Relief for Common Concerns About Prescription Meds

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From balancing your mood and preventing infection to improving joint health and even aiding in weight loss, prescription medications can have a tremendous effect on your overall health. However, studies suggest that over 50% of patients do not take medication as directed by their healthcare provider with one in five patients never even filling the prescription. While lots of factors can impact medication adherence, these reasons top the list.

No Longer Needed or Not Working

Sometimes medication can help you feel better right away and other times you may not notice a difference at all. Some medications, like antibiotics, may provide relief in a day or two, but you need to continue treating the illness with the medication to fully clear it from your system. For many conditions that usually don’t have symptoms to begin with, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you likely won’t notice a change in how you feel, but you will notice a difference in your blood pressure or blood test results. Other medications, like antidepressants, require a buildup of the drug in your system to be effective, so even if you do feel better right away, it may take up to six weeks to realize the full effect of the medication. All medications work differently so it’s a good idea to ask your provider or pharmacist what to expect.

Side Effects or Fear of Side Effects

If you’ve seen or heard an advertisement for a prescription medication, you’ve experienced the long list of possible side effects and interactions. While it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of using prescription medication, keep in mind that U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations require drug manufacturers to include not only the most common reactions but also the most serious reactions to the medication despite how rarely they occur.

Actual side effects will vary, but if your reaction to the prescribed medication causes discomfort or other symptoms that impact your day-to-day life, it may be worth researching other options.

Cost

Prescription medication can be expensive, and in some cases, you may have to prioritize investing in your health over other non-essential expenses. However, if the cost of your medication means you’re skipping doses, not taking it at all, or forgoing basic needs – it’s important to find a cheaper option. Sometimes, you can cut costs by requesting a prescription for a 90-day supply, considering generic medication or another type of drug, or exploring discount cards and programs like GoodRX (free discount program open to anyone) or NOAH’s Discount Program (must meet eligibility requirements for income and family size).

Next Steps

If you’re worried that your medication isn’t working, are concerned about side effects, or can’t afford your prescription, talk to your pharmacist or prescribing provider about your concerns.

NOAH’s integrated pharmacy helps our providers and pharmacists to improve prescription medication adherence through increased communication, prescription tracking, and coordinated outreach to patients.

If you are interested in learning more about NOAH’s Cholla Pharmacy, ask your provider, call 480-903-3560, or stop by Cholla Health Center. Pharmacy services are open to everyone, including NOAH patients! We look forward to serving you.

Community Care Day Event

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NOAH and Molina Healthcare present Community Care Day on Saturday, July 26, at Cholla Health Center. This event is open to all patients and community members and offers free supplies and essential health information.

Event Details:

Resources Offered:

  • Diapers and Wipes
  • School Supplies
  • Groceries and Food Boxes
  • Haircuts
  • Health Resource Information
  • Application Assistance for SNAP, AHCCCS, Marketplace, and more

Mark your calendar and feel free to share this information with friends, family, and anyone else who might benefit from these resources. All items are limited to stock on hand – arrive early for the best selection!

Special thanks to Jaburg Wilk Law Firm and Delta Dental of Arizona for making this event possible by contributing supplies and providing volunteers. Learn how you can help support Community Care Day by participating as an event sponsor.

3 Health Screenings that Could Save Your Life

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1. Blood Pressure

What is it?

  • Blood pressure is the amount of force against the artery walls as your heart pumps blood. In other words, it’s a measurement of how hard your heart must work to push blood throughout your body.

Why is it important?

  • Untreated high blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health issues.
  • High blood pressure usually doesn’t have warning signs or symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it.  

How is it measured?

  • Blood pressure is measured by placing a cuff around your upper arm. Air is pushed into the cuff either by a machine or manual pump until it’s very tight on your arm, then the air is slowly released while the machine or a medical assistant listens with a stethoscope.  
  • Blood pressure readings are recorded as two numbers with a slash in between (ie. 120/80) and expressed as the top number over the bottom number (ie. 120 over 80).

2. Cholesterol

What is it?

  • Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance carried through your bloodstream by two types of packages called lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) help rid your body of excess cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) deposit excess cholesterol in your blood vessels.
  • Diet, exercise, genetics, and even stress can affect cholesterol levels.

Why is it important?

  • Not enough HDL, too much LDL, or a combination of both can cause blocked arteries leading to heart attack, stroke, or other serious problems.
  • There’s no way to know your cholesterol levels simply by how you feel.

How is it measured?

  • Cholesterol is measured through a blood test called a lipid profile.
  • Lipid profile results are usually provided as milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

3. Cancer

What is it?

  • Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells.
  • Gene changes that lead to cancer can have many possible causes. Lifestyle habits, genetics, and being exposed to certain chemicals or radiation can all play a role. Many times, there is no clear cause.

Why is it important?

  • According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 38.9% or 1 in 3 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes.
  • Most cancers are treatable if they are detected early.

What is the screening procedure?

Screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and skin cancers are commonly recommended by healthcare providers.

  • Breast cancer screening is usually conducted at an imaging center and uses a low-dose X-ray called a mammogram to identify abnormalities in the breast tissue.
  • Cervical cancer screening called a pap smear can be performed during a routine medical exam and consists of taking a sample of cells from the cervix. The samples are then sent to a lab for inspection under a microscope.
  • Common types of colorectal cancer screening options are:
    • fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – a stool sample is collected at home and sent to a lab where it is checked for the presence of blood. stool DNA test – a stool sample is collected at home and sent to a lab where it is checked for the presence of blood AND altered DNA.
    • colonoscopy – a procedure performed in a surgical center or hospital where a doctor uses a long, thin, lighted tube that checks the rectum and entire colon for cancer-causing polyps.
  • Lung cancer can be detected in early stages with a low dose X-ray of the lungs called a CT scan.
  • Skin cancer screening involves inspecting your entire body for visual abnormalities including irregular shaped freckles or moles. It’s especially important to check hard to see places like the scalp, groin, and in between fingers and toes.

Who should get screened?

Many factors impact who should be screened for various health conditions, at what age, and how often. It’s important to discuss your individual risk factors with your primary care provider and determine the plan that’s best for you. Browse our team of care providers or schedule an appointment to get started today.

5 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Physical and mental changes are a regular part of aging but can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. It’s always a good idea to discuss with your primary care provider at your next visit if you experience anything out of the ordinary. However, there are some symptoms that shouldn’t wait.

1. Musculoskeletal Issues

It’s normal to experience some aches and pains in your joints and bones as you age but severe or ongoing discomfort should be evaluated by your primary care provider. This type of pain is often accompanied by weakness, stiffness, balance issues, or even reduced mobility like difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or other movement. Pain and mobility issues may be associated with osteoporosis, arthritis, or other conditions that can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or other solutions.  

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

While most people are thrilled at the idea of losing a few pounds without trying, sudden unintentional weight loss (more than 5% of your body weight in 6-12 months) can be concerning. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds should schedule a visit with their primary care physician for unintentional weight loss of more than 7.5 pounds. 

3. Changes in Bladder or Bowel Habits

Going to the bathroom more or less than usual, regularly feeling as though you may not make it to the toilet on time, or a significant change in the appearance of urine or stool may indicate an infection or other health issue.

4. Breathing Difficulties or Shortness of Breath

Ongoing or regularly occurring breathing issues can be a sign of heart problems, respiratory disorders, or even anxiety. If you have trouble breathing or become out of breath with little to no physical activity, it’s a good idea to get checked out.

5. Cognitive Decline

Forgetfulness or trouble concentrating can be a normal part of daily life at any age. However, if new episodes of confusion, memory loss, or irritability occur there could be an underlying cause. Reporting symptoms early can identify conditions like Alzheimer’s that can be slowed with medication. Tracking symptoms over time can also help guide safety decisions such as independent living or driving a car.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss how you’re feeling. Our Family and Internal Medicine providers can help determine if there’s cause for concern. If you need guidance, you can speak to a NOAH nurse by calling 480-882-4545 and requesting our Nurse Triage line, however, if your symptoms are severe, consider heading to the hospital or urgent care.

When to Worry About Memory Loss

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People forget things all the time; and the older you get, the more it happens. So how do you know when memory loss is something more serious?

Warning Signs

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 warning signs to look for:

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  4. Confusion with time or place
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and special relationships
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  8. Decreased or poor judgment
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  10. Changes in mood and personality

Abnormal vs. Normal Behavior

Here’s a helpful chart from the Alzheimer’s Association to determine what’s normal and what’s not:

Signs of Alzheimer’s/DementiaTypical Age-Related Changes
Poor judgement and decision markingMaking a bad decision once in a while
Inability to manage a budgetMissing a monthly payment
Losing track of the date or the seasonForgetting which day it is and remembering later
Difficulty having a conversationSometimes forgetting which word to use
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find themLosing things from time to time

For more tips on identifying the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, refer to “Is it Alzheimer’s or Just Signs of Aging” from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Getting Support

If you think your loved one is showing signs of dementia, the CDC recommends the following steps:

  • Talk with your loved one about your concerns.
  • Identify what activities might be unsafe for your loved one; like driving, managing finances, or remembering to take daily medication.
  • Schedule an appointment for your loved one with a medical provider you trust and attend the appointment with them to share your concerns.
  • Set-up a family meeting to discuss next steps; and ask the hard questions, including advanced medical directives and estate plans.

As with any disease, early detection is key to slowing or stopping the progression of the illness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but there are medications that will slow progression and reduce symptoms of the disease.

To discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, begin by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. Visit our provider profiles to learn more about NOAH family medicine and internal medicine providers or call us at 480-882-4545.

What is a Well-Child Check?

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Well-child checks or visits are important for healthy development. These specific health exams are designed to monitor growth, development, and overall well-being and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months followed by yearly visits through age 21. Even if your child has seen the doctor for an illness or follow-up during the recommended timeframe, they need to be seen for a well-child check too. These preventive visits are usually not combined with another type of visit to allow plenty of time for reviewing topics including:

Growth and Development

Your healthcare provider will asses your child’s physical growth, motor skills, cognitive development, and language abilities. By tracking these milestones, doctors can identify any issues early on.

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Vaccines and immunizations are often administered during these appointments, to ensure your child is up-to-date and protected from preventable diseases.

Nutritional Guidance

Your provider may also offer guidance on nutrition practices, such as the introduction of solid foods and maintaining a balanced diet.

Behavioral and Emotional Well-Being

Your healthcare provider will inquire about your child’s behavior, emotions, and social interactions.

Parental Guidance and Education

Well-child checks provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions, seek guidance, and receive education on how to best support the growth of their child.

Why Well-Child Checks Matter

Well-child visits ensure everything is on track and help discover any potential health or developmental concerns early on, allowing for intervention and treatment. Additionally, these routine examinations build a relationship between the child, parents, and healthcare provider, establishing a medical home that provides consistent care.

Keeping vaccinations current and addressing health and developmental issues help to diminish the risk of specific diseases and illness. Lastly, parents benefit from valuable support and education, empowering them to make well-informed decisions regarding their child’s health and well-being.

Any of our NOAH pediatric and most family medicine providers can see your child for a well-child check. Call our scheduling team at 480-882-4545 to find a provider that fits your needs or request an appointment online.