10 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

Supporting our local community, even in the smallest way, can make a big difference. Investing in our community doesn’t have to cost a lot or take up significant amounts of time. New to getting involved? It can be easy, and it is never too late to start! Here are 10 way to give back:

1. Find a Cause to Support

There are many different causes and charities you can choose from to support. Whether you want to volunteer your time to a local food bank or make a monetary donation, either way makes a difference. To find local opportunities in your area, visit www.volunteermatch.org and get matched with a cause that inspires you! This website allows you to choose from over 100,000 participating charities, including organizations that support local arts or work with children or elderly individuals.

2. Donate to a Holiday Food Drive

The holiday season is quickly approaching, which also means many local businesses, grocery stores, schools, or community centers organize food drives. These typically ask for donations of unopened, non-perishable canned or boxed food items to donate to local food banks. Either look through your pantry and find items that you could donate or simply purchase a few extra items the next time you are out and about grocery shopping. It may not seem like a lot to you, but these food drive donations can make a difference in someone else’s life. If a local business doesn’t have a food drive, you can always search for your local food bank by visiting a site like www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank and making a personal donation directly.

3. Support Local Farmers

Have you ever been to your local farmer’s market or farm stands? Attending and making a purchase is a great way to give back to the hard-working farmers in your local community. Items sold could include fresh produce, meat, jams, salsa, and much more. You may not be able to get everything you need for your grocery hall, but even buying one thing helps support their farming business directly. If you aren’t sure where to find your local farmer’s market, you can visit hwww.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets.

4. Donate Blood

Right now, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the gift of life through a blood donation is as important than ever. You may have local blood drives hosted by your employer, community center, school, etc. However, if you are not able to find a local blood drive, you could always visit www.redcrossblood.org and register for a donation. Normally, it takes around an hour to give blood. If you choose to give platelets, the process is about 2 hours. Plus, after you give blood you can enjoy refreshments and snacks!

5. Set Up a Collection Jar

Every penny counts! If you are looking for something smaller to do, think about setting up a collection jar at a local business where people can give their extra change to give back to a cause of your choice or someone in need. There are organizations who have already created collection boxes that you can pick up and display on a countertop or create your own.

6. Volunteer at Your Local Senior Center

Volunteering at your local senior center is a great way to become involved in your community! Often times, these places need volunteers to help with different programs or activities. Even just stopping by to say hello, read books, or play games means the world to these residents. You can also sign up to become a volunteer by visiting www.elderhelpers.org/ for the seniors in your community who aren’t in an assisted living facility, but need help with daily activities.

7. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister

Do you think you would be a great mentor for a child in your community? If so, consider joining a community-based mentorship program like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. These programs are designed to be an important part of changing the lives of our youths who are in search of role models to help them feel more connected to the community. Your local area may also have a similar program, so check with your community page on social media or the city hall for more information about how to join.

8. Donate to a Charity

Donating to a charity of your choice is a great way to give back! Before you make a donation of money or goods, make sure to research the charity. Be certain that the charity is real. There are different types of donations you can provide that include financial donations, goods or personal property, vehicles, or other property like art, jewelry, or real estate. Whatever the donation may be – big or small – makes a difference. To learn more about donating to a charity, visit www.usa.gov/donate-to-charity.

9. Organize a Community Clean-Up Day

A great way to give back to the community is by cleaning up your community. A lot of times, community clean up days are at local parks, but they can also be cleaning rivers, in the ditches alongside the roads, etc. This makes for a more welcoming environment and allows you to connect with those around you. Not only will your neighbors thank you, but the environment will too! #Didyouknow many businesses allow their employees to take a personal day to volunteer in the community? Check with your employer to see if this is option.

10. Write a Letter to Our Troops

There are so many men and women who have dedicated their lives to be a soldier in the US Army. They are often recognized for their service, but what if you could make a difference by writing a few kind words to life their spirits through a letter? Through a nonprofit called Operation Gratitude, you can write personal letters of appreciation to deployed troops, veterans, recruit graduates, first responders, frontline responders, or wounded heroes and their caregivers.

There are countless ways that you can become involved in our community and give back, beyond the 10 ideas listed above. To get started, find something you are passionate about, research how you can become involved, and make it happen. Giving back is often highlighted during the holiday months but make it a goal to become involved year-round.

Loved Ones & Diabetes: How Can YOU Help?

Diabetes affects millions of people in the US and sometimes those affected are family or loved ones. When someone you love is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be emotional and can cause a million questions to run through your mind, such as; what the medical costs are going to be or how you can help them manage their diabetes. You feel the need to support them, and you can.

Ask for Help

So, where do you start? This can be hard to figure out, especially when you find out someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes. First, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to keep your loved one safe and healthy. If you have other family members who have this disease, you can also reach out to them to get advice or ask questions. Asking for help is the first step in supporting this new journey for your loved ones.

Prepare & Plan

Getting the news of your loved one being diagnosed with this disease can be a shock at first, but when that wears off, find comfort in knowing there are many ways to help them along the way. Living with diabetes can be a challenge, but it is something you can meet head on through planning and preparation. Get back to daily life and regular routine activities through:

• Regular physical activity
• Balanced diet – one that everyone can enjoy

Just because your loved one has diabetes, does not mean they can’t achieve their goals or dreams.

Talk About IT

A key part of managing diabetes is making sure everyone is open and able to talk about their fears, frustrations, and hopes for the future. This disease can create different emotions. Making sure your loved one has someone to talk to is important. If they do not feel comfortable talking with you, reach out to a professional or the community.

Keep On Keeping On

Just because your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, doesn’t mean life stops. Life goes on. Follow these planning tips to keep life moving in the right direction:

1. Before traveling, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to make sure all medications are current. Get written prescriptions for insulin and other medications in case they are lost, along with a doctor’s letter and treatment instructions
2. If you have a child with diabetes and need a babysitter, consider hiring a teenager who is familiar with this disease.
3. Plan ahead for birthday parties, holidays or going out to eat. Communicating with the host about special nutrition requirements or check out the restaurant menu before deciding on a place to eat.

Information provided by diabetes.org.

PBMs: Bad for Your Health, Your Wallet, and Your Tax Bill

Pharmacy benefit managers, commonly known as PBMs, are third-party administrators contracted by health plans, large employers, unions and government entities to manage prescription drug benefits programs.

PBMs are the single biggest influence on the soaring price of prescriptions. Originally intended to process claims on behalf of clients, PBMs profit at every stage of the supply chain from drug maker to patient. They are often called the “invisible middleman” because they are hidden between the patient’s insurance company, who the PBM works for, and the pharmacy, who the PBM reimburses for dispensing the prescription. Currently the three largest PBMs are Fortune 500 companies and control nearly 80% of the prescription benefits market in the United States. While the prescription benefits plans have different names, most can be tied back to one of the “Big Three” PBMs.

How Are Patients Affected by PBMs?

PBMs make rebate deals with drug manufacturers to have the product included on the insurance formulary (drugs that are covered by your plan). These rebates collected by the PBM are not passed on to the plan or to you the patient, and they raise drug costs.

The rebates sound like a way to lower costs and save money, but the reality is that these rebates go in the pockets and bank accounts of PBMs, padding their own bottom lines instead of passing along savings to plans and patients.

PBMs also influence which drug a patient receives, taking away choice from the prescribing doctor, pharmacist, and the patient; the decision about which drug is ultimately filled is usually decided by which drug the PBMs chose to cover – and that decision is often based off which drug has the highest rebate, not necessarily which drug will provide the patient with the best outcomes.

Not only do PBMs work as middlemen, some also own (or are owned by) the pharmacies they mandate a patient uses. They also own retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacy facilities. That means that PBMs are setting reimbursements for local independent pharmacies – their competition. At the same time, they are steering patients toward their own brick-and-mortar or mail-order pharmacies, conveniently in-network, and can set a different reimbursement for those stores.

How Are Taxpayers Affected by PBMs?

Recent investigations in states like Ohio, Kentucky and Arkansas have uncovered serious questions about the level of profiteering PBMs that manage Medicaid may be engaged in. As with private health plans, PBMs provide a third-party prescription drug benefit plan to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, and bill the government for their services. State government pays for services with money raised by local taxes and receives matching federal funding (also taxes) to cover costs.

The amount they bill the government is a very different – and much higher – amount than what they are paying the pharmacies that are filling the prescriptions. An independent investigation in Ohio found that a PBM had been charging the state as much as 9 times the cost of a prescription drug while reimbursing local pharmacies below cost.1 The PBMs pocket that difference, and it is all taxpayer-funded profit.

How Do They Get Away with It?

The lack of regulatory oversight and demand for transparency in the PBM industry has allowed PBMs to overcharge for prescription drugs for decades. PBMs typically don’t provide clients with complete, itemized billing statements so it’s only when informed patients and health plan sponsors “put 2 and 2 together” that they begin to understand how they’re probably greatly overpaying for their prescription medications while the “savings” they thought they would see go directly into the pockets of the PBMs — and their shareholders.

What’s the solution? At the government level, states should fire PBMs or at the very least limit PBMs involvement to a purely administrative roll in state-funded programs like Medicaid and the state employees’ health benefit plan. West Virginia recently did just this and saved $54 million in the first year. Based on a report released by West Virginia Medicaid, the state saved a little over $6 per individual prescription.2

What Role do Independent Pharmacies Have?

PBMs often indicate that independent pharmacies have “massive bargaining power” when they band together and create pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs). In reality, the contracts and reimbursements that PSAOs “negotiate” are often take it or leave it – and it’s hard for a pharmacy to walk away from a contract when a large percentage of their patients may be covered by one PBM. Even with PSAOs, there is little success in truly making any changes since many of the contracts have standard terms and conditions that are largely non-negotiable.3 If independent pharmacies joined together and all refused to take a contract – even under a PSAO – they would face antitrust risks. And because the PBMs own pharmacies themselves, they can just require patients to go to their pharmacies and put the independents out of business; more and more small pharmacies are going out of business every day for this exact reason.

Despite the hardships that independent pharmacies face in this situation, they are invaluable to our communities, especially in underserved and rural areas. By offering immunizations, home delivery, and personal service, local pharmacies provide the much-needed healthcare services that may not be readily available otherwise. The owners are part of the community and contribute financially to local organizations, too – keeping money close to home by supporting their neighbors.

What Can I Do About It?

Several things. Come into our pharmacy and talk to one of our team to understand how your drug plan influences the price you pay for medications. If you manage an employee benefit plan, ask your broker or PBM representative to provide a detailed explanation of your fee structure, or contact Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT) for information on switching to a transparent “pass through” PBM. Finally, encourage state legislators to get involved in local and federal bills that reform obscure fees that threaten the existence of independent pharmacy and raise out-of-pocket costs while enriching these insurance middlemen.

1 https://www.truthrx.org/pbmfaqs.html

2https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/News/Documents/WV%20BMS%20Rx%20Savings%20Report%202019-04-02%20-%20FINAL.pdf

3 Government Accounting Office GAO-13-176.

*Other content provided by Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (https://www.truthrx.org/) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (https://www.ncpanet.org).

What’s True About the Flu?

Influenza (Flu) is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and the infection can affect everyone differently. Millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. This year, more than ever, it is important for you and your family to receive your annual flu vaccine to help protect against the flu. When you get a flu vaccine you are protecting yourself, children, grandparents, the healthcare system, coworkers, the immunocompromised, your community, and the list goes on.

How Do Flu Vaccines Work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begins spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in your body. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Getting vaccinated too early could lead to reduced protection against the flu later in the flu season.

Flu Facts vs. Flu Myths

“People who get a flu shot are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease”

FALSE. Recent studies have indicated that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect people from Alzheimer’s, possibly contributing to the protection of memory, cognition, and overall brain health.

“I should get a flu shot later when there are cases in my area”

FALSE. As stated above, your body needs about two weeks after you receive the flu shot before the antibodies can protect you against the virus. Get your flu vaccine so you are covered before flu viruses begin to circulate, not after.

“The flu shot will give me the flu”

FALSE. The flu vaccination will not give you the flu. The vaccines are made from ‘inactivated’ (killed) flu viruses. Some people experience a fever or body aches for a few days after receiving the vaccine, but this is not the flu. These side effects are a normal reaction and a result from your body creating an immune response to the vaccine.

“I don’t need a flu shot, I got one last year”

FALSE. The vaccine is developed each year specifically for the virus strains predicted to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Also, the body’s immune response gradually decreases over time, so it is important to get a flu shot every year during the recommended time frame to ensure the best possible protection.

“I don’t need to get the flu shot because I have never had the flu before”

FALSE. The flu shot doesn’t just protect you from getting the flu but it also protects those around you. Many healthy people can be infected with the flu virus and spread it to others by coughing, sneezing, talking, or from touched surfaces even if they are not showing symptoms. There are also certain populations such as newborns, immunocompromised, cancer patients that are unable to receive vaccinations or are unable to develop an adequate response to the vaccine, so it is even more important for healthy individuals to be vaccinated to prevent spreading it to those most at risk of severe illness.

“A flu shot isn’t safe while pregnant”

FALSE. Getting the flu shot is safe during all trimesters of the pregnancy and can even pass antibodies along to the baby while protecting the mother. These antibodies can continue to protect the baby several months after birth.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

While vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% – 60% among the overall population during season when the flu virus circulating is well-matched to the flu vaccine. In general, current flu vaccines tend to work better against influenza B and influenza A (H1N1) viruses. There are multiple strains of flu viruses that circulate every year. Researchers predict and develop vaccines based on the most common circulating strains from the previous year. While the flu vaccine is not able to protect against all the strains, it will reduce the risk of getting the flu and should also lessen the severity if you do get sick.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to receive your flu vaccine!

*information provided by the cdc.gov

Summer Fun in the Sun

Did you know that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes? And although some people are at higher risk of getting skin cancer, anyone can get it. People with greater risk include those with lighter natural skin color, skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, certain types and large number of moles, family or personal history of skin cancer, and older age. Regardless if you are at high risk or not, reducing your exposure to UV rays and taking proper precautions can help keep your skin healthy and lower your chances of getting skin cancer.

• Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before you go outside, even on cloudy or cool days. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors longer than that and make sure your sunscreen is not expired.
• Shade – You can reduce risk of skin damage by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Even in the shade, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Clothing – When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts to protect from UV rays. Also, to protect your face, ears, and neck wear a wide brimmed hat with tightly woven fabric.
• Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts. Sunglasses also protect the skin surrounding your eyes.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a change in a mole. It is important to know that not all skin cancers look the same, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin. Sun-safe skin is always in! Protect your skin now to help lower your risk of skin cancer in the future.

*information provided by cdc.gov

August is National Immunization Month

August is National Immunization Month, and it is a time to recognize the importance of staying safe, reducing the spread of diseases, and staying up to date on immunizations for each stage of life. Due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure everyone in your family is up to date on their immunizations this year. Routine vaccinations prevent illnesses that lead to unnecessary medical visits & hospitalizations, which increase your risk of exposure and further strain our healthcare system.

Why are vaccines important?

A vaccine (or immunization) is a way to help your body build its natural immunity to a disease before contracting the full strain of the disease and possibly getting sick from it. For most vaccines, a weakened form of the disease germ is injected into your body, usually via a shot in the leg or arm. Your body detects the invading germs (antigens) and produces antibodies to fight them. Those antibodies then stay in your body for a long time. In many cases, the antibodies are present for the rest of your life — this means that if you are ever exposed to that disease again, your better will be more equipped to fight it off.*

Vaccines not only help protect yourself but helps protect your loved ones, too. They are an essential part of preventing community spread of diseases, and they help protect those who are unable to get vaccines for one reason or another (allergies, immunocompromised, etc.)

When should I get my vaccine?

Some vaccines should be administered at regular intervals throughout our lives, such as the annual flu shot or the booster tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine received every 10 years. Others, however, are encouraged for administration at particular ages.

For example:

• Vaccinations given during any trimester provide both mother and baby with protection, even after birth. The first administration of the Tdap vaccine will help protect against whooping cough. It’s safe to receive vaccines during pregnancy and after giving birth, even while breastfeeding – and this includes the flu shot.
• Babies receive vaccinations by the age of 2 that help protect them from 14 diseases, including measles and whooping cough.
• Pre-teens and teens have a greater risk for diseases like meningitis and HPV, and those vaccines provide more protection at this age.
• Vaccines are an essential preventative measure for older adults as they are at higher risk of developing complications if they contract certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or shingles.

Ask our team which vaccines are right for you!

*Information provided by familydoctor.org/the-importance-of-vaccinations/ & the cdc.gov

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Many, and I mean many folks have sleep apnea. Most of us are unaware we have it because …*drum roll please*…We are asleep or in the case of someone with severe sleep apnea, TRYING to sleep.

Typically, couples who struggle to sleep together get tested for sleep apnea. One spouse complains about the other snoring or simply not breathing at all for periods of time. What about the rest of us who do not have that significant other to keep an eye on us or punch us in the gut to get us to stop snoring?

If you are unsure if you have sleep apnea talk to your doctor, especially if you exhibit any of the following indicators.

Those of us who are at high risk for sleep apnea typically exhibit one of the following:

• Cardiology Referral – (4 to 8 of every 10 have apnea – Kasai et all. 2012 depending on practice subspecialty focus)
• Drug Resistant Hypertensive – (8+ of every 10 have apnea – Logan et al. 2001)
• Drug resistant Insomnia – (7+ of every 10 have apnea – Krakow et al. 2010
• Obese & Diabetes – (8+ of every 10 have apnea – Foster et al. 2009)
• Heart Failure – (7+ of every 10 have apnea Oldenburg et al. 2007)
• Obese at Bariatric Center – (7+ of every 10 have apnea – Lopez et al. 2008)

If you fall into any of these categories, consider getting a sleep study.

Below is a list of apnea Indicators. If you answer yes to 2 or more, you may have sleep apnea and need a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which is a common treatment for this condition.

1. Snoring
2. Obesity
3. Hypertension
4. Daytime Fatigue
5. Observed Apnea
6. Morning Headaches (Due to low O2 Levels while asleep)
7. Nonrestorative sleep
8. Frequent urination at night

Here at Medicap Pharmacy and CPAP, we carry the top 2 brands of CPAP machines and supplies. The Respironics Dream Station CPAP and the ResMed AirSence 10 CPAP. We also have nasal and full-face masks and supplies from Resmed, Respironics, and Fisher & Paykal.

If you have any questions or think you may have sleep apnea, feel free to contact us, as we have Sleep and Respiratory Therapists available to assist you.

Email questions to: medsupply@medicapidaho.com
Call us at 208-805-1070
Fax: 208-8051077

Mental Health During COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases rise, so is the accompanying stress and anxiety. During this time of uncertainty and isolation, the mental health effects are just as important to address as the physical health effects.

There are many causes for concern regarding COVID-19. Not only are you worried you may get sick, but you also worry about your loved ones and possibly spreading the virus to the more vulnerable people. You are adjusting to a new reality, and you are not sure how long this will last. You may be financially stressed or worried how you will support your family during this time. While all these reasons for concern are valid, it’s important to remember what you can control during this time and focus on those things to provide some comfort.

• 

• 

• 

Mind and Body – Keep a healthy diet and do not smoke or drink excessively. Exercise at home and get enough rest. Maintain self-care and keep up with your personal hygiene. Also, stay mentally healthy by meditating or taking the time to realize what you are grateful for.

Your Environment – Since many are either working from home or quarantined in their houses, now is the time to clean and get organized. Give yourself a fresh start every morning with a clean bedroom and by making your bed. Keep an organized working environment for a more productive day.

What You Consume – It’s important to not overdo your information and news intake, and you should get all your information from reliable sources like the CDC and WHO. Also, take time to watch TV shows or movies that make you laugh and feel good.

How to Prepare – It’s crucial to stay calm during a time like this and prepare accordingly. Keep enough food on hand for a couple of weeks but avoid stockpiling high demand items so other people can have the essential items as well. Keep up with your medication regime and have a month’s supply at home if possible. Call your pharmacy with any questions or concerns on medication refills.

Protect Yourself and Others – Follow the CDC guidelines of washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face and other people. Stay home if you are sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

It is normal and valid to feel worried during a crisis like COVID-19. While worry can be common and is a part of anxiety, people with anxiety tend to feel much more exaggerated feelings of worry or tension. Symptoms of anxiety include: uncontrollable dread, stomach and digestive problems, trouble with concentration or memory, increase heart rate, changes in energy and/or sleeping patterns, irritability and/or restlessness.

There are small things that you can do while at home to help with anxiety:

• Reach out to someone you trust. Call, text, or video chat a friend or family member
• Exercise at home
• Use a mindfulness or meditation app
• Set a timer for every hour to get up and stretch or walk
• Take 10 deep breaths when you feel stressed

If you are taking these steps to manage your mental health but they don’t seem to be working, call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 where crisis counselors are available 24/7.

Our team is also here for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Nutraceuticals to Aid in the Prevention of COVID-19

• Masks do not help contraction of the virus, only its spread.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol can be used instead.
• Melatonin: 10 mg – 20 mg. This powerful antioxidant fights inflammation. Best Rest may be substituted for those sensitive to melatonin.
• Vitamin C: 3,500 IU/day. This helps boost your immune system.
• Vitamin A: 5,000 IU/day. This helps boost your immune system. DO NOT TAKE if pregnant or if you smoke.
• Vitamin D3: 50,000 IU/day for 4 days, then 5,000 IU 5 times a week. This helps boost your immune system.
• Iodine: 12.5 mg two times per week. Most of us are low in iodine. No studies have shown a bacteria, fungus, virus or parasite known to be resistant to it. CONSULT your doctor or pharmacist before taking.
• Immunitone/Mycoimmune: 1 dose per day. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which increase immune defense in many ways.
• AVOID NSAIDS like Ibuprofen, as these are shown to be immunosuppressive. Use Acetomenophen/Tylenol instead.
• Avoid stress to give your immune system the best chance to stay strong.
• Implement social distancing to limit the spread of Covid-19.
• Enjoy fresh air and sunshine to give your immune system a boost.

Recommendations from integrative medicine specialist Dr Lindsey Berkson as of 3/17/2020. Many of the nutraceuticals mentioned in the article below are applicable not due to any testing specific to Covid-19, but because they have helped fight viruses and/or aid in immune support.

Coronavirus Update & Integrative Natural Considerations

Nutraceuticals to Aid in the Treatment of Covid-19

• Wear a mask to help protect others
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds or use 70% alcohol hand sanitizer.
• Self-quarantine even if you are waiting for test results to confirm infection.
• Melatonin: 30 mg before bed for 1 week. Reduce to 20 mg for the following few weeks.
• Vitamin C: 1,000 mg/hour until diarrhea develops, then stop for a few days. If possible, see a provider for IV Vitamin C.
• Vitamin A: 100,000 IU/day for 4 days at first sign of illness. Have your blood levels monitored as this can become toxic in the body.
• Vitamin D3: 50,000 IU/day for 4 days, then resume a lower dose of 5,000 IU 5 times a week. Have your blood levels monitored as this can become toxic in the body.
• Zinc: 30mg/day for 4 days. Zinc is a powerful antiviral against many viruses.
• Use a Neti pot to clean your nasal passages. This can prevent the spread of the virus to your lungs.
• Afrin nasal spray for 3 days, then take a 3-day break. This can prevent the spread of the virus to your lungs.

Recommendations from integrative medicine specialist Dr Lindsey Berkson as of 3/17/2020. Many of the nutraceuticals mentioned in the article below are applicable not due to any testing specific to COVID-19, but because they have helped fight viruses and/or aid in immune support.

Contact our pharmacists with any questions about COVID-19.