Category: Pharmacy & Compounding

When to Have a Consultation

October 21st, 2013 by Paula Gallagher

We receive a lot of health-related questions through email, calls and in person at the pharmacy. And although we would love to help you and answer your questions immediately – and do when we can – sometimes a more in-depth consultation is required.

At Village Green Apothecary, we offer an online Ask the Expert service, where you can submit any health-related question and one of our experts will answer your question within three business days. You can ask whatever you want, but sometimes we will not be able to give you the answer you want via email and will recommend  you seek the counsel of one of our practitioners.

Here are some scenarios for when being in the care of a healthcare practitioner is warranted:  Continue reading “When to Have a Consultation”

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Compounding Bill in Congress Needs Our Input – Please Take Action

May 29th, 2013 by Paula Gallagher

For many people, compounded medicine has been a lifesaver. Compounding pharmacies provide relief to many who have tried traditional prescriptions without good results. If you are one of the millions of Americans who have benefited from compounded medicine, please take the time to read this short summary about the pending legislation. It describes the changes that will occur if this bill passes as it is currently written. Or click here to go straight to the petition called “Tell Your Senators: ‘Protect My Access to Compounded Medications!'”

Please share this with your friends – time is short. Thank you!

 

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Compounding Pharmacies – Recent Controversy Addressed by Village Green Pharmacist

November 13th, 2012 by Village Green Admin

Compounding pharmacies have been in the news a lot recently, with the awful situation resulting from a pharmacy in New England producing drugs that caused an outbreak of fungal meningitis. Ron Keech, R. Ph., who has been Village Green’s head compounding pharmacist  for over 30 years, was interviewed by WTOP on this subject. In the article, he discusses some of the current misconceptions being talked about with regard to compounding pharmacies, plus the origins and advantages of compounding.

Read the article, “Compounding Pharmacy Gave Industry Black Eye.”

 

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Nutrient Depletion: Corticosteroids

November 6th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Corticosteroids are usually prescribed for conditions that cause swelling and inflammation. Applied as a topical, taken as a tablet, used as a nasal spray or eye drops, or even as an inhaler, there are many ways to take corticosteroids.

Some conditions that corticosteroids are prescribed for include arthritis, lupus, kidney disease, asthma, and even eczema.

Long-term use of steroids can have many side effects including changes in mood, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, increased appetite and weight gain. So talk to your doctor about what can be done to minimize these side effects, if they do occur.

One thing that you can do is take calcium and vitamin D, since steroids reduce calcium absorption and increase urinary excretion and may interfere with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Considering that osteoporosis is one potential side effect of these drugs, consider supplementing with at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 to maintain proper bone health.

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Nutrient Depletion: Antidepressants

October 29th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Prozax, Zoloft and Paxil are just a few of the frequently prescribed drugs that fall under a category of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) available. Some people experience symptoms of depression when certain brain chemicals become imbalanced.

For some people, antidepressants can be life changing, but long-term use may result in depletions of certain nutrients that are important for overall health.

Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2 in particular have been shown to be deficient in people who take antidepressants. CoQ10 is an important antioxidant and membrane stabilizer, and is a cofactor in many metabolic pathways, particularly in the production of ATP (energy). Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is involved in energy production, prevention of anemia, immune health, eye health, and nervous system health.  Continue reading “Nutrient Depletion: Antidepressants”

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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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    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 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 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 writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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