It is wintertime, and people are starting to get sick. They are getting colds, the flu, sinus infections, respiratory problems, allergies and more. It’s not surprising that people are getting sick during winter; this is usually when there is a drop in temperature and more precipitation (rain or snow), which are both factors that give rise to many of these illnesses. People may feel like they need to ‘power through’ their seasonality symptoms with medications, but compounding pharmacies in Calgary offer another alternative: customized medication.

Compounding pharmacies make personalized medicines for patients who can’t take the medication in traditional form. Calgary compounding pharmacies work closely with doctors to provide the best course of treatment. If your cold or allergy symptoms are persistent, compounding pharmacies can make medications in small, effective doses. These compounding chemists work closely with doctors to evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend the most personalized treatment possible.

9 Reasons People Get Sick in Winter

1) Lower Temperatures

Lowering temperatures can cause people’s immune systems to weaken, making it easier for the common cold and flu viruses to take over. Lower temperatures can also decrease blood flow, affecting your body’s ability to fight off illness. Low temperatures deactivate enzymes responsible for protecting your immune system, allowing viruses to invade your body. This is one reason why people often get sick in the winter.

2) More Precipitation

There is more precipitation in rain or snow in the colder winter months. This can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections and allergies. Allergens like pollen are also more prevalent in the winter.

3) Indoor Activities

People spend more time indoors in the winter, which can increase the spread of germs. Indoors, there is less air circulation and humidity, weakening your immune system. When people are inside, they are also more likely to contact other sick people. For example, teachers may spread germs to students, co-workers to coworkers, etc.

4) Vitamin D Deficiency

When the sun is not shining brightly in the winter months, many people’s bodies are not getting enough vitamin D. Without proper calcium and vitamin D levels in your system; it has been found that asthma attacks increase. Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

5) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The seasonal affective disorder is typically experienced by individuals living in cold climates between the fall and spring when there isn’t much sunlight during these months. The human body needs exposure to ultraviolet light because it helps convert serotonin into melatonin; without this process, individuals can experience depressive symptoms.

6) Increased Stress Levels

In the winter, people are often under more stress because there is more to do and less daylight in which to do it. This increase in stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.

7) Hot Drinks and Foods

Many people like to drink warm drinks and eat warm foods in the winter. However, hot drinks and foods can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. When you drink something warm, your body has to work harder to cool down the liquid, taking energy away from your immune system. Similarly, eating hot foods can cause your internal temperature to rise, weakening your immune system.

8) Dry Air

Heating systems in winter can create very dry air, which can cause your throat to become irritated and make you more susceptible to infection. The lack of humidity in the air can also cause your skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy. In addition, when heated air passes over your mucous membranes, it can strip away their protective layer, making you more susceptible to infection.

9) Cold Weather Clothing

Wearing thick, warm clothing in the winter can prevent your body from cooling down properly and weaken your immune system. When your body cannot cool down, it has to use more energy to do so, which takes away resources from your immune system. Additionally, many people wear hats and scarves, which can cover their nose and mouth and prevent them from breathing properly. This can also lead to a weakened immune system.

When it comes to staying healthy in the winter, everyone should take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and drinking lots of water. Try not to get too run down at work or school so that your immune system can fight off any germs you might be exposed to. Take extra care when you are around sick people and if you do get ill, try to stay home so that others can’t catch what you have.

How Calgary Compounding Pharmacies Can Help

Compounding pharmacies combine or alter ingredients to create the perfect formula for your individual needs. Many people may think that prescriptions are created equal, but there can be major differences in the way drugs affect people because everyone has different body chemistry and sensitivities. If you’re having trouble finding relief from your current medications, ask your doctor about compounding pharmacies as an alternative treatment option.

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.

We pride ourselves on being a compounding pharmacy in Calgary, but sometimes it feels like people don’t realize the beneficial nature of this title. We consider this a shame because we believe that you should know all the options available to achieve your optimal health and wellness. Therefore, today you can learn about the many benefits that compound medication offers, as well as the common uses and benefits of this type of drug administration.

What are Compound Medications?

Compound medications are a specific mix of two or more ingredients for the use of an individual patient. These mixtures must be prescribed by a doctor and mixed by a Calgary compounding pharmacy.

Why Do People Use Compound Medications?

There are several reasons for your doctor to prescribe a compound medication. For example, getting children to take large, dry capsules can be difficult, so a compound medication with artificial flavouring or a gel cap might be prescribed to ease the process. Below, we have provided a list of the most common reasons for compounding medications:

Allergies to specific dyes or ingredients
Difficulty with the dosage or form of medication
Flavouring for children or adults to ease digestion
Treatment of multiple health concerns
Customizing the strength or efficacy
Exclusion of an unwanted ingredient (gluten, lactose, etc.)

Who Uses the Service of a Calgary Compounding Pharmacy?

Anyone can benefit from the services of a compounding pharmacy. We create formulations for children, adults and the elderly for all sorts of reasons. However, you should always talk with your doctor before investigating compound medications. When you try to forego this critical step, there can be safety, effectiveness and quality concerns. Plus, pharmacies will not formulate compound medications without a prescription.

Can All Pharmacies Combine Medications?

No, not all pharmacies can create compound medications. Typically, any pharmacy can create simple mixtures, such as a prescription mouthwash with an antacid, antihistamine and numbing agent. However, for more complex mixtures, you will require the services of a complete compounding pharmacy.

Learn More About Calgary Compounding Pharmacies Today

If you would like to learn more about all of the great services available at your local compounding pharmacy, stop by for a visit. We look forward to hearing from you and providing relevant information to help you achieve your best health and wellness!

A pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) is a position commonly available in the US. Therefore, it is unlikely that a pharmacy in SW Calgary will have much to do with these services, but the contrast between the systems is still interesting to consider. For instance, the lack of a middle-person such as a PBM in Canada allows us much more affordable rates and also, greater clarity about the rates at which medication is sold.

However, perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves. First, a review of what a pharmacy benefit manager actually does:

The Role of a Pharmacy Benefit Manager

The role of a pharmacy benefit manager appears to be, broadly, an intermediary between insurance companies and claimants. Although that doesn’t seem to be enough of a description, that is the broad understanding. They also have their hands in many different parts of the healthcare pot, such as negotiating rates between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, including discounts and rebates. They also serve a role in processing and paying insurance and drug prescription claims so that insurance companies don’t have to be as involved.

Interestingly, as a result of PBM’s, the actual net price of prescription drugs is hard to find and can be considered a trade secret. Somewhat related to this strange practice is the fact that, according to Wikipedia, “…in 2017, the largest PBMs had higher revenue than the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers,” and the further down this rabbit hole you go, the direr it appears to be. There have been multiple controversies surrounding PBMs, beginning in 1998 by then Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sheehan.

How Does This Affect Canadian Pharmacies

Luckily, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) aren’t a part of the Canadian pharmaceutical market. Thankfully, government-managed healthcare gives our citizens good discounts and affordable prices on our prescription drugs, and this provides a higher quality of life for our citizens.

Furthermore, with new changes coming into effect July of this year, there will be greater protections regarding the cost of patented prescription drugs. It is truly a superior system based on the healthcare of our citizens rather than the profits of a corporation, including at your local 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 essential 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.