Walmart Pharmacy

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April-May Health and Wellness:

Allergy Season

The Pharmacist at Walmart can help. Just ask.

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did you know? ALLERGY HEALTH AND WELLNESS What are allergies?

How are allergies treated?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, and year-round allergy are caused by allergens. Allergens are things such as dust mites, pet hair, or pollen that can cause an allergic reaction, often inflammation in the nose. In people with allergies, allergens cause the immune system to recognize them as "foreign" or "dangerous" and this causes the reaction. These same things cause no response in most people.

Avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms is a good way to help reduce your symptoms. However, avoidance is not always practical. Other ways to treat allergies are shown in the chart on the other side of the page.

Allergy symptoms may include: • Sneezing • Stuffy, itchy, and/or runny nose • Itchy and watery eyes • Sore or itchy throat • Dark circles under your eyes The symptoms may be similar to common cold symptoms, but you will know they are allergy-related if: • The mucous from your nose is runny and clear • Your sneezing is fast and happens multiple times in a row • Your nose, throat, eyes, ears and the roof of your mouth are itchy • Your symptoms last longer than is usual for a cold, i.e., longer than a week or 10 days

What causes allergies? When you are outdoors, you are exposed to outdoor allergens such as tree pollens, grasses and weeds. Indoors, you may be exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets, second-hand smoke and/or mould.

The Pharmacist at Walmart can advise you about which treatments will be most helpful in reducing and/or relieving your symptoms. Before making a selection on your own, ask the pharmacist.

Did you know that between 10 and 15% of Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies and year-round allergies? Remember that if you are taking allergy medication, you must take it as directed in order for the medication to be effective. Do I need to see my doctor or pharmacist? In the following circumstances, you should see your doctor or pharmacist before beginning treatment of allergies: • If under 12 years of age • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding • If you have symptoms that are not usually associated with allergies such as:

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• Symptoms only on one side of your nose • Thick green or yellow mucous from your nose • Thick mucous and/or a runny nose • Facial pain • Recurrent nose bleeds • Loss of smell Severe, persistent (symptoms are present for four or more days of the week and last for more than four weeks) allergic rhinitis, i.e., your sleep is disturbed by your symptoms, you cannot participate in regular daily activities, you are having trouble getting work done (school or work), other troublesome symptoms Symptoms of asthma Earache Symptoms are not relieved by treatment Treatment is causing unacceptable side effects

The Pharmacist at Walmart is knowledgeable about allergies. If you have questions about allergy symptoms and/or allergy management: Just ask.

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TREATMENT TIPS FOR ALLERGIES AND RELATED MINOR SYMPTOMS If you have questions about allergies and related minor symptoms, ask the Pharmacist at Walmart. It is a good idea to have a fully-stocked kit in your home and your car that includes the following items to treat allergies and related minor symptoms. Be sure to replace products when they have expired. The Pharmacist at Walmart can help you choose the right products to treat your allergies and related symptoms. Just ask. Minor Symptoms that Require Self-Treatment

Products

Insect bites/stings; contact dermatitis symptoms: • Itching, redness and/or swelling of the skin that was exposed to the substance • Skin rash • Warmth of the skin at the site of exposure • Painful red bumps

• Topical anti-itch creams (lotions or stick) • Colloidal oatmeal • Antihistamine medication • Pain medication • Epinephrine preﬁlled syringes for people with severe allergy to insect bites/stings

Allergy symptoms: • Sneezing • Stuﬀy, itchy, and/or runny nose • Itchy and watery eyes • Sore or itchy throat

• Topical nasal and eye medications • Antihistamine medication (non-drowsy, single dose) • Oral decongestant tablets • Saline nose drops or spray • Nasal strips

Note: If you are pregnant or suﬀering from conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to the Pharmacist at Walmart or your doctor before taking or using over-the-counter products.

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NEED HELP MANAGING ASTHMA? Our pharmacists can help you breathe easier. Just ask.

The Pharmacist at Walmart Asthma Clinic: May 3rd, 2011 World Asthma Day Make an appointment with our pharmacists to learn how to successfully manage asthma symptoms.

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tion refill service o refill prescriptions our Walmart ” to refill a llow these steps:

Enter the prescription number found on the top left-hand corner of your prescription label

Make Walmart Pharmacy Your Health and Wellness Destination

Verify your name by pressing “1”

Listen for refill acceptance

Enter the next refill number or press “#” f your order is complete

when the order will

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call your Walmart ” to find out if your p. If your order is give you the e order.

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The Pharmacist at Walmart

Every Walmart Pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist who is available to answer your health questions and provide confidential, knowledgeable advice about your medications and treatment. Everyday low prices for top-quality health care products and professional guidance from our pharmacists combine to make Walmart Pharmacy a great place to visit for your health and wellness needs.

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