it all and can educate you at the same time is super valuable.

Empathic & Humility

When you go to a pharmacy in SW Calgary, it means you’ve had to deal with some bad news. Having someone that is empathetic to your needs and has the humility to help you go through this tough period is important. Patients will be able to communicate easier with a technician they trust if they offer support first.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113.