Topical Therapy for Acute Pain in Adults

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that include ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Motrin® and Advil®), ketoprofen, diclofenac, and piroxicam. Topical NSAIDs (gels and creams) are widely used to treat acute musculoskeletal conditions due to their potential to provide pain relief without the side effects associated with these medications when they are taken orally. Researchers at the University of Oxford reviewed the medical databases for well designed studies in which topical NSAIDs were administered to adult patients with acute pain resulting from strains, sprains or sports or overuse-type injuries (twisted ankle, for instance). The analysis concluded: “Topical NSAIDs can provide good levels of pain relief, without the systemic adverse events associated with oral NSAIDs, when used to treat acute musculoskeletal conditions.”

Restoring Hormonal Balance

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) is the replacement of deficient hormones with hormones that are chemically identical to those that the body naturally produces, which have declined due to aging or illness. BHT has improved the quality of life for millions of women who suffer from hormonal imbalance. The ideal process for achieving hormonal balance includes an assessment of hormone levels and complete evaluation of signs and symptoms, followed by replacement of the deficient hormones in the most appropriate dose via the most effective route for each woman, and monitoring to fine tune the therapy. While women have benefited from therapy with bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, and androgens, researchers and health care professionals realize that this is just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to achieving hormonal balance. Thyroid and adrenal function, as well as nutritional status, should also be evaluated and treated when indicated.

Omega 3s Lower Risk of Macular Degeneration in Women

A 10-year study of 38,022 women conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School showed that the
intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish significantly reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are components of omega-3 fatty acids, which are high in fatty
fish such as salmon and tuna. Women with the highest DHA/EPA levels consumed one or more servings of fish per week, and
compared with those who consumed less than one serving per month, had a 42% lower risk of AMD. One of the concerns of
eating large amounts of fish is the possibility of consuming harmful PCBs and methyl mercury. Our pharmacist can recommend
a quality omega-3 supplement.