EDUCATION

March

Ways to Prevent or Manage CKD:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Control blood pressure and blood sugar
• Eat a lower-sodium diet
• Take medications as prescribed
• Avoid smoking
• Get 7–8 hours of sleep nightly
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including the annual flu vaccine

If you are at risk, speak with your healthcare provider about kidney screening and lab testing. Early detection can slow progression and protect long-term health.

📍 Contact our pharmacy team for support with medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and vaccine services. Email: pharm@northernpharmcy.com

April

Stress Awareness Month – Understanding and Managing Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact stress can have on our health and learning practical ways to manage it. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, ongoing or chronic stress can contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, heart disease, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system.

The good news is that small daily habits can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Tips for Managing Stress

• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises
• Take regular breaks and spend time outdoors
• Maintain a healthy sleep routine
• Stay physically active
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Stay connected with friends, family, and community support
• Speak with a healthcare provider if stress feels overwhelming

National Kidney Month: Protect Your Kidney Health

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects more than 35.5 million people in the United States and is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred.

CKD is defined as kidney damage or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for three months or longer. Over time, reduced kidney function can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.

Risk Factors Include Diabetes:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Obesity

  • Smoking

Helpful Resources

Learn more about managing stress from trusted health organizations:

• American Psychological Association – Stress: Management https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

• National Institute of Mental Health – Stress: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress

• CDC – Coping with Stress: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping

• MedlinePlus – Stress and Your Health: https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html

Taking time to care for your mental and emotional health is an important part of overall wellness. Small steps today can lead to healthier habits tomorrow.

Monthly Health Topics

World Immunization Week: Why Vaccines Matter

World Immunization Week, observed annually from April 24–30, highlights the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages from preventable diseases.

Vaccines help train the immune system to recognize and fight infections. Thanks to widespread immunization efforts, many diseases that once caused severe illness and death are now rare or preventable.

For adults—especially older adults and individuals with chronic conditions—staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive healthcare.

Common Adult Vaccines

Depending on age, lifestyle, and health conditions, recommended vaccines may include:

• Influenza (Flu)
• COVID-19
• RSV
• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
• Shingles (Shingrix)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

A pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are recommended for you.

Vaccine Safety and Trusted Information

Vaccines are carefully studied for safety and effectiveness before approval and are continuously monitored by health experts.

Learn more from trusted organizations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
https://www.nfid.org/immunization

Are You Up to Date on Your Vaccines?

Adults often think vaccines are only for children, but staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive healthcare throughout life.

Vaccines help protect against serious illnesses and can reduce the risk of complications, hospitalization, and spreading disease to others.

Many adults may benefit from vaccines such as:

• Influenza (Flu) – recommended annually
• COVID-19 – updated doses recommended for certain groups
• RSV – recommended for some adults age 60+
• Shingles (Shingrix) – recommended for adults age 50+
• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) – recommended for adults age 65+ and certain health conditions
• Tdap – booster recommended every 10 years

Helpful Resources

CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

CDC Vaccines & Immunizations
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
https://www.nfid.org/immunization

If you are unsure which vaccines are recommended for you, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment also offers mobile vaccination clinics to help improve access to vaccines in senior communities, workplaces, and community organizations.

📧 Contact us: vaccines@northernpharmacy.com

Training Videos

HIV Education

Learn more about the importance of medication in the treatment and prevention of HIV.

Educational information from www.helpstopthevirus.com.

 

Men’s Health

Northern Pharmacy - Erectile Dysfunction Seminar 2021

A discussion for Men's Health. Erectile Dysfunction and compounding pharmacy treatments that can help.