While some of the newer prescription medications on the market represent real breakthroughs, other new drugs are actually no more effective than older, less-expensive medications. As with many consumer goods, we sometimes respond to a new drug on the basis of its advertising. However, those who want something more to go on should dig deeper. By definition, new drugs do not have a track record, so clinical trials offer the best way to assess them. However, it may take years and thousands of study participants before the full side-effect profile of a drug is known. In the meantime, patients should work with their prescribing physicians to identify which medications offer the best results for the least amount of money.

HINT: Because some medications take a while to kick in, stick with the prescribed dose for the prescribed period unless some difficulty arises.

If you have a chronic health condition and are planning to travel, it is in your best interests to compile a health profile. This typed document, which should be compiled with the help of your doctor, should list your medical diagnosis, allergies, medications (generic and brand names) and their dosages, the names and numbers of healthcare providers and emergency contact persons, and copies of insurance cards. It also helps to have your doctor draw up a detailed explanation of your medical condition and the medications/nutritional supplements that you are taking for you to present at security checkpoints. All prescription and over-the-counter medications should be in their original bottles and kept together in a clear plastic bag in your carry-on luggage.

HINT: Keep your detailed health profile in your wallet or purse, along with copies in your luggage and the hands of your traveling partner(s).

Vitamin C continues to provide us with benefits. WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC believes our customers should be informed about the latest pharmaceutical findings and how they may be affected. In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, we also carry nutritional and herbal supplements, and home medical supplies and aids. We always offer free delivery. We are your “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” for your sports medical supply needs. Let us show you our new line of wigs. We’ll do the billing to your insurance company. Our best wishes for a joyous holiday season.

Parents should discuss any new prescription for their young child with our pharmacist. At WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC, our knowledgeable staff is always available to answer concerns you may have. We carry a full line of generic and brand name medications as well as herbal and natural supplements. Come to “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” for all your home health and medical supplies and equipment, including all you need for wound care. If you’re confined at home, ask about our free delivery service.

This informative column is presented by WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC, where we do everything to meet the needs of all our customers. In addition to providing the finest in over-the-counter and prescription medications, we offer the latest and best home medical supplies and equipment. We accept MC, Visa, Amex, Discover, and most insurance plans. We are “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” where delivery is always free. We now carry a new line of wigs. We even do the billing to your insurance company.

When you have concerns about the medical studies regarding C-reactive protein and your heart, please ask us. WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC gives all our customers the personal attention they need and we take pride in filling your prescriptions accurately and quickly. We also carry health supplements and home health aids, as well as medical supplies. Make us “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” for your home safety needs, hot & cold therapy and incontinence products, and urological and diabetic products. We deliver your orders free of charge.

The number of individuals in North America who have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia issues is anticipated to approach 20 million in the next 50 years. The best place for a person with memory loss to be is in familiar surroundings. Home healthcare providers offer one-on-one care for those who are faced with such challenges. Knowledgeable and compassionate staff members perform numerous necessary tasks, such as maintaining a safe environment, providing mind-stimulating activities and nutritious meals, creating social interaction, and helping their senior clients maintain a regular routine. Many home healthcare providers are specifically trained in the best techniques and approaches for assisting those with Alzheimer’s and dementia issues and helping their families.
P.S. People with Alzheimer’s need to be active and do things they enjoy.

For seniors who remain at home, do not drive, or have trouble walking, home healthcare assistants can provide valuable food shopping services. Before going to the store, they will sit with their clients and plan meals and snacks for the next few days or for a week. They can check to see what foods are on hand and make note of staples, like milk and bread, that need to be replenished. They will put emphasis on selecting low-fat, nutritious items like fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Home healthcare assistants’ purchases can provide their senior clients with sufficient ingredients to prepare more than one meal and freeze the balance in meal-sized portions.
P.S. The home healthcare worker can limit canned and frozen product purchases to those that are low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol.

Speech/language pathologists help stroke survivors who need to relearn to speak or develop alternative means of communication. Many home healthcare services provide their clients with this option. Such pathologists also assist homebound clients to improve their ability to swallow and to develop the problem-solving and social skills required to cope with the aftereffects of a stroke. These trained professionals work one-on-one with their clients in the home, providing short- and long-term therapy. After identifying the source of the impairment, the speech/language pathologist designs an individualized treatment program for the homebound patient. The program is devised to overcome or minimize the deficiency and improve the client’s ability to function and his or her quality of life.
P.S. Speech/language pathologists can help stroke survivors develop strategies for overcoming language disabilities.

Home care that provides live-in help is best suited to situations in which primary caregivers can’t be there in person, and the homebound senior requires round-the-clock support. Room, board, and a salary are usually provided in exchange for meal preparation, light housekeeping, and other non-medical services. When a loved one can no longer live safely at home without assistance, but prefers to remain at home, utilizing the services of a live-in companion is an excellent option. The safety and security of the client is ensured by virtue of having someone there to monitor their condition and assist them with everyday tasks. Back-up caregivers may also be trained to take over when the primary caregiver is ill or on vacation.
P.S. Part-time live-in service options, from 1 to 6 days a week, are also available.