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I know that I am always thinking “how dirty is this”? or “how often am I suppose to clean a certain thing”? There are some items that we use everyday that carry germs that we need to be aware of and how we handle them.

1. Credit/Debit cards….we use and exchange them from hand to hand and through filthy automated machines everyday.

2. The underside of area rugs. Now that it is Spring, be sure to remove rugs and clean/vacuum underneath

3. Blinds. They collect a lot of dust/dirt (at least mine do).

4. Kitchen trash cans. Clean liner with bleach and wipe clean before adding new bag.

5. Indoor Potted plants. Clean off leaves and inspect for mold

6. Purse. Cloth purses can hold lots of dirt and germs. Clean with Woolite or use leather cleaning wipes on your leather purses

7. The top of the refrigerator. Clean just as you would the sides and handles.

8. Toothbrush holder. They get wet often and hold mold inside

9. Vacuum cleaning brushes and attachments. Self-explanatory

10. Yoga mats. I know that I signed up for a yoga class at my local YMCA and we shared mats. They always smelled like sweat. I am not sure that they every cleaned them (gross). I purchased my own.

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Her parents did not want to bother the staff by sending the burger back for another one “not broken” but instead just placed an order for an additional burger. The waitress “recognized” that the child was upset after her mother explained the situation and the waitress responded appropriately by telling Anna that she apologized for bringing a broken burger and would be happy to get her another one. You can read the entire story here.

I think there are two big “ah-ha” moments from this story:

1. Autism is being recognized as a true special need by the public

2. The waitress didn’t treat Anna or the family as if they were “different”.

There has continued to be growing debate whether ADHD and autism are true disease states or diagnosable. Because it is difficult to pinpoint a reason or cause for certain conditions does not make them less relevant or imaginary.

If you are parents who have a child who does not have any special needs, then consider yourself blessed. But also develop the skill of empathy for those families who live a little differently from you and may need an extra hand every now and then. This also goes for recognizing and responding to children and families who are financially disadvantaged, spiritually lost, or emotionally struggling.

Our society will be a much better place to live in if we all live and respond consciously to what is going on around us and take the focus off of ourselves.

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1. Mailbox App – I love this app.  Yes there was a 700,000 wait queue that I sat in for over a month but they were acquired by Dropbox and assuming things go as I predict, Mailbox will take over the email world.  This app makes you deal with email in a more efficient way.  It is not for everyone, but it works the way that I have managed my email inbox.  The goal is #inboxzero so you can see the picture of the day.  Brilliant, guys.  Why didn’t I think of it?  Here’s what Forbes says about it.  It’s the perfect working mom app to manage the email.
2. Rise & Shine Alarm Clock – There is nothing more annoying than my hubby’s alarm clock going off at one volume (LOUD) playing some horrid commercial about an herbal supplement for something or other.  This app will do so many things my choice being a song that is selected that starts out soft and grows in volume slowly with a light glowing softly.  It is a better and less destructive way of waking up.  Snooze is an option, but don’t forget snoozing apparently is not a good thing.  This app wakes up the working mom in such a better way!
3. Mint – All things finance and perfect for the working mother.  This app can be connected to all sorts of accounts to give you a running total of how much you are saving for retirement all the way to how much you spend monthly getting pedicures.
4. Pocket - A read it later type service, this app competes with others but is my favorite and is what I recommend for the working mom!
5. Nike Training App - Get fit!
6. Find My iPhone - Well yes I’ve used this one quite a bit.  I misplace my iPhone and iPad all the time.  This little handy gadget helps me find them.
7. Starbucks - Pay for your coffee with it and earn rewards to earn free coffee.
8. PBS Kids - The best app for your small kids when on the road or needing a kid distraction – ahem!
9. Moves - a great little app that does a lot.  Pedometer, map, where you have been, how much you have walked.
10. Evernote - Competing with Google Keep and others, this app is where I store notes and pdf files.  Dropbox similar as well.
11. Fantastical - my favorite iPhone calendar app that syncs with Google Calendar and keeps the working mom organized!
12. Tempo - from the makers of Siri comes this ambitious iPhone app trying to mesh together lots of different things.  I waited for this one for a couple of weeks.  Like Mailbox, there was a bit of a demand and a slower rollout.
13. Prismatic - Get your newsfeed based on your interests.  I use this one DAILY.  Love it.
14. Camera+ - Best iPhone camera app hands down.  It’s just a pain to edit there and THEN send to instagram.
15. Instagram - No description needed right?
16. Facebook - See above
17. Candy Crush - a highly addictive one person game.  You can help other friends in the game gain lives back, but you don’t rely on someone to have a turn.  It’s all on you!
18. Grokr - a really cool app – news, weather, commute, etc… all in one!
19. Any.Do - the best To Do List app out there
20. Waze - Move over Apple Maps.  I like Google Maps as well but this one is just CUTE.

Not only that head on over to Moms With Apps:

The Moms With Apps blog supports app developers who create family-friendly apps. Moms With Apps is based on the following principles:

• Thoughtful use of technology: Parents should be up-to-speed on tech trends. Know your devices settings, what types of apps are out there, and what types of marketing practices are being used in the mobile industry – so you don’t get caught off guard.
• Apps aren’t parents: Apps are not be a substitute for parenting.
• Great developers make great apps: I look for developers with good ideas and intentions, who strive to create family-friendly content.
• Keeping kids safe online is a team effort. Developers should stay informed about privacy concerns and legislation, and are encouraged to disclose the features in their apps, and how they do (or do not) use consumer data.

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• God
• Family
• Career

That list runs through my head all day from the moment I wake up to my Rise & Shine app to Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons to the moments I finally drag my procrastinating butt out of bed to the shower where I stand dreading the day. Most days feel as though my time and obligations run as rampant as a flooding river, barreling through the day with to-do’s I have neglected, school forms I didn’t complete, and stress moments at work where I did not reveal my best self to my coworkers. If they have children they get me… Or maybe I believe they do.

My parents worked. I didn’t have a stay-at-home mother. Why would I expect I could have ever been one myself?  I felt my mother was there for me.  I never knew the sacrifice it would take to not pursue a career, even if I haven’t climbed very far.

You see no matter what anyone thinks, I know I have sacrificed a lot. Manager positions in the past were probably not as enticing because it wouldn’t fit into my perfect logistical puzzle of life to and from work. Although a pharmacist job is not usually flexible, if you work in the right environment, you can find some flexibility in coverage with your coworkers. If you are lucky.

I personally quit my job for a work-from-home pharmacist job that was initially what I was looking for until a micromanager appeared and the position was reduced to numbers per hour and error rate. All correspondence was centered around negative feedback. Go faster. Go slower. Be more accurate. Then, please record when you step away from desk. At that point I was having flashbacks to 1995 when I worked in a seed factory, except there I did earn extra pay for working 120% productivity. Not pharmacy. No extra for more, negative feedback 95% of the time, and in the end had the great opportunity to transfer back to a hospital.

And meet some fabulous pharmacists.

I don’t have to worry about the same issues now. There are different ones, but I need people. And working with other mothers brings about camaraderie. We working women NEED that.

Maybe balancing it all isn’t about balancing it all alone but having other working mothers to bounce ideas back and forth. Maybe it’s another working mother acknowledging you are doing a good job, and giving you that nod when it has been one terribly busy day.

The post How to Balance It All appeared first on Your Virtual Pharmacist.

Men and women born between 1946 and 1964 were more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes than the generation before them, according to the study, published today in JAMA Internal Medicine. They were also more likely to be obese and less likely to exercise.

This isn’t good news for those of us who are Generation X or Y who will be taking care of these baby boomers.

The study supports a gloomy forecast for healthcare costs as the oldest baby boomers approach their 70s. Americans spend roughly $147 billion on obesity and $177 billion on diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Really the key for lower healthcare costs in our country is better focus on our own health.  It is very important to eat healthy, exercise, and take care of chronic conditions.  Many can be eliminated with healthy living!

One of the best diets out there, Weight Watchers, has a fabulous mobile app to help track points and help reduce weight.  There are other diets of course, but remember, if you ever return to “non-dieting” or eating like you used to, you will weigh what you used to.  It is NOT a diet but a lifestyle that you have to adapt long-term.  The benefits are WORTH it.  As Americans, we eat out on average about five times per week.  I was eating with my family the other day and could not find a single meal on the menu that was less than 600 calories.  This didn’t even include the pre-dinner rolls and whatever else was thrown in front of me.

Here are some tips on eating outside the home.  The goal is to eat less so that we can weigh less and live healthier as we age.

• Volunteer to order your meal first.  That way you are not swayed by Uncle George’s fettuccine with alfredo pasta with chicken order.
• Don’t be afraid to be picky and order the meal prepared in a certain way.  Ask the server to steam the broccoli rather than sauteed in butter.  It never hurts to ask.  Lots of people have gluten allergies and peanut allergies and servers/restaurants are used to requests.
• One of the best tricks I ever used when I was first on Weight Watchers was to order a meal and have the server immediately box HALF of it.  Portion control is the KEY to successful weight loss.
• Drink water.  Too many empty calories in beer, wines, and flavored teas.
• Eat soup and salad first.  Broth based soups are more healthy and usually can curb your appetite on the main course.
• Don’t eat so fast.  Most healthcare providers are professionals at eating way too fast due to the limited lunch breaks; however, it’s important to slow down and allow you stomach to send the signal to the brain it’s full before overeating.

The post Living Healthier With Age appeared first on Your Virtual Pharmacist.

Since we are health-focused, I wanted to start by throwing out some resolutions you could try this year (or at least this WEEK):

1. Resolve to stop taking the elevator and escalators.  Walk more.  Park further away.  Try to incorporate more steps into your day.  If you need something to help motivate you, consider a Fitbit or a another tracking device.  I have tried a couple, and Fitbit my favorite!
2. Decide to hug more.  Seriously.  Take extra time to give extra hugs and kind words to those in your family.
3. Try to eat a rainbow of color every single day.  Reds, greens, yellows… this will ensure you eat less processed foods with little nutritional value and more GOOD foods.
4. Hate to say it, but lose the weight.  Find your ideal body weight and aim to get there.  It will make a huge difference on your health.  Your blood pressure and cholesterol will more than likely correct itself.
5. Sleep better.  What I mean is try to get to sleep at a reasonable time, turn off the TV and the iPhone and sleep.
6. Last but not least.  Wonder without googling.  Try to think instead of using a search engine for your brain.

And yes.  I am preaching to myself.  Happy 2013!

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Yes, believe it or not…there are still parents who send children to school, games, extracurricular activities and parties when they are sick.

It is imperative that if your child has:

• a fever
• a productive cough
• a runny nose and/or discoloration of secretions
• consistent sneezing

you must NOT send him/her around other kids (and adults for that matter).

Our children’s immune systems may not be as strong as adults at this point and exposing your sick child to other children is a recipe for disaster.

Tips for keeping your child and others healthy this winter season:

• Wash hands regularly
• Don’t share food or drink with others
• Try not to touch eyes, nose or mouths and then touch others
• Use proper sneezing technique
• Wear warm clothing
• Drink plenty of water and take vitamins

It is highly recommended that if your child has a fever, that they stay home from school and other activities until they are fever free for 24 hours. I know that this can be an inconvenience for your job, but this is a good time to talk with your spouse or family members about how to handle the situation.

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Don’t Discount the Power of Tamiflu!

It is that time of year again, a bit early, but the flu virus is making its way through the US.  It has affected my own household in the past week.  What treatment(s) are recommended this season?  From CDC website:

Can the flu be treated?

Yes. There are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat influenza illness.

What are antiviral drugs?

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.

What should I do if I think I have the flu?

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you have a high risk condition (see box on next page for full list of high risk conditions) and you get flu symptoms. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness.

Should I still get a flu vaccine?

Yes. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. While not 100% effective, a flu vaccine is the first and best way to prevent influenza. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense to treat the flu if you get sick.

What are the benefits of antiviral drugs?

When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people with a high risk medical condition, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.

What are the possible side effects of antiviral drugs?

Some side effects have been associated with the use of flu antiviral drugs, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, cough, diarrhea, headache and some behavioral side effects. These are uncommon. Your doctor can give you more information about these drugs or you can check the CDC or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites.

When should antiviral drugs be taken for treatment?

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high risk health condition or is very sick from the flu. Follow instructions for taking these drugs.

What antiviral drugs are recommended this flu season?

There are two FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended by CDC this season. The brand names for these are Tamiflu® (generic name oseltamivir) and Relenza® (generic name zanamivir). Tamiflu® is available as a pill or liquid and Relenza® is a powder that is inhaled. (Relenza® is not for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD, for example.)

How long should antiviral drugs be taken?

To treat the flu, Tamiflu® and Relenza® are usually prescribed for 5 days, although people hospitalized with the flu may need the medicine for longer than 5 days.

Can children and pregnant women take antiviral drugs?

Yes. Children and pregnant women can take antiviral drugs.

Who should take antiviral drugs?

It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with the flu (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with the flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition. Other people also may be treated with antiviral drugs by their doctor this season. Most otherwise-healthy people who get the flu, however, do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.

If your doctor prescribes amantadine for flu treatment, just know that influenza type A has been shown to be over 90% resistant.  Yes, it is cheaper, but it won’t work.

Again, the CDC says:

On the basis of available antiviral testing results, CDC is providing an interim recommendation that neither amantadine nor rimantadine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the United States for the remainder of the 2012-2013 influenza season. During this period, (Tamiflu) oseltamivir or (Ralenza) zanamivir should be selected if an antiviral medication is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Testing of influenza isolates for resistance to antivirals will continue throughout the 2012-2013 influenza season, and recommendations will be updated as needed. Annual influenza vaccination remains the primary means of preventing morbidity and mortality associated with influenza.

There are TWO types of flu (influenza):  Influenza A and B.

There are FOUR possible medications used to treat the flu.

1.  Amantadine (Symmetrel) – blocks the uncoating of influenza A (not influenza B!) virus and prevents penetration of influenza virus into host; it’s also used to treat parkinson’s.

2.  Rimantadine (Flumadine) - inhibits three antigenic subtypes of influenza A virus (H1N1, H2N2, H3N2) early in the viral replicative cycle, possibly inhibiting the uncoating process; it has no activity against influenza B virus and is two- to eightfold more active than amantadine.

3.  Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) - a prodrug, is hydrolyzed to the active form, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC). OC inhibits influenza virus neuraminidase, an enzyme known to cleave the budding viral progeny from its cellular envelope attachment point (neuraminic acid) just prior to release.  (More than you wanted to know right?)  The main thing is that Tamiflu treats both influenza A and B.  It also is the preferred agent due to very little resistance.

4.  Zanamivir (Ralenza) -  inhibits influenza virus neuraminidase enzymes, potentially altering virus particle aggregation and release.  Really can’t use this if you have bronchospasm (asthma) or COPD since it is inhaled.

So yes, I bolded Tamiflu because it is a great drug, at least when “tested” in our home just last week.  You must start the medication within 48 hours of influenza symptoms.  This is KEY.  We started it with my son within about 12 hours.  After two doses, his fever was gone.

**There have been reports in Japan (FDA has investigated) of children dying, but it is unknown what the issue was since only Japanese children died (12 children).  Does this mean that like other medications different populations metabolize this medication differently?  (Read more here from the FDA)

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