Harbor Health, LLC

Category: Our Pharmacy

  • Medicines NOT to Give a Preschooler

    Medicines NOT to Give a Preschooler

    Having a sick preschooler can be tough. They are old enough to share how they are feeling, but not old enough for you to be able to give them the types of medicine you would if they were older. It’s best to consult with their pediatrician if you are unsure, but the following are medicines NOT to give a preschooler.

    Medicines NOT to Give a Preschooler

    Children end up in the emergency room all the time due to medication complications. To reduce your child’s risk of harm, avoid giving them the following medications.

    Aspirin:

    Aspirin is great at relieving pain and reducing fevers. However, it can also cause Reye’s syndrome. This syndrome is rare, but very serious as it can cause fat to build upon your child’s brain, liver, and other vital body parts. This can be harmful to your child’s health and can be potentially fatal. The highest risk for this syndrome are children with chickenpox or the flu. Check your medicine labels and talk with a medical professional at a pediatric pharmacy in Gig Harbor before giving your child any medications containing Aspirin.

    Iron Supplements:

    Children under the age of 6 may die from ingesting products with iron more than any other type of toxin. While your child needs iron to be healthy and grow, it can be harmful to their health in certain cases. Use caution with your vitamins, supplements, and medications by keeping them in child-proof bottles and out of children’s reach.

    Cold Medicine:

    Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can be a game-changer for adults. However, this is not the case for kids as medicines like Mucinex, Dayquil, and Robitussin are not effective for kids under the age of 6. While it’s rare, cough and cold medicines can cause allergic reactions, neurological issues, and can even be fatal in some cases. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about alternatives when your child has a cold or flu.

    Syrup of Ipecac:

    This medicine used to be an old remedy if a child swallowed something poisonous. However, it should no longer be used and you should throw it out if you still have it in the house. The medicine was used to induce vomiting to attempt to remove any ingested poison from your child’s system. Modern research has shown that making a child vomit is never a good idea. If your child ingests poison or has a bad reaction to any medication, call 911 and get them to the emergency room as soon as possible.

    Bismuth Subsalicylate:

    This medicine is commonly known as Pepto Bismol. While it is also known under other names, it’s the pink liquid used to ease a sour stomach. Just like Aspirin, this medicine has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children 12 and under. Usually an upset stomach can heal on its own but if the issue persists, contact your child’s pediatrician.

    Children’s Medicine and Health

    Having a child who isn’t feeling well can be really overwhelming to parents. Your parents may have outdated advice on how to treat an illness, or you may feel like there are too many answers after a quick google search. In the case of an emergency, contact an emergency physician. However, for symptoms that don’t pose an immediate emergency, contact the team at the top apothecary in Seattle.

    Harbor Health and Apothecary works closely with doctors and pediatricians to formulate medication that is right for your child. They consider your child’s health, age, and dietary restrictions. They can even provide dosage formulations for your child if they are picky, including gummies, oral liquids, and topical gels. Contact Harbor Health and Apothecary for all of your pediatric pharmaceutical needs!

  • Importance of Sanitizing a Wound

    Importance of Sanitizing a Wound

    Wounds can happen to anyone so it’s important to be prepared. Whether you fall, get into an accident, or even have a spill at work, it is important to take care of the wound right away. Depending on the severity, you may be able to take care of the wound yourself. However, there are certain instances where you should seek help from a medical professional. Below you will find the importance of sanitizing a wound, and when you should call a medical professional for support.

    Importance of Sanitizing a Wound

    An open wound often involves an external break in your skin. While open wounds are very common, some are much worse than others. It is important to sanitize your wound as there are a number of complications that can occur if you don’t. The most serious complication of an open wound is an infection. An infection can be extremely serious and result in major medical issues. Some of the most common signs of an infection include an increase in drainage, pus coming from the wound with a foul odor, or thick green, yellow, or brown pus. You may also get a high fever or a tender lump in your groin or armpit. If you experience any of these issues you should contact a medical professional immediately.

    When to Seek Medical Attention

    The most serious risk associated with an open wound is an infection. However, there are some cases where you may need to see a doctor immediately after injury. Some open wounds require medical care and you should not take care of it at home. If you have an open wound that is deeper than one-half of an inch, or if the bleeding is the result of a serious accident you should seek medical attention. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure or after 20 minutes have passed, you should also contact a medical professional. These are serious cases and cannot be treated at home.

    Wound Care Steps

    If you or someone you know gets an open wound, it is necessary to sanitize it as soon as possible. For wounds that can be taken care of at home, consider the following steps.

    • Clean Your Hands: Clean your hands by washing them with hot, soapy water. If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. If you have gloves, you should use them as you care for the wound.
    • Apply Pressure: This doesn’t apply to all wounds, so use caution. If the wound is not bleeding or is a burn, skip this step. If the wound is still bleeding, apply pressure by using a cloth or gauze over the wound. Apply pressure until the bleeding stops, but pay close attention to the tips above for when to seek medical attention.
    • Rinse the Wound: Once the bleeding has stopped, rinse the wound. You can use water to remove any dirt or debris. Be very gentle as this can be painful.
    • Apply a Cream or Ointment: One of the most important steps when it comes to wound care in Seattle is to apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. This helps keep the skin moist and wards off infection. Use caution when applying the cream as some people may be allergic to certain ingredients. Visit an apothecary in Seattle to ensure that the ointment is right for you.
    • Apply a Bandage: You may not need to apply a bandage to every open wound. If the injury is minor, you likely don’t need a bandage. However, use caution to ensure it stays clean. If the wound is more than surface level, use a bandage and change it daily.
  • Allergy Season

    Allergy Season

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    It’s that time of year again! The sun is staying out longer, and all the beautiful plants are starting to bloom all around us. With all that beauty comes pollen, which can make life quite uncomfortable for those of us with seasonal allergies! While some of you are lucky enough to not suffer from seasonal allergies, here are a few tips and tricks for those that have a love/hate relationship with spring.

    One way you can avoid the sneezing and watery eyes that often comes with seasonal allergies, is to try and schedule your outside activities when exposure to pollen is lower. Early mornings and later afternoons seem to have less pollen than midday. If you must go out during peak pollen times, wear a hat and glasses to keep the pollen off your face and eyes. Another great time to get outside is after a good rain, as the rain washes away the majority of the pollens. Lucky for us here in the Pacific North West, we get a lot of rain! I know plenty of people like to use the sun to dry their laundry, however doing so can cause your laundry to become covered with pollen. Keeping your windows and doors shut will keep pollen from getting inside your home. You can also check the pollen levels near you by using an app on your smart phone (My Pollen Forecast is a great one!). Most weather apps will give you some information about the air quality and pollen index. Another way to check the pollen levels is to go to www.pollen.com to get a glimpse of what the pollen levels are near you. While www.pollenlibrary.com gives you a comprehensive list of plants that grow near you. Pollen Library also lists which plants bloom during each season.

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    We cannot always avoid pollen, so what can we do to eliminate those pesky allergies? You can always take an over-the-counter antihistamine, and the generic ones work just as well as most of the pricier ones. Another way to help with that congested feeling is to use a saltwater nasal wash. Not only will that rinse out the mucus, but it will also remove any pollen particles you may have inhaled. A decongestant can work for those who do not want to use a nasal wash. The decongestant often also helps eliminate eye symptoms related to seasonal allergies. If none of these remedies help to relieve your seasonal allergies, it may be time to contact your doctor and see if prescription medication would be a better fit.

    At Harbor Health and Apothecary, we can compound any allergy medication, whether it is in a capsule, a cream, or even an eye drop! Please contact one of our pharmacists to see how we can help provide relief from your seasonal allergies!

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    Harbor Health and Apothecary
    253-525-1362
    3216 Judson St.
    Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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  • Recycling Rx Pill Bottles

    Recycling Rx Pill Bottles

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    Have you ever finished a medication and blankly stared at your empty Rx bottle, wondering ‘what do I do with this’? Instinctively, your first reaction would probably be to throw it in this trash, right? I mean, it is empty after all. Others who might slightly be more environmentally cognizant, will toss it into the recycling bin seeing as how it is plastic and that is where plastic waste goes.

    Rx bottles are made of #5 plastic, a recyclable polypropylene material, however, they can be problematic for recycling plants to process due to their awkward size and shape. Many recycled products, such as water bottles, milk jugs, and cans can easily be sorted from the smaller debris while being sifted through the trommel, but often, your prescription bottles may fall through and end up sitting in a landfill anyways. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it can take up to 20 to 30 years to degrade, which certainly does not do us or the environment any good. That is an exceptionally long time considering an estimated 4 billion prescriptions are filled by Americans each year.

    There are hundreds of different ways to recycle your prescription bottles that are fun, yet practical. Below are some crafty DIY ideas to keep from polluting Mother Earth with empty Rx bottles:

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    Waterproof Emergency Survival Kit

      • Paracord (wrapped around outside)
      • Matches
      • Lint (accelerator)
      • Band-Aids
      • Rubbing alcohol packs
      • Safety pins
      • Advil
      • Fishing hook
      • Sewing string
      • Birthday candles
      • Razor blade
      • At least 1 ft. aluminum foil, folded
      • Button compass

     

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      Beauty Product Travel Containers

        • Travel sized Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
        • Q-tips
        • Nail polish remover (Fill with cotton balls and add nail polish remover)

      Misc. Holder

          • Bobby pins
          • Sewing needles/pins
          • Safety pins
          • paperclips
          • Loose change in car, suitcase, purse
          • Craft beads

      Incognito “hide-a-Key” container

        • Glue a rock or small yard décor on the lid, bury in the ground

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      With all the creative ideas listed above, you can add your own flare and showcase your personality by decorating the pill bottle itself, whether is with paint, glitter, jewels, fabric – whatever you desire! Below is a link for a product that will help remove the sticky Rx label from the bottles.

      www.amazon.com

      While being practical and creative, you can help protect our planet from unnecessary pollutants, so join the cause and show some love for Mother Earth on Earth Day!

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    • What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

      What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

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      Welcome back! You either like our first blog articles, are on the fence, or you are secretly being made to read our blog against your will… Whatever the reason, we are glad you are back.

      We are asked frequently, what is a compounding pharmacy? Well, this is the question that I am going to attempt to answer with this blog. We know, we know, a whole blog article dedicated to the question, what is a compounding pharmacy? You are probably thinking this seems like a topic that would be better left to a social media post? We started with a social media post and because we had so much great information to share, and tend to be a little long winded, we decided on a blog article.

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      Not your typical pharmacy:

      When you think of a pharmacy, the first image that likely crosses your mind is the typical big box retail pharmacy. Mediocre customer service, long waits, and pharmacy personnel running around like their hair is on fire. If you think it looks crazy, trust me it is crazy. It is unfortunate that the practice of pharmacy is more commonly associated with that picture than what the true profession of pharmacy is. Back to our question though, what is a compounding pharmacy… what is Harbor Health and Apothecary?

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      Handcrafted Personalized Medication:

      At Harbor Health and Apothecary, we are invested in providing handcrafted personalized medications. Our team will take an active pharmaceutical ingredient, better known as an API, and transform this API into a formulation (i.e. suspensions, capsules, topical creams, etc.) to fit you specific needs. It is where the art of pharmacy meets the science of pharmacy and the results are amazing!

      [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://harborhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Harbor-Health-RX-pharmacy-4896.jpg” title_text=”Harbor Health RX pharmacy 4896″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]But wait, why would you need a compounded medication if you can get you medications from Big Box Pharmacy? That is a great question. There will likely be a time in your life that will require you to take a medication that will not be available. This could be due to the drug not currently being manufactured, or a drug shortage. Currently, there are 263 active drug shortages! Just one drug shortage can affect millions of patients. In 2019, over 100 million prescriptions were written for the medication used to treat hypothyroidism. When there is a thyroid hormone medication shortage, it affects millions of people. During a shortage like this, the Harbor Health and Apothecary Team can handcraft medications on drug shortage to meet your specific needs. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://harborhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Harbor-Health-RX-pharmacy-4817.jpg” title_text=”Harbor Health RX pharmacy 4817″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]Compounding pharmacies help bridge the gap between medications that currently exist and medications that you need but do not exist. Areas like hormone replacement therapies for women and men, dermatology, ophthalmology, fertility, hospice, and many more. Your community compounding pharmacy will help create handcrafted medications that meet your specific needs. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
      Pet Friendly Pharmacy

      The Harbor Health and Apothecary Team love pets and we understand how stressful it is when our pets become ill. Our pets are family so, when they get sick we want to do everything we can to get them better. Sometimes getting our pets better requires medication therapy. The Harbor Health and Apothecary Team will handcraft your pet’s medication to meet your pet’s specific needs. Dog, horse, bird, cat or whatever pet you may have, our compounding medication specialist are your answer to getting your loved one better. Have you ever tried to medicate a cat? Anyone that has, knows how important it is to partner with a compounding pharmacy!

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      Conclusion:

      So, back to our question, what is a COMPOUNDING PHARMACY? It is where the art of pharmacy meets the science of medicine. It is where your medications are handcrafted to meet your needs. It is everything great about old school pharmacy care (relationships, trust, and collaboration) with a focus on the new school twist (technology, quality, and safety). It is focused on your health; the team is focused on you living your healthiest life. Make HARBOR HEALTH AND APOTHECARY your COMMUNITY COMPOUNDING PHARMACY!

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    • International Women’s Day, Part 2

      International Women’s Day, Part 2

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”]In continuing our celebration of International Women’s Day Today, we are sharing two more of the talented and successful women that make Harbor Health and Apothecary a thriving community to be a part of.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://harborhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/jenna.jpg” title_text=”jenna” _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”50%” width_phone=”64%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”center” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone”]

      JENNA FRY

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      What is your current position at HHA?
      I am a Brand Ambassador at Harbor Health and Apothecary.

      What drew you to your current occupation?
      I was looking for a change, something new, something interesting. When I first sought out this occupation, I was not aware of the exponential opportunity for growth and education. I feel very fortunate to be in this position.

      How has working with other women helped shape your career?
      Women who empower other women are a force to be reckoned with. They are powerful, inspirational, and altruistic. I have been very fortunate to have worked with many fantastic women who have become such influential mentors, life-long friends, and confidants. Their abilities to stay calm under pressure, think with logic, and act confidently have taught me to self-reflect often and to focus on my own goals and priorities, all the while maintaining professionalism and respect for others.

      What advice do you have for women seeking leadership positions in their industry?
      Stay strong and steadfast! My advice for women seeking leadership positions in their industry is to never give up on your goals and constantly seek and overcome challenges that perpetuate the success of your future. Find a career that you are passionate about, find hobbies that soothe your soul in your down-time, eat a healthy diet, and exercise frequently. Successful women thrive in healthy environments, so maintaining a healthy mental, physical, and emotional state is key to a successful career. You got this girl!

      What is your best tip for staying healthy during the pandemic?
      The best advice I can give for staying healthy during the pandemic, or at any time really, is to stay hydrated. I have a cupboard full of various teas that I like to sip. The different flavors help the fluids go down faster, not to mention they are packed with antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of many diseases and scavenge free radicals from the body cells.

      What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
      My favorite thing to do to relax is to take my dogs down to our beach cabin and roam around the beaches, looking for treasures that have washed up in the tide. The dogs get their exercise and I get to unwind amongst the beauty and serenity of the ocean breeze and sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It is a win-win for all of us.

      When you were in grade school what did you want to be when you grew up?
      When I was in grade school, I wanted to be a Veterinarian because of my infinite love for animals, however, I never quite outgrew my cat allergies, so I had to find another occupation that was more suiting. Growing up, I have always had a fascination with Criminology and Forensics, so I decided to get my degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminology.

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      TAMERA BERNARD

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      What is your current position at HHA?
      I am a Brand Ambassador at Harbor Health and Apothecary.

      What drew you to your current occupation?
      After a decade in the medical industry I was burnt out and explored some other options. After meeting with Conrad and Nick, I was re-energized and eager to get back into an industry that I had enjoyed for so many years.

      How has working with other women helped shape your career?
      I have been lucky enough to work with women throughout my career. Being able to ask questions and soak up all of their knowledge and experience has been helpful in furthering my career.

      What advice do you have for women seeking leadership positions in their industry?
      Find your own path if you need to, there is no one road to success. One of my favorite mentors always told me, “There are no stupid questions.” Her advice has served me well over the years and I still find myself asking questions.

      What is your best tip for staying healthy during the pandemic?
      I do Pilates once a week to keep my mind and body healthy. I also try to get some meditation in each week, as I find it helps with the stress caused by the pandemic.

      What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
      My absolute favorite way to relax is to turn on some good music and dance around the house.

      When you were in grade school what did you want to be when you grew up?
      In grade school I wanted to be everything a hair stylist, mother, astronaut, and just about anything else you could think of.

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    • International Women’s Day, Part 1

      International Women’s Day, Part 1

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”]International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is a day that has been celebrated for over 100 years! In fact, the first IWD event held in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Today, at Harbor Health and Apothecary, we would like to highlight the talented and successful women you will meet when you come in, call with questions, or order products from our website.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https://harborhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/angie.jpg” title_text=”angie” _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”50%” width_phone=”64%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”center” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone”]

      ANGIE VAN WYCK

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      What is your current position at HHA? 
      Lead Nonsterile pharmacist

      What drew you to your current occupation?
      I always loved the sciences and we had a family friend in pharmacy.  I was intrigued by the care of the patient and how accessible a pharmacist was for giving advice and care to the clients. I also wanted a good job that would allow me to take time off and work less when I was raising young children but allow me to jump right back in when I had more time available to work.

      How has working with other women helped shape your career?  
      Women tend to be primary care givers to children or other family members which usually results in very hard workers, very compassionate human beings and wise people. I have worked with many who care for their patients in the same way they would care for a family member. This compassion and drive for connecting with others have helped shape my perspective of patient care and teamwork within an organization.

      What advice do you have for women seeking leadership positions in their industry?
      Always care for, respect and connect with the people that you lead. Celebrate their accomplishments, listen to them, build on their strengths and help teach them to be the best at what they do. You will develop great relationships and will develop a great team.  You will be the boss that people want to work for, and they will always have your back.

      What is your best tip for staying healthy during the pandemic?
      Figure out the best way to decrease your stress and the best way to stay connected to your friends and family…oh and good sleep, healthy eating, exercise and take your supplements!

      What is your favorite thing to do to relax? 
      I find exercise to be the most relaxing thing I do for my brain and my body. I love that feeling of tired muscles after a morning workout. I especially like to end my workout with a walk in the woods with my puppy, Finnegan and his big brother, Theo.

      When you were in grade school what did you want to be when you grew up?   I wanted to be a veterinarian, a doctor, or a scientist.

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      ALICA RYAN

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      What is your current position at HHA? 
      I am the nutritionist at HHA

      What drew you to your current occupation?
      I unfortunately lost family members at too young of an age. Looking back out their dietary choices and lifestyle habits I know that with what I know now it could have been different. I knew that I wanted to help improve the quality of people’s lives. I want people to meet and be a part of their grandchildren’s lives and their great grandchildren, and who even knows maybe their great, great grandchildren.

      How has working with other women helped shape your career?
      Women are amazing. We take on so much and put so many people first before ourselves. Many times when women seek out my help they are frustrated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I love teaching women how to take care of their health and help them to find the root cause of their concerns because by doing this they actually become even better spouses, mothers, employees, etc. 

      But I think what has most shaped my career is when you work with women who are hoping to become mothers. If I can help them with this it has become the most rewarding experience so far.

      What advice do you have for women seeking leadership positions in their industry?
      Never stop learning. There is so much information out there on nutrition so don’t put on blinders or become too focused on particular diets or protocols. Keep learning, keep trying new things, keep your opinions open. We are all unique and we all deserve and open-minded unique approach on our health.

      What is your best tip for staying healthy during the pandemic?
      Best tip? I have a few 😊

      If I had to only give one tip it would be to manage your stress. Chronic stress (I mean we have been in this pandemic for a year now), can affect so many aspects of your health. If you can learn tools to manage stress by removing triggers, learning mechanisms to cope, supporting the adrenals and hippocampus with nutritional supplements, and improving sleep you can affect overall health.

      What is your favorite thing to do to relax?  
      Run… honestly running helps clear my mind and allows me to process information. If I need to rest my body then laying at the beach and listening to the waves.

      When you were in grade school what did you want to be when you grew up?   A doctor. I still do, although a Naturopathic doctor now.

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    • Collective Ambition Compass

      Collective Ambition Compass

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      Our Harbor Health and Apothecary Team is dedicated to providing a superior service through the guidance of our Collective Ambition Compass. Our compass is composed of three concentric circles.

      Our purpose lies in the innermost circle of our compass. Harbor Health and Apothecary’s purpose, our reason for being, is advocating health. We are passionate and hyper focused on ensuring we provide our patients with services that allow you to live your healthiest life.

      The circle boarding our purpose is divided into four sections consisting of our vision, core values, brand promise, and strategic and operational priorities. Our vision is to become a regional and national leader in compounding pharmacy services. We want to be the best!

      We have five core values:

      Integrity: Integrity is the foundation on which we build trust. To have integrity means we are self-aware, accountable, responsible, and truthful. We show a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
      Unity: Unity is strength. Our mission is bigger than any one team member. Our success is dependent on us working in collaboration to achieve our mission. Through teamwork, collaboration, and our unique strengths we will achieve amazing things.
      Innovation: We are problem solvers. Our innovation allows us to see the answers to problems differently from our competitors.
      Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of what we do. We are in the business of helping others. Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.
      Positivity: We are Harbor Health and Apothecary. We are what people see when they visit. We are who people hear when they call and when they visit. If we are rude, so is Harbor Health. If we are negative, so is Harbor Health. And if we are positive and wonderful, so is Harbor Health. We are the care we give, the attention we pay, and the courtesies we extend. We must do our best to always remain positive.

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      Our brand promises are our promises to you. We will do our best to always put the needs of others before our own needs, deliver accurately and on time, practice transparency and be our best.

      Our strategic and operational priorities are our promise to ourselves. We always practice evidence based management, practice strength-based leadership and build operations practices through the principles of Lean Six Sigma.

      The outermost circle describes our leadership behaviors. The Harbor Health and Apothecary Team will always be health advocates, problem solvers, lead from the front, learners and educators, servant leaders and brand ambassadors.

      Our compass is what guides what we do and how we do it. Our compass is what makes us unique. Our compass is what creates our superior customer experience.

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    • Welcome

      Welcome

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      Welcome to Harbor Health and Apothecary’s blog page. This is our first blog post so, hang in there with us as we establish our “blogging personality.”  

      Our hope for blogging is to provide you with high quality health care information that is professionally entertaining. I know, I know, health care information and professionally entertaining is definitely an oxymoron but we promise to try not to put you in a state of narcolepsy.

      So, grab a tasty beverage and enjoy our story that lies ahead!

       

      Our Pharmacy: 

      Harbor Health and Apothecary is an old school compounding pharmacy with a new school wellness center twist located in the picturesque town of Gig Harbor, Washington. And when we say old school we are not talking about being an old dirty pharmacy with a disgruntled owner. When we say old school, we are talking about being an independent pharmacy that takes a bulk powder and makes it into a medication that meets the specific needs of the patient, you! Really, the only things that are old school with our pharmacy are the fact that we compound medications and our work ethic. Our facility and the equipment that we use is state of the art! In future blogs we will go into more details about our facility and the equipment that we are using to ensure you are getting the highest quality compounded medications.

      New school wellness twist, what is this? Well, this is what separates us from a lot of other independent and big corporate pharmacies. Our pharmacy has exam rooms that we use to partner with other independent healthcare specialists to provide our community with services that may otherwise not be available. These services include IV drip therapies through our Cell Code Hydrate product line, specialized man and woman’s health services, and nutritional consult services from our very own nutritionist, Alica.

      By now you are likely starting to see that Harbor Health and Apothecary is such an awesome place. You know what makes it so awesome?  Our team, our team is what makes it so awesome. 

       

      Our Team:

      The Harbor Health and Apothecary Team consist of the brightest minds in the industry. Each team member has his or her own unique story, which we will share in our Team Member Spotlight social media post. For now though, let me introduce you to the talented individuals that make our pharmacy so great. 

      (Make sure you read the following in an announcer voice. Trust us, it will be more fun!)

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      And now, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 210 pounds, he was an Alaskan fisherman and even once model for Gatorade. He is a founder and CEO for Harbor Health and Apothecary, CONRAD ESSER. 

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      Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing in at a little more than Conrad, he was a United States Navy Submarine sailor and has never been a model. He is a founder and Chief Pharmacy Officer for Harbor Health and Apothecary, NICK WYATT 

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      What she lacks in height and weight she makes up in personality. She is known to many as the “Hormone Lady” and there is not a hormone that she cannot balance. She is the Non-Sterile Lead Pharmacist for Harbor Health and Apothecary, ANGIE VAN WYCK 

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      His height is a classified secret and his weight is on a need to know basis. He is known for his sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter into our lives. He is the Sterile Lead Pharmacist for Harbor Health and Apothecary, ROLAND LOPEZ 

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      Do not let her size fool you. She once managed a ranch in Montana and now spends her time managing Hubert, her Italian Mastiff and Tuna, her French Bulldog. She is known for her amazing customer services skills. She is the Brand Ambassador for Harbor Health and Apothecary, JENNA FRY. 

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      She comes from California, now living in The Harbor. She is known for her friendly personality and can do attitude. She too is the Brand Ambassador for Harbor Health and Apothecary, TAMERA BERNARD. 

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      She is ready to get your weight where it needs to be for your height.  She is known for putting the function back into nutrition. Forget about the fad diets and the designer supplements. She is the Nutritionist for Harbor Health and Apothecary, ALICA RYAN.

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      Was that not fun! Did you get through the entire team with your announcer voice? On a more serious note, check back to see our team members bio pages by clicking the link embedded in their names. Their accomplishments are impressive and too “classified” to repeat here. 

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      Opening Update: 

      This is the million dollar question, when are we opening? Well, we are hoping to be open before the end of February. We are currently finishing up a couple of inspections, then we will complete any requested items, and then we will open our doors. We know it has been a long time coming but we promise you, it will be worth the wait!  

      We cannot wait to share other blogs with you in the future! We are really excited to meet you in the near future. Until then, stay safe and healthy! 

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