Vaccinate beforehand

To adequately prevent catching COVID, or passing the virus to someone else, the government of Canada strongly recommends getting two COVID vaccines and a booster shot if able. According to the government of Canada involving vaccines, travelling outside of the country will garner various restrictions depending on the country you enter and your vaccine status. You are also strongly advised to take precautions before leaving, like receiving the appropriate number of vaccinations at least two weeks before you jet off. Most airlines will not allow you if you are unvaccinated and travelling internationally or domestically. Few vaccine exemptions are permitted on a flight, but such exceptions should be researched carefully if they apply to you.

Precautions to take

When you are at your destination, make sure to wear a well-fitted mask in every public place you visit and bring your proof of vaccination. If you feel sick before you leave or after, isolating yourself away from others is another strong recommendation from the Canadian Government–even if you’re vaccinated. Constantly monitoring your general health and wellbeing as you travel can help identify if something feels off so you can isolate and take a COVID test.

While you monitor your own health, understanding the ongoing COVID situation within your destination as you plan your travels can determine whether or not it is safe and viable to proceed with your plans. The Canadian Government guidelines advise locating the medical services within your destination, along with the Canadian embassy, and looking into acquiring travellers insurance, all of which can make for the safest possible trip.

Returning to Canada

Much like before you travel to your destination, travelling back to Canada is unadvised if you feel ill and actively experience COVID symptoms or have been in close contact with someone else who has symptoms. If you are on the flight back to Canada and begin to experience symptoms, you are required under Canada’s quarantine act to contact a quarantine officer as soon as you’re able.

ArriveCAN

The government of Canada has mandated the use of ArriveCAN, an online resource that can be used on a laptop and smartphone. AriveCAN applies to anyone who is not vaccinated, and for those who are, an exception can be made if you have proof of vaccination on hand. If not, information must be provided to ArriveCAN within 72 hours of arriving in Canada. Without using ArriveCAN, unvaccinated Canadians can be subjected to border delays and fines.

Safe Travelling

There is no confirmed way to be spared from COVID, but taking necessary precautions can surely help. Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and most importantly, getting your vaccinations can relieve worry before you begin to travel. Learning more about the COVID vaccination and how it can prevent COVID can ensure your safe travels in the future.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professional 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.

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.