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Image Source: Canva Pharmacists do so much more than dispense medicine. They have a wealth of knowledge to assist patients with safe medication use, potential drug interactions, preventative services and over-the-counter medications. Today is National Pharmacist Day, a day to recognize the importance of pharmacists and how they impact our health. Why National Pharmacist Day is Important This day honors more than 300,000 pharmacists for the significant role they play in effective medication management, patient education and overall medication safety. A pharmacist can look at all your prescription medications as a whole to determine if your medications are safe, appropriate and effective to manage your health condition(s). They may also be able to assess if you are taking medications you no longer need, if you have therapy duplication, if you are missing a certain medication that is proven to help your specific condition(s), or if you are taking something that could potentially be harmful to your health. Pharmacists may also be able to suggest alternative drug options to lessen side effects or reduce your drug costs. Pharmacists play a major role in monitoring or managing multiple chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight loss, and tobacco use. How Pharmacists Can Help You Providing guidance on preventative services: More than 300,000 immunization-trained pharmacists administer vaccines, and nearly one in four adults receive their influenza vaccinations at their community pharmacy?1 Pharmacists can provide guidance on all vaccine-preventable diseases and which immunizations are best for you. Talking with you about your medicine. They help minimize side effects and safeguard against any possible interactions with other medications that lead to more expensive health care costs such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, etc. Increasing medication adherence. When you are medication adherent and compliant, you save money, healthcare resources, and have better health outcomes. Pharmacists can help you maintain medication adherence by regularly checking in on you to see how you are doing. It is difficult to manage multiple medications, so it is great to have pharmacists there to help. To learn more about the importance of medication adherence check out: https://triahealthblog.com/2020/10/05/the-benefits-of-medication-reminders-for-non-adherent-and-non-compliant-patients/ Coordinating care with your physician. Pharmacists are the best resource to optimize medication use and provide care coordination with physicians. For patients with chronic conditions, care coordination is especially helpful for adjusting prescriptions and medication management accordingly. How Tria Health Pharmacists Can Help Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients that drive most of the health care spend. If you have one or more chronic conditions and take multiple medications, Tria Health has a Pharmacy Advocate Program available for you. The PA program offers one-on-one confidential counseling with a Tria Pharmacist to discuss how effective your medications are in treating your conditions. Your Tria Pharmacist will work with you and your physicians to reduce the risk of medication-related problems. Want to learn more about Tria Health Pharmacists? Call us toll-free at 1.888.799.8742 or visit our website at www.triahealth.com. Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: NATIONAL PHARMACIST DAY – January 12, 2021 | National Today How Much Do You Know About American Pharmacists Month? (caringpeopleinc.com) Pharmacists can help | APhM – 4 Ways a Pharmacist Can Help You (ecopharmacyllc.com) #Medicine #NationalPharmacistDay #TriaHealth

Image Source: Canva The CDC considers vaccinations to be one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.1-3 Thanks to vaccines, the incidence, morbidity, mortality, and prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases have considerably diminished since vaccinations became available. However, now that the COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived, consumers are wondering whether it will be safe. If you are having COVID-19 vaccine hesitation, know that the FDA has considered the vaccine adequately safe and effective. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine have both received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA for public use. To further ease any vaccine fears, below is information about vaccine safety, facts and myths about the COVID-19 vaccine and the benefit vaccines have on your health. How the COVID-19 Vaccine works This new vaccine works unlike any previous vaccinations, using a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) in a mechanism researchers have been developing for over 30 years. When infected with COVID-19, the virus uses a “spike protein” to attach and enter human cells. The vaccine uses mRNA to provide the body with a blueprint which stimulates human cells to make their own version of a spike protein (not the real virus) that triggers the immune system to make antibodies against it. Once the body makes antibodies against this synthetic spike protein, the body will be able to recognize the actual COVID-19 viral protein and quickly fight the real virus before it attaches to human cells and causes harm. Herd Immunity Herd immunity is when a large portion of a community (herd) becomes immune to a disease, lessening the spread of the disease from person to person. Current research shows that the development of natural immunity in people who have previously built-up antibodies from COVID-19 is not going to be enough to cause herd immunity within the community. Not everyone with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis is developing natural antibodies which protect against the spread of the virus, and those who do develop antibodies may begin to lose them over time. Therefore, routine vaccination against COVID-19 is essential to prevent living through another pandemic a year full of face masks and social distancing. Vaccines will first be prioritized to high-risk populations, including healthcare personnel and long-term care facilities. Recommendations suggest 2 shots into the muscle of the upper arm 3-4 weeks apart depending on the manufacturer (Pfizer vs Moderna). Per the FDA, available data currently shows receiving 2 doses of the vaccine is between 90.3% to 97.6% effective at preventing COVID-19. The benefits vaccines have on health There are two main benefits for vaccination: You can help lower your chance of getting certain disease Hepatitis B vaccine lowers your risk of liver cancer. HPV vaccine lowers your risk of cervical cancer. Flu vaccine lowers your risk of flu-related heart attacks or other flu-related complications from existing health conditions like diabetes and chronic lung disease. You can lower your chance of spreading disease. Some people in your family or community may not be able to get certain vaccines due to their age or health condition. They rely on you to help prevent the spread of disease. Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems (like those undergoing cancer treatment) are especially vulnerable to infectious disease.10 Facts surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine There is now an authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccination in the Unites States and many people are concerned about its safety. It is crucial to make sure you are getting accurate information about the vaccination. Below are FACTS from the CDC about COVID-19 vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine will not give you COVID-19. It is not a traditional vaccination, currently none of the COVID-19 vaccines use the live virus that causes COVID-19. This vaccination helps our bodies fight the virus without us having to get the illness. Even if you have gotten sick with COVID-19, you may benefit from getting vaccinated. Re-infection is possible; therefore, it is advised to get a vaccination even if you have had COVID-19 before. Right now, there is a limited supply of the vaccine in the United States, but more will come in the following weeks and months. Getting a vaccine that uses mRNA will not change your DNA. The COVID-19 vaccine contains mRNA or messenger ribonucleic acid which is best described as instructions for how to make a protein. It is important to know that that mRNA is not able to alter a person’s DNA. The mRNA from the COVID-19 vaccine will not enter the nucleus of the cell, where our DNA is found. Myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine There is a lot of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccination. Below are MYTHS about the vaccine: Other immunizations such as the flu shot will prevent COVID-19. Infertility or other serious medical problems will occur if you get the COVID-19 vaccine. You will get a positive COVID-19 viral test if you get the COVID-19 vaccine. There will not be enough vaccinations for everyone. If you are struggling to find credible vaccine information, use this link for recommendations of trustworthy sources: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/evalwebs.htm. Stats on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines Vaccines are both safe and effective. They go through years of testing before the FDA licenses them for use. Both the CDC and FDA continue to track the safety of all licensed vaccines.6 The CDC tracks the safety of vaccinations through The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS was created in 1990 to detect any potential safety issues with U.S. vaccines. If anyone experiences problems after an immunization, they can submit a report to VAERS. This monitoring system makes it possible to spot any unusual side effects from vaccinations as well as identify any risks for health issues related to vaccinations. If you are ever concerned about the safety of immunizations, you can have peace of mind knowing they are constantly being monitored.9 Below are the facts and figures that show the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations: According to the World Health Organization, immunizations prevent 2-3 million deaths every year from vaccine-preventable diseases.5 Most childhood vaccinations are 90% to 99% effective in preventing diseases.7 The flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60%.6 The CDC estimates that immunizations will prevent more than 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths among children born in the last 20 years.8 About 85-90% of vaccine side effects are mild and not serious.9 How Pharmacists can Help Pharmacists are also in a unique position to identify those patients who are in target groups for certain vaccinations. They may also be able to ease the fears of many patients by providing them with facts such as clinical data and by dispelling common misconceptions and myths about vaccinations; they can also stress the significant risks associated with not being vaccinated.4 Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients. With Tria, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins, supplements and lifestyle habits. Your pharmacist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding vaccinations. Sources: Oldfield BJ, Stewart RW. Common misconceptions, advancements, and updates in pediatric vaccine administration. South Med J. 2016;109(1):38-41. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000399. Ventola CL. Immunization in the United States: recommendations, barriers, and measures to improve compliance: part 2: adult vaccinations. P T. 2016;41(8):492-506. Temoka E. Becoming a vaccine champion: evidence-based interventions to address the challenges of vaccination. S D Med. 2013;(theme issue): 68-72. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2019/january2019/adult-vaccination-rates-are-rising-but-fall-short https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/immunization https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20show%20flu%20vaccine,to%20the%20flu%20vaccine%20viruses. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccine-Safety-The-Facts.aspx https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0424-immunization-program.html https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vaers/index.html Reasons for Adults to be Vaccinated | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fvaccine-myths.html https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-program/19-vaccine-myths-vs-facts Herd immunity and COVID-19 (coronavirus): What you need to know – Mayo Clinic #CDC #Vaccinations #FDA #TriaHealth #COVID19

Image via Pexels by Pixabay If you have felt depressed during winter months, you are not alone. As it gets darker earlier each day, and temperatures drop, many people experience “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This year, seasonal affective disorder could be worse than ever. However, there are ways you can prevent and manage SAD to help you get through the pandemic’s winter months. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during a change of seasons, typically in the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. While the cause of SAD is not known, brain chemicals that affect your mood can change according to the amount of light you get each day. It is also difficult to diagnose SAD as many other types of mental health conditions cause similar symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, to be diagnosed with SAD you must meet the following: Have symptoms of major depression. Experience depressive episodes that occur during specific seasons for at least 2 consecutive years. Nevertheless, not all people who experience SAD experience symptoms every year. The depressive episodes are much more frequent than other depressive episodes that the person may have had at other times of the year during their life. Signs and Symptoms of SAD SAD is more common in women than in men. It is also more common to those who live farther north where there are shorter daylight hours. Symptoms of SAD last about 4 to 5 months a year and not every person with seasonal affective disorder experiences the symptoms below: Low energy Feeling depressed most of nearly every day Trouble sleeping Difficulty concentrating Experiencing changes in appetite Feelings of hopelessness Specific symptoms for winter-depression SAD: Oversleeping Overeating (weight gain) Social withdrawal How is SAD Treated? There are four primary treatments for SAD: Light Therapy: A method that mimics natural outdoor light using a special light box with the goal of changing the brain chemicals linked to mood. It typically takes a few days to a few weeks before becoming effective. Your doctor will be able to help determine if this is the best option for you and identify which product would be the most effective. Medications: Individuals with depression are more susceptible to SAD, making antidepressant treatment a good option. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is another option to treat SAD. Therapy can help you learn coping mechanisms to manage your stress and changing your negative thoughts and behaviors. Mind-Body Connection: This includes a variety of techniques such as meditation, guided imagery and music or art therapy. Coping with SAD Self-care: It is important to take care of yourself and your mental health. Find time to do the things you love. Whether it be reading a book or discovering a new hobby, taking time for yourself will help you feel better. Find something to look forward to: From cooking your favorite meal or watching your favorite show, having things to look forward to aids in regulating your mood. Try to stay active: Exercise is a great way to counteract some main symptoms of SAD such as drowsiness and fatigue because exercising gives you energy and boosts your mood. Be mindful of what you eat: Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to eat more starchy and unhealthy foods. It is important to try and eat things that can give you energy. For example, vitamin D can help manage depression but is insufficiently produced in our bodies during winter. Taking vitamin D supplements and consuming foods that are rich in vitamin D can go a long way in helping you feel better. How Can Tria Health Help? If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one, private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. If you are interested in exploring medication treatments for SAD, Tria’s pharmacist will be able to provide you with recommendations and coordinate with your doctor(s). Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder (nih.gov) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic Seasonal affective disorder: How to get through the pandemic’s winter months – CNN Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic Seasonal affective disorder: Prevention and coping strategies (medicalnewstoday.com) #MentalHealth #SAD #TriaHealth #WinterOnsetDepression

An average Tria Health patient takes 8 prescription medications. Most older Americans take multiple medications each day for a variety of conditions. While most patients are aware of potential side effects with prescription medication, it is important to be aware of combining certain drugs and other substances. Being aware of drug interactions can help prevent serious side effects and help ensure medication effectiveness. Below are the most common medication interactions. Types of Medication Interactions Drug-Drug: There are a multitude of side effects that can occur from drug-drug interactions as there are so many possible drug combinations. Drug-drug interactions can lead to a prescription medication losing effectiveness, allowing for a disease-state to go unmanaged or it can lead to dangerous side effects like heart damage or death. Drug-Food/Beverage: Certain foods can affect the medications you take but medicine can also affect how your body digests and processes food. Drug-Supplement: A common misconception with supplements is just because they are natural, does not mean they are safe. Supplements can change how the body absorbs, metabolizes, or excretes drugs and influence how potent the drug is in the system. Most Common Drug-Drug Interactions Digoxin and Quinidine: Digoxin is a standard heart medication and Quinidine is used to treat heart rhythm issues. When taking both drugs at the same time, the levels of dioxin in blood plasma is known to rise, resulting is nausea, vomiting, kidney issues, and can be fatal. Warfarin (Coumadin) and Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin): Warfarin is a blood thinning medication that is used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Ibuprofen is an over the counter medication used to treat pain and fever. Ibuprofen can increase the risk of significant bleeding events for patients who take Warfarin, and this combination should only be used with the approval of your physician. Clonidine and Propranolol: Both Clonidine and Propranolol are used to treat high blood pressure. Propranolol is also used to prevent migraines. These drugs combined can increase blood pressure instead of lowering it. Amlodipine and Simvastatin: Amlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and Simvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol. When used together, you must limit the dose of Simvastatin due to the increased risk of side effects such as muscle pain. There are numerous other cholesterol lowering options for patients if they are on Amlodipine. Most Common Drug-Food/Beverage Interactions Chocolate: Taking MAO inhibitors like Nardil or Parnate for depression and eating chocolate can be dangerous. It may taste good, but it raises blood pressure. Grapefruit: Grapefruit can interfere with certain medications, in particular statins. It can cause these drugs to be absorbed in higher amounts making them more potent, resulting in a greater risk of potential side effects. Licorice: If you are taking Lanoxin (digoxin) for congestive heart failure, licorice can increase your risk of toxicity. Additionally, licorice might also reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Alcohol: With any medication, avoid alcohol as it can increase or decrease your drugs effect. Some interactions may be more serious than others. Alcohol also affects insulin or oral diabetic pills. It prolongs their effects which leads to low blood sugar. Vitamin K-Rich Foods like Kale, Spinach, and Leafy Greens: Too much of this nutrient can antagonize the anti-clotting effect in blood thinning medications and prevent the drug from working. Dairy: Dairy products like cheese and yogurt can decrease the absorption of antibiotics. If you do eat dairy, try and eat it one to two hours before taking antibiotics. Most Common Drug-Supplement Interactions St. John’s Wort: This herb can reduce the concentration of medications in the blood. Vitamin E: Taking Vitamin E with a blood thinning medication could increase your risk of bleeding as it can increase anti-clotting activity. Ginseng: Combining ginseng with MAO inhibitors may cause headaches, trouble sleeping, and nervousness. Furthermore, ginseng can increase the bleeding effects of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Valerian: This herbal supplement has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety. When mixed with drugs however, it can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Drug Interaction Checker: If you want to check and see if any of your medications can react with other drugs, foods, beverages, or supplements, check out: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html Tria Health can help If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://burtsrx.com/common-drug-interactions/ https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/5-dangerous-food-drug-interactions https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/expert-health-articles/common-food-drug-interactions https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/medication-information/medication-interactions-food-supplements-and-other-drugs https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/herb-drug-interactions-1069 #DrugDrugInteractions #DrugFoodBeverageInteractions #TriaHealth #DrugSupplementInteractions #MedicationInteractions

Thanksgiving can be a challenging time of the year for the millions of Americans who live with diabetes. All the carb-filled, sugary foods can cause blood sugar to spike. However, if you have diabetes you do not have to skip out on all the delicious dishes. Below are tasty diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving recipes! Butterflied Turkey with Herb Gravy Classic Herb Stuffing Low Carb Green Bean Casserole Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Flourless Pumpkin Spice Cookies Treat yourself this holiday season without having to worry! It is important to remember to eat in moderation and set reminders for testing blood sugar. All of us at Tria Health are wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe, be well and cheers to a healthier YOU! Have any questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #Diabetes #recipes #Thanksgiving #TriaHealth

Image Source: Pexels Preventative care is the care you receive to prevent illnesses or diseases. With the pandemic, the number of outpatient clinic visits have decreased. This is alarming as preventative care services have never been more important. Find out why preventative care is so crucial below. Why You Should Put Preventative Care First If left untreated, small health problems can turn into much larger health issues. When you discover a disease early, you have more treatment options. Unfortunately, we know that people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk of severe complications if they contract COVID-19. Therefore, it is so important to know your health status. Preventative care allows you to take extra precautions for your health so you can keep your chronic conditions managed. Preventative Care Services Include: Wellness Visits and Standard Immunizations Screenings for blood pressure, cancer, cholesterol, depression, obesity, and diabetes Pediatric screenings for hearing, vision, development disorders, depression, and obesity Stress and Preventative Care Stress is at an all-time high due to the coronavirus pandemic. Elevated stress is connected to several health illnesses as it can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, weaken the immune system, cause migraines, and increase blood pressure. Your wellbeing is important, take care of your mental and physical health by getting preventative care to make certain that your immune system is prepared for whatever comes your way. Safety Measures for Preventive Care Visits You do not have to feel worried about physically returning to the doctor’s office as outpatient clinics are taking a lot of precautions to ensure patient safety during visits. Some of these measures include: Enforcing masks Temperature checks Social distancing Separate sick patients with symptoms To get more information on how clinics are preparing for visits view: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinic-preparedness.html Benefits of Preventative Care There are several different why people should practice preventative health care: Improves your health in the long-term- Your healthcare professional can identify health concerns before they become a problem. For example, during regular wellness checkups blood pressure if tested. If your health professional notices that it is increasing, they can provide you with tips on how to lower it before it becomes severe. Increases lifespan Avoid high medical expenses- Preventative care is a lot less expensive than only going to seek help when a problem arises. Alarming Facts 90% of people who are prediabetic do not even know it Many people do not exhibit any warning signs of a stroke until they have one Numerous forms of cancer do not produce symptoms until they are much more difficult to treat 30%-plus declines in preventive care visits, vaccinations, cancer screenings place Americans at greater risk of chronic conditions and advanced diseases Preventative care is necessary for the quality of your health. It allows you to catch/prevent diseases before they become problematic. Take extra precautions during this pandemic by staying up to date with all your preventative care visits. Do you have any questions regarding preventative care? Tria Health provides one-on-one confidential counseling with a pharmacist for any of your medication related questions. If Tria Health is currently a part of your healthcare plan, call the Tria Health Help desk today for any of your questions. Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://privateindustrycouncil.com/importance-of-preventative-care/ https://www.sbmabenefits.com/2020/10/28/why-is-preventative-care-so-important-during-covid/ https://www.prevention.com/health/a33770806/preventative-care-covid-19/ https://www.lifelinescreening.com/health-education/importance-of-preventive-care https://nooranimedicalcenter.com/understanding-the-importance-of-preventive-health-care/ #COVID19 #PreventativeCare #TriaHealth

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020, prepared by the CDC, 34.2 million Americans-just over 1 in 10-have diabetes. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing medical conditions in the world. American Diabetes Month’s goal is to bring awareness about diabetes risk factors and encourage people to make healthy changes. What is Diabetes: Diabetes is a health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose (sugar) which gives the body energy to function. When blood sugar goes up the pancreas releases insulin to allow the blood sugar to be used as energy. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, diabetes occurs. Symptoms of diabetes include: Thirst Tiredness Blurred Vision Wounds that take a long time to heal Weight Loss Types of Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin. About 5% of the people with diabetes have type 1. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly. It is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. Those with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not use insulin well and is unable to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Most people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults.  Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Gestational Diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health complications. Gestational diabetes is typically cured after your baby is born, but this increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to become obese as a child or teen, and more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Are You at Risk? Take the American Diabetes Association’s free Type 2 Diabetes risk test: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/ How to Lower Your Risk Here are a few ways you can lower your risk of diabetes: Manage your Blood Glucose Manage your Blood Pressure Lower your Cholesterol Stop Smoking Tria Health & Diabetes Management If you currently are diagnosed or have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, Tria Health can assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. Diabetes is a disease that can be managed and prevented if you know what to do. At Tria Health our pharmacists are certified diabetes educators (CDEs). They educate patients on medication management, diet and exercise so patients with diabetes can live happy and active lives and reduce the risk of serious health complications. For employers that offer Tria Health’s Diabetes Management Program, Tria provides free diabetes testing supplies including a blood glucose meter, testing strips, and a mobile app designed to help you manage your diabetes better. Have Any Questions? Call the Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-stat-report.html https://www.publicholidayguide.com/awareness-day/american-diabetes-awareness-month-2020/ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html #Diabetes #Diabetesmanagement #TriaHealth #Typesofdiabetes

Disposing of medications safely can help protect your family from getting or using medications that are expired or out of date; prevent the illegal use of unused medications and minimize any potential negative impact on the environment. For this reason, the DEA is giving the public an opportunity to dispose of unwanted and/or expired prescription drugs. This is a FREE and anonymous service—take medications back, no questions asked! Why can’t I throw out my medications at home? Unfortunately, throwing out your medications at home can lead to many harmful impacts on the environment or create safety risks for trash handlers. In addition, 53% of pain relievers for misuse are given by, bought or took from a friend or relative.1 It is important to safely dispose of your medications to help minimize the impact of the opioid epidemic. Where do I go? Visit the DEA’s website to find a collection site: https://takebackday.dea.gov/. Here you can input your zip code and find out where the closest drop off site is located. What You Should Know The DEA can ONLY accept pills or patches. The DEA CANNOT accept liquids, needles, or sharps. This initiative addresses both public safety and health concerns. Prescription medications left to expire in people’s homes are susceptible to misuse or abuse. Prescription drug abuse rates and overdose and accidental poisoning statistics are frighteningly high in the United States. Studies show that the majority or abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, or from home medicine cabinets. The DEA now advises against “usual methods” for disposing of unused medications. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash now both pose potential safety and health concerns. How can Tria Health Help? As a member of Tria Health, if you have multiple medications and are afraid, you will throw away the wrong medication, we can provide additional assistance in selecting the proper medications. Tria provides one-on-one consultations with a clinical pharmacist who assists you with your medication management. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016.pdf #DEA #medications #NationalDrugTakeBackDay #TriaHealth

Image Source: Pexels It can be very frustrating when you leave a doctor’s appointment and realize you forgot to mention something important. Many people feel like their appointments seem hurried and often leave confused. Being prepared for your appointment will help you get the most out of your visit. Below are tips on how to prepare before, during, and after your appointment. Before the Appointment Determine what you want to get out of the appointment. Is it a checkup? Are you wanting a new treatment plan? Make a list of all your concerns. Write down questions you might have. Include any specific questions you may want to ask. By writing them down, you can make sure that you will not forget to ask something. Fill out any forms. If you are going to a new doctor’s office, you might have forms you will need to fill out. Download or get a copy of the forms before your appointment to take away the stress of having to fill them out once you arrive. Log relevant information. Prior to the appointment record information such as weight fluctuations, headaches, or how well you have been sleeping. List all medications and supplements you are taking. Write down the name of the medication, brand if possible, and the dosage. Also, list what each medication is used for. This will ensure that you and your doctor are on the same page. Have your medical information available. Come with detailed information of your own health, and that of your family members. Describe your symptoms. The doctor will ask you to list any symptoms that you may have. Think about discussing when the issue started, where it is located, how often it occurs, and whether you have consulted with another medical practitioner before about this. During the Appointment Take notes. You can look back on them later in case you forget something. Ask for a copy of any lab test results or medical records. Understand the answers to three questions: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Know exactly what actions to take to fix the issue. Should you make a lifestyle change, get a test done, or take different medication? Why is it important for me to do this? If you do not completely understand why an action is needed, you may be less likely to do it. Furthermore, if you are worried about whether you can afford a certain medication or test, do not be embarrassed to let your doctor know. They can potentially help you find something else to try. After the Appointment Know the timeline. If you get a test done, know how long it should take to get your results. Additionally, if you get a referral know how long you should wait to hear about an appointment. Have a plan to document everything you have learned from the visit. Create new goals based off the information the doctor gave you. Mobile applications are out there to help you take a new medication, drink more water, and reach other health goals. Tria can help If you are still feeling confused after your doctor’s appointment do not worry! For any questions you might have regarding your medication, Tria can help. Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure the intended outcomes from your medications are being received. Call the Tria Help Desk with any questions at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/lynda-shrager-the-organized-caregiver/ways-get-most-out-of-doctors-visits/ https://globalnews.ca/news/4088270/doctors-appointment-advice/#:~:text=How%20to%20make%20the%20most%20of%20your%20doctor%E2%80%99s,address%20the%20…%203%20After%20the%20visit.%20 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-make-the-most-your-doctors-appointment.html #Doctor039sAppointment #Prepare #TriaHealth

It is easy to feel stuck in life by knowing what you want to achieve but not knowing how to get there. Setting goals can feel like an overwhelming task. Without them however, you will lack focus and direction. Goal setting lets you determine your own success and plan for the future. Follow the steps below to accomplish your goals. What is Goal Setting? Have you ever wondered why you can not stick to your New Year’s Resolution? The answer is simple, resolutions are passive. The intention is there, but there is not any plan to make you follow through. Goal setting is active and can be defined as the process of deciding what to accomplish, then planning. Steps to Achieving Your Goals Set goals that motivate you. These goals should be ones that are of interest to you. If they are a high priority to you, then you will be motivated to achieve them. Write down why the goal is valuable to enforce commitment and urgency. Set SMART goals. For a goal to be effective it must be SMART. SMART stands for: Specific Ambiguity is not desired when defining a goal. Make goals precise to provide direction. Measurable Always quantify goals to aid in measuring success. For example, if your goal is to save money how will you know if you have been successful? How much money are you trying to save? Is it hundreds or thousands of dollars? Quantifying a goal will make it more impactful. Attainable Remember that goals can be unattainable. If you strive to accomplish something unattainable you will only feel discouraged and unempowered. Consider your limitations but do not let them define you. Furthermore, do not set goals that are to simple to complete, you will only get bored as there is not much achievement in it. Relevant Set goals that benefit you. Evaluate why a goal is important. Once you identify the key benefit, incorporate it into the actual big picture goal. Time Bound Have a deadline to help eliminate any procrastination. This is also an important part of measuring success. Write your goals down. Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at the Dominican University in California, conducted a study that concluded you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down regularly. Create regular check-ins. Goal setting is ongoing. Check on your progress from time to time to make sure you are still on the right track. You can use different tools such as an online calendar, planner, or smartphone to check your progress. Celebrate wins. Even if small, it is important to acknowledge that you are moving in the right direction. Ultimately, you have the power to make your goals happen. By following the steps listed above, you can define your success and achieve your goals. Sources: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals https://www.thebalancecareers.com/accomplishing-goals-resolutions-1919182 https://www.thebalancesmb.com/goal-setting-your-guide-to-setting-goals-2948131 #GoalSetting #Goals #SMARTgoals #success

Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release Tablets are being recalled for having more carcinogen NDMA than the FDA’s acceptable allowance. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables.1 With levels above admissible according to the FDA it is being recalled ensuring no adverse reactions arise during consumption. If any adverse reactions are experienced you can submit them online here or find more information on how to mail or fax here. Many different retailers might be involved so it is important to check your label and bottle. What products are being recalled? Metformin HCl Extended Release Tablets, USP, 500 mg and 750 mg, manufactured by Amneal, are being recalled. They are the prescription, solid oral products that are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.1 The Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release Tablets, USP, 500 mg and 750 mg, subject to the recall, are identified by the NDC numbers stated on the product label. Metformin HCl Extended Release Tablets, USP, 500 mg Metformin HCl Extended Release Tablets, USP, 750 mg *Amneal’s Metformin Hydrochloride Immediate Release Tablets, USP are not affected by this recall.1 Metformin HCI Extended Release Tablets manufactured by Bayshore Pharmaceuticals, LLC are also being recalled. Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP, 500 mg and 750 mg lots subject to the recall are identified in the table below. Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets manufactured by Marksans Pharma Limited, are being recalled due to the detection of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurity. Time-Cap Labs Inc. Metformin Hydrochloride for Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500 mg and 700 mg lots subject to the recall are identified below. Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500mg: 90 counts: 49483-623-09 100 counts: 49483-623-01 500 counts: 49483-623-50 1000 counts: 49483-623-10 Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750mg: 100 counts: 49483-624-01 What’s next? Because Metformin is used to treat serious medical conditions, patients taking the recalled Metformin should continue taking their medicine until they have a replacement product. To determine whether a specific product has been recalled, patients should look at the drug name and company name on the label of their prescription bottle. If the information is not on the bottle, patients should contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medicine. Patients should also contact their health care professional (the pharmacist who dispensed the medication or doctor who prescribed the medication) if their medicine is included in this recall to discuss their treatment, which may include another product not affected by this recall or an alternative treatment option. Sources: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/amneal-pharmaceuticals-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-metformin-hydrochloride-extended#recall-announcement https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-alerts-patients-and-health-care-professionals-nitrosamine-impurity-findings-certain-metformin https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bayshore-pharmaceuticals-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-metformin-hydrochloride-extended https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article245133825.html #medications #MetforminHydrochloride #Diabetescare #Pharmacist #AmnealMetformin #Diabetesmanagement #Recall #BayshorePharmaceuticals #MedicationRecall #Pharmacycare #Amneal #medicationmanagement #metformin

National Pharmacist Month is here! As experts in medications, pharmacists provide important guidance to patients and physicians to promote safe, effective, and affordable medication use. Tria Health believes pharmacists are an integral part of every patient’s health care team. This month we’d like to take a moment to celebrate our talented pharmacy team! What is National Pharmacist Month? National Pharmacist Month takes place every October. During the month, pharmacists are honored throughout the country. The goal of this month is to recognize pharmacists for the significant role they play in effective medication management, patient education and overall medication safety. Know Your Pharmacist, Know Your Medicine For the whole month, the slogan “Know Your Pharmacist, Know Your Medicine,” is encouraged to the community. Pharmacists provide important information on medication regimens. A patient cannot know about the medication they take without first knowing their pharmacist. This slogan is a reminder for patients to interact with their pharmacist to learn more about the medicine they take. Important questions to ask when getting to know your pharmacist: What is this medication used for? How should I use this medication? What should I do if I miss a dose? When will the medicine begin to work? How will I know if the medicine is working? What side effects should I watch for? Is there anything I should avoid while taking this medication? How should I store this medication? How Can Pharmacists Help You? Pharmacists can support your health by: Talking with you about your medicine. They help minimize side effects and safeguard against any possible interactions with other medications that lead to more expensive health care costs such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, etc. Verifying your physician’s medication instructions. Providing guidance on preventative services: More than 300,000 immunization-trained pharmacists administer vaccines, and nearly one in four adults receive their influenza vaccinations at their community pharmacy?1 Pharmacists can provide guidance on all vaccine-preventable diseases and which immunizations are best for you. Advising you on general health topics. Increasing medication adherence. When you are medication adherent and compliant, you save money, healthcare resources, and have better health outcomes. Pharmacists can help you maintain medication adherence by regularly checking in on you to see how you are doing. It is difficult to manage multiple medications, so it is great to have pharmacists there to help. To learn more about the importance of medication adherence check out: http://triahealthblog.com/2020/10/05/the-benefits-of-medication-reminders-for-non-adherent-and-non-compliant-patients/ Tria Health’s Pharmacists Tria Health was founded on the belief that pharmacists play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients that drive the majority of health care spend. If Tria Health is currently a part of your healthcare plan, call the Tria Health Help desk today for any of your medication-related questions. Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: http://67.222.18.91/~aphm/pharmacists-can-help/ https://www.pharmacist.com/know-your-pharmacist-know-your-medicine#:~:text=The%20updated%20slogan%E2%80%94%22Know%20Your%20Pharmacist%2C%20Know%20Your%20Medicine%22%E2%80%94reflects,know%20their%20medicine%20without%20first%20knowing%20their%20pharmacist. https://caringpeopleinc.com/blog/american-pharmacists-month/#:~:text=National%20Pharmacist%E2%80%99s%20Month%20celebrates%20the%20accomplishments%20of%20pharmacists,to%20promote%20awareness%20and%20education%20on%20pharmacists%E2%80%99%20care. https://www.nclnet.org/know_your_medicine_know_your_pharmacist https://www.pharmacist.com/press-release/october-american-pharmacists-month #NationalPharmacistMonth #KnowYourMedicine #KnowYourPharmacist #TriaHealth #Medicine