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09Jan 2025 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire No Comments

Save Money and Time on Prescription Medications

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Managing prescription costs is a key concern for many, especially for those with chronic health conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of opting for a 90-day supply of medication, how to take advantage of savings programs like the $4 list and GoodRx, and share five proven ways to save money on prescription drugs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using private mom-and-pop pharmacies. Why Choose a 90-Day Supply Over a 30-Day Supply? A 90-day supply of medication can offer significant advantages over the traditional 30-day prescription refill schedule. Here’s why: 1. Cost Savings Many insurance plans and pharmacies offer lower pricing for a 90-day supply compared to three separate 30-day supplies. For example, insurers may charge two co-pays for a 90-day supply instead of three for…

09Jan 2025 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire No Comments

Understanding the Stages of COVID-19 and Effective Treatment at Each Stage

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COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can manifest in a variety of ways, from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress. The disease progresses through several stages, each requiring different treatment approaches. Early and accurate diagnosis, timely testing, and careful management are crucial to preventing complications and improving outcomes. In this blog post, we will explore the stages of COVID-19, treatment options, and key recommendations based on evidence-based medicine. Stage 1: Early Stage (Days 1-3) Symptoms: During the early phase, individuals may experience mild symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and mild shortness of breath. This stage can be asymptomatic in some cases, but it is still highly infectious. The virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation.Paxlovid is the drug of choice for many people. Click here…

13Dec 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Lower Your Blood Pressure with Isometric Exercises: Evidence-Based Insights That’s Unbelievable

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. While medications are a cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle changes, including specific exercises, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of isometric exercises in reducing blood pressure. What Are Isometric Exercises? Isometric exercises involve muscle contractions without movement. Unlike dynamic exercises like running or weightlifting, isometric movements focus on holding a position or engaging a muscle without changing its length. Common examples include planks, wall sits, and handgrip squeezes. The Science Behind Isometric Exercises and Blood Pressure A recent meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine compared the effects of isometric exercise training (IET) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure. The study analyzed 38 randomized controlled trials involving…

02Dec 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

How GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight

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How GLP-1 Drugs Do More Than Help You Lose Weight GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide are making waves in the medical community, and for a good reason. These groundbreaking medications, initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes, have become some of the most effective tools for weight loss. But their benefits don’t stop there. Studies show these medications may also reduce cravings for alcohol and even impulsive behaviors like shopping. Let’s explore how GLP-1 drugs work, their surprising effects on the brain, and what this means for managing compulsive habits. What Are GLP-1 Drugs? GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by stimulating insulin release and slowing digestion, keeping blood sugar stable after meals. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic…

13Nov 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure and Managing Alcohol Withdrawal for Hypertension

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Excessive alcohol consumption is closely linked to elevated blood pressure, often leading to hypertension and a greater risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. For people dependent on alcohol, quitting can trigger withdrawal symptoms that may even worsen blood pressure. This blog explains the effects of alcohol on blood pressure, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and tips for safely managing withdrawal for those with hypertension. How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure and Hypertension Alcohol and High Blood Pressure Research shows that regular, heavy drinking can elevate blood pressure and lead to long-term hypertension. Here’s how this happens: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Increases: Alcohol triggers the release of stress hormones, like adrenaline, which can cause blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster, ultimately increasing blood pressureid Retention**: Alcohol…

14Oct 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Why Taking Blood Pressure Pills at the Same Time Every Day Matters

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Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) is essential for maintaining good health, and one of the most important factors in effective management is medication adherence. Consistently taking blood pressure medication at the same time every day can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous blood pressure spikes—sudden and severe increases in blood pressure. In this blog post, we'll explore why consistent timing matters, what happens during a blood pressure spike, and how both can impact your overall health. 1. Why Consistent Medication Timing is Crucial Blood pressure medications are most effective when taken regularly. Establishing a daily routine helps maintain stable medication levels in your bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of fluctuations that can lead to spikes. When patients take their medication at the same time each day, they can: Ensure Optimal Effectiveness:…

20Sep 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

How to Choose a Validated Blood Pressure Monitor and Monitor Your Blood Pressure Effectively

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you keep it under control and provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. However, the first step is choosing a reliable, validated blood pressure monitor. In this blog, we'll walk you through how to pick the right monitor and provide tips on monitoring your blood pressure accurately to take charge of your health. Why Home Blood Pressure Monitoring is Important If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or prehypertension, your healthcare provider may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home. Regular monitoring allows you to: Track your progress: You can see if lifestyle changes or medications are effectively lowering your blood pressure. Detect changes…

14Sep 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Reducing Blood Pressure Naturally: Body Scan Meditation & Mindful Eating

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Reducing Blood Pressure with Mindfulness: Effective, Simple Strategies Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke worldwide. While medication and lifestyle changes are standard treatments, mindfulness is gaining recognition as a powerful, natural way to lower blood pressure. Rooted in ancient practices, mindfulness offers stress-relief techniques that are easy to integrate into daily life. This blog will explore what mindfulness is, why it helps reduce blood pressure, and provide two simple, non-breathing mindfulness interventions to try. https://youtu.be/r68ykFtphDY What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment with a non-judgmental, open attitude. Instead of reacting automatically to stress or emotions, mindfulness encourages awareness and acceptance of your current experience. It has been widely researched for its ability to improve mental well-being…

02Sep 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

What’s More Effective in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?

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Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH,FNP-C With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, prevention strategies have become a major focus in healthcare. For individuals at high risk of developing the condition, interventions aimed at preventing diabetes onset can significantly impact long-term health outcomes. The two most widely studied approaches for diabetes prevention are lifestyle modifications (such as changes in diet and exercise) and pharmaceutical interventions like metformin. But which method is more effective? A recent meta-analysis titled "Comparison of the Efficacy of Metformin and Lifestyle Modification for the Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes" sheds light on this important question by analyzing the findings from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs). https://youtu.be/nDX6r0Xr6zY What Was Known Previous studies have established that both lifestyle modifications and metformin can reduce the risk of developing…

29Jul 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

How to Titrate Antihypertensive Medications Based on AHA Guidelines

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How to Titrate Antihypertensive Medications Based On AHA Guidelines Managing hypertension is critical for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a key role by prescribing and adjusting antihypertensive medications to ensure optimal blood pressure control with minimal side effects. This guide outlines how to effectively titrate antihypertensive medications, guided by evidence-based practices and the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Understanding Hypertension and Treatment Goals Hypertension is defined as a consistent blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. The primary goal of hypertension treatment is to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by achieving and maintaining target blood pressure levels. According to AHA guidelines, the target for most adults is under 130/80 mmHg【1】. Initial Treatment Strategies Lifestyle Modifications Before starting…

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