HAPPY HALLLOWEEN FROM ALL OF US AT HARBOR HEALTH HOME CARE

GENERIC DRUGS: ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

 

 

If you've had a prescription filled recently, there's a good chance you're taking a generic drug. Almost 80% of prescription drug sales are generics. Their use helps save patients and hospitals billions of dollars every year. It's estimated that you could save at two-thirds of your drug costs if you use generic drugs. According to the FDA, generic drugs can be trusted to have the same quality as brand-name drugs -- but at a cheaper price. That's important to know because no one wants to skimp on health, even if it means saving money.

 

WHAT ARE THE WAYS GENERICS ARE THE SAME AS BRAND-NAME DRUGS? The FDA requires a generic drug to meet standards that make sure it's the same basic product as the brand-name drug. That means the generic drug is safe and can be taken: The same way as a brand-name drug & For the same reason as a brand-name drug. For the FDA to approve a generic drug, it must be the same as the brand-name product in its:

1. Active Ingredient

2. Strength

3. Use and Effect

4. Form of Dosage Form (for example, a pill, inhaler or liquid)

5. Ability to reach the required level in the bloodstream at the right time and to the same extent

6. Testing Standards

 

HOW ARE GENERICS DIFFERENT FROM BRAND-NAME DRUGS? Some differences between generics and brand-name drugs are allowed. These differences may change the appearance of the drug, but they do not affect how it works or its safety. Generic drugs may differ in:

1. Shape

2. Color

3. Packaging

4. Labeling

Generic drugs are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than brand-name drugs. For example, they may have a different Flavoring or Preservative. The inactive ingredients in a generic, though, must be considered safe by the FDA. Generic drugs may also have a different expiration date than brand-name drugs. Even so, the generic must keep its effectiveness until its expiration date, just as required of a brand-name product.

 

WHY ARE GENERIC DRUGS CHEAPER THAN BRAND-NAME DRUGS? You may be wondering how a generic drug can be sold at a much lower price than a brand-name drug. The difference in price hs to do with the different costs that drugmakers have in bringing generics and brand-name drugs to the pharmacy shelf. Making a new drug is expensive for a drugmaker. A manufacturer's costs for the launch of a new drug include money for: Research, Large-scale Drug Testing, Advertising, Marketing and Promotion.

The FDA has tried to balance the rights of the maker of brand-name drugs to recoup its investment with the rights of patients to have access to lower cost generic drugs. To help a drugmaker recover its costs, new brand-name drugs are given patent protection when they are first sold. The patent gives a drugmaker exclusive rights to produce and sell the drug for a limited time. The average time a brand-name drug is protected by the patent after it hits the market is 12 years. When the patent ends, other companies are allowed to make a nd sell a generic version. The generic drugmaker's costs are relatively low because the product has already been developed and tested by the brand-name company. Makers of the generic drugs can pass the savings along in the form of lower prices to pharmacies, and ultimately, to us. The competition among multiple companies producing a generic version of a drug also helps keep the price low.

 

SHOULD YOU BE TAKING GENERIC MEDICATION? Generics are not available for all medications. The best way to find out if a generic is available for a medication you are taking - and whether or not you should take it - is to ask your doctor and pharmacist. Some health insurance companies require that you use a generic drug, if available. If you chose to purchase the brand-name product, you may end up paying on your own or be required to pay a larger co-pay.

 

If you have any other questions in regard to generic drugs, please ask your doctor.

 

source: www.webmd.com  

 



 

 

5 TIPS FOR MANAGING A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE

 

 

Recently, there was a ranking of the Top 25 Companies for Work-Life Balance. Based on employee commentary, this list reveals how seriously some companies take your work-life balance, personal initiatives, and personal interests. However, what if your company didn't make the cut, and wouldn't come close to qualifyiing? What can you do for yourself to manage a good work-life balance and not go crazy? Here are five tips to consider:

 

1. UNPLUG - Unless your job requires being on-call 24/7, then don't be. Create virtual boundaries and stick to them. If this means that, during your off time, you must involve your spouse or friend to lock your smartphone and laptop in a drawer, then do it. Train yourself to unwind through un-tethering from technology. You may start with a one-hour unplug time in the evenings, and then slowly increase the time you are virtually unavailable. You may feel anxious initially, but over time, the opposite will be true. You will find solace - a respite amidst the storm of social media and work chit chat.

2. STAND UP - If your job requires constant sitting and working at a computer, stand up! Find five to ten minutes every hour to move your muscles and clear your mind. You'll be amazed at what a walk around the office area or even better, outdoors, will do to lift your emotional spirits and elevate your energy. It's easy to get so entrenched in your work that hours pass without budging from your chair. If this describes you, then you may need to retrain yourself. Set a timer to remind you once per hour to get up and move.

3. MAKE PLANS - If your work is so onerous that you find yourself continually saying, "No" to invitations for socializing and fun with your friends, then something has to give. It is astonishing that once you set your intentions to go to dinner, attend a theatrical production, leave for the lake - whatever is your prescription for enjoyment - and then commit with words, how you will then somehow "find" the time to make it happen. None of us is so important or indispensable that we cannot afford to take time off from work to recharge and re-energize. In fact, we cannot afford NOT to.

4. EXERCISE - In order to clear the intellectual and emotional cobwebs, to fuel yourself with a shot of endorphins, and to stay physically healthy, you must exercise throughout the week. Doing so will add balance to your work and life, helping you to vet out clearer, more concise decisions, and move through problems in a swifter manner. The after-effects of exercise include multiple layers of rewards and benefits, including feelings of optimism and hope that your sometimes-overwhelming work life may be stealing from you.

5. WORK HARDER - This may sound sounter intuitive if you're currently feeling burnt out by the unbalanced nature of your current workload. The suggestion here is to authentically ingratiate yourself with your boss by providing new areas of value beyond your job description. Consider what pain points you could be resolving for your boss and pitch in. If he is struggling with a certain project, then offer to help. If he is frustrated with the lack of team buy-in to a new sales, technology, operational, or other initiative, and you sincerely believe in what he's advocating, then campaign on his behalf to other team members.

The point is to be proactive where you are currently passive. Supporting your boss's goals, helping alleviate pressure and being instrumental in moving his efforts forward may surprise you with the rewards. For example, he may be more agreeable to your taking off work a couple of hours early on a Friday to start your weekend at the lake. The key here is to be genuine in your actions. Consider this tip and apply it when you observe a situation where you could help - then step out of your comfort zone and get involved. Life is too short to stay stuck in an unhappy vortex. By taking charge, you can recharge your batteries, reclaim your calm, carve out new boundaries, and create new ways to achieve satisfaction, balance, and joy in your life.

 

source: www.money.usnews.com

 

 

PROBIOTICS

 

WHAT ARE PRIOBIOTICS? Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt with live cultures, is the best known. Yeast is also a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.

 

It has been suggested that probiotics be used to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types of bacteria or yeast (called strains) have been shown to work in the digestive tract. It still needs to be proved which probiotics (alone or in combination) work to treat diseases. At this point, even the strains of probiotics that have been proved to work for a specific disease are not widely available.

 

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS USED FOR? Many people use probiotics to prevent diarrhea, gas, and cramping caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics kill "good" (beneficial) bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may lead to digestive problems. Taking probiotics may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria. This can help prevent diarrhea. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may also lead to other infections, such as vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, and symptoms such as diarrhea from intestinal illnesses.

 

PROBIOTICS MAY ALSO BE USED TO:

1. Help with other causes of diarrhea.

2. Help prevent infections in the digestive tract.

3. Help control immune response (inflammation), as in inflammatory bowel disease.

 

ARE PROBIOTICS SAFE? Most probiotics are like what is already in a person's digestive system. Some probiotics have been used for a very long time throughout history, such as in fermented foods and cultured milk products. These don't appear to cause illness. More study is needed on the safety of probiotics in young children, the elderly, and people who have weak immune systems.

 

As with any dietary supplement, be aware that probiotic supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Tell your doctor about everything you are taking, including the specific bacteria in your probiotic supplement.

 

source: www.webmd.com



 

 

FIGHTING KITCHEN GERMS: DOS AND DON'TS

 

When it comes to germs, it's not all about the bathroom. The kitchen is the germiest room in the house. From the countertops and sink to the cutting boards and refrigerator, the kitchen is teeming with billions of microorganisms. You can tackle those nasty kitchen germs that lurk where you prepare your family's meals. Here are some kitchen hot spots and tips for how to clean them up.

 

KITCHEN SPONGE. this isprobably the most germ-filled item in your house. It's used to sop up all kinds of germs and grime and then stored under the sink - a wet, dark palce that's a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. When you use a sponge throughout your kitchen, you are just moving germs from one spot to another. You may have heard that zapping the sponge in the microwave will get rid of germs, but that's not enough. Washing a sponge in the dishwasher also isn't enough to kill germs unless you have an extremely high-heat germicide cycle. You can use paper towels or a clean cloth instead. If you do use sponges, you can soak them between cleanings in a solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water, or vinegar and water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.

COUNTERS. To wipe out lots of kitchen counter germs at once, spray a 10% vinegar solution on counters. Keep the surfae wet for 30-60 seconds, then wipe.

CUTTING BOARDS. It's a good idea to have one cutting board for raw meats, poultry, and seafood, and another for produce and bread. Disinfect cutting boards by soaking them in straight vinegar or a bleach solution  for about 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with hot, soapy water or put them in the dishwasher. Using the dishwasher alone isn't enough to sanitize them.

REFRIGERATOR. Refrigeration doesn't kill bacteria - it just slows their growth. The more you open and close the refrigerator door, the greater your chance of bringing in mold Every so often wash down all surfaces of your fridge - including racks and drawers - with a vinegar solution. Wash the refrigerator door handle frequently.

FLOOR. Kitchen floors can be subject to dropped food, dripped juices from raw meats, tracked-in dirt, crawling kids, and pets, among other things. Using the same bleach solution that you use to clean cutting boards provides good sanitization, but be sure to rinse thoroughly and let air dry if kids and pets will be on the floor. You may want to ask people to take off their shoes when they come in the door, especially if they're going to be in the kitchen.

DISHWASHER. Do you see a black fungus on the seal around your dishwasher door or inside your dishwasher? It may be Exophiala dermatidis, a fungus that likes high heat and is resistant to most detergents Scrub it away with a paste of vinegar and baking soda. While you're in the dishwasher, pour a couple of cups of vinegar in the bottom and run a cycle to kill other tough germs.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Garbage disposals are convenient, but they're also kitchen germ hazards. Any food that remains can decay and breed germs. At least once a week, use a brush and the bleach solution to scrub as far down as you can into the disposal.

TRASH CAN. Make sure to keep a lid on your trash can. Not only will it keep smells form spreading, it can also keep insects from landing in bacteria and spreading them throughout the rest of your house. It's not enough to just replace the trash bag. Once a week, pour the bleach solution into the can - especially if there's a smell, stain, or substance inside. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes and then pour it down your sink. Rinse the trash can and let it air dry.

HANDLES. When you move around the kitchen, opening cabinets, the refrigerator, or the pantry door to grab ingredients as you cook, you can spread germs among the handles. Wipe cabinet and refrigerator - door handles at least once a week with the bleach solution to kill microorganisms.

 

Don't get overwhelmed by kitchen cleaning. When tackling kitchen germs, first clean the areas that look dirty. Get rid of mold in the refrigerator and dust on the countertops. Then sanitize and disinfect. You don't have to go crazy.

 

source: www.webmd.com

 

TIPS TO SELECTING THE BEST HOMECARE PROVIDER

Take the necessary precautions before selecting a homecare agency or caregiver and use the following tips as a guideline to help find a compassionate, qualified and dedicated homecare provider.

1. KNOW YOUR NEEDS: Before beginning the selection process, assess what your exact needs are. Will your loved one need hands-on care or someone to fill a companion role? Does your loved one require skilled medical assistance or specialized care such as hospice care or mobility needs? Evaluate exactly what you are looking for and be prepared to discuss details.

2. INTERVIEW THE AGENCY: Every homecare agency uses a different interview and hiring process. Make sure your expectations align with those of the agency before selecting a provider. Select a homecare agency that requires RN supervision for caregivers and Joint Commission accreditation to ensure the highest level of care. In addition, familiarize yourself with the agency's sick and emergency policies and know what the protocol is if a caregiver is not able to make a scheduled visit.

3. CHECK FOR RELEVANT PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: A recent study conductted by Northwestern University revealed that more than 67 percent of homecare agencies require previous experience before hiring employees. However, when asked to clarify experience, the answers were vague. Be sure to select an agency that requires relevant previous experience, or has extensive training before allowing caregivers to work alone.

4. ENSURE QUALIFICATIONS: Make sure the homecare provider can perform the tasks and responsibilities based on your loved one's needs. If specialized care is required, make sure the agency is licensed to provide such care and has RNs or specially trained caregivers who can perform your specialized care needs.

5. MAKE A CONNECTION: Certain homecare agencies allow you to interview potential caregivers before committing to one. This provides the opportunity to make sure personalities do not conflict and can also be a great time to inquire about previous experience and background information.

source: www.healthnewsdigest.com

7 FOODS THAT HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT

Don't get sucked into the idea that food is your enemy when you're trying to lose weight. In fact, it's just the opposite: Befriend the right foods, and the pounds are much more likely to peel off than if you just try to cut calories across the board. Here, seven foods known to nutritionists to boost your body's fat-burning potential:
1. OATS
Wait a minute -- aren't oats a carb? Yes and no. Oats are a whole grain, and they're high on what nutritionists call the "satiety index," meaning oats have tremendous power to make you feel full. Not only that, they're also high in soluble fiber, so they cut cholesterol and blood fat. Oats digest slowly, so they don't raise your blood sugar, and they keep you feeling filled up well into the late morning. Old-fashioned steel-cut and rolled oats, with up to 5 grams of fiber per serving, are best, but even instant oatmeal has 3 to 4 grams of fiber per serving.
2. EGGS
Nutritionists have been trying for some years to restore the reputation of the lowly egg. No longer thought to be a cholesterol-booster (eggs contain a different type of cholesterol than that in humans), eggs are a concentrated form of animal protein without the added fat that comes with meat. Dietary studies have repeatedly found that when people eat an egg every morning in addition to (or instead of) toast or cereal, they lose twice as much weight as those who eat a breakfast that's dominated by carbs.
3. SKIM MILK
Studies in reputable publications such as the Journal of Obesity (in addition to the controversial ones funded by the National Dairy Council) show that the combination of calcium, vitamin D, and low-fat protein in skim milk and nonfat yogurt trigger weight loss and help build and maintain lean muscle.
4. APPLES
To keep the pounds at bay, eat an apple -- or two -- a day. Numerous studies have found that eating an apple a half hour to an hour before a meal has the result of cutting the calories of the meal. Why? The fiber in the apple makes you feel full, so you eat less. Recent research suggests eating apples has other benefits, too; the antioxidants in apples appear to prevent metabolic syndrome, the combination of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and prediabetes that tends to accompany thickening around the waist. Also, apples are high in pectin, which binds with water and limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb.
5. RED MEAT
Not exactly what you think of as a diet food, right? Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared diet results for women who ate red meat and those who didn't. The meat eaters lost more weight. Experts think the dense protein in lean red meat helps you maintain muscle mass - but of course this assumes you're exercising to build that muscle.
6. CINNAMON
This simple spice appears to have the power to thelp your body metabolize sugar, according to surprising data that came out of a USDA study involving diabetics.