Category: Pharmacy & Compounding

New Study Links Heartburn Drugs and Dementia

February 24th, 2016 by Margo Gladding

seniorProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a popular class of heartburn medications that includes Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid. These medications, which are available over the counter (without a prescription), lower the amount of stomach acid produced by the stomach. Concern has been increasing that Americans might be overusing PPIs to treat minor cases of heartburn or acid reflux. And, a new study published in the journal JAMA Neurology, shows heartburn drugs and dementia are linked, in that these drugs may raise a senior’s risk of developing dementia.

Researchers collected data from a large German health insurance firm on almost 74,000 seniors aged 75 or older. The data ran from 2004 to 2011, and included diagnoses and drug prescriptions. About 2,950 patients regularly used PPIs, which for this study was defined as at least one PPI prescription in each quarter of an 18-month interval. Regular users of PPIs had a 44% increased risk of dementia compared with those not receiving PPI medications. Continue reading “New Study Links Heartburn Drugs and Dementia”

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Village Green Launches New Rx Advantage Program for Generic Prescription Drugs

December 2nd, 2015 by Village Green Admin

Rx symbol-12Village Green’s Rx Advantage is a prescription drug program that offers select generic medications at lower prices without submission through insurance. It helps to minimize trips to the pharmacy for refills by allowing for the flexibility of a 3, 6 or 9 month supply. (Please note: all prescriptions need to be written for the 3, 6 or 9 month quantities.)

This innovative new cash-only program was brought to Village Green by our pharmacist, Emily Shewmaker, and it promises to be a hit with both our customers and area medical practitioners. In fact, you don’t have to be local to take advantage of Rx Advantage – prescriptions are welcome from health professionals in many other states, as well. This list of over 50 generic prescription drugs is being offered at a significant discount over generic prices at most other pharmacies (local price comparisons are here); a 3-month supply of any of these generic drugs costs $27, a 6-month supply is $42, and a 9-month supply just $55 – these prices constitute a flat rate for anything on the list. This program bypasses health insurance companies and pharmacy industry middlemen to save money for patients and self-insured businesses. Continue reading “Village Green Launches New Rx Advantage Program for Generic Prescription Drugs”

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Introducing Our New Health Resource: The Natural Medicines Database

November 18th, 2015 by Margo Gladding

natural-medicines-databaseOne of our great missions at Village Green Apothecary is to provide support and education to our customers. On a daily basis, we field numerous questions about various health challenges and help navigate customers through confusing or conflicting news reports. We also provide guidance to customers wanting to take nutrients safely alongside prescription medications.

In an effort to provide even greater care, we have a new comprehensive tool to use with customers. Called the Natural Medicines Database, it is considered the most authoritative resource available, providing unbiased, scientific clinical information on dietary supplements, natural medicines, and complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies.

Some of the key features of this in-depth tool include the ability to check for drug/nutrient interactions, effectiveness, nutrient depletions, safety during pregnancy and lactation, as well as adverse effects. In addition, the Natural Medicines Database has over 1,200 food, herb and supplement monographs with information about effectiveness, dosage and administration, adverse effects, and warnings with medications. There are also monographs on health and wellness, sports medicine and medical conditions. All Database materials are updated on an ongoing basis and are thoroughly referenced. Continue reading “Introducing Our New Health Resource: The Natural Medicines Database”

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Got Drugs? National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – September 26

September 21st, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

got_drugs_bannerOn Saturday, September 26, a number of collection sites around the country will be taking back unused and unwanted prescription drugs through the National Take-Back Initiative. The program helps to keep these substances out of our environment (e.g., water supply), as well as keep them safe from children, teens and adults who might accidentally or intentionally look to use them inappropriately.

The Take-Back Initiative says: The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.
 Continue reading “Got Drugs? National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – September 26”

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Personalization Through Custom Compounding at Village Green

September 16th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

compound-labWhat does that mean? It means that at Village Green Apothecary, we know that not everyone is the same. One prescription or vitamin or face cream is not necessarily going to work both for you and for the person walking in behind you.

We strive to make sure that you get what you need as an individual. We want to hear your stories, struggles and concerns so we can find what works best for you. One way we do this is through our compounding lab.

Village Green specializes in personalization through custom compounding of vitamins, minerals and prescription drugs. Individualized compounds are prepared on orders from a nutritionist or physician, like a regular prescription, and offer several distinct advantages over mass-produced bottled products, such as: Continue reading “Personalization Through Custom Compounding at Village Green”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

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