Peoples Health Magazine January 2017 Volume 18, #1 Until January 29

PEOPLES Health Helping People Live Better Lives

THE DEADLY RISKS OF HYPERTENSION FIGHTING THE COMMON COLD WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION HELPFUL ADVICE ON

NAKUSP & GOLD RIVER SPOTLIGHT ON

COMPANY’S COMING RECIPE

1976

40

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Anniversary 2016

PEOPLES PHARMACY

N EW !

PEOPLES DRUG MART

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99 Ea.

MUCINEX 12 HOURS Fast-acting chest congestion relief for up to 12 hours.

20’s

PDM 702 Vol. 18 No. 1

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99 Ea.

JAMIESON Probiotic Daily 10 Billion active cells.

For digestive health.

60 capsules

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99 Ea.

ASPIRIN ASA 81mg For doctor supervised long term preventative therapy for adults.

Daily Low Dose100-120's

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79 Ea.

TUMS ANTACID Heartburn and upset stomach relief.

32 - 150's

Prices In Effect January 16-29

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Helping People Live Better Lives

Helping People Live Better Lives Peoples Pharmacists provide a wide range of health services. Ask about disease state management, on-site vaccinations, and in-depth medication reviews.

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Deep penetrating therapeutic heat provides pain relief for up to 16 hours.

3-4 Wraps

PEPCID

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CANESORAL

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Pain and fever relief.

Regular Strength or Extra Strength Tablets, Caplets or Easy Swallow 325-500mg,120’s

ROBAX HEAT WRAPS

99 Ea.

Acetaminophen

Relieves and prevents heartburn for long lasting relief.

25 - 30's

Convenient oral treatment.

Single or Combi Pack

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ANALGESIC CREAM Relief for muscle aches and arthritis pain.

100g

FIBRE THERAPY Helps maintain regularity.

Fibre Laxative 72 Doses or Psyllium Capsules 160’s

FIRST RESPONSE Pregnancy Test Over 99% accuracy.

Single Test Bluetooth Enabled $19.99

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For effective relief of back pain associated with muscle spasm, tense neck muscles, strains and sprains.

Contains a pain reliever and a muscle relaxant.

60 Caplets

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Robax Platinum Back Pain

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TYLENOL OR MOTRIN Children's Pain Relief Fast, effective relief, formulated for kids.

20's, 24-120mL

IMODIUM Diarrhea Relief Help so you can get back to your regular self.

10-12’s, 240mL

CERAVE SKIN CARE Formulated to increase the skin’s ability to attract, hold and distribute moisture.

Cleanser or Lotion, 355mL

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NYTOL SLEEP AID

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DULCOLAX

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Helps you fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Extra Strength 20's or Quickgels16's

Laxative Gentle relief from irregularity.

25-30’s or 6 Suppositories

CETAPHIL Skin Care & Cleansers Effective, gentle skin care.

Cleanser or Lotion 50mL, 500mL

TWO WEEK SALE PERIOD - Prices In Effect January 16-29 Some advertised products may not be available at select stores

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PEOPLES Health 4

14 January 2017

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HYPERTENSION -THE SILENT KILLER

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FEATURE PRODUCTS

7.5 million people in Canada live with hypertension. Read about prevention and supplements that may lower high blood pressure.

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION

Great selection of quality health and wellness products from Peoples Pharmacy.

Darlene Booth provides insight into addiction and the many challenges that people face.

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SPOTLIGHT ON OUR COMMUNITIES

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HEALTHY SAVINGS Great savings on products that promote optimal health & wellness.

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CHICKEN MARRAKESH

A look at Gold River and Nakusp, two B.C. communities that Peoples is proud to be a member of.

Brand new feature recipe From Company’s Coming 400-Calorie Slow Cooker

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THE COMMON COLD Helpful advice on how to battle and treat the common cold.

Cold Relief Page 7

PEOPLES DRUG MART • PEOPLES PHARMACY Community owned and operated pharmacies, proudly serving British Columbians since 1976. Peoples Pharmacists are truly committed to helping people live better lives by providing trusted and personal health care.

THE DANGERS OF HYPERTENSION Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) can come as a surprise as the symptoms can easily go unnoticed. Unfortunately, if hypertension is left untreated, it can lead to problems with your heart, arteries and entire cardiovascular system. According to the World Heart Federation, hypertension is a major risk for coronary heart disease and a leading risk factor of stroke. The reality is that every 7 minutes someone in Canada dies from heart disease or stroke. It is thought that heart disease costs the Canadian economy $21.2 billion dollars every year. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Many Peoples Drug Marts have a self-serve blood pressure machine that you can use free of charge. As one of the risk factors of hypertension is stress, let's take a look at what can be done and help bring down that stress level.

Let's start with understanding blood pressure. It is expressed as a ratio of your systolic over diastolic pressures. Your cardiovascular system can be compared to a garden hose; they are more similar than you might think. When your heart contracts it forces blood into your arteries, or when you quickly turn on the faucet water rushes into the hose, causing the pressure to rise.

This systolic pressure will normally range from 150-120 mmHg. When you turn off the water supply, or your heart relaxes, the pressure will drop. This diastolic pressure will normally range from 95-80 mmHg. These two readings will provide you with your blood pressure, which is ideally 120/80 mmHg. According to the Canadian Hypertension Society, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg indicates blood pressure that is too high. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, your blood pressure should be under 135/85 mmHg. What causes high blood pressure? There are many things that can raise your blood pressure: stress, smoking, obesity, diet and other factors. Sometimes high 4 PEOPLES Health

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blood pressure can be caused by kidney disease, diabetes or other disorders. If you find that your blood pressure is high, check with your Doctor. Together you can determine what is causing your high blood pressure. Once you know what is causing it, you can determine the best form of treatment.

We all have busy schedules, but fitting regular exercise into our lives can help lower blood pressure. First, it can help one lose weight. Being overweight is known to elevate blood pressure. Even losing 5kg (10lbs) can have a significant impact on lowering your blood pressure. The Heart and Stroke Foundation suggests we aim for at least 150 minutes a week. This exercise should be vigorous enough to raise your heart rate and cause you to breathe heavier, but you should still be able to carry on a conversation. A pedometer can also be helpful as a great way to get your exercise is to aim for 10,000 steps a day. Remember to speak with your Doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Unfortunately in our fast paced culture stress is common. Stress is hard on us both mentally and physically.

It has been shown to be a factor for hypertension. Exercise can also help bring down our stress levels. Think of activities that lift your spirits while moving your body like: walking in nature, playing with your children or grandchildren or making time to participate in a sport you enjoy. Another way to help is slow breathing. A study in the medical journal Hypertension showed that slow breathing reduced blood pressure. Slow breathing was described as a controlled breathing at of a rate of 6 breathes per minute. So make yourself comfortable, slowly inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of two and exhale for a count of four. This is a great way to calm the nerves and can even help you sleep. We don't always have to let stress control us.

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Hypertension Support

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For doctor supervised long term preventative therapy for adults.

Daily Low Dose 100-120's

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webber naturals

Vitamin D3

An essential vitamin for overall health.

400 IU, 180 + 90’s, 1000 IU 180’s, 240 + 20’s

JAMIESON Vitamin B12 Red blood cell support.

1000mcg, 100's or 1200mcg, 60 + 20's

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JAMIESON Melatonin Sleep support.

Extra 5mg 100’s or Max 10mg 60's

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JAMIESON Magnesium or With Vitamin D Supports bone health.

60-90’s

Health & Wellness Peoples Pharmacists not only have years of training for medications, but also about the conditions they treat. Talk to Peoples Pharmacist about your health and wellness.

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JAMIESON

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VITALUX EYE HEALTH

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Omega-3 or 3-6-9 Helps to reduce harmful cholesterol.

150 + BONUS 50

Some advertised products may not be available at select stores

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WEBBER NATURALS Lutein or SuperVision With Zeaxanthin 10mg, 60’s or 20mg,30+15’s or SuperVision Multi 60’s

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WEBBER NATURALS Calcium With Vitamin D or with Magnesium 100 + BONUS 100’s or 250 + BONUS 25’s

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WEBBER NATURALS Multisure Multivitamins For Women, Men or 50+ 60 + BONUS 20

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Nicoderm Patch Help to fight your addiction.

Step 1, 2 or 3 Clear 7's

TWO WEEK SALE PERIOD - Prices In Effect January 16-29 Some advertised products may not be available at select stores

One-button fully automatic operation that can detect irregular heartbeats.

The monitor stores up to 4 users with 60 readings each in memory.

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Multivitamin support for age related macular degeneration.

Healthy Eyes or Advanced 60’s

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Lifesource Blood Pressure Monitor Deluxe One Step Model UA-767FAM

peoplesdrugmart.com PEOPLES Health 5

COMMON COLDS What is the common cold?

The common cold is a contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are not caused by the same viruses that cause influenza (the flu).

What are the symptoms?

The first symptom of a cold is usually a sore throat that may feel dry or scratchy. This is usually followed by a runny or plugged nose and a cough.

Symptoms usually peak on day two or three and typically last five to seven days. Children’s colds usually last slightly longer. Although it is fairly rare, some colds include a low-grade fever.

How can I avoid colds?

Cold viruses typically spread through the air (by coughing and sneezing) or through physical contact (by touching). You may be able to avoid getting (and spreading) colds by washing your hands often and avoiding crowded areas. You do not have more chance of getting a cold as a result of drafts, cold weather, or going outside with wet hair.

How can I treat colds?

There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics do not relieve or cure colds. If you catch a cold, however, you can treat the symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

Non-medication treatments The most basic part of treating your cold is to take good care of yourself — get plenty of sleep, stay comfortable, and drink lots of fluids (for example, hot drinks such as tea with lemon and honey). The following table describes some treatments for

specific symptoms.

Non-prescription products Symptom

Treatment

sore throat

Try gargling with salt water to relieve the pain. (Mix about a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.) You can also keep your throat moist by breathing in steam or sucking on a lozenge or hard candy.

runny or plugged nose

Try clearing your nasal passages with a saline nasal spray, available from your Peoples Drug Mart or Peoples Pharmacy.

cough

If you have a lot of phlegm (mucus in your chest), try decreasing its thickness by increasing your fluid intake or using a humidifier or steamer to increase

fever

A fever can dehydrate you. Try to keep your room cool and wear light or little clothing so you don’t sweat excessively. Take a lukewarm bath and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

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Your Source For Cold & Flu Relief

Hot Lemon Relief Effective soothing relief for cold and flu symptoms.

10 Powder Packets

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TYLENOL OR BENYLIN Kid's Cold or Cough Relief Formulated for a child’s relief.

20’s, 24-100mL

COLD SORE-FX Natural treatment to speed healing and relieve the pain of cold sores.

2g

TENA PADS Designed to conform to your body and offer advanced odour protection.

28-39’s

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% OFF

OTRIVIN

% OFF

SYSTANE

Regular Retail

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Buckley’s Cold & Flu Relief

Multiple formulations for cough, cold, flu or congestion.

150mL

Cold And Allergy Relief Easy to use sprays.

20-100mL

Dry Eye Relief Helps keep eyes lubricated throughout the day.

Assorted Selection

TENA UNDERWEAR Protection for all your day to day activities.

12 - 14's

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Medication Experts

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VICKS VAPOURIZER Relief from cough and congestion.

Model V150

ELASTOPLAST Bandages Protects cuts and scratches while speeding healing.

40 - 60's

DR. SCHOLL'S Massaging Gel Insoles Cushions and absorbs foot impact and shock.

Single Pair

Talk to a Peoples Pharmacist about possible interactions between your prescription medications and over-thecounter medications. Peoples Pharmacists are your trusted medication expert.

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VICKS OR BRAUN Digital Thermometers Delivers accurate results in only 8 seconds. Models PRT2000CA or V912CA

ANTIBIOTIC Helps prevent infection and aids healing.

Ointment or Cream, 15g

DERMAL THERAPY Heel Care Deep penetrating moisturizing heel care cream.

90mL

peoplesdrugmart.com PEOPLES Health 7

Common Colds..Continued From Page 6

Peoples Drug Mart offers many products that may help relieve your cold symptoms. Don’t expect to get rid of all your symptoms. Instead, try to find a product that will ease your worst symptoms. Each product may have possible side effects, so it is important to read the product instructions and talk to your Peoples Pharmacist before you use any nonprescription product.

Acetaminophen Acetaminophen may provide relief for pain, sore throats, and fevers. Talk to your Peoples pharmacist about the appropriate dosages for your family members.

Decongestant Sprays And Drops Decongestant sprays and drops such as xylometazoline may help relieve stuffed-up noses. They should be used as directed and are best limited to three days of continuous use. If you don’t like nasal spray or drops, try using oral decongestants.

Oral Decongestants Oral decongestants may be useful for stuffed-noses when sprays or drops are ineffective or cannot be

tolerated. Oral decongestants take about 30 minutes to work because your body must first absorb them.

Do not use oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

Expectorants Expectorants such as guaifenesin may help relieve wet, “productive” coughs with phlegm caused by chest congestion.

Cough Suppressants Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan, or DM, may help you get a good night’s sleep by relieving dry, hacking coughs that can interfere with your sleep or daily activities. A dry, hacking cough is a cough that does not produce mucus.

Zinc Gluconate Lozenges Zinc gluconate lozenges may help shorten the duration of a cold. The lozenges should be sucked approximately every two hours while you are awake.

Do not give zinc gluconate lozenges to children under five because they may present a choking hazard.

Continued On Page 10

Going Away For Spring Break?

Some immunizations for international travel require a series of vaccinations that are administered over a 2-3 month period.

Make Peoples Your First Destination For Travel Health Most Peoples locations conveniently administer travel vaccinations on-site. Talk to a People Pharmacist if you're travelling to a tropical destination and discuss the following common illnesses: cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B malaria, traveller's diarrhea typhoid fever Talk to a Peoples Pharmacist who can advise you on the medications, vaccinations and health supplies that you'll need for a safe and healthy trip.

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Spotlight

On Our Communities

Gold River Located in the heart of Vancouver Island, the Village of Gold River nestles on the western edge of Strathcona Park, British Columbia's oldest provincial park. Surrounded by steep tree-clad mountains, nourished by cold, clear rivers and lakes teeming with fish, basking in the temperate west coast climate, the Village of Gold River is indeed a paradise.Gold River serves as base for such famous activities as the Nootka Island Trail, hiking the Elk River Trail climbing Crest Mountain (Vancouver Island's highest peak).

Gold River is home to a mix of retired folks who like the affordability and the weather, and young families who appreciate the small town friendliness and the opportunity to build a life in a beautiful wilderness setting.

Photo courtesy Josh McCulloch/PictureBC

Photos Courtesy Picture BC

Photos Courtesy Picture BC

Nakusp Flanked by the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, Nakusp is the product of a rich history dating back to the mining boom of the 1890s. Since then, industries have come and gone, but locals have stayed for the incredible quality of life. Today Nakusp is a great place for rejuvenating body and mind, hiking among the cedars, lounging on the beach, soaking in hot springs, or relaxing at a spa.

Winter sports abound in Nakusp. Cross-country ski out your back door to trails at an old rail bed or by the beach, or traverse groomed trails at Wensley Creek and Nakusp Hot Springs.

Nakusp is also a snowshoeing and skidooing paradise or you can go vertical with heli-skiing and downhill skiing at Summit Lake Ski Hill.

Photo courtesy Crystal Volansky

Photo courtesy Picture BC

$1000 was donated to the Arrow Lakes Hospital Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes projects and funds purchases that benefit the healthcare field in the Arrow Lakes communities. Cheque presentation: Kylla, Shannon, Bea Anton, Arrow Lakes Hospital Foundation, and Cheryl.

The Peoples Drug Mart Healthy Communities Fund (HCF) is a community support program that provides financial assistance to health related organizations in Peoples Drug Mart communities. The HFC is funded by the owner operators of Peoples Drug Mart and from the proceeds of the Peoples Drug Mart corporate fundraising. peoplesdrugmart.com peoplesdrugmart.com PEOPLES People Health First

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Common Colds...Continued From Page 8

Echinacea Echinacea is an herb that is used extensively in Europe and has gained popularity in North America.

The recommended dosage depends on the product and is usually listed on the package. Echinacea may shorten the duration of a cold by one or two days and also reduce the severity of the cold symptoms.

Vitamin C Vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of an existing cold when taken at daily doses of 1000 to 6000 mg. Vitamin C is not proven to help prevent colds.

Combination Products Combination products can be useful for treating multiple symptoms. Your Peoples Pharmacist can help you choose the right product for your specific symptoms.

Treating children There has not been much research into the effectiveness of oral cold and cough remedies for children under the age of six. Ask your Peoples pharmacist which products are safest and best for young children. A product that only has one active ingre-

dient may be the best option. Do not hesitate to call a health care professional if you are concerned about your child and need medical advice.

What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your Peoples pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication, including non-prescription products.

What if I do not get better?

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you seem to be much sicker than a common cold would make you or if you have: • symptoms that do not improve after one week • a fever of more than 39ºC (102ºF) for more than one day • chest pain • shortness of breath • a severe sore throat or an earache For more information about your medications or other health issues, talk to your Peoples Pharmacist *The contents of this article provides basic information, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

1976

40

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Anniversary 2016

r e n n i W

PrizeDraw 40th Anniversary Prize Draw Winner

Pam Hanson Picture: Chris Borgstad, Salmo Store Manager, Pam Hanson, Duncan Mackay, Pharmacist & Salmo Peoples Drug Mart Owner

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Apple Prize Pack

PEOPLES PHARMACISTS

Hypertension...Continued From Page 4

What we eat also has a direct affect on our blood pressure. Many people are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. The Canada Food Guide suggests we aim for seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Although it doesn't sound like a lot, many of us are falling short. It is often too easy to grab processed foods, foods high in sodium (salt), sugary snacks, caffeine, animal products, fatty foods and over imbibe (more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day). All of these have all been associated with raising blood pressure. Remember to reach for fruits, vegetables, highfibre, low-fat foods and fish which have been shown to lower blood pressure. You could also branch out and try hibiscus tea. In one small study, subjects with mild hypertension drank a cup of hibiscus tea three times a day. After six weeks, their blood pressure dropped significantly compared to those subjects who did not drink the tea. In fact, these reductions in blood pressure were similar to those experienced by people who adopted the DASH diet.

Speaking of the DASH diet, it was shown to help lower blood pressure and suggested meal plans are available on the internet. An informative site is at http://www.dashdietoregon.org/ that includes rate your plate, a quick overview and printable DASH food trackers. The Canadian food guide also has some excellent recommendations to help improve your diet.

Many of the advertised celebrity diets sell books which are expensive, the diets can be complicated and they may be hard to maintain. The aim is to find a healthy diet that fits your lifestyle and is sustainable. Remember to consult your Doctor or nutritionist before making any major changes to your diet.

Salt intake is a significant risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Almost all food in a can, box or restaurant has added salt. Learn to read the nutrition labels on these foods carefully. If you find these labels confusing, the Health Canada website has information on how to decipher them. People with hypertension should consume less than 1,500mg (1 tsp) of salt per day. Even a can of soup broth can have as much as 650mg of salt. Also be wary of bread, it can also be a hidden source of salt. Take the salt shaker off the table, read your labels and try to eat less processed, and often high sodium, foods.

Some good news is you don't have to give up your pistachios. They have been shown to help lower blood pressure. People who ate around 1.5 ounces of pistachios a day experienced a 4.8mmHg drop in blood

Helping People Live Better Lives

We Help Support Our Communities.

Peoples Drug Mart owner operators are involved and committed in the communities they work and live in.

Programs like the Peoples Healthy Communities Funds provide support to local organizations.

Troy Clark

Pharmacist & Owner, Nakusp

We Can Help With Travel Health.

Talk to a Peoples Pharmacist about your travel plans.

They are an ideal source fo on-site vaccination, travel medications, supplies and travel health advice.

Colleen Hogg

Pharmacist &Owner,Gold River

We Can Help with Easy Prescriptions Transfers.

Transferring prescriptions at Peoples is easy. Simply speak with a member of our pharmacy staff and we will take care of the rest.

Johanne Chaine

Pharmacist & Owner, Terrace

Hypertension..Continued on Page 13

peoplesdrugmart.com PEOPLES Health 11

Focus On Eye Health Multivitamins Helps Reduce the Risk Of AMD There is evidence that improving your diet may also improve the health of your eyes and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or reduce your risk of developing the disease. By eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein and zeaxanthin you will be eating the nutrients thought to be most important for eye health.

A study conducted by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Research Group in the U.S. concluded that patients older than 55 should consider taking a supplement of antioxidants plus zinc. This may help slow the progression of macular degeneration and help maintain healthy vision. Talk to a Peoples Pharmacist about the benefits of eye health multivitamins.

Are You At High Risk Of Getting Sick From Pneumococcal Infections?

A free pneumococcal vaccination is available for eligible people at high risk.

Adult 65 and older?

Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease?

Weakened immune system?

Talk to a Peoples Pharmacist about the benefits of a pneumococcal vaccination which is free for eligible B.C. residents.

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Hypertension...Continued From Page 11

pressure. Oddly, it did not matter if the pistachios were salted or not. Remember, snacking on a few pistachios to protect your heart does not justify poor eating habits. The people in this study were provided with a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. What it does show is that incorporating healthy food options into your diet can help lower blood pressure.

If diet and exercise are not enough, there are some supplements that may be able to help. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a supplement that has been shown to be helpful to reduce blood pressure. One small study demonstrated that men who took 120mg of CoQ10 had lowered their blood pressure by 9% after eight weeks of therapy. There have been no known side effects seen with CoQ10 use. However, this supplement can lower blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should use this supplement with caution. CoQ10 can also interact with warfarin, a prescription blood-thinner.

If you have any questions about CoQ10 ask your Peoples Pharmacist.

Some vitamins and minerals may help as well. Vitamin C has been shown to be helpful for treating high blood pressure. One thirty day study of thirty-nine individuals, taking medications for hypertension, who received 500 mg of vitamin C daily, showed a reduction of their blood pressure by about 10%. There is also some evidence that the minerals magnesium, calcium and potassium may be associated with high blood pressure. These three minerals work together to help regulate blood pressure in the body. Some studies have shown that people who have high blood pressure may be deficient in these minerals. Perhaps this is why taking these minerals, and thus correcting this nutrient deficiency, can help reduce blood pressure. Ask your Peoples Pharmacist if these supplements would be right for you.

If you have, or might have, high blood pressure visit your Doctor regularly. You can also stop by your local Peoples Drug Mart to check your blood pressure. Remember your Peoples Pharmacist can be a wealth of health information. Learn about your health, including your blood pressure, and find ways to help improve it.

Watching your diet, getting regular exercise and avoiding salty foods can help to lower blood pressure.

Knowledge is power, so use that power to become a healthier you.

PEOPLES PHARMACISTS Helping People Live Better Lives

We Can Help With Shingles Vaccinations.

About 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime.

Select Peoples locations offer convenient on-site shingles vaccinations that can prevent or reduce the severity of shingles.

Yoshi Ito

Pharmacy Manager, Colwood

We Can Help With Medication Compounding.

Medication compounding allows pharmacists to customize medications to your specific needs.

Compounding can help with unique dosage requirements or offer preparations in other forms like topical gels or creams.

Jacqueline Twadrous Pharmacist & Owner, Chilliwack

We Can Help Reduce Everyday Strain On Your Busy Legs.

Select Peoples Drug Mart and Peoples Pharmacy locations offer compression stocking and fitting services, which help treat painful venous leg disorders.

Check with your local Peoples.

Megha Patel

*The contents of this article provides basic information, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

Pharmacist & Owner, Burnaby

peoplesdrugmart.com PEOPLES Health 13

Darlene Booth

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION As a young child painfully aware that both of her parents struggled with alcohol, I am no stranger to addiction. My formative years were rampant with judgements around issues related to character flaws and lack of control. I spent the better part of my life trying to “fix” them and use my personal “willpower” to not follow in their footsteps. In hindsight, the illusory nature of willpower is not a practice I endorse; my own addiction became perfectionism. In later years I have come to understand addiction in a new light. The issue is less about what substance or behaviour we struggle with but how the process of addiction is linked to the way our brain registers pleasure and pain.

Gabor Maté M.D., author of “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts”, believes that addiction has roots in the experience of loss and is some form of an attempt to soothe the subsequent pain associated with loss. Dr. Maté also believes that the basis of addiction can often be traced back to a stressful or traumatic childhood environment. What this means is that the environment we grow up in has a profound influence on how well the developing brain becomes wired to produce “feel good” chemicals without relying on the rush a behaviour or substance might provide. Most of this process is unconscious which means that when dealing with an addiction, we often just deal with the symptoms that we can see and we have no awareness of the many layers underneath them.

Addiction can have a physical component where a person will feel mild to severe symptoms of withdrawal from a tolerance forming substance. The effects of withdrawal may be as minor as a headache if you stop drinking coffee to confusion, seizures and psychosis as a result of withdrawal from specific drugs or alcohol. There is a psychological component to addiction as well. Psychological dependence has an emotional feature in withdrawal. One may experience a state of unease, anxiety, or emotional flat line upon trying to change an unhealthy relationship with a substance or behaviour. To be certain, addiction is rarely easy to define and put in a nice little box. Often it is a combination of both physical and psychological which are mutually related to the brain’s reward system.

The pursuit of pleasure correlates with how the brain is

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R.H.N., B.S.W.

involved in the process of addiction. Whether you are chasing a cocaine high, a chocolate cake craving, a sexual encounter or the winning horse at a racetrack, the signature of pleasure is a release of dopamine. This powerful neurotransmitter floods the areas of the brain involved in pleasure and reward and over time the neural pathways associated with the behaviour or substance grow quite strong. Think of it like a trail to a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a forest. The first time the trail was walked, likely the hiker had to bushwhack their way through.

Once the word gets out and tour busses start arriving, the pathway becomes a paved road complete with all the hedonistic pleasures a vacation destination can offer. Well okay…addiction is not a vacation, but the lure of escape to pursuit pleasure is somewhat analogous.

The brain is a complex system and dopamine is just one of the neurotransmitters affected by addiction. The pursuit of feel good dopamine is offset by another neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is the counterpart to dopamine and the voice that sends a message to the brain to quell the cravings.

There is more likelihood of losing a “willpower” battle when these two neurotransmitters are out of balance. There is more likelihood these two compounds will be out of balance when one is in an addictive loop.

Dr. Maté believes that at the core the addiction process is the same whether we are drowning in shoes or red wine.

However the consequences of a shopping addiction will play out quite differently than that of a heroine addiction. Addiction packs a powerful stigma and those who suffer are often judged as having character deficiencies or moral shortcomings. Those who are caught in an addictive loop often internalize this narrative and harbour chronic feelings of shame and low self worth. This often will be another trigger that leads an addict to use again. Only when we can start to look past the behaviours and begin to acknowledge the root of all pain can we begin to heal. As with all journeys it begins with the first step.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to a trained addiction counsellor and begin the dialogue of healing.

Good Health to You!

Chicken Marrakesh Bring the flavours of Morocco into your kitchen with this satisfying blend of quinoa, tender chicken and earthy spices.

Olive oil

.Boneless, skinless chicken thighs,

trimmed fat, halved Salt Pepper Chopped red pepper Sliced leek, white part only Garlic clove, minced Ground cumin Ground cinnamon Ground ginger No-salt seasoning Cayenne pepper Dry (or alcohol-free) white wine Prepared low-sodium chicken broth Quinoa, rinsed and drained Orange juice Dried apricots, chopped Green onion, sliced Almonds, sliced and toasted

1 tbsp.

2 lbs.

15 mL 900 g

⁄2 tsp. ⁄4 tsp.

2 cups 1 cup 2 11⁄2 tsp.

1 ⁄2 tsp.

1 ⁄2 tsp.

1 ⁄2 tsp.

1 ⁄8 tsp.

1 ⁄2 cup 2 cups 1 ⁄2 cup 3 ⁄4 cup 1 ⁄2 cup 1 ⁄4 cup 1 ⁄4 cup

2 mL 1 mL 500 mL 250 mL 2 7 mL 2 mL 2 mL 2 mL 0.5 mL 125 mL 500 mL 125 mL 175 mL 125 mL 60 mL 60 mL

1 1

Chicken Marrakesh

Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium-high. Add chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until browned. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a 3 1/2 to 4 quart (3.5 to 4 L) slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium.

Add next 3 ingredients to same frying pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until leek starts to soften. Stir in next 5 ingredients and heat until it becomes fragrant. About 2 minutes.

Add wine. Heat, stirring and scraping any brown bits from bottom of pan, until boiling. Add to slow cooker.

Stir in next 4 ingredients. Cook, covered, on Low for about 3 to 4 hours, or on High for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Stir in green onions and almonds. Serves 4.

1 serving: 390 Calories; 12 g Total Fat (6 g Mono, 2.5 g Poly, 2 g Sat); 95 mg Cholesterol; 38 g Carbohydrate (6 g Fibre, 14 g Sugar); 30 g Protein; 740 mg Sodium

20

%

400-Calorie Slow Cooker Cookbook

SAVE

are available at participating

PEOPLES DRUG MART & PEOPLES PHARMACY

gested Off Sug rice Retail P

Reprinted from 400-Calorie Slow Cooker Cookbook Company's Coming Publishing Limited

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Recipes For Good Health

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7 Million 12,200 Canadians get the flu*

Canadians are admitted to hospital due to the flu*

Approximately

3,500 Canadians die from the flu*

Get Your FluShot At Peoples Protect yourself and those around you... Get the flu shot every year.

Most Peoples locations offer convenient on-site flu shots.

* National Advisory Committee on Immunization

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