Traveling this holiday season? Check out these tips from Live Oak Pharmacy’s Pharmacist & Co-Owner, Nathan Pope, Pharm.D.!
Be sure to keep your medications in your carry-on in the event of lost or delayed luggage, for information on what is and is not allowed by the TSA, please click here.
Don’t forget your medication list. In an emergency it can make all the difference – don’t have one? Download one here http://retwt.me/1KCiy
Keep your medications, including over-the-counter medications, in their original packaging. You don’t want to take the wrong medication.
Remember that your pharmacist is an important part of your health care team!
Live Oak Pharmacy is an Austin Compounding Pharmacy. We focus on an integrative approach to healthcare. To learn more about Live Oak Pharmacy, an Austin Pharmacy, visit our Austin downtown pharmacy location at 1611 W 5th Street or visit us online at http://LiveOakRx.com
We started Live Oak Pharmacy because we realized that Austin was changing so much. And really what downtown needed for the people that live, work and play down here was it needed an innovative pharmacy that focused on wellness. And so we wanted to create that opportunity.
I think the thing that makes Live Oak Pharmacy really unique, it’s not the prescriptions, it’s the people. The people that work at Live Oak Pharmacy, our customers and patients, the prescribers that we work with. Live Oak Pharmacy isn’t a traditional pharmacy. We’re a compounding pharmacy as well.
One of the core values of Live Oak Pharmacy is doing our best to be a good corporate neighbor. Whether that means volunteering at a local community event, creating a team to participate in a walk and raise awareness, sponsor a gala, or even just setting up an information table so that we can help educate the public.
At Live Oak Pharmacy we really try to incorporate as many different areas of, of points of contact that we can reach our customers, our patients, and the prescribers that we work with. Whether it’s through social media, having events in the store, or creating a meeting space as an opportunity for people to come together and really just connect with the communities that we serve.
My name is Scot Maitland and I’m one of the business owners of Live Oak Pharmacy along with Nathan Pope and this is our business story.
We created a little video for Live Oak Pharmacy using YouTube.com/MyBusinessStory - a site built for small businesses to tell their stories and encourage everyone to Shop Small. Thanks to both Google and American Express for creating this. For more about Live Oak Pharmacy, visit our business at http://LiveOakRx.com
Michelle Gonzalez, Fishmongress at Quality Seafood Market, writes a monthly article for Live Oak Pharmacy on seafood as an essential part of whole body wellness.
October is known as the month for Breast Cancer Awareness, however to seafood lovers it is also known as National Seafood Month! There is no better time than now to showcase the health benefits of eating a seafood rich diet as well as quick tips to help you make informed seafood choices.
As most of us know, SEAFOOD = OMEGA 3s = HEALTHIER BODY! While this is true there are many other benefits and reasons to love and consume the recommended 8oz of seafood weekly.
Here are five reasons you should incorporate seafood into your diet:
Eating fish reduces the risk of death from heart disease, the leading cause of death in both men and women. Seafood intake has also been linked to a lower risk of stroke, depression and mental decline with age.
Fish intake is extremely important for pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding because it supplies DHA, a specific omega-3 fatty acid that is beneficial for infant’s brain development.
Essential fatty acids found in most seafood may cut your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Various reports show that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can slow mental decline and even reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease in older people.
Seafood lovers and eaters have lower risks of getting cancer. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are the essential components responsible for protection against cancer. In fact, there had been reports that people who eat fish regularly have low risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, breast, and prostate.
Shellfish help aid in healthy skin, and good eyesight. Different varieties of shellfish are rich in vitamins and minerals, aside from being very low in fat content. Shellfish helps guarantee healthy skin and promotes good eyesight because vitamins contained in shellfish aid in formation and use of red blood cells and muscles.
It is important that you purchase the freshest seafood possible for the most benefits. So keep these quick tips and tidbits in mind when purchasing your seafood at your local market.
Buy your seafood from markets that have a reputable name. Quality Seafood Market has been selling seafood since 1938. They are known for their fresh fish and friendly and trustworthy fishmongers. Go with your gut instinct and ask yourself: What is my first impression of this facility? Does it look and smell clean?
Only buy fish that is refrigerated or properly iced. Fish should be displayed on a thick bed of fresh ice and preferably in a case.
Previously frozen ais still considered fresh. Nowadays, fresh catches can be processed and frozen immediately to very low temperatures – frequently, this takes place right on the fishing vessel.
Fish should smell fresh and mild NEVER sour, fishy or ammonia-like. Remember that a fish’s eyes should be clear, and the fish should have firm, shiny flesh. Dull flesh, fillet discoloration (green to yellowish) and cloudy eyes could mean the fish is on it’s last fin or not good!
Thaw frozen seafood gradually by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. If you have to thaw seafood quickly, seal it in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water.
Seafood should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F. if you don’t have a food thermometer lying around use these everyday techniques to know when your seafood is ready. Fish: Flesh should be opaque and separate easily. Shrimp & Lobster: Flesh becomes pearly-opaque. Scallops: Flesh turns milky white or opaque and firm. Clams, mussels, and oysters: Look for their shells to open and throw away the shells that don’t open.
Remember to always consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any known allergens or medical conditions before consuming seafood.
National Seafood Month provides the perfect opportunity to become a healthier you, to branch out and try a new fish or shellfish or pass on new seafood facts and information you have learned to family and friends. Give yourself the gift of health and seafood awareness this month. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try new things!
The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.
It’s still too hot to fire up that oven. Ceviche (say-VEE-chay) is a great hot weather meal. It requires no heat and very little prep time. What’s more, it’s cool and refreshing! This week, I’d like to share a few pointers that I learned from my fellow fishmonger, Ryan Verheyn of Quality Seafood Market, on how to safely prepare ceviche. Most recipes call for marinating the seafood (fish, shrimp, scallops, octopus, and squid are all popular choices) for 1-5 hours in citric acid (i.e., lime juice) before consumption. The fresher the seafood and the longer it marinates, the more bacteria is killed by the acid and the safer the ceviche is to eat. However, Ryan recommends an even more sanitary method than just selecting a fresh catch and marinating it. Ryan marinates just the seafood, leaving the other ingredients aside, in the citric acid for 5 hours or overnight, if possible. This ensures that the maximum amount of bacteria bites the dust. When he’s ready to serve the ceviche, Ryan drains the seafood, discards the marinade and replenishes it with fresh lime juice. Then he adds his other fresh ingredients, such as diced jalapeño and onion, chopped tomato, and minced garlic and cilantro. The new lime juice has a brighter, fresher flavor, not to mention it’s free of that fishy marinade.
As always, when making ceviche, be sure to buy seafood from a reputable, busy market that is known for its high turnover of product (you don’t want fish that’s been sitting around all week). Also, ask your monger what fish she recommends that day. What’s the freshest? What has the right texture and flavor for ceviche? My personal favorite is black drum. It’s lean, white, and firm. It has a mild flavor and takes to the flavors of other fresh ingredients well. Finally, it’s a local, wild-caught Texas favorite. Now what could be more refreshing than supporting your local fisherman? See you in the market!
Come into Live Oak Pharmacy to get a smile, they’re free and available every time you walk in the door!
The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.
We’re in Austin – it’s hot and like it or not, a sweaty groin (the medical term is inguinal hyperhidrosis) may be an issue. Sweating can cause chaffing, rashes and skin infections. Here are some tips to keep cool . . .
Let your skin breath. Wear fabrics that wick away moisture or choose natural fibers like cotton and linen.
As the temperatures increase so should the looseness of your clothing. Save those skinny jeans for the winter!
Antiperspirant can be applied to other areas of your body besides your armpits. Solids are recommended over roll-ons and sprays. Apply to cool dry skin before bedtime.
If you have more questions about inguinal hyperhidrosis, come in and talk with our pharmacist.
Live Oak Pharmacy is your pharmacy! We’re here to help you, work with you and answer your questions. Stop in today and talk with our pharmacist! We’re located at 1611 W 5th Street just two blocks east of MoPac.
Today is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD). This annual observance is a day to recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who are working together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate our communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. To learn more about HIV visit our facebook page at http://facebook.com/HIVandAging.
Live Oak Pharmacy is Austin’s Compounding Pharmacy but we’re also your speciality HIV pharmacy. Have questions about your health and wellness? Come in today and visit with our pharmacist to see why readers of the Austin Chronicle voted us Best New Local Business!
Sarah Harper, Fishmongress at Quality Seafood Market, writes a monthly article for Live Oak Pharmacy on seafood as an essential part of whole body wellness.
This Wednesday, April 20th, marks the one-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The day is a somber reminder of the manmade disaster that claimed the lives of 11 oil rig workers, and that continues to threaten the economy and the culture of an entire region. Even a year later, fisherman and their families continue to struggle to get the message to the American consumer that Gulf seafood is safe to eat. It seems like yesterday when the media were telling the story of the disaster and its potentially devastating effects on the industry. Where are they today? So few stories of success and recovery are being told. Therefore, Gulf coast communities have taken it upon themselves to rebuild consumer confidence in their product. And make no mistake, seafood coming from the Gulf of Mexico is continually screened for safety by the NOAA and by independent laboratories (My Gulf Wild randomly screens its snapper and grouper for trace PAHs, heavy metals, and dispersants). Consumer safety is the Gulf fisherman’s number one concern, and they’re trying to get that message to us. Let’s at least listen to their story…
FDA.gov – “Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: Questions and Answers”
The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.
Live Oak Pharmacy, winner of Best New Local Business in the Reader’s Choice of the Austin Chronicle, is an Austin Compounding Pharmacy. We focus on an integrative approach to healthcare and that includes eating well. To learn more about Live Oak Pharmacy, an Austin Pharmacy, visit our Austin downtown pharmacy location at 1611 W 5th Street, visit us online or call us at 512-476-8979 ext. 1
Spring Break is over but if you’re already planning your summer vacation, you’re not alone. According to a travel trends survey from TripAdvisor, 36 percent of Americans say they expect to spend more on leisure travel in 2011 than they did last year, and 42 percent expect to spend the same amount.
Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco are the most popular intended destinations this year, and 69 percent of people in the survey said they’re planning an international vacation. Europe is the No. 1 choice, followed by Asia and South America.
If you’re planning on some travel, check out our pharmacist’s medication travel tips!
Be sure to keep your medications in your carry-on in the event of lost or delayed luggage, for information on what is and is not allowed by the TSA, click here.
Don’t forget your medication list. In an emergency it can make all the difference – don’t have one? Download one here.
Keep your medications, including over-the-counter medications, in their original packaging. You don’t want to take the wrong medication.
Remember that your pharmacist is an important part of your health care team!
Air travel can also dry out your lips. The humidity on a plane hovers around 10%. That leaves lips feeling dry and tight. Be sure to slather on a quality lip balm like our Mighty Minty, Lemongrass or Citrus sport before flying the friendly skies!
Also check out these tips for coping with Jet Lag from Dr. Weihl.
Live Oak Pharmacy is an Austin Compounding Pharmacy and proud makers of Lip Smackulous Lip Balm. We focus on an integrative approach to healthcare. And we’re also a full service travel immunization clinic too. To learn more about Live Oak Pharmacy, an Austin Pharmacy, visit our Austin downtown pharmacy location at 1611 W 5th Street or visit us online at http://LiveOakRx.com
Sarah Harper, Fishmongress at Quality Seafood Market, writes a monthly article for Live Oak Pharmacy on seafood as an essential part of whole body wellness.
There’s a lot of buzz lately about the proposed rule on catfish inspections. I thought I’d dedicate this blog post to summing up the debate for those of you who haven’t been following it on a daily basis. I encourage you to share your knowledge and opinions in the comments section.
On February 18th, the USDA published its much-anticipated rule on catfish inspection as mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill. If adopted, the rule would require that the aquaculture, processing, and transportation of catfish and catfish products be inspected by the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) – much like beef and poultry. Catfish is currently subject to the regulatory capacity of the Food and Drug Administration (not the USDA). The rule would pertain to both imported and domestically-raised catfish, and it would attempt to regulate factors that affect consumer-safety such as the quality of water and feed. Under the new rule, all products bearing the name “catfish” would have to bear an FSIS (or similar foreign agency) seal of approval.
The crux of the debate surround the rule rests on issue of how to actually define “catfish.” The USDA has proposed to two definitions and asked for comments. The first would include all species in the family Ictaluridae – species that dominate the domestic catfish industry – and the second, broader definition would include species within the order Siluriformes, encompassing the three families Ictaluridae, Pangasiidae, and Clariidae – species that are favored by foreign catfish growers. If the USDA chooses the latter definition, it risks upsetting the Bilateral Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam, and if it adopts the former, it will upset the Catfish Farmers of America (CFA) who claim that foreign catfish farms – by and large – do not observe safe practices in aquaculture, thus allowing them to bring a cheaper product to market, at the expense of US consumers’ long-term health. A recent article published in Vietnam News cites ongoing survey efforts by two Vietnamese organizations – the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Fisheries Quality Assurance and Aquatic Resources Protection Department – that have made recommendations that Ho Chi Minh City’s rivers are too polluted for aquaculture.
Senator John McCain (R-Ariz) and Senator John Coburn (R-Okla), have taken aim at the new rule, proposing a bill that would annul the transfer of regulatory power over the catfish industry from the FDA to the USDA. Viewing the rule as “protectionist,” Sen. McCain claims Vietnamese catfish “are virtually indistinguishable from U.S. grown catfish.” Butch Wilson, the president of the CFA, responded to the senator’s claim: “It is stunning that Sen. McCain has chosen to protect importers and Vietnamese farmers over the health and safety of American citizens.” Mr. Wilson also noted that rule could not be considered protectionist if it applied to both domestic and imported catfish. He added that the USDA, which requires more frequent inspections, would have far more regulatory reach than the FDA, whose agency only inspects processing facilities on an annual or bi-annual basis.
The USDA is accepting comments on the rule through June 24, 2011. To submit a comment, visit www.regulations.gov (you must identify FSIS and docket number FSIS-2008-0031). You may also contact your senator regarding the proposed bill S.496.
The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.
Live Oak Pharmacy, winner of Best New Local Business in the Reader’s Choice of the Austin Chronicle, is an Austin Compounding Pharmacy. We focus on an integrative approach to healthcare and that includes eating right! To learn more about Live Oak Pharmacy, an Austin Pharmacy, visit our Austin downtown pharmacy location at 1611 W 5th Street or visit us online at http://LiveOakRx.com
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but one or two fish a week can keep your heart healthy, can prevent arthritis, and may cut your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.Fish including salmon, tuna, sardines, and herring contain healthy amounts of a fatty acid called Omega-3, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure and may prevent insulin resistance (resulting in diabetes). DHA, a specific type of Omega-3, aids in the brain development of infants, making it beneficial to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Mercury found in fish is a health issue, but for men and women of childbearing age, the benefits of a fishy diet seem to outweigh the risks of mercury exposure. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding (or who may become pregnant), as well as small children, seafood like shark and swordfish should be avoided, but light tuna, salmon, and shrimp contain relatively low levels of mercury. As always, check with your doctor to know what’s safe and nutritious to eat.
Live Oak Pharmacy, winner of Best New Local Business in the Reader’s Choice of the Austin Chronicle, is an Austin Compounding Pharmacy. We focus on an integrative approach to healthcare and that includes eating right! To learn more about Live Oak Pharmacy, an Austin Pharmacy, visit our Austin downtown pharmacy location at 1611 W 5th Street or visit us online at LiveOakRx.com
