Help for Wounds, Scars & Stretch Marks

Recent advancements in topical formulations have resulted in preparations that may reduce inflammation and scar tissue, and can also help with healing of wounds, burns, and skin cuts or ulcerations. Depending on the problem, a preparation can be selected that will form a protective film over the skin, maintain a moist environment to optimize healy, or that contains glycosides and flavonoids with potential germicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Medications can be added to novel proprietary bases to help reduce the buildup of scar tissue which may improve the appearance of old or new scars, keloids, or stretch marks (which can result from sudden weight gain or weight loss, as well as pregnancy). In addition, we can compound medications such as numbing creams, skin-whitening formulas, facial masks and acne preparations. Ask our pharmacist for more information.

Vitamin D for Macular Degeneration

Vitamin D levels may reduce risk of macular degeneration. According to a study done by the University at Buffalo in New York, higher concentrations of Vitamin D may be associated with a reduced likelihood of developing early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women younger than 75 years of age. This is just one of the recent findings – other health benefits of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D include reduction in chronic pain and improvement in mood and memory. Recommended doses have recently increased, and patients should take supplements containing vitamin D3. Ask our pharmacist to help you select the vitamin D3 supplement that is best for you.

Laughter – It’s Good Medicine!

The ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Laughter relieves physical tension and supports the immune system by decreasing stress hormones and boosting infection-fighting antibodies, protecting you from the damaging effects of stress. Humor and laughter can improvemood, enhance energy and diminish pain by triggering the release of endorphins. Laughter improves blood flow, which can help protect against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Marlo Thomas says, “Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.” For more information about the benefits of laughter, visit www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm.