Harbor Health, LLC

Category: Medication Guides

  • Is Naltrexone Addictive? 

    Is Naltrexone Addictive? 

    Addiction is a serious issue, and it is no secret that there is an opioid epidemic occurring in the United States right now. Steps to addiction recovery must be taken just as seriously, which is why several treatments have been introduced to help ease people off of their substance abuse addictions. One of those treatments, low-dose Naltrexone, is used as a holistic method of pain reduction and addiction recovery.  But is naltrexone addictive?

    Is Naltrexone Addictive? 

    This treatment does bring up a lot of questions in patients and families who have never heard of this kind of treatment before. Is Naltrexone addictive? Is Naltrexone a drug similar to opioids? Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of this treatment as well as the amount of care and supervision required to successfully carry this treatment out.

    About Opioids

    Every year, the number of deaths due to opioid addiction continues to rise. The effects that these drugs have on the body create a number of dangerous and often deadly side effects. Opioids immediately cling to the nervous system, making it more difficult to feel pain. However, they also slow down the heart rate to a dangerously low pace. This goes by the name respiratory depression, and it often leads to cardiac arrest. 

    Moreover, opioids are chemically addictive as well as being psychologically addictive. The second opioids go into the body, certain chemicals releas that cause the brain to form an almost immediate addiction. It does not take much at all for someone to fall into the realm of substance abuse. A lot of medical professionals have determined the best way to medically assist with addiction treatment is with low doses of Naltrexone, a prescription that can help reduce the strong effects that opioids have on the body. 

    Naltrexone and Addiction

    Naltrexone is prescribed in a supervised and highly monitored environment and it is usually administered in tandem with behavioral therapy and other forms of psychological treatment. Though it works as a gradual, chaperoned process, there remain a lot of concerns about whether Naltrexone exists as just another drug for patients to end up addicted to. 

    Since Naltrexone works similarly to opioids in that it blocks certain nerve receptors, there is a risk of misuse and abuse of the drug. However, Naltrexone should reduce the symptoms of addiction to opioids and other similar substances. Naltrexone itself does not cause the user to feel high or euphoric, so it cannot possibly cause a physical addiction. It remains important that this medication stays administered in short, controlled rounds, often with other types of medications and therapy treatments. 

    Fighting Addiction is More Than Possible

    The use of medication-assisted treatments that include substances like Naltrexone is incredibly helpful in the fight against addiction. In fact, studies have shown that medication-assisted treatment in combination with therapy has the highest success rate when it comes to treating disorders of addiction. 

    Starting a new treatment method can seem terrifying. Especially when the medication you receive may act similarly to the opioids you ended up addicted to. In the right setting, this holistic approach to healing has the potential to be the most effective way to treat your addiction. Naltrexone can reduce your pain and numb the symptoms of addiction while you learn new cognitive tips in therapy to retrain your brain. 

    Find Out More About Low-Dose Naltrexone Today

    Harbor Health, your local Tacoma apothecary, provides resources for those struggling to find a comprehensive treatment plan for their opioid addiction. Naltrexone has a proven track record of treating addictions when used in a controlled setting. Learn more about the power of medication-assisted treatments and equip yourself with the tools to reduce opioid addiction when you contact us today.

  • Menopause and Your Health 

    Menopause and Your Health 

    Menopause is a natural process of aging that typically affects women who are somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55. Below, we look at menopause and your health.

    This titanic shift in the hormonal balance of a woman can result in a number of changes, depending on the individual case. Unfortunately, it brings with it a certain risk for the development of types of health issues.

    Menopause and Your Health 

    If you’re approaching menopausal age or are already in the midst of this set of novel experiences, here is an overview of how menopause can interact with your health. We also cover some beneficial menopause health treatments.

    What Is Menopause?

    Menopause is the term given to a period in a woman’s life when she begins to lose her period and permanently stop producing eggs.

    There is some variability as to when this period occurs exactly, with most women experiencing it sometime between the ages of 45 and 55. The Menopausal period typically lasts for about 3 years.

    During menopause, a woman might experience a number of symptoms that are very common. Some of these include:

    • Shivering
    • Reddening of The Skin
    • Hot Flashes
    • Vaginal Dryness
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Mood swings

    The primary factor that contributes to health changes in postmenopausal women is a marked decrease in estrogen production. This has a number of consequences that come with it.

    Health Issues at Play

    There are some serious health risks associated with the decreased estrogen production that comes with lower estrogen production during menopause. Some of these include:

    • Heart Disease – Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease, on par with that of most men. Prior to menopause, women have a markedly lower risk of heart disease.
    • Stroke – Every 10 years after the age of 55, your risk of enduring a stroke doubles. As virtually all women are finished with menopause by that age, they are at a higher risk for stroke.  
    • Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a term that refers to a loss of mass in the bones. Certain studies have shown that women who experience intense hot flashes during menopause are at higher risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.
    • Lead Poisoning – With the risk of osteoporosis comes the additional risk of lead poisoning. This is due to the fact that lead is stored in one’s bones over the course of a lifetime – as the bones begin to break down, this stored lead is released into the body.
    • Oral Issues – Postmenopausal women are also at risk for more frequent cavities.
    • Urinary Incontinence – Many postmenopausal women experience difficulty with retaining their urine.

    Of course, the menopausal experience is a highly personal one, and no two women experience exactly the same set of issues. However, the issues listed above represent some very common complaints.

    Staying Healthy After Menopause

    Staying healthy after menopause requires slightly more effort than before this life period. However, with proper care and maintenance, many women can enjoy similar levels of health that they enjoyed prior to menopause.

    Some of the ways you can assist your health during the Menopausal process include:

    • Eating Well: Eating well can help to arm your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy in the postmenopausal state.
    • Quitting Smoking: Smoking is hazardous to your health in a number of different ways. The Menopausal process makes one more vulnerable to the harmful consequences of smoking.
    • Being Active: Getting enough physical exercise can give one the edge in staying healthy during menopause. At least 30 minutes per day of light aerobic exercise can give one a boost in staying healthy.
    • Practice Safe Sex: After menopause, one’s risk for contracting some kind of STI remains the same, even though you can’t get pregnant anymore.  
    • Talk To Your Doctor or Nurse About Dietary Supplements: There are several kinds of dietary supplements that can be useful in the fight to stay healthy post-menopause.

    Taking a holistic view of one’s health post-menopause can help one to take realistic steps towards maintaining a high level of health despite the challenges of this pressing time period. Discussing with your doctor the ins and outs of your personal case can help to prepare you to take the steps you might need in order to maximize your advantages.

    Talk About the Changes in Your Body

    Harbor Health serves the residents of Tacoma and the rest of the Pacific Northwest with quality care and consultations for every stage of life. If you’re undergoing your own menopausal journey and are worried about the potential health impacts that come with it, contact us today in order to schedule your personal consultation at our Tacoma compounding pharmacy.

  • 10 questions to ask about your pet’s medication

    10 questions to ask about your pet’s medication

    As your pet ages, it may require certain medications to ensure their health. This may be short or long-term medication. No matter what type your pet needs, consider the following 10 questions to ask about your pet’s medication.

    10 questions to ask about your pet’s medication

    If your pet needs medication, be sure to ask the following questions.

    What’s the purpose of this medication? 

    If your pet is prescribed medication, it’s advisable to ask why. This can help you understand what to look out for to see if it is working. For example, medication prescribed to address issues with your pet’s skin should offer results. Understanding the purpose can help you determine the effectiveness of the prescribed medication.

    What forms of the medication are available? 

    Pets are similar to children when it comes to medication. Some do not like certain kinds of medication. If your pet is averse to eating pills, a squeeze syringe may be easier. Ask what medication forms are available to ensure your pet gets the most out of it. 

    Can you show how I should administer the medication? 

    Have your veterinarian demonstrate exactly how you should administer the medication. This includes how you should hold your pet and any other tips. Do this in the veterinarian’s office so you can to do it on your own at home.

    How often do I need to give my pet the medication? 

    As with people, you should ask how often you need to administer the medication. This includes how many times each day, what time each day, and the dosage. It is imperative to avoid giving your pet too much or too little as it could make them sick. 

    How long will my pet need to be on this medication? 

    Some medications are short-term and others are more long-term. This is necessary to understand when you should see results. Short-term medications are used for as little as a few days. However, long-term medications may need to be taken for the rest of their lives.

    How do I properly store this medication? 

    Understanding how to store your pet’s medication is key to ensure it lasts. Some medications require being at room temperature, in a cool space, or even in the refrigerator. Check with the veterinarian before leaving the office.

    Are there any side effects I should be aware of? 

    Each medication can have different side effects. It could be a rash, stomach upset, or even fatigue. Understand the side effects so know exactly what to look out for if your pet starts acting differently.

    Does my pet need to take this on a full or empty stomach? 

    Some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach, while others need to be taken with some food. Check with your veterinarian beforehand to see how to administer the medication to your pet.

    Are there any flavor options available? 

    Just like people, dogs can taste medication and may be averse to some flavors. Certain pet medications are flavored to their unique tastes. If you have a picky pet, ask which flavor options are available.

    What’s a compounded medication? 

    Certain pet medications aren’t available ready-made. In fact, some medications are compounded by a special pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies make the medication when you order them. Ask your veterinarian if your pet needs any compounded medications, in addition to which compounding pharmacy you should go to.

    Pet Health in Gig Harbor

    Ensuring your pet’s health is important. As they age, they may need certain medications to ensure their comfort and long-term health. There are various pet health programs that can keep your pet in good shape. Contact the team at Harbor Health as they are experts in pet health in pet health in Gig Harbor!

  • Preparing for Menopause

    Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when their ovaries stop producing hormones and their menstrual periods stop. This is often associated with an inability to get pregnant naturally. Menopause occurs when a woman has not menstruated for 12 months. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Preparing for menopause can help reduce the impact of the negative symptoms and help you successfully get through the process.

    Preparing for Menopause

    Women in their 40s and 50s experience their period getting further and further apart. It can occur sooner or later, but the average age women experience this is during mid-life. While the end of menopause is marked by 12 months of not having a menstrual cycle, women experience a variety of symptoms before this period. The time before menopause is referred to as perimenopause and can last between 1 to 10 years.

    Common Menopause Symptoms

    Every woman has a different experience during menopause. Some move through it faster than others, while others have more symptoms. There is no real way to predict how you will experience perimenopause so it’s helpful to be prepared and understand what to expect. Below are some of the following symptoms that women experience during this time.

    Hot Flashes:

    This is often the most common and most well-known symptom. Hot flashes can impact women for up to 10 years before menopause. A wave of heat sensation rises to your head and chest. It can make you feel really hot, look red, sweat on your head, neck, and chest, and then just go away. These often happen at night and can disrupt your sleep. You can’t necessarily stop hot flashes, but there are ways to minimize their impact. Wear layers, carry a handheld fan, and avoid any triggers, such as coffee or spicy foods.

    Difficulty Sleeping:

    Hormonal changes that occur in your 40s and 50s can make getting a good night’s sleep difficult. Not only can you wake up from a hot flash, but you can experience sleep disruptions in general during this time. Experts suggest avoiding tossing and turning as that can exacerbate the issue. Briefly get up and read something mundane or practice mindfulness meditation before bed (and when you wake up in the middle of the night). If you experience issues with your sleep, consider menopausal health treatments in Gig Harbor.

    Inconsistent Moods:

    Before and during menopause you may notice a change in your mood due to a change in your hormone levels. Many women experience moodiness, irritability, sadness, and anxiety. For women who experience these issues every day for two weeks may be dealing with clinical depression. This can be difficult on top of the other menopause symptoms you are experiencing. Depression is serious so it’s important to seek professional help early on.

    Gig Harbor Wellness Center

    The transition women experience during their 40s and 50s can seem foreign. However, there are ways to prepare and move through menopause with ease. Consider the following steps you can take to make your experience smoother.

    • Professional Support: There are effective remedies and menopausal health treatments that can help you move through menopause with ease. The Gig Harbor Wellness Center has helped countless women reduce their menopause symptoms and feel like themselves again.
    • Diet and Exercise: Having a healthy and well-balanced diet can do wonders for your mind and body. Pack nutrient-dense foods into your diet, including fruits, veggies, and healthy protein sources. It is also recommended that adults exercise for 30 minutes a day five days a week. This can improve bone health, digestion, and your mental health.
    • Quality Sleep: While you can’t always control your sleep, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. This often results in longer and more quality sleep. Establish a healthy bedtime routine that works for you. Try and get to bed at least 8.5 hours before you need to get up, and avoid snoozing in the morning for optimal sleep.
  • Why Foot Care and Health Are Important

    Why Foot Care and Health Are Important

    Despite the major importance of your feet in your day to day living, very little is said when it comes to foot health. The best way to keep your feet healthy is focusing on preventive foot care. This involves getting regular checkups with a podiatrist, in addition to getting medical help as soon as you experience foot pain. Below you will find helpful information on why foot care and health are important.

    Why Foot Care and Health Are Important

    The average American walks between 3,000 to 4,000 steps each day. This is equivalent to roughly 2 miles each day. Your feet often help you travel effortlessly through the day. Your feet may seem like simple structures that get you from one point to the next. However, they are highly complex as feet are made up of over 50 bones, 200 muscles, and 60 joints, tendons, and ligaments.

    Due to the complex nature of your feet, in addition to how often you use them, foot pain is highly common. In fact, roughly 77% of Americans experience foot pain. With that, only one-third of them would seek help from a podiatrist. Foot pain can impact more than just your feet so it is important to seek medical care when you are in pain, in addition to focusing on preventative measures to ensure your foot and overall health are in good shape. If you experience persistent foot pain for more than a few days, it’s time to contact an experienced podiatrist that can diagnose and treat the issue. They can help treat your current issue and help you focus on healthy effective preventative measures to ensure the longevity of your foot health.

    Health Risks Associated with Poor Foot Care

    Foot pain doesn’t just impact your feet. In fact, your ability to walk around is integral to your quality of life, ability to be productive in a physical sense, and engage in regular physical activity.

    • Quality of Life: One’s ability to be fully self-sufficient is an integral part of daily life. Working, getting groceries, and walking around are all daily activities that help you maintain self-sufficiency. Foot pain, or worse, can impact your ability to do these things. The pain and discomfort can also impact your mood which can reduce your quality of life.
    • Day to Day Productivity: Depending on the type of job you have foot pain can impact your ability to work. Reducing your day to day productivity can impact your finances, self-esteem, and overall mood. This is especially true if you are a caretaker at home as it can impact your productivity levels.
    • Physical Fitness: Regular exercise is an important part of your life. It can improve your physical and emotional health as research has shown the major benefits of physical activity. Foot pain can inhibit your ability to exercise as it can reduce the amount of exercises you can do, and make it difficult to even get to a gym. This can impact your physical health as it can lead to weight gain and muscle loss. It can also increase your risk of heart disease which is very serious.

    Podiatry and Preventative Foot Care

    Are you experiencing issues with your feet? Or maybe you just need to get a checkup to ensure you are in good shape. Either way, contact the team at Harbor Health and Apothecary. They are skilled in Gig Harbor podiatry, in addition to utilizing compounded medications to provide you with effective treatment. They provide patients with a comprehensive approach to foot pain and related issues by combining their podiatry practice with compound medications to assist you on your path to wellness as quickly as possible. Contact Harbor Health and Apothecary as they are the top community pharmacy in Seattle.

  • Importance of Proper Skincare

    Importance of Proper Skincare

    Your skin makes up nearly 15% of your total body weight, and the average adult has roughly 21 square feet of skin. Taking good care of your skin is important as it is a major part of your body. While most skincare tips are based on vanity, skincare is important when it comes to your overall health as well. Below you will find the importance of proper skincare, and how you can ensure your skin is both beautiful and healthy.

    Importance of Proper Skincare

    Skincare goes beyond just your creams and serums. There are a number of factors that can help keep your skin healthy and glowing.

    Skincare Routine:

    The type of skincare routine you have will be unique to you. While some people double cleanse every night, you may just need a gentle cleanser once a day. Others may have a 9-step skincare routine, but you may be able to use just 3 or 4 products. The most important part of your skincare routine is including the foundational elements morning and night. This includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. If you have unique skin issues, you can add more products that address those issues. It’s important to include a healthy skincare routine into your day that fits your unique needs.

    Diet and Gut Health:

    Inflammation in your gut can impact your skin. Healing your skin from the outside is important, but you also need to heal it from the inside. Certain foods have been found to cause more inflammation than others. Things like gluten, dairy, and sugar can be problematic for your gut health, in addition to your skin. If you notice issues with your skin, take a look at your diet. Talk with your medical provider about food allergies and consider a food elimination diet to see how you react to certain diets. Some people can even be sensitive to traditionally “healthy foods,” like nuts or seeds.

    Hydration:

    Over half of your skin contains water. Hydration is key in ensuring your skin is hydrated and refreshed. It is recommended that adults drink at least eight glasses of water each day (8oz glasses). This will differ for each person, but it is a great benchmark to hit in order to stay hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated is helpful when it comes to your skin’s elasticity and it also helps curb some of the early signs of aging.

    Skincare, Dermatology, and Your Health

    Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It is often referred to as a “window” when it comes to your overall health. As you age your skin may go through certain changes. Sometimes these changes can be addressed at home, but other times it may require medical intervention. Certain skin concerns may require a more comprehensive approach. Things like very dry or oily skin, acne, or flaky skin can be more than just your average skincare issue.

    Most creams and serums that you buy fail to address the root cause of the issue. This results in spending a lot of time and money on something that could be easily addressed by the Gig Harbor Dermatology Program. The dermatology program can use helpful tools to create a customized treatment plan just for you. Whether you have certain food allergies or an intolerance, a hormone imbalance, or issues with your blood sugar, the top apothecary in Seattle can help build a treatment plan to ensure your skin looks and feels great. This includes customized topical products that can soothe your skin, in addition to powder supplements that can heal you from the inside out. Being proactive and healing your skin from the inside out can ensure your skin looks and feels healthy for decades to come.

  • Guide to IV Vitamin Therapy

    Guide to IV Vitamin Therapy

    IV vitamin therapy has a variety of health benefits. The therapy includes intravenous (“IV”) injections of vitamins and minerals that go directly into your bloodstream. This is a highly effective way to get vitamins and minerals into your body quickly. While it should not replace a healthy and balanced diet, it is a healthy addition that can benefit your overall health and wellness. It offers a high concentration of nutrients that can be provided all at once. Below you will find a helpful guide to IV vitamin therapy.

    Guide to IV Vitamin Therapy

    Taking care of your body is important for your short and long-term health. There are a variety of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function fully. Consider the following benefits of IV vitamin therapy.

    Overall Health:

    The stress of your day-to-day life can take a toll on you. This can cause issues such as fatigue, mood swings, and even weaken your immune system. IV vitamin therapy can improve your overall health. Some of the benefits include improved immunity, an increase in energy, improved anxiety, and mental clarity. Unlike oral vitamins, IV vitamin therapy is immediately in your system. Oral vitamins require digestion and you won’t get 100% of the vitamin like you do with IV vitamin therapy. IV vitamin therapy and cell code supplements in Seattle can benefit your long-term health.

    Cosmetic Benefits:

    Getting regular IV vitamin therapy can improve your overall aesthetic. From your skin tone to your hair, IV vitamin therapy can treat a variety of issues. Curating your IV vitamin therapy can brighten your skin, reduce blemishes, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent damage from free radicals. It can also help strengthen your hair, nails, skin, and eyes.

    Hangover Relief:

    While having a few drinks in college may have had no significant effect on you, this may not be the case now. A few (or more) drinks can cause a nasty hangover that can cause nausea, vomiting, and a headache. IV vitamin therapy can be a major hangover relief as it provides electrolytes, vitamins, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea ingredients. The treatment is so effective it can provide relief within just one hour.

    Weight Loss Support:

    IV vitamin therapy cannot help you lose weight directly, but it can promote healthy weight loss. Certain IV vitamin therapy treatments can help provide you with better sleep, improved metabolism, extra energy, and improve your mood. These all help assist in healthy weight loss. Combining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep with IV vitamin therapy can help aid in healthy weight loss.

    Immunity Boost:

    For those who are constantly sick, IV vitamin therapy can be beneficial in boosting your immunity. The occasional cold or flu every year can be manageable. Still, if you are constantly sick you may have a weak immune system. Getting IV vitamin therapy curated towards immunity can be beneficial and help you get through cold and flu season with ease.

    IV Vitamin Therapy Treatment

    IV vitamin therapy is a non-invasive and safe treatment. It is administered by an experienced medical professional. Before treatment you’ll need to schedule a consultation to determine which treatment options are right for you. Once your IV vitamin therapy treatment has been determined, the medical professional will administer the solution through an IV. It can last between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the type of treatment. It’s important to talk with your medical provider about when and how often you should get IV vitamin therapy. Contact the top Seattle pharmacy for more information on how to get started today!

  • Medication Safety Guide for Your Home

    Medication Safety Guide for Your Home

    Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to medications. This is especially true if there are children in your home. Children can easily get into anything if left alone even for just a few minutes. Children’s love for exploration can be great in terms of development, but it can also be harmful without certain safety measures in place. Below you will find a helpful medication safety guide to ensure children are safe in your home.

    Medication Safety Guide for Your Home

    Ingesting medicines is the leading cause of child poisoning. Focus on childproofing your home to keep it safe.

    Consider All Medicines:

    It’s easy to forget that there are more medicines than just your prescriptions. Think about all of the medicines you have, including over-the-counter products. Things like vitamins, creams, and even mouthwash can all be harmful and cause negative reactions. Consider putting all of your medicines in the same place so you don’t miss any and risk your children getting into them.

    Organize and Store Medicines Properly:

    You may notice that you have a lot of medicines after you gather them all up (as suggested above). Try and put them all in one place out of reach of your children. If they are starting to climb, consider putting them even higher. You may have medicines that you use every day, such as vitamins, or others that require refrigeration. Keep your medicine in the least number of places as possible. Despite the possible inconvenience, it is much better than having to worry about calling poison control. If you need to refrigerate some, make sure they are on the top shelf in the very back so it’s very difficult for your children to reach.

    Be Prepared in Advance:

    While the hope is that you’ll never have to call poison control, have their number handy in your home. It’s best to have it somewhere near where your medicines are just in case of an emergency. In case there is any potential issue, contact poison control as they are the experts when it comes to poison-related emergencies. Depending on the severity of the reaction, it may also be necessary to call 911. Use your best judgement, but be sure to act fast.

    Share the Information:

    You may not always be with your children at home. If you have a nanny, babysitter, or family member who watches your children, let them know the drill. Share where you keep the medicine, emergency numbers, and what medicine your child needs under their care (if any). Some children may need cough medicine or suffer from asthma and use an inhaler. Show them specifically how to administer the medicine, how much is needed, and how often it should be given.

    Follow Instructions:

    When it comes to giving your child medicine, follow the instructions. For medicines that need to be given regularly or in intervals, consider setting a timer on your phone and documenting when you give it to them so that you don’t forget. You can keep a pen and paper next to the medicine to keep track of it. The impact of your child not getting the necessary medicine, or getting too much, can be harmful to their health.

    Harbor Health Community Pharmacy in Washington

    Harbor Health is a trusted resource for compounded medications, health and nutritional supplements, and pharmacotherapy consultation. A compounded medication is a drug specifically mixed and prepared for you based on a prescription from your doctor. The team of professionals at Harbor Health Community Pharmacy in Washington are focused on building partnerships with providers and their patients. Their mission is to support people in their journey to restored health through the innovation and creation of compound medications. Contact their office today for support!