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Image Source: Rubén Bagüés/Unsplash As of November 20, 2019, 2,290 cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported to CDC from 49 states. CDC continues to work closely with FDA, states, public health partners, and clinicians on this investigation. While the CDC is still looking into other chemicals of concern to EVALI, CDC recommends that people should not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly from informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers. While this investigation is ongoing, vitamin E acetate should not be added to e-cigarette or vaping products. What are E-Cigarettes/Vaping products? E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high”. E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. While e-cigarettes have the potential to benefit some people and harm others, scientists still have a lot to learn about whether e-cigarettes are effective for quitting smoking. 1 What is the CDC Recommending?2 Do not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products. Do not modify or add any substances to e-cigarette or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments. Adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking should not go back to smoking; they should weigh all risks and benefits and consider utilizing FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies Adults who continue to use an e-cigarette or vaping product, should carefully monitor themselves for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak. Tria Health and Tobacco Cessation For employers that offer Tria Health’s Tobacco Cessation Program, Tria provides free confidential counseling with a clinical pharmacist. If you ready to quit smoking, Tria Health’s pharmacist will assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. Have any questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html #CDC #VitaminEacetate #THC #Vaping #ecigarettes #Vape

Image Source: Mel Poole/Unsplash As Halloween approaches, it can be stressful as a diabetic, to be surrounded by so many sweets and treats. While it’s true that you won’t be able to snack on a whole bowl of candy, there are still many recipes that can be enjoyed in moderation. To help you get through this spooky season, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite diabetic-friendly recipes: Spiced Pumpkin Chip Cookies Sugar-Free Gummy Worms Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Have any questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #Halloween #DiabeticHalloween #DiabeticFriendlyRecipes #Diabetes #HalloweenRecipes #HalloweenTreats #DiabeticRecipes

Image Source: mohamed_hassan/pixabay Happy National Pharmacists Month! 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. Learn more about how pharmacists can help you every day. Safe and Effective Medication Use Pharmacists help ensure that medications control conditions the right way. They help minimize any 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. Preventative Services Did you know that 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. OTCs and Supplements Pharmacists are experts in prescription medications, supplements and over the counter medications. They can tell you about potential interactions with foods, other drugs, or dietary supplements. And they can help you pick the perfect product. With over 100,000 over-the-counter products on the market, your pharmacist is always there to lend a helping hand!1 Condition Management Did you know that pharmacists are experts and more than just medications? They are trained and educated in how to manage conditions as a whole. Tria Health has pharmacists who are certified diabetic educators on staff. This allows them to treat the person rather than the medication. They focus on non-pharmacy and pharmacy strategies to accomplish control of a disease. 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 Source: http://67.222.18.91/~aphm/pharmacists-can-help/ #ConditionManagement #OTCandSupplements #Pharmacist #MedicationUse #PreventativeServices #Pharmacy #TriaHealth #NationalPharmacyMonth

Image Source: Ella Olsson/Unsplash Is your schedule busier than usual with your kids going back to school? Are you struggling to prepare healthy meals because it feels like there’s not enough time in the day? Meal planning can help! Meal planning can help you from struggling to figure out what to cook every night along with helping you save money. You’ll also be more likely to eat out less and improve the health of both you and your family. How to Choose your Recipes1 The most important aspect of meal planning is picking the recipes and getting everything prepped. Before you get started, be sure to consider: Your Schedule: Are you planning for lunch or dinner? If dinner, how many nights will you want to make at home? You’ll need to know a general idea of how many meals you’ll want to prepare. Cooking Recipes You Know: You’re much more likely to cook and eat recipes you’re familiar with. Start with building the habit and then work towards adding a new recipe or two each week. Pick Recipes Based on Common Ingredients: Avoid wasted food and save money by reducing the number of ingredients you’ll need for your meals. Get your Portions Right2 Creating healthy meals starts at the plate. That’s why the food pyramid has been replaced with a plate. As you see, half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables, preferably nonstarchy vegetables. Good choices include spinach, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and peppers. Grains fill another section. Choose brown rice, whole-wheat pasta or whole-wheat tortillas. Protein completes the plate. Healthy options include chicken or turkey without the skin, fish and other seafood, beans, soy, and lean cuts of beef and pork. Round out your meal with an 8-ounce glass of fat-free milk. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.thekitchn.com/the-beginners-guide-to-meal-planning-what-to-know-how-to-succeed-and-what-to-skip-242413 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/healthy-meals/sls-20076445?s=5 #recipes #ChooseMyPlate #Portions #MealPlanning #HealthyEating

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and patients to a voluntary recall of over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine tablets (75 mg and 150 mg), labeled by Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite-Aid and manufactured by Apotex Corp. This medication is being recalled due to low levels of a nitrosamine impurity. The agency encourages patients and health care professionals to report any adverse reaction to the FDA’s MedWatch program. Why is it being recalled? 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 and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products and vegetables. What products are recalled? The affected Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsule can be identified by NDC numbers stated on the product label. The affected Sandoz Ranitidine includes 30 count, 60 count and 500 count bottles in the following lots. The product can be identified by the NDC number and lot number provided above. Sandoz Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules were distributed nationwide to wholesalers. Patient Information FDA is not recommending individuals stop taking all ranitidine medicines at this time. Consumers taking OTC ranitidine could consider using other OTC products approved for their condition. Patients taking prescription ranitidine who wish to discontinue use should talk to their health care professional about other treatment options. Multiple drugs are approved for the same or similar uses as ranitidine. Need help? Contact your Tria Health pharmacist today for additional assistance with the recall process: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-ndma-zantac-ranitidine https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sandoz-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-ranitidine-hydrochloride-capsules-150mg-and-300mg-due-elevate #Sandoz #Ranitidine #Recall #FDA #Zantac

World Heart Day is celebrated every year on September 29th, with the goal of informing people around the globe that cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.5 million lives each year.1 World Heart Day also helps highlights the actions individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. What is Cardiovascular Disease? Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) can refer to a number of conditions including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia or heart valve problems.2 According to the Global Atlas on cardiovascular disease prevention and stroke, over 17.5 million deaths each year are caused by CVD. Ischemic heart disease (eg heart attacks) is responsible for 7.3 million of the total CVD deaths and cerebrovascular disease (eg stroke) is responsible for 6.2 million of the total CVD deaths. This makes it the number one cause of death in the world today.1 Are you at Risk? It’s important to visit your physician and receive regular checkups. At your next appointment, ask for a few simple checks: Blood Glucose Levels Blood Pressure Levels Check your Numbers (Cholesterol, weight and body mass index (BMI) Understand the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack How Can You Participate in World Heart Day? Make a promise! “You could promise to cook and eat more healthily, to do more exercise and encourage your children to be more active, to say no to smoking and help your loved ones to stop. A simple promise… for MY HEART, for YOUR HEART, for ALL OUR HEARTS.”3 Source: https://www.world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease https://www.world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/about/ #WorldHeartDay #BloodPressure #CardiovascularDisease #HeartAttack #CheckYourNumbers

Image Source: Harry Knight/Unsplash We’re all aware that most medications can have a variety of side effects, but did you know that one of them can be an increased sensitivity to the sun? There are a multitude of medications that can increase your risk of sunburn or even cause photosensitivity. Summer is here, so be sure you’re prepared to stay safe in the sun! How can a medication increase your sensitivity to the sun?1 Photosensitivity is a reaction set off by the sun’s ultraviolet rays and can result in two different reactions. Phototoxic Reaction: Occurs when UV radiation reacts with a drug to form compounds that damage the skin. Results: Sunburn-like symptoms Photoallergic Reaction: This is less common, but usually happens when UV light changes a substance applied to the skin, causing an immune response. Results: Bumps, hives, blisters, or red blotches What are some common drugs that cause sunburns? Antibiotics Antiarrhythmics (cardiac drugs) Diuretics (used to treat hypertension, heart failure or edema) NSAID (Ibuprofen or naproxen) Acne Medications For a detailed list, click here How to prevent sun sensitivity2 Check Your Meds: Check prescription medications to see if sun sensitivity is listed as a side effect. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water! Cover Up: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing or try to stay in the shade as much as you can! Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/beware-of-sunburn-boosters#1 https://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/can-your-meds-make-you-more-sensitive-to-sun-and-heat/ https://www.medicinenet.com/sun-sensitive_drugs_photosensitivity_to_drugs/article.htm#list_of_examples_of_medications_that_cause_phototoxicitcy #PhotoallergicReaction #Sunburn #SunburnDrugs #SunSensitivity #Photosensitivity #PhototoxicReaction

Image Source: Ross Parmly/Unsplash It’s time for some fun in the sun, vacation season is here! While relaxing on the beach sounds like a great way to spend a week, getting there can be stressful especially if you have a chronic condition. It’s hard to keep all the airport regulations straight, and we know you want to get through as fast as possible. Here are some helpful tips to get your medications packed and ready to go for your well-deserved vacation! Planning Ahead Make sure to check your medication supply in advance. It’s important to give yourself and your pharmacy enough time to refill your medication if you’re running low. If you’re taking a long trip, and your insurance provider will not issue extra doses to you, talk to your physician. Your doctor should be able to work with your insurance company and pharmacy to get you the extra medications you need. If you take any over-the-counter medications, be sure you have enough of them on hand, too.1 Schedule your Dosing Time changes can impact when you need to take your medications. You can always talk with your doctor or your pharmacist to create a dosage schedule. It can also help to set an alarm on your phone to help you keep track of your dosage times and wake up during the night. TSA Requirements2 TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access. Tria Health is Here to Help Have any questions regarding your medications and traveling? 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 can answer any of your medication-related questions. Sources: https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-traveling-with-prescription-drugs-2972759 https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered #MedicationTravel #Vacation #TSA #TravelTips #Travel #DosingSchedule #MedicationPacking

Image Source: rawpixel/Unsplash It’s important to review your current medication regimen on a yearly basis with a clinician. Older adults are taking a multitude of pills, with 66 percent taking five or more and 27 percent taking 10 or more.1 Some of these medications may not even be necessary anymore. While most people rely on their primary physician, “physicians often don’t have enough information about what patients are taking, or may lack the time to talk to patients about these medications.”1 So who can patients talk to about their medications? Pharmacists. One in Five Older Adults are on an Inappropriate Medication While medications can be extremely beneficial in managing chronic conditions, taking multiple medications at once can create some risk. About one-third of adverse events in hospitalizations include a drug-related harm, leading to longer hospital stays and greater expense. The National Academy of Medicine estimated that there are 400,000 preventable adverse drug events in hospitals each year, costing $3.5 billion. At least one in five older patients are on an inappropriate medication — one that they can do without or that can be switched to a different, safer drug.2 Pharmacist Involvement Improves Overall Care Pharmacists do so much more than just dispense prescriptions. They have a wealth of knowledge to assist patients with safe medication use, potential drug interactions as well as preventative services and over the counter medications. There have been a multitude of studies conducted over the years measuring patient improvement when a pharmacist is included as part of the care team working with the physician. In a recent study, published in JAMA, patients were randomly assigned to two groups. With one group, pharmacists gave both patients and their physicians educational materials on the specific drug that might have been inappropriately prescribed. The control group got the usual care, with no educational materials. Within six months, 43 percent of the patients in the intervention group had stopped taking one of the selected medicines. The corresponding figure was 12 percent in the control group. 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. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/28/upshot/pharmacists-drugs-health-unsung-role.html?register=google https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/upshot/how-many-pills-are-too-many.html?module=inline #PharmacistInvolvement #InappropriateMedication #OverallCare #Pharmacists #Deprescribe #prescriptions

Image Source: Gesina Kunkel/Unsplash July is Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness Month. A common misconception with herbal supplements is that because they are “all-natural” it is safe to take. This is especially true for people who may be taking prescription medications. The main purpose of the public health and awareness campaign is to inform the public that herbal supplements can cause potentially dangerous drug interactions when taken with certain medications. Are Herbal Supplements Safe?1 While herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA as drugs or as foods, they do fall under a category called dietary supplements. It is important to note that the level of regulation and criteria for dietary supplements is not as stringent as it is for food and drug products. The dietary supplement regulations ensure that herbal supplements meet certain quality standards and that the FDA can intervene to remove dangerous products from the market. However, these products can pose unexpected risks because many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects in the body. For example, taking a combination of herbal supplements or using supplements together with prescribed medications could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results. How Herbs Can Interact with Medicines?2 Unfortunately, for many medicines and supplements there’s currently little information on possible interactions, and more research is needed. Some supplements can decrease the effects of medicines, while others can increase the effects, including unwanted side effects, of medicines. Here are a few examples of well-known drug interactions: St. John’s Wort: St. John’s wort interacts with a large number of medications, including antidepressants, allergy drugs, birth control, and warfarin. In most cases, St. John’s wort decreases the effectiveness of the medication; in other cases, however, St. John’s wort may increase the effects of a medication.3 Garlic Extract: Concentrated garlic extracts can thin the blood in a manner similar to aspirin, which may be a problem during or after surgery. Green Tea Supplements: Concentrated green tea supplements can interact with pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Herbal Supplement Safety Tips If you’re currently taking prescription medications and thinking about starting an herbal supplement, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist first about possible drug interactions. Follow supplement instructions Stick to brands that have been tested by independent sources Check ConsumerLab.com or U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) Keep track of any alerts or advisories. The FDA will notify the public of any supplements that have been reported to cause adverse effects or contain undeclared ingredients. 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! Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714 https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/herb-drug https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000931.htm #DrugInteractions #HerbalPrescriptionInteractionAwarenessMonth #herbalsupplements #Herbs #MedicationInteractions

June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness, address the stigma and build a stronger community of advocates. Migraine disease is one of the 20 most disabling medical illnesses in the world and the 12th most disabling disorder in the United States. More than 90% of migraine suffers can’t function normally during an attack.1 Migraine 101 Migraine is a genetic neurological disease, characterized by episodes often called Migraine attacks. They are quite different from regular headaches which are non-migrainous. Migraine sufferers may have moderate or severe pain and usually can’t participate in normal activities because of the pain. Many people experience migraines lasting for at least four hours or may last for days. The diagnosis usually happens if people have a combination of symptoms and doctors have ruled out other disorders.2 Build a Support Network Migraine is a disabling disease that no one should have to go through alone. It’s essential to build a support network of understanding people who can not only check in on you during an attack but also empathize with your experience. While there are a multitude of online support groups, talk with your friends and family about your experience. They are an invaluable resource to help you get through migraine attacks.3 Tria Health and Migraines Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure you’re getting the intended outcomes from your medications. Over the years, Tria Health has continued to expand our services to include a multitude of chronic conditions, including migraines. Have any questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/yes-migraine-is-a-disability/ https://migraine.com/migraine-basics/ https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/why-you-need-migraine-support-network/ #Migraine101 #SupportNetwork #SowingtheSeeds #Headaches #TriaHealth #Migraines #NationalMigraineandHeadacheAwarenessMonth

Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.1 This year’s focus for World No Tobacco Day is “Tobacco and Lung Health”. The campaign will increase awareness on the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lung health, from cancer to chronic respiratory disease and the fundamental role lungs play for the health and well-being of all people. How Tobacco Affects People’s Lung Health There are multiple ways in which tobacco can impact an individual’s lung health, including: Lung Cancer: Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Many are poisons. At least 70 are known to cause cancer in people or animals.2 Chronic Respiratory Disease: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition where the build-up of pus-filled mucus in the lungs results in a painful cough and agonising breathing difficulties.1 Life-Course: If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke when you’re pregnant, your baby is exposed to harmful chemicals too. This may lead to many serious health problems, including: Miscarriage, premature birth (born not fully developed), lower birth weight than expected (possibly meaning a less healthy baby), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and learning problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).3 Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) damages the lungs and reduces lung function, which is further exacerbated by tobacco smoking. About one quarter of the world’s population has latent TB, placing them at risk of developing the active disease.1 What Changes Can Be Made? The WHO encourages governments worldwide to protect people from the harms of tobacco. Their recommendations include: The creation of smoke-free public places, workplaces, and public transportation Help for people who choose to quit tobacco, such as toll-free quit lines Implementation of plain packaging and/or prominent and graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging Launching effective anti-tobacco mass media campaigns that educate the public about the harms of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure Enforcement of comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship Increased taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable Do e-cigarettes or vapes have tobacco? They are not burned tobacco products, but they do pose health risks. Know the risks. Tria Health and Tobacco Cessation For employers that offer Tria Health’s Tobacco Cessation Program, Tria provides free confidential counseling with a clinical pharmacist. If you ready to quit smoking, Tria Health’s pharmacist will assist you in managing your medications and finding a treatment plan that works for you. Have any questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2019/05/31/default-calendar/world-no-tobacco-day https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/tobacco/Pages/Dangers-of-Secondhand-Smoke.aspx #LungCancer #WorldHealthOrganization #LungHealth #Vapes #ChronicRespiratoryDisease #WHO #Tobacco #TobaccoCessation #WorldNoTobaccoDay #Tuberculosis #ecigarettes