Medical Centre Pharmacy - Ouellete Ave. Windsor

Summer is a time for picnic’s, street food festivals and indulging in some of your seasonal favourites! Take caution though, because during these warmer months, bacteria multiply faster and the chances of food poisoning increase.

If you think you may have eaten something questionable, and are now experiencing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you may have a classic case of food poisoning. The good news is that for most people it will resolve within a few days without treatment.

If you are experiencing a case of food poisoning, talk to our pharmacist about oral replacement solutions with electrolytes to manage mild dehydration and other over-the-counter products to treat symptoms from diarrhea to upset stomach.

If you celebrate Easter (or just like to enjoy all the extra sweet treats on the store shelves), you’ll probably find yourself nibbling on some chocolate eggs and other festive treats. It’s okay to indulge now and then, but regularly consuming an excess of sweetened foods and beverages can have a negative impact on the health of you and your family.

If you are concerned about your sugar intake, or have other questions about maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, be sure to stop by and talk to our pharmacist.
The pharmacy team wishes a great holiday weekend!

For many, spring weather can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Pollen is a common trigger, but did you know that asthma symptoms can also be triggered by temperature changes, insect repellants and yard fertilizers?

Now is a great time to check the expiry date of your inhalers—or if you can’t find them, call the pharmacy to request a refill.

Get more tips to help you breathe easier outside: https://asthma.ca/get-help/asthma-triggers/outdoor-triggers/

The pharmacy team is proud to play a key role in our communities, helping to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and caregivers. We work with doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment options for any health condition.

This Pharmacy Appreciation Month, we reflect on how far the role of pharmacy services has come in Canada, and how happy we are to be able to provide you with an enhanced level of care.

We’re always here if you have any questions or concerns about your medications, or other aspects of your health. Your wellbeing is important to us.

Unintentional household poisonings are more common than you think, and they can be deadly.

Medications, household cleaners, and even some personal care products like perfume and nail polish can be poisonous if used incorrectly. All these items should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Find tips on how to store your medications safely:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/your-health-wellness/storing-your-medication-safely/

The season has turned, the weather is balmy, and everyone seems to be feeling sunnier –– except you.

We know that depression is complicated – and anticipating the lows can be difficult. We are pleased to share this story on ways to better understand your depression, from someone who understands how it feels:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/better-understand-your-depression/

If you have questions or any concerns about your mental health, talk to our pharmacist.

It’s common to pack on a couple extra pounds over the winter months, but spring is here and it’s time to give those healthier habits a kickstart!

The warmer weather upon us is perfect for increasing your activity levels (hello long walks and bike rides!). Your farmer’s market will soon be ushering in local produce to freshen up your diet. Get ready to spring into a more energized and healthier you. The pharmacy team is here to help. Stop by the pharmacy if you have any questions.

Happy Appreciation Month to George Daoud and the whole team at Medical Centre Pharmacy - Ouellete Ave. Windsor! !

Migraines are often unexpected, unavoidable––and certainly have the potential to ruin a holiday.
If you’re someone who experiences migraines and you have a winter vacation planned, here are a few tips to get you ready to enjoy your trip, even if a migraine strikes:
• Pack snacks! If you know that a skipped meal can trigger a migraine, be sure to keep granola bars or dried fruit in your carry-on, so it’s easy to eat on-the-go.
• Drink water. Make sure you’re hydrated before you go, and have a water bottle handy as you travel.
• Slow down. Be sure not to overload yourself in the days before you go, to reduce some of the stress of travelling.

For more helpful ideas, read this blog post from a frequent flyer who has been there:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/travelling-with-migraine/

We often think of bacteria as being bad, but probiotics are frequently called “good bacteria” because they help to keep your gut healthy. These tiny microorganisms populate the small and large intestines, supporting digestion, immune health, and more.

You can find probiotics in some foods, like yogurt and kimchi, and in supplements.

Ask our pharmacist for advice on taking a probiotic supplement.

There’s no way around it, back acne (aka “bacne”) isn’t fun. It can be stubborn and uncomfortable, and can also appear in other places, like on the chest, upper arms, and buttocks.

Body breakouts are mainly caused by overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and bacteria. You can prevent pimples on your body by wearing loose clothing, showering after exercise, and using non-comedogenic body care products (which won’t clog pores).

Over-the-counter treatments can help with mild breakouts. Ask our pharmacist to walk you through the options, from body washes to creams and much more.

During the winter, you’re spending more time indoors, breathing in triggers like dust mites and pet dander, and when you do venture out on a chilly day, inhaling the cold air can also trigger an asthma attack.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help you breathe a little easier:
• Run a humidifier in your home, to maintain a relative humidity of 35-50%.
• Keep your home tidy by reducing clutter and dusting and vacuuming regularly.
• When you go outside, place a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth.
Check out this blog post on asthma symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/asthma-symptoms/

Colds and the flu can result in a nasty cough, and in many cases finding the right cough syrup can help give you some relief.

If you are considering a cough syrup, remember the following:

 Always follow the directions on the package.
 Typically, cough syrups can be taken every four hours but it’s important not to take more doses in a day than are recommended.
 Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to assist in breaking up mucus and clearing congestion.

Ask our pharmacist for advice on whether a cough syrup could be helpful and if so, which one they would recommend for you.

Whether you’re headed to a dinner party, or just thinking about pouring a glass of wine or beer in the evening, it’s important to take your medications into consideration before you drink.

Many prescription drugs can have dangerous interactions with alcohol. It’s important to fully understand the impact alcohol can have when taking certain medications.

Stop by or call the pharmacy to speak with our pharmacist any time you have questions or concerns. Your safety is our priority!

https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/side-effects/10-medications-you-shouldnt-mix-with-alcohol

It’s normal to feel mild stomach cramping when you have your period, but for some people the discomfort is so severe that it interferes with their sleep or keeps them from participating in sports or other things they enjoy.

As many as 15% of women have dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful periods. In addition to stomach cramps, some people also have other symptoms like hip pain, lower back aches, nausea, and headaches.

For help getting some relief from your painful periods, come in and speak to our pharmacist.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea

A fever, dry cough, sore throat, and fatigue are common symptoms of the flu. And we know they can make you feel awful. But, if you are otherwise in good health, not pregnant and younger than age 65, you are at low risk of complications and should feel better within a week.

It’s very important we all do our part in stopping the spread of the virus that causes the flu! If you or your child have the flu, be sure to stay home from work, school, and other public places, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Learn more about the spread of flu and how you can prevent it:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza/prevention-risks.html

There are plenty of reasons to opt for plant-based dairy alternatives. Whether you dislike the taste of milk, or cheese upsets your stomach, you have options.

When choosing a dairy-free alternative, always check the product labels to check for added ingredients that may impact the nutritional value. Consider things such as:

- Added sugars, starch and flavourings
- Preservatives
- Lack of nutrients and minerals
- Lack of protein

If you have concerns about going dairy-free, stop by and speak to our pharmacist.

https://www.health.com/nutrition/eliminate-dairy-diet

Red eyes can signal several different possible health issues, however in many cases there are things you do to help prevent it:

Avoid rubbing your eyes
Keep contact lenses clean and wear only for as long as directed
Make sure to remove eye makeup properly
Take regular breaks when you’re looking at a computer screen for a long period of time
Avoid eye irritants such as dust, smoke, or pet dander

Ask our pharmacist for advice on when to see a doctor. They can also review the over-the-counter eye drop options for dry eyes, allergies and other common irritants that can cause red eyes.

https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-redness
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17690-red-eye

Kids are headed back to class in a few weeks! Did you know that as much as 80 percent of the learning they do at school is visual? Children who have trouble seeing can encounter many difficulties in class and their ability to read and write may be affected.

Read more about what you can do to ensure your children’s eyes are healthy and that they are seeing well: https://opto.ca/health-library/the-eye-exam

If you see someone in distress at an outdoor festival or sporting event this summer, there’s a chance it’s heatstroke. Someone with heat stroke may have flushed skin, a rapid heart rate and a high body temperature.

Other signs and symptoms of heatstroke can include confusion, a headache and nausea and vomiting.

Heatstroke can damage the heart, kidneys, muscles and more, which is why a person experiencing heatstroke should always been seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

Have you, or someone you love, recently been diagnosed with cancer? If you have it can be tempting to minimize the pain or severity of the situation. Instead of letting people in, it might seem easier to pretend things are “fine,” but eventually you’ll need and want the support of your friends.

Check out this blog post on how to let friends in when you’re struggling with cancer:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/five-steps-to-let-friends-in/

If you have questions about your situation, speak with our pharmacist.