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Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to pain and inflammation throughout your body. While it can cause discomfort, there are many effective treatment options that can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and prevent the condition from progressing to a more advanced stage. Read on for information about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Like all autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis occurs as the result of an improper immune response. However, the specific triggers of this response have not been identified. Evidence suggests that there is a genetic component; some individuals may be more sensitive to certain viruses and bacteria that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis, and having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for the condition, especially if you smoke or are overweight.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about three times as many women as men, potentially due to estrogen levels and sex differences in the physiological effects of stress. Women are also more likely to experience a more severe form of rheumatoid arthritis.

The condition often first develops during middle age, but it can affect anyone of any age. Children and adolescents under 16 may experience a form of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. In most cases, the pain happens on both sides of the body — a symptom that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Some individuals also experience joint stiffness that intensifies in the morning and after periods of physical inactivity.

Early-stage rheumatoid arthritis often affects your smaller joints — for example, the joints between your fingers and hands and toes and feet — before spreading to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and a feeling of weakness.

Symptoms may vary by individual, and they can also fluctuate over time. Many people experience flare-ups in which symptoms intensify, followed by periods of mild symptoms or none at all.

As a progressive condition, rheumatoid arthritis can become more severe if untreated. The inflammation damages your joints, which can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, or misshapen joints. It can also lead to problems in other important organs like your lungs, heart, and eyes.

Getting an early diagnosis makes a big difference in the prognosis and effectiveness of treatment. If you have any concerns about potential rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.

The diagnosis process often involves several steps. Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and your experience of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam of your joints, checking for swelling, redness, and limitations in movement. 

After your physical exam, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for antibodies and inflammation markers linked to rheumatoid arthritis, including:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube. Higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation.

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies your blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver.

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be used to support a diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, but there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage the condition and prevent severe tissue damage.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®) can you help you manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups, as well as corticosteroids. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is also effective at reducing pain. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication for an extended period of time.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) can also help relieve pain and inflammation.

Other medications may be prescribed to slow the tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®), which prevent your immune system’s response to triggers. If a traditional DMARD is not effective, your doctor may prescribe an injectable biologic DMARD, which targets a more specific pathway in your immune system. Commonly prescribed biologic DMARDs include etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®).

Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis use cold compresses and ice packs or hot compresses and warm showers to treat inflammation and pain during flare-ups. Some people prefer a balance of hot and cold treatments.

Making lifestyle adjustments can improve your quality of life and lower your risk for RA-related health complications. 

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect your mobility and limit certain forms of exercise, it’s important to stay physically active. Gentle exercise like water exercise, tai chi, yoga, and stretching can reduce joint pressure and expand your joints’ range of motion.

Nutrition and diet choices can reduce inflammation and help you maintain a healthy weight. Avoid or reduce your intake of foods that may contribute to joint pain and inflammation including sugars and refined carbohydrates and gluten. In addition, consume alcohol in moderation.

Avoiding smoking and getting enough rest are also part of managing rheumatoid arthritis and preventing related health issues.

Since rheumatoid arthritis affects your immune system, those living with the condition often have a higher risk for other infections. Vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 can protect you against illness. Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Life with rheumatoid arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to non-pharmacological treatment options and navigating lifestyle changes. In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart.

What to Know About Heart Failure

Heart failure, which affects approximately 6.2 million U.S. adults, can be a confusing term. Contrary to what many people assume, it does not mean that your heart no longer works, or has stopped beating, but rather that this vital organ cannot pump blood and oxygen as well as a healthy heart. While heart failure is a progressive condition with the potential for serious health complications, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Read on to learn about heart failure symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

In all cases of heart failure, the heart cannot deliver enough blood and oxygen to the rest of your body. Sometimes this is because weakened heart muscle leaves the heart’s main pumping chambers — the ventricles — unable to carry out their pumping function. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with reduced left ventricular function (HF-rEF). In other cases, the ventricles are too stiff to fill with enough blood between beats. This type of heart failure is called heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF).

Ejection fraction (EF) is an important measurement of heart function for those who have heart failure with reduced left ventricular function. Expressed as a percentage, EF measures the amount of blood pumped from the left ventricle when it contracts. An EF of 55 to 70% is considered a healthy range.

Since heart failure is a progressive condition, your EF gives your doctor insight into any changes in your heart function. An echocardiogram is the most common way to measure your EF, but a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or nuclear stress test may also be used.

Despite the importance of EF, it is not the sole determinant of heart function. Those who have heart failure with preserved left ventricular function may have a normal EF. These cases of heart failure are often caused by high blood pressure, which gradually thickens the ventricles. Stiff ventricles cannot relax enough to fill to their full capacity, which is why they do not pump out enough blood.

Heart failure can affect many other organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The potential for additional health complications increases as heart disease progresses, which is why it’s important to stay proactive about your health and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

Heart failure primarily occurs as the result of other health conditions that weaken or stiffen the heart. Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, is the leading cause of heart failure. The condition gradually narrows and thickens the arteries that supply your heart with blood and oxygen. Severe blockages in the arteries can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood, leading to the development of heart failure.

High blood pressure is another common cause of heart failure, particularly cases of heart failure with preserved left ventricular function (HF-pEF). If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to deliver blood to the rest of your body. Over time, this can make your left ventricle too stiff to properly pump out blood.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are linked to heart failure, as high blood sugar can affect your blood vessels and cardiac nerves. Heart failure may also be caused by a variety of heart health conditions including cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, and arrhythmias.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating a high-cholesterol or high-sodium diet, heavy alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity may increase your risk for heart failure, especially if you have one of the conditions above.

These are some of the most common symptoms of heart failure:

Shortness of breath when exercising or lying down

Fatigue and a feeling of weakness in your legs

Swelling in your ankles, legs, and abdomen

A persistent dry, hacking cough or wheezing

There is a spectrum of severity of heart failure cases, and treatment varies by individual depending upon symptoms and heart function, as well as the underlying cause. If you have early-stage heart failure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medications that can alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.

The following medication classes, many of which lower blood pressure, are commonly used to treat early stages of heart failure.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Often used to treat high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors block production of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, helping constricted blood vessels expand so that more blood can flow through.

Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs protect blood vessels from a hormone that causes them to narrow, lowering blood pressure.

Another medication class commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure, beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly, which lowers your blood pressure and opens up your veins and arteries.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels so that the heart can beat with less force. This opens up narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

If you have atrial fibrillation — an irregular heart rate condition — or another heart health condition, your treatment plan for heart failure may include anticoagulants, medications that reduce the blood’s ability to form new clots and prevent existing clots from growing.

Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins may be used to treat those who have early-stage heart failure and high cholesterol.

Many people with heart disease retain fluid. Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, can help eliminate excess water and sodium, which reduces the heart’s workload.

Small lifestyle changes are an important part of managing mild to moderate cases of heart failure. They can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Here are some of the lifestyle changes your doctor may recommend.

Avoiding or limiting your caffeine intake

Anyone can benefit from these lifestyle changes, even those who do not have heart failure. Heart-healthy living is a lifelong practice, and the best way to prevent health issues like heart failure in the future is to prioritize your heart health today.

Some individuals with more advanced heart failure may need a procedure such as coronary bypass surgery or an angioplasty, both of which target a blocked coronary artery. Pacemakers may also be used to help control the rhythm of their heart, often in tandem with a bypass surgery and medications. 

Protect your heart with support from Alto

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Alto’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all who need medicine, building a pharmacy experience that serves people of all backgrounds. As we work toward a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, we recognize the importance of diversity among physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other public health figures. In honor of Black History Month, take a moment to learn about five influential Black healthcare leaders past and present — those who paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today

Five Black Healthcare Leaders to Celebrate

Alto’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all who need medicine, building a pharmacy experience that serves people of all backgrounds. As we work toward a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, we recognize the importance of diversity among physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other public health figures. In honor of Black History Month, take a moment to learn about five influential Black healthcare leaders past and present — those who paved the way and those who continue to break barriers today. (For additional inspiration, revisit the first post in this series.)

Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders: the first Black U.S. surgeon general

As a Black woman born to farmers in a rural, poverty-stricken area of Arkansas, M. Jocelyn Elders encountered numerous obstacles on her path to becoming the first Black U.S. Surgeon General in 1993. At 16, she met a doctor for the first time, but she didn't consider a profession in healthcare until she connected with Edith Irby Jones, the first Black person to attend the University of Arkansas Medical School, during college.

Throughout her career, Dr. Elders balanced clinical practice and research, increasing the public’s awareness of adolescent health issues. In 1987, Bill Clinton, then the governor of Arkansas, appointed Dr. Elders as head of the state’s Department of Health. The Arkansas state legislature mandated sexual education and substance misuse prevention programs in the K-12 curriculum in 1989 in large part because of Dr. Elders’ advocacy. During her tenure as Surgeon General, Dr. Elders continued to champion progressive policies, advocating for better sexual education programs, distribution of condoms in schools, and abortion rights. She remains active in the field of public health as a professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.

Bernard J. Tyson: former CEO of Kaiser Permanente

As chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, Bernard Tyson transformed the company’s services to account for social determinants of health like food access and affordable housing as well as the importance of mental health and wellness. He was also instrumental in the development of the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, which trains physicians to be not only clinicians, but patient advocates and innovators, too. By shining a spotlight on how social determinants of health contribute to disparities in health outcomes, Tyson leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond Kaiser’s services.

Nadine Burke Harris: first surgeon general of California

A physician, researcher, advocate, and California’s first surgeon general, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has transformed how our society responds to childhood trauma. While running a health clinic in an underserved San Francisco neighborhood, she observed that preventative health practices and quality treatment didn’t resolve her patients’ risk for poor health outcomes. Drawing upon research from the CDC and Kaiser Permanente on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which linked early adversity to higher rates of chronic illness later in life, Dr. Burke Harris studied her own patients and found that more than 67% had experienced at least one ACE. She has helped increase public awareness of ACEs and toxic stress, advocating for universal screening of children and adolescents for signs of trauma. Her 2014 TED Talk, “How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across the Lifetime,” has been viewed more than 7.5 million times, and she published The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity in 2018.

Dr. Patrice Harris: first Black female president of the American Medical Association

Despite not knowing any doctors while growing up in West Virginia, Dr. Patrice Harris’ passion for medicine started early. The board-certified psychiatrist initially planned to pursue pediatrics but shifted her focus after discovering an interest in psychiatry during medical school. Her focus on child psychiatry allows her to merge her passion for children with her expertise in mental health. Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has focused on the role of implicit bias within the medical profession and how unconscious biases among healthcare workers influence health disparities.

Dr. Harris’ involvement in the professional healthcare community spans many leadership positions at state and national organizations. She became the first Black woman elected as president of the American Medical Association in 2020. During her tenure, she focused on a variety of health issues, from opioid addiction to COVID-19. She previously chaired the AMA’s Opioid Task Force, providing evidence-based recommendations to clinicians with the goal of ending the opioid epidemic.

Betty Smith Williams: first Black graduate of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Betty Smith Williams was the first Black student to earn a nursing degree from Cleveland’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, in 1954, and the first Black individual to teach at a higher education institution in the state of California, but her individual accomplishments are only a part of her legacy. Williams has helped ensure that today’s aspiring Black healthcare professionals have the opportunities and support to break down barriers of their own. She was instrumental in developing the National Black Nurses Association and the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, Inc. — initiatives that have elevated the voices of Black nurses within the profession. In uniting Black nurses, Williams hoped to create better health outcomes among the Black community. In her own words: "We had no voice, but we understood our culture and our unique needs better than anyone else.”

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Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic condition that primarily affects your respiratory and digestive function. More than 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. are living with cystic fibrosis. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, but it is manageable. With advances in treatment, people with cystic fibrosis are able to experience a better quality of life and live to a longer age. Here’s what to know about managing cystic fibrosis.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

Our bodies all produce mucus, digestive enzymes, and other fluids that lubricate our organs and tissues. People with cystic fibrosis have a genetic mutation that increases the thickness of these fluids. This can affect many organs in your body, particularly your lungs and digestive tract. Cystic fibrosis makes it more difficult for air to pass through your lungs and for the intestine to absorb vital nutrients. In more advanced stages, cystic fibrosis may result in severely impaired respiratory function. The thicker fluids can also trap bacteria, making individuals with cystic fibrosis more susceptible to a variety of infections.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation to a gene — the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene — that affects how water and salt move through your body’s cells. Both parents must carry a mutated copy of this gene in order for a child to develop cystic fibrosis. However, having two carrier parents does not guarantee that a child will have cystic fibrosis; there is a 25% chance.

A child with just one carrier parent will not have cystic fibrosis, but they may become a carrier themselves, increasing their own children’s risk for the condition. Genetic testing can identify a child’s risk of developing cystic fibrosis or becoming a carrier. Tests may also be performed during pregnancy if you have concerns about your baby’s potential risk for cystic fibrosis.

There is a spectrum of severity in cystic fibrosis, and early symptoms may vary for different individuals. In some cases, symptoms first develop early during childhood or infancy, but in others, symptoms appear later in life.  Many primary symptoms are respiratory or digestive-related, including:

A persistent cough, often with thick mucus or blood

Another key trait of cystic fibrosis is very salty sweat, since the condition affects how salt moves through the body. If an individual has symptoms of cystic fibrosis, a sweat test, which measures the amount of salt in a person’s sweat, may be used to confirm a diagnosis.

Having an effective treatment plan for your individual needs is a big part of managing life with cystic fibrosis and will improve your comfort and quality of life. Your treatment plan may include airway clearance exercises, medications taken orally or via inhalation, and proper nutrition and fitness.

Airway clearance techniques use coughing or huffing to loosen the mucus in your lungs. These exercises are performed multiple times each day, often alongside medications like inhaled bronchodilators and antibiotics. A respiratory therapist can demonstrate different airway clearance exercises and help you find the best fit for your needs.

Several types of medications may be used to treat symptoms of cystic fibrosis or related health complications. Bronchodilators relax airway muscles and are available as an inhaler or in a vial for nebulizer use. Inhaled and oral corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the airways.

Mucus-thinning medications such as hypertonic saline and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme®) may be used to help you cough up mucus and clear your airways. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are sometimes used to treat airway inflammation. Some research indicates that NSAIDs are most effective in cystic fibrosis treatment for those between ages 6 and 17. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat lung infections.

Many people with cystic fibrosis experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly referred to as heartburn or acid reflux. Proton pump inhibitors including omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), and esomeprazole (Nexium®) and H2 blockers including ranitidine (Zantac®), famotidine (Pepcid®), and nizatidine (Axid®) may also be used to treat this condition.

An over-the-counter medication called polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®, GoLYTELY®, and NuLYTELY®) can help reduce constipation, a common symptom of cystic fibrosis.

People with cystic fibrosis have to pay extra attention to what they eat. It isn’t uncommon for individuals with the condition to consume twice as many calories as others of a similar age, weight, and height, since they use more energy to breathe, fight lung infections, and compensate for poor digestion. Your doctor will make recommendations about nutrition and diet tailored to your individual needs, which may include treatments or medications to help you digest food, absorb nutrients, and maintain a healthy weight.

A consistent exercise routine is also an important part of managing cystic fibrosis, as it provides more energy for daily activities and improves lung function. Work with your care team to develop an appropriate fitness routine for your health needs.

Living with a chronic condition like cystic fibrosis affects many aspects of life, so it’s important to build a strong support system and take care of your emotional health. In addition to support from friends, family, and mental health professionals, there are many resources that can help you navigate life with cystic fibrosis and connect with others who share your experiences. As a starting point, explore what these leading cystic fibrosis organizations can offer:

The right pharmacy for your cystic fibrosis treatment

Here at Alto, we make it as easy as possible to follow the treatment your doctor has recommended. We offer free hand-delivery of your medication, automatic savings investigations, and easy medication management tools through our website and app. And our team of pharmacists is always here to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881 to learn how Alto can support your cystic fibrosis treatment plan.

Skin, the body’s largest organ, protects you against disease and infection and regulates your body temperature, among other crucial functions. It’s important to take good care of this vital and complex organ, as there are a variety of skin problems that can occur, including serious issues like skin cancer. Here’s what to know about the structure of your skin and how you can protect it.

An Introduction to Skin Health

Your skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis (top layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (bottom layer). Each layer has an important purpose.

The epidermis is what you see when you look at your skin. It prevents infections by blocking bacteria and germs from entering your bloodstream. There are three types of cells in the epidermis:

Squamous cells, which form the top layer of the epidermis

Basal cells, which sit beneath the squamous cells

Melanocytes, which produce melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color — and are located at the bottom of the epidermis

Skin cancer first develops in the epidermis, with the three most common types of skin cancer affecting one of the three cells above.

The dermis, the middle layer of skin, plays an important role in your overall skin health. It contains collagen, a protein that keeps skin cells strong and healthy, and blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the epidermis. In addition, its sweat glands help regulate your body temperature, its hair follicles stimulate hair growth, and its nerves allow you to experience the sensation of touch.

The bottom layer of your skin is the fattiest, cushioning your muscles and bones when you fall and protecting you from the cold or extreme heat. The dermis’ nerves and blood vessels continue in the hypodermis, where they expand and reach the rest of your body.

The sun emits a form of electromagnetic radiation called UV radiation that can damage the skin both directly and indirectly. This damage occurs gradually over time, potentially resulting in skin health issues such as:

Freckles, moles, and other benign skin growths

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the U.S. It primarily occurs in parts of your body that receive the most sun exposure, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms, but it may develop anywhere.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, but you may be at a higher risk if you have lighter skin, a family history of skin cancer, prevalent moles, a history of severe sunburns, or a weakened immune system.

There are three common types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the epidermis’ basal and squamous cells, and melanoma, which develops in the melanocytes. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are very treatable. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer since it can spread to other organs if not detected early.

Limiting your exposure to UV rays is the most important thing you can do to prevent skin cancer and other types of skin damage. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every day, even if it isn’t sunny, since up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. Be extra careful around bright surfaces like snow, water, and sand, which can amplify UV exposure and increase your risk of a sunburn.

The strength of the sun’s rays fluctuates throughout each day, and from one day to the next. Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible between 10 am to 4 pm daylight savings time (9 am to 3 pm standard time), when UV radiation is at its strongest.

You are exposed to more UV radiation at higher altitudes, where more UV rays can reach the Earth’s surface. Check the UV Index for a daily forecast of local UV radiation strength on a scale of 0 to 11. Extra precautions against UV rays are recommended when the index is a three or higher. Protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats can help keep UV rays away from your skin.

It’s also best to avoid tanning beds, which use UV radiation and can increase your risk for skin cancer.

Unlike many other types of cancer, skin cancer is often visible. Checking your skin regularly to identify new or changing skin growths such as moles can help you detect any potential issues early on, when they will be easier to treat.

Skin cancer can take various forms. In general, if you see anything new, changing, or unusual, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Here are common signs of skin cancer to watch for, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation:

A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored

A mole, birthmark, or brown spot that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser

A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, or bleed

An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

You can also use the first five letters of the alphabet as a tool for recognizing melanoma warning signs in particular:

Asymmetry: Unlike a round or oval mole, melanomas tend to be asymmetrical, with one side of the growth appearing differently from the other. For example, one side may appear darker and raised while the other looks lighter and flat.

Border: The borders of melanomas are uneven, in contrast to the smoother borders of common moles.

Color: Benign moles are often just one shade of brown, but melanomas may have multiple shades of brown, tan, or black. Other colors like red, white, or blue may appear as it grows. Many health experts also consider it to be a melanoma warning sign if a skin growth is darker than others.

Diameter: While it’s best to detect melanoma before it grows, scan for any skin growth the size of a pencil eraser or larger, approximately ¼ inch in diameter.

Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or elevation may be a warning sign of melanoma. Watch for new symptoms like bleeding or itching as well.

Even if you don’t see anything unusual during these scans, it’s important to visit a dermatologist at least once a year for an exam as part of your overall preventative care.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. If you take medication, we will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up. Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

An HIV diagnosis is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it’s understandable to experience many different emotions as you process this information. Remember that HIV is manageable, like many other chronic health conditions, and with treatment, you can live a full and active life. Though it may feel overwhelming to take action right after a diagnosis, getting started on HIV medication as soon as possible is critical to protecting your health and others. Here are the most important steps to take as you move forward.

Next Steps After an HIV Diagnosis

More than half of all individuals living with HIV in the U.S. are not at risk of transmitting the virus to others. This is a testament to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the frontline treatment for HIV.

ART is a combination of medications that stops the progression of HIV and reduces your viral load — the amount of HIV in your blood — to a very low level. When taken as prescribed every day, these medications can help you maintain an undetectable viral load, which preserves the strength of your immune system and protects the health of your sexual partners. Many people living with HIV are able to achieve an undetectable viral load within six months of starting ART.

Finding a healthcare provider for HIV treatment

There are several ways to find a healthcare provider for HIV treatment. If you already have a primary care provider, they may have the experience and knowledge to treat your HIV. If not, they will likely be able to give you a referral. Similarly, if you were tested for HIV at a clinic, ask if they offer ongoing HIV treatment or can refer you elsewhere. You can also use HIV.gov’s search tool to find HIV treatment services near you.

There’s a lot of information to take in when first starting HIV treatment. Having open conversations with your doctor about your questions and concerns can help you feel empowered about your health. It may help you to prepare a list of questions before your first appointment. Here are some suggestions to use as a starting point.

How will you decide which ART medications are best for me?

How will I know if the medication is working?

What is the frequency of follow-up testing and blood work?

Are there things I cannot do because I am HIV positive?

How does HIV affect my reproductive health? (if relevant)

Learning more about HIV and preventing transmission

Living with HIV often feels more manageable when you’re equipped with facts and confident in your understanding of the condition. In addition to asking questions during doctor’s appointments, explore trusted resources like the CDC's website and HIV.gov to familiarize yourself with the basics of HIV treatment and prevention.

Many individuals are concerned about the risk of potentially transmitting HIV to a partner. There are things you can do to prevent transmission and keep your sexual partners safe. Being consistent with HIV treatment in the long term can virtually eliminate your risk of transmitting HIV to others so long as you maintain an undetectable viral load. This is why one of the most important things you can do, for both your health and others, is to start ART as soon as possible. In addition, your partner or partners may want to speak with their doctors about PrEP, an HIV prevention medication that can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily. Many individuals who have an HIV-positive partner take PrEP for HIV prevention.

You may be wondering who to tell about your HIV diagnosis. While sharing your HIV status with sexual partners may feel uncomfortable or scary, it will allow them to take steps to protect their health. Some states have laws that require you to share your HIV status with sexual partners. These laws also account for the risk of HIV transmission through intravenous drug use and require you to disclose your HIV status with anyone you share drugs or needles with, if relevant.

Sharing your HIV status with all of your healthcare providers is also important. It will allow them to provide individualized health recommendations, coordinate with the rest of your care team, and take appropriate precautions during blood draws and other procedures.

Many individuals living with HIV find it helpful to share their status with close friends and family as they process their diagnosis. Each person’s experience of HIV is unique, and deciding if and when to tell loved ones about your status is a personal choice. It can be helpful to hear how others decided to share their HIV status. The CDC has a collection of stories about life with HIV, and Positive Spin is another resource highlighting personal experiences of HIV.

The stress of living with any chronic condition can impact your mental and emotional well-being, and those with HIV have a higher chance of developing mental health disorders such as depression.

It’s important to take your mental health as seriously as your physical health and seek any support you need. Use your HIV treatment provider as a resource. They may be able to recommend treatment or prescribe medication, if needed, or refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for additional support.

Navigate HIV treatment with Alto by your side

Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with antiretroviral therapy. We will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider, if applicable, to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. To learn more, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Many of us are spending more time on screens than ever before, as a growing number of social interactions take place online, along with work and school for many individuals. This prolonged exposure to digital devices can be hard on the eyes. Perhaps you’ve experienced achy eyes, blurred vision, headaches, or other symptoms of eye strain and screen fatigue yourself. The good news? There are steps you can take to lighten the load on your eyes and protect your vision.

Protect Your Eyes From Screen Fatigue

The causes of eye strain are twofold. First, your eyes have to work harder to see something close up, specifically the ciliary muscle, which contracts to support your focus. Hours of concentration on a single object causes that muscle to ache. This frequently occurs with screen use — which is why eye strain is often referred to as digital eye strain, screen fatigue, or computer vision syndrome — but it can also result from intense use of your eyes in other contexts. (The 20-20-20 rule, explained in more detail below, should come in handy for long reading sessions, too!)

Then there’s the effects of blue light, which is specific to screen-related eye strain. Digital devices like computers and mobile phones emit blue light to enhance the quality of images on your screen and help you stay alert. While this mimics the sun’s natural wavelengths, absorbing this high-energy light up close for an extended period of time strains your eyes. Not only does this contribute to screen fatigue, it can potentially damage your retina, the part of your eye that processes light and communicates to your brain.

Simple precautions can protect your eyes from screen fatigue, from the set-up of your home workspace to nutrition choices. Try the following to start.

The closer you are to a screen, the harder your ciliary muscle is working, so be sure there’s enough distance between your eyes and your computer screen. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sitting about 25 inches from the screen, roughly an arm’s length away.

There are a variety of blue light-blocking tools that minimize its negative effects, including screen protectors for tablets, laptops, TVs, and phones. You may also want to ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist if blue light-filtering glasses would be a good fit for your needs. If you and your doctor have decided that these glasses are right for you, remember to put them on every time you use your computer, TV, or another digital device so that you can experience their full benefits.

Limiting your exposure to blue light becomes even more important later in the night, as it can affect your production of melatonin, potentially disrupting your sleep cycle. Many electronic devices give you the ability to shift your display to warmer colors more conducive to sleep, so be sure to make the switch before scrolling from bed. (Ditching screens before bedtime altogether is even better!)

Along with blue light, glare from a screen can also lead to eye strain. Be mindful of your computer or TV screen’s brightness in comparison to your surroundings, as high contrast between screen brightness and room lighting can strain your eyes. You may have to adjust these settings a couple times each day as the sun changes position. If using a laptop, tilting your screen so that your gaze is pointed downward may also help.

The less time spent staring at a screen, the better — for your eyes, your sleep, and other aspects of your overall health. But if work or school makes it difficult for you to step away from the screen for long periods of time, even short breaks help. Use the 20-20-20 rule to let your eyes rest: take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

A balanced diet can combat the effects of blue light. Omega-3 fatty acids — found in nuts, seeds, and fish like tuna and salmon — and beta carotene — found in vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes — are known to boost eye health. Green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach contain both beta carotene and Vitamin E, another nutrient that can protect your vision.

Stay current with annual vision check-ups

You may be more susceptible to eye strain when other unaddressed vision issues are present, so be sure to go in for regular eye appointments. Even if your vision is strong, it’s still important to have a full check-up every year as part of your overall preventative care.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. If you take medication, we will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up.

While fertility preservation treatments like egg freezing and IVF are significant investments of time and resources, there are many ways to lower or manage the costs of treatment. As you prepare for the financial aspects of treatment, be sure to explore all of your options for financial assistance and savings, including patient assistance programs from fertility medication manufacturers.

A Guide to Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ Fertility Medication Savings Programs

If Alto is your fertility pharmacy, your fertility medication protocol may include medications manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, which has several financial assistance programs that offset the cost of fertility medications. Here’s more on eligibility for these programs and how to apply.

The OneHeart program provides a $200 rebate for out-of-pocket costs for select Ferring fertility medications. Eligibility is for those with no insurance coverage or commercial health insurance plans. In addition, you must have started your ovarian stimulation cycle between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022, with all medications purchased by June 30, 2022.

Learn more about program terms and conditions and the application process.

The HeartFelt program helps individuals whose cycles were canceled due to COVID-19 or a natural disaster resume fertility treatment. It offers medication replacement for up to 15 vials of Menopur® and up to five syringes of Fyremadel™ (ganirelix acetate) depending on the amount of medication used in the canceled cycle. Eligibility is for those with no insurance coverage or commercial insurance coverage.

To learn more about program terms and conditions and the application process, download the HeartFelt brochure on Ferring’s patient resources page.

The HeartTomorrow program provides Menopur® at $68 per vial for those undergoing an elective egg freezing cycle. To be eligible, you must be paying cash for your fertility medications and purchase a minimum of 20 vials in your first fill.

The Heart for Heroes program provides IVF medications at no cost to eligible military veterans who have experienced infertility due to a service-related injury or who do not have insurance coverage for fertility medications. To learn more about terms and conditions and the application process, call 1-800-515-3784.

The HeartBeat program provides select fertility medications at no cost for cancer patients. To be eligible, you must be a female U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a cancer diagnosis who has not received chemotherapy within the previous six months. To learn more about terms and conditions and the application process, call 1-888-347-3415. (Residents of Arkansas, Massachusetts, or New Jersey can call 1-877-252-0553.)

If your fertility medications are manufactured by EMD Serono, read our previous post for an overview of EMD Serono’s patient assistance programs. You can also read our previous posts on managing the costs of fertility treatment to learn about additional financial resources, including Alto’s financial support for fertility medications:

Managing the Costs of Fertility Treatment

A Financial Planning Guide for Egg Freezing

We’re here for you during fertility treatment

At Alto, we understand that fertility treatment is a physical, emotional, and financial investment, and we offer support with all aspects of your fertility journey.

We prioritize your financial wellness, working with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. In addition to automatically applying any coupon savings, we’ll connect you with any outside programs that require you to apply directly.

We’re here to help with the rest of the process, too, with free same-day delivery of your medications, temperature controlled packaging, and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and one-on-one consultations with fertility-trained pharmacists.

To get a price quote specific to your fertility medication protocol, complete our online form.

While it can be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, following your doctor’s treatment plan can help you manage the condition and live a healthy and active life. In some cases, lifestyle changes alone can help you keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. For other individuals, insulin, oral medication, or a combination of both may also be necessary. Here’s what to know about metformin, one of the most common oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes.

What to Know About Metformin

Metformin belongs to a class of medications called biguanides, which regulate your blood sugar levels by reducing how much glucose is produced during digestion. Currently, metformin is the only biguanide approved for diabetes treatment in the U.S.

Blog

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

What to Know About Heart Failure

Five Black Healthcare Leaders to Celebrate

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

An Introduction to Skin Health

Next Steps After an HIV Diagnosis

Protect Your Eyes From Screen Fatigue

A Guide to Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ Fertility Medication Savings Programs

What to Know About Metformin

The Right Way to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

Diabetes Resource Round-Up

The Science Behind Vaccines

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