A tick bite can be one of the most painful things you’ll ever experience. If a tick bites you, you must know how to treat it and prevent further infection. Identify the symptoms of a tick bite, so you know what to do and seek help from a compounding pharmacy in Calgary.

Symptoms That Warrant a Visit to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Redness

The most common symptom of a tick bite is redness, which can signify an allergic reaction. Other symptoms include itching, swelling, and pain at the bite site. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Swelling

The next most common symptom is swelling around the site of the bite. It can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by itching or tenderness. If your skin feels swollen following a tick bite, you must see a doctor as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment for any accompanying symptoms.

Pain

Tick bites are often accompanied by pain and other symptoms, such as redness or swelling around the bite area. Don’t ignore pain if it occurs after a tick bite. However, it’s important not to self-diagnose since this could lead to unnecessary antibiotics being prescribed by your doctor (which could potentially cause more harm than good).

Fever & Chills

A fever is more common after being bitten by a hard-bodied tick (Ixodes species). This type of tick bites deep into the skin. It may cause severe swelling in areas away from where it was attached to your skin (such as your eyelid). An infection causes the fever – often Lyme disease – caused by bacteria found in these ticks’ saliva when they feed on you while attached to your body.

Itching

The first symptom of a tick bite is usually an itching sensation that spreads from the site of the bite, over the body, and into areas where you cannot see it. The itching may be so intense that it feels like a slight burning sensation on your skin.

Rash

A rash is the most common symptom of a tick bite, which can appear two to three days after the bite. The rash will look like a net of red dots and is often described as itchy and itchy-burning. Sometimes, people experience the inflammation later in the day and at other times, but it’s most common on the site where you’ve been bitten.

Bruising Around the Bite

It is one of the most common symptoms of a tick bite. As soon as you feel the tick attached to your skin, it will inject a small amount of saliva into your skin. The saliva contains an anticoagulant that causes a clot to form around the tick, preventing blood from entering or leaving your body.

Visit a compounding pharmacy or see your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms after being bitten by a tick. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, contact your doctor or visit your local hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

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.

Ticks are nasty creatures that love to latch onto you and drink your blood. Passing on all sorts of diseases and illnesses along the way, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and more. Luckily there are several ways you can protect yourself against ticks and reduce your chances of contracting an illness from them. One way is by going to a compounding pharmacy in Calgary for help. However, prevention is key, so here are some tips on how to protect yourself against ticks.

Prevention Before Going to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Keep to Footpaths & Avoid Long Grass When Out Walking

Ticks are not as big of a problem in urban areas as in rural areas, but they can still be found. If you live in a forested place, avoid trails that lead into woods and dense, long grass where ticks tend to hide. Try to take the difficult way around when possible.

Wear a Long-Sleeved Shirt

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread through ticks. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test, but it can take up to several months to diagnose if you are bitten by a tick carrying the disease.

Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Socks

Ticks love to cling onto trousers and socks, so always tuck your pants into your socks. Tuck your trousers into your socks and wear sneakers that cover the length of your socks.

Use Repellent

Use repellent on exposed skin and clothes if you know you will be out walking in grassy areas. Try to avoid synthetic perfumes, as they attract ticks (one of the reasons why dogs often get bitten more frequently than humans).

Wear Light-Coloured Clothes

Wear light-coloured, tight-fitting clothing to make it easier to spot ticks on the skin. A tight weave on apparel is also best because it makes it harder for ticks to penetrate. The hair around your ankles and wrists should be kept short.

Check Yourself for Ticks & Remove Any at Once

Check yourself for ticks every hour or so when you are out walking. Remove ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. If you wear glasses, remove your glasses so you can see them properly.

Check Your Children & Pets for Ticks

Pets often get ticks and show no signs of them. You should check your children if they are out in the garden too. The tick can attach for around 36 hours before passing on the disease it is carrying.

Use a Tick Exterminator on Your Yard & Garden

If you live in an area with thick grass and woods, you should talk to a pest controller to use a tick exterminator in your garden and yard. These devices take out families of ticks hiding under grass or around garden plants. They are used to exterminate fleas from pets too.

Ticks are an unpleasant experience if you find one attached to your skin. If you are out in the woods, on a park walk or on a forest trail, and see a lot of grass and leaves, it is best to avoid them. If you don’t have that option and still need to go in that area, try using some tick repellent. Also, use precautions like wearing dark colours, tucking your trousers into your socks and even wearing gloves when working in the garden.

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.

The past two years have accumulated into a constant stream of information about COVID, vaccines, and the varying levels of restrictions. With restrictions being extended or reduced both provincially and nationally, it can be challenging to gauge what is permissible—especially if you have pending travel plans.

Here is everything you need to know about COVID, the vaccines, and travelling.

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.

Unfortunately, you can get sick any time of the year. Summer is a particularly crummy time to be ill, as it can take away from any vacation or relaxation plans you may have. However, if you know what to look out for, you can perhaps decrease your chances of getting sick.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common summer illnesses.

4 Common Summer Illnesses

Heat-Related Illnesses

The sun often feels like a rare commodity in Canada, so we often take full advantage of it during those sunny summer months. However, too much sun can be hard on the body. If your body loses the ability to cool itself off, you may notice yourself feeling dizzy, tired, achy, or thirsty. Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the more common illnesses that result from the heat, but fortunately, they can be prevented by ensuring you’re not pushing your limits and stepping into the shade when needed.

Recreational Water Illnesses

Taking a dip in the local pool can feel incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day, but try your best to prevent any of the water from entering your body, whether that’s by accidentally swallowing a mouthful or having some get trapped in your ear.

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and even lakes are carriers of various types of bacteria. While your immune system can handle most of them, there can be the odd one that your body isn’t prepared for. Swimming can also cause water to be trapped in the ear canal and grow bacteria, thus resulting in swimmer’s ear, a type of ear infection. If you do develop an ear infection, consult your local physician and pharmacy as soon as possible.

Food Poisoning

Warm summer temperatures are the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive on your food. Therefore, when bringing food with you for a family picnic or day at the lake, ensure any foods that need to be refrigerated are kept in a cooler and meats are properly cooked.

Bug Bites

Generally, bug bites are more irritating than a cause for concern. However, it’s important to know that bites can be more than simply itchy. Bugs such as mosquitos and spiders can carry diseases, so if you develop a rash or fever following a bite, it’s recommended you visit the nearest pharmacy.

With all that said, don’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors this summer! Simply know how to stay safe so that those common summer illnesses don’t dampen your fun. And if you do end up getting sick, just turn to your nearest compounding pharmacy in Calgary for assistance.

Immunity to a disease is achieved by possessing antibodies to said disease in a body. Antibodies are specific to a single disease, so while you may have antibodies against chickenpox, they will be useless against mumps.

You are able to achieve immunity to a disease in two different ways: passively and actively. Let’s take a look at how the two methods differ from each other.

Understanding The Difference Between Active & Passive Immunity

Active Immunity

Active immunity occurs when our own immune system is responsible for protecting us against a pathogen. This is the most common form of immunity that our bodies rely on. Active immunity is created when we are exposed to potentially harmful pathogens and our immune system works to neutralize them.

It’s important to note that not every pathogen is as dangerous and dire as the more troublesome diseases. From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, we are constantly coming into contact with pathogens. Our immune system determines whether they are harmful to our bodies, which, more often or not, they are not.

Active immunity relies on our immune system’s long-term memory, also known as immunologic memory. Essentially, these memory cells are constantly on patrol, circulating through our bodies. When they spot a pathogen whose access has not been approved, they converge on the pathogen while calling in backup. Since immunological memory allows antibodies to remember which pathogens they are designed to attack, they are able to take on the pathogens without confusion or delay.

Vaccines are also a form of active immunity. Sometimes we want our bodies to develop antibodies to a disease without having to interact with the pathogens first. When a vaccine is injected into our bodies, our immune system’s first instinct is to attack it, as it is foreign to us. However, since vaccines are designed to not actually harm our bodies, we actually gain the benefits of the exposure. Essentially, our antibodies are given the chance to train and participate in a trial run, familiarizing themselves with how the pathogen should look. That way, our antibodies are prepared for if the disease actually enters the body.

Passive Immunity

While everyone has experienced passive immunity at one point in their lives, this type of immunity is short-lived.

The most common type of passive immunity is through maternal antibodies. Unborn and newborn babies are protected by antibodies from their mother’s own immune system. These antibodies are shared in two ways: breast milk and the placenta. Naturally, once the baby is no longer exposed to either of these, the passive immunity will come to an end.

Another example of passive immunity is using antibodies from animals, other people, or synthetic materials to treat against the risk of infection. If you were to be bit by a poisonous snake, you would require an antivenom. This is a mixture of antibodies that have already been trained to deal with snake venom. However, once these particular antibodies have performed their job, they will cease to exist.

If you used a breast pump while in the hospital, odds are, you used a Medela breast pump. In fact, the Symphony double electric breast pump by Medela is the number one pump used in hospitals across Canada.

If you choose to use the Medela breast pump at home, here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started!

Using the Medela Breast Pump

Wash Your Hands

You want to make sure your hands are germ-free when working with equipment that interacts with your body.

Position the Pump

Take note of the breast shields on the pump. You want to make sure your nipples are centred to prevent any irritation or injury.

Turn It On

Making sure you’re in a comfortable position, turn the machine on. The past-paced stimulation phase will then start. Depending on the style of Medela breast pump, you may have to hold the shields in position while you pump.

Get Ready For Milk

When you see or feel milk, press the “expression phase” button. This slows down the machine. If you don’t press the button, it will automatically switch over to this phase once you’re two minutes into pumping.

Adjust the Speed

Ensure the speed of the pump is comfortable for you. Adjust the speed knob until the pumping feels both comfortable and efficient.

Remove the Tubing

Once you’re done pumping, remove the tubing from the breast shields.

Cap the Bottles

Now that you’re finished, add the lids to the milk bottles and store them.

Shut It Down

Turn off the machine and clean it thoroughly. You don’t want old milk sitting in there the next time you use it. Then wash your hands again.

Using a breast pump can be tricky, so don’t hesitate to experiment with what works best for you! From the amount of time you’re able to pump to what your comfort levels are, you want to ensure you’re taking care of yourself during the process. Pumping shouldn’t hurt, so if it is, look for ways that the experience can be improved!

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!

After your newborn, breast pumping usually becomes a necessity. While this isn’t true for all mothers, for most, the addition of a breast pump rental in Calgary makes the process easier and reduces the costs. Thankfully, breast pumping is a natural part of the giving birth process, and many find great joy in the act.

However, sometimes difficulties occur when pumping enough milk. This issue can cause problems with feeding your newborn and may require a formula substitution. Additionally, if you are planning to produce extra breast milk to donate to a milk bank, production problems can have an even more significant effect.

Luckily, there are ways to produce more milk and more consistently as well. For some tips to consider, please continue reading.

Tips for Extra Breast Milk Pump Production

Pump in the Morning

One of the best ways to increase your breast milk production is through pumping in the morning. Many women feel their breasts are full in the morning, so after feeding, make sure you take some time to empty the milk stores fully. In fact, whenever you feed, you should attempt to drain all milk, triggering your body’s natural response and increasing milk production.

Eat Throughout the Day

Eating throughout the day is also critical to your pumping success. When your body feels tired or malnourished, it will not produce extra milk in an attempt to keep you healthy. For a convenient way to stay fed throughout the day, consider packing some snacks just for mommy.

Use Both Sides

A critical error, especially in the early months, is favouring one side. Yes, this might feel better or reduce the pain around the nipple, but it will also affect your breast milk production. Instead, alternate your feeding side regularly, and ensure you use both breasts during pumping, as supply allows.

Power Pump

Power pumping is a great way to increase your milk production in the earliest stages. For this method, simply pump after each feeding until your breasts feel empty. Again, this will trigger a response from your body to produce more milk, and that will gradually increase through repetition.

Breast Massage

The final way for you to produce more breast milk is through breast massage. Consider speaking with a nursing coach about great methods, but remember the relevant part of the procedure is to remove any remaining milk. This process can be tricky at first, but with enough practice, you will be utilizing your breast pump rental in Calgary to the fullest.

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.