|
Health News__
Seniors Should Review Their Daily Intake Of Vitamin B12
.....Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than doctors once thought, and experts advise that those most at risk -- vegetarians and older adults -- be sure to take supplemental forms of the vitamin.
..... Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells; a deficiency in the vitamin can cause symptoms ranging from the subtle, including fatigue and mild dizziness, to the more severe, including nerve damage, anemia and dementia.
..... At one time, doctors thought that the only manifestation of B12 deficiency was an uncommon condition called pernicious anemia. People with pernicious anemia lack a stomach protein called intrinsic factor, which allows the intestines to absorb vitamin B12.
..... But it has become clear in recent years that B12 deficiency is a much more widespread problem. Unlike most vitamins, B12 occurs naturally only in animal products, including meat, poultry, fish and -- in lesser amounts -- eggs and dairy. Because of this, vegetarians and especially vegans -- who avoid all animal products, including dairy -- may have low stores of the vitamin.
..... The same is true of adults older than 50, as many have a thinning in the stomach lining that prevents the proper release of digestive acids. Stomach acids are essential for "shaking loose" vitamin B12 from its food source, allowing it to be absorbed.
..... Research indicates that one-fifth of Americans older than 60 have low levels of B12 in their blood, according to the August issue of the Harvard Health Letter.
..... It's important for vegetarians and older adults to get vitamin B12 through supplements, including multivitamins and fortified cereals. The crystalline form of B12 in pills and cereals is actually better absorbed than that found in animal products, and its absorption is not hindered by the lack of stomach acids in some older adults. |
... |
|
Medication Compliance Packaging
Medication compliance packaging is an easy to use card that conveniently organizes medications for a full week.
Compliance cards provides the user with daily reassurance that all medication are being properly taken. Compliance cards are ideal for independent living seniors or for people who take numerous daily medications.
Peoples Drug Mart and Peoples Pharmacy’s compliance packaging is called Med Manager. The med manager can:
• Easily identify what medications are to be taken at what time of the day.
• Consolidate all your prescriptions, vitamins, supplements and other medications in one easy to use card.
• Help people who have difficulty opening numerous vials and bottles. The Med Manager provides easy to push out blister packaging.
• Give you the confidence that independent living family members are properly taking their daily medications.
Ask Your Peoples Pharmacist For More Information on the Med Manager. |
|
WHERE PEOPLE COME
FIRST