Maple Pharmacy

Are you or a loved one trying to quit smoking? We’re here to help you reach your goal!

Our pharmacist can recommend the right type of ni****ne replacement therapy for you—including the patch, gum, lozenge, spray, or inhaler –– and explain how to use it. They can also provide you with resources and advice to help you stick with your quit plan.

To get started, take a look at support services available across Canada to help you quit smoking: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-to***co/quit-smoking/provincial-territorial-services.html

If your nails have a yellow hue, it could be as simple as the nail polish from your last manicure or pedicure staining the nail plate. But occasionally, yellowed nails can also signal an infection or a more serious underlying problem like thyroid condition or diabetes.

Three ways to treat yellowed nails at home:
1/ If your nails are discoloured due to a minor yeast infection, treating them with tea tree oil may help. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and swab onto the affected nails.
2/ Soaking your toes in warm water with a scoop of baking soda can help prevent nail fungus from spreading and remove yellowing, too.
3/ Soaking your fingertips in a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and warm water can clear up stains caused by dark nail polish.

https://www.healthline.com/health/yellow-nails

Celiac disease is a condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged when you eat gluten, a group of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley products like many breads, pastas, and cereals.

Newly diagnosed? You may be feeling overwhelmed, but with some help you can live well with celiac disease, on a gluten-free diet.

Check out Celiac Canada for community resources, recipes, tips on dining out, travelling and much more: https://www.celiac.ca/living-gluten-free-menu/

It’s World Multiple Sclerosis Day. More than 4,000 Canadians are diagnosed with the condition every year.

If you have been diagnosed—or you’re caring for a loved one who is—our pharmacist can support you with information about medications and other ways to manage your condition, and more.

For additional resources, including a guide for caregivers and information about support groups, visit: https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/your-health-wellness/multiple-sclerosis/

One out of every three Canadians lives with a medical condition or takes a medication that first responders and healthcare professionals need to know about in an emergency.

There are several situations where wearing a medical ID is typically recommended. For example, if you have…
• a food allergy to nuts, shellfish
• a drug allergy to penicillin or certain antibiotics
• an allergy to stinging insects like bees and wasps

Speak to our pharmacist to find a medical ID bracelet, necklace, or other style of identifier that may be right for you.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/making-the-most-of-your-medical-bracelet-1298508

Warmer weather means more bugs – and bug bites! With the right precautions, you can keep mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks at bay while you enjoy the great outdoors.

To prevent bug bites, cover up with light coloured clothing, minimize exposure to bugs (by using mosquito netting over strollers to protect babies, for example) and use insect repellent.

When using bug spray, never spritz it directly onto your face, wash your hands after application and always read and follow the directions on the bottle. Get all the “deets” on insect repellent products containing DEET, from Health Canada:
https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en/blogs/science-health/deets-deet-what-parents-should-know-about-health-canadas-latest-research-insect-repellents-kids

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is “my story.” Collectively, and individually we are all made up of layers and stories that make us who we are. They are all different, but equally important, and can share one key message: mental health is important for everyone’s wellbeing.

Read real stories, advice, tips, and support written by people living with chronic conditions, including anxiety and depression, here: https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. If you have questions or require support, stop by or call any time to talk to our pharmacist.

Join us this National Physicians’ Day as we celebrate our colleagues in healthcare for their work in delivering the best care to our community.

Did you know that our pharmacy team works with your physician to optimize your care? For example, we ensure that your medications are working, and can recommend changes to avoid side effects or refine your dosage. We value this collaboration with doctors, so that we may provide you with the best possible care.

If you roll your ankle during a jog or go too hard on a trail hike and have pain in your ankle, it may be possible that you have an ankle sprain or muscle strain.

Pain, inflammation, bruising and swelling are common signs of most sprains and strains. If you are experiencing these common signs, speak to our pharmacist for advice on how you can manage them and if you should see your doctor.

If you wake up with a red, swollen eye with sticky discharge, you’ve probably got a case of conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent layer that covers the inner eyelid and white part of the front of the eye, often caused by a minor infection.

Although it looks awful, the good news is that with treatment, it usually clears up after a few days. Talk to our pharmacist for advice on treating pink eye – and when to see an eye doctor.

Read more about pink eye, from the Canadian Association of Optometrists: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/conjunctivitis.

Good oral health is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association recommends keeping these five simple steps in mind, to take good care of your teeth and gums:
1/ Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2/ Floss every day.
3/ Rinse using an antiseptic mouthwash.
4/ Make healthy food choices.
5/ Choose to be to***co free.

Read more about taking care of your oral health: https://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca/DHCanada/DHCanada/Information/Oral_health__you.aspx

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar in milk products, and commonly includes symptoms such as upset stomach, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Although these symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort for some people, they can be managed through simple diet changes including:
• Eating dairy products with naturally lower levels of lactose like hard cheeses and yogurt.
• Opting for lactose-free milk and milk products.
• Trying small amounts of milk products with other foods, to see how your body reacts (like a bit of cream cheese on a bagel).

Ask our pharmacist for advice on managing your lactose intolerance and whether a lactase supplement can help.

Learn more about lactose intolerance, from the Dieticians of Canada:
https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Allergies-and-Intolerances/Managing-lactose-intolerance.aspx

Vaccines play an important role in keeping you and your family healthy, but you may be confused by misinformation you’ve read about immunization. For example:

Myth: Vaccines aren’t safe.
Fact: Health Canada regulates the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and ensures they go through a series of rigorous steps before they are approved for use. It can take 10 years to develop and approve a new vaccine, and public health authorities continue to monitor vaccines, even after they are in use.

Learn more myths and facts about vaccines from Immunize Canada:
https://www.immunize.ca

Hemorrhoids are common and occur when the veins in the a**s and lower re**um become swollen and irritated. They can develop for many reasons, including pregnancy and older age. For many people, hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable.

Ask our pharmacist for advice on how to manage hemorrhoids, including using over-the-counter treatments, such as topical creams, sitz baths and oral pain relievers, and when to see your doctor.

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

Depression is complicated – anticipating the lows can be difficult. If you have questions or concerns about your mental health, talk to our pharmacist. They can advise on when you should talk to your doctor.

Read 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/

Changes in diet, lack of sleep, stress, and some medications (including certain antidepressants, treatments for incontinence, and allergies) can all cause constipation. It’s an issue that most people deal with at some point, and one that becomes more common as we age.

For occasional constipation, talk with our pharmacist who can recommend dietary and other lifestyle changes, as well as over-the-counter treatments. If you are experiencing problems often, our pharmacist can also advise on when you should speak with your doctor.

Read more about constipation from the Canadian
Digestive Health Foundation: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/constipation/

Getting enough rest is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing, but many of us don’t get enough sleep each night.

World Sleep Day is the perfect time to look at how you can improve your sleep habits. Consider these three tips to help you sleep better and longer:
1/ Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
2/ Participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
3/ Shut down all screens, including your TV, tablet and cellphone, one to two hours before you turn in.

Read more about the importance of sleep and recommendations by age group, including babies, kids, teens, and adults:
https://sleeponitcanada.ca/all-about-sleep/age-specific-dos-and-donts/

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.

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

If you are managing a condition like diabetes, heart disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS), and are planning a March Break getaway, a bit of extra preparation can ensure you have a great vacation.

Ask our pharmacist for tips on travelling with your medications, including packing enough for your trip, how to store your medications, and if you might benefit from a doctor’s note detailing your condition and prescriptions.

Read Robert Joyce’s story about travelling with MS:
https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/travelling-with-ms/

Seasonal dry skin is common. The cold air outside mixed with warm air indoors and low moisture levels can result in a loss of water and oil from the skin. Areas where our skin is naturally thinner, like on our shins, is prone to sensitivity and this may leave you itching, especially at night.

Get some relief by:
• Keeping showers and baths short, and using warm, not hot water
• Moisturizing twice a day
• Using a humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that lead to blocking of the airways and problems with breathing.

In as many as 90 percent of cases, cigarette smoking is the main cause, but COPD is also associated with air pollution, childhood respiratory tract infections, and sometimes there is a genetic link.

Read more about COPD from respiratory therapist John Bottrell: https://www.tevacanada.com/en/canada/life-effects/8-myths-about-copd/

It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that when it’s caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable? If you notice any of the following early warning signs, be sure to inform your doctor as soon as possible:
• Unexplained constipation or diarrhea.
• Persistent stomach pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Learn more about colorectal cancer risks, diagnosis, treatment, and more: https://www.colorectalcancercanada.com

Cleaning away earwax with a cotton swab might seem like a good idea, but it’s actually a no-no. That’s because earwax has a purpose: it maintains moisture in your ear canal and keeps potentially harmful dirt and bacteria from moving deeper into the ear. Plus, in trying to remove it, you can cause harm by puncturing your ear drum, or by pushing the wax in further, which could lead to infection and other problems.

Instead, let the wax be, and use the cotton swab, or better yet, a tissue, to wipe the outside of your ear clean.

Vote now to get Saanich teen traumatically injured by driver back on a bike - Victoria News Family of Leila Bui hopes to win – or fundraise for – adaptive tandem bike

Many people can meet their nutrient needs through diet alone, but some may benefit from a vitamin or mineral supplement.

People on restrictive diets, or with certain stomach conditions that prevent important nutrients from being absorbed, for example, might not be meeting all their nutritional needs through food. In these cases, a supplement may help.

Ask our pharmacist for advice on which supplements could be right for you.

A bath soak can take your tub routine to the next level. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a bath product:
• If you have sore muscles, add Epsom salts to your soak.
• If you are bathing before bed, bubbles infused with lavender will help you unwind for sleep.
• If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, opt for a fragrance-free bath treatment containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to soothe your skin.

If you had a cold or flu virus a few weeks ago and now you can’t stop coughing, you might have a case of acute bronchitis.
When the bronchi (the large tubes that bring air into your lungs) become inflamed they can produce too much mucus resulting in this respiratory illness. It’ll probably last about two weeks, though the coughing can linger much longer, and may be accompanied by pains, chills, and shortness of breath.

Read more about managing acute bronchitis, from the Canadian Lung Association: https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/bronchitis

Using a humidifier can keep your family comfortable through the dry winter months.
Follow these three tips to keep your humidifier running smoothly:
1/ Fill the tank with fresh water daily. Drain and dry the tank on days it’s not running.
2/ Prevent the area around your humidifier from becoming damp or wet to avoid mold growth.
3/ Change the filters according to the manufacturer directions.

Did you know? 8 in 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke are preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Start taking small steps to help protect your heart health:
• Move More Make physical activity, from walks to swimming, a part of your regular routine.
• Eat Well Avoid ultra-processed foods, load up on fruits and vegetables and sources of lean proteins.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight Achieving your healthy size can be challenging, but the effort is worth it.