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Seasonal allergies aren’t limited to spring. For many people, the onset of autumn — and the beginning of ragweed pollination — brings itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and other telltale allergy symptoms. Here’s more on what triggers fall allergies and the best ways to treat and prevent them.

How to Navigate Fall Allergies

While spring allergies are primarily caused by grass and tree pollen, the main culprit of fall allergies is ragweed pollen, which begins in late summer, peaks in September, and can continue into October or even November.

Other pollen-producing weeds that can cause fall allergy symptoms include:

Mold is another common trigger of fall allergies, with piles of fallen leaves a ripe breeding ground for mold growth.

Like all seasonal allergies, fall allergies have intensified in recent years as a result of climate change. Rising temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have extended the pollination of many plants, including ragweed, which allows for a longer allergy season.

Even if you are more prone to allergies than others, there are steps you can take to prevent symptoms. Here are our top prevention tips specifically for fall allergies.

Avoiding known allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. To limit your exposure to ragweed pollen, shut the windows as much as possible on windy days when pollen counts are high. (You can find your local pollen count online or in a weather app.) If you’re going outside on a high-pollen day, wearing a hat and sunglasses can protect your face from pollen and reduce the chances of symptoms developing.

If you are sensitive to mold, it’s best to have someone else rake the leaves — and be sure to toss those aging jack-o-lanterns well before they start to rot. If you have to do some fall yard work yourself, wear a mask to reduce mold exposure as much as possible.

Be mindful of indoor mold growth as well. Using a dehumidifier can help you keep the humidity in your home at optimal levels.

An outdoor pollen encounter can bring the allergen into your home. To keep the house or apartment pollen-free, change your clothes and take off your shoes as soon as you're inside. Wash clothes and bedding regularly as an additional preventive step.

These precautions are especially important if you have allergy-induced asthma, the most common type of asthma, which occurs when exposure to pollen, mold, or other allergens results in inflammation in the airways.

Although fall allergies are triggered by different substances than spring allergies, they can be treated with the same over-the-counter allergy medications. 

Over-the-counter nasal sprays including Nasacort® (triamcinolone), Flonase® (fluticasone), and Rhinocort® (budesonide) prevent nasal inflammation and reduce stuffiness and sneezing. They may be taken in advance of allergy season to potentially prevent the onset of symptoms altogether.

Eye drops can relieve itchy, red, or watery eyes.

Oral antihistamines including Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Clarinex® (desloratadine), Allegra® (fexofenadine), Alavert® (loratadine), Claritin® (loratadine), Xyzal® (levocetirizine), and Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) can be taken preventatively or on an as-needed basis to reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching. These medications offer fast relief, going into effect from 15 minutes up to two hours. Benadryl can cause drowsiness and is not recommended to take before driving or other activities that require your attention.

Decongestants including Afrin® and Sudafed® can be taken to relieve stuffiness, however they can worsen symptoms when taken over an extended period of time and should not be used as a long-term treatment.

Many of the above OTC allergy medications are available for purchase at the Essentials Store in the Alto app! To browse the selection, tap the "Store" icon along the bottom of the app or in your account on desktop.

If you have allergy-induced asthma, allergy medications will likely be a part of your asthma treatment plan, but they are not a substitute for asthma medication. In addition to consulting an allergist, speak with your primary care provider as soon as asthma symptoms appear so that you can find the best treatment plan.

If your allergy symptoms persist after trying over-the-counter medications and consulting with your primary care provider, it may be time to see a specialist. Allergists and immunologists have extensive training in allergy treatment. In addition to helping identify specific allergy triggers, these specialists can also facilitate additional treatment options like immunotherapy. This process gradually exposes you to allergens to decrease your sensitivity to them. It can be administered as injections or sublingual tablets placed beneath the tongue. 

Stock up on allergy essentials in the Alto app

Purchase allergy season essentials like Claritin, Flonase, Zyrtec, Allegra and more right from your Alto account. You can order these over-the-counter products whenever you need them or add them to your next prescription delivery.

If your allergy treatment plan includes prescription medications, we can help. We’ll coordinate with your doctor and insurance to offer your medications at the best price we can find. Our expert pharmacists are available via in-app messaging to answer any questions you may have about symptoms or side effects.

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.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility

There are many potential causes of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, also referred to as tubal disease or tubal factor infertility, account for 25-30% of all cases. Below, we explain how fallopian tube obstruction may prevent natural conception and what treatment options can support your family building journey.

How do blocked fallopian tubes impact fertility and pregnancy?

Fallopian tubes are female reproductive organs that connect the ovaries and uterus. They transport an egg from an ovary to the uterus during ovulation, the phase of each menstrual cycle in which the ovaries release a mature egg.

Healthy, functioning fallopian tubes are involved in several key steps of the natural conception process. First, they are the passageway through which sperm reaches an egg for fertilization. The fertilized egg will then move through the fallopian tubes until it reaches the uterus for implantation.

There are varying degrees of fallopian tube obstruction. The condition may take the form of:

Mild adhesions or scar tissue in either or both fallopian tubes

One narrowed fallopian tube as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Two narrowed fallopian tubes as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

One completely blocked fallopian tube as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Two completely blocked fallopian tubes as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Hydrosalpinx, a severe form of tubal disease in which a blocked fallopian tube becomes enlarged and filled with fluid

While any of the above structural issues can potentially interfere with the fertilization of an egg, it is possible to become pregnant naturally if the fallopian tubes are only partially blocked. However, conceiving naturally with a partial blockage may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when an embryo implants outside of the uterus. (90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes.)

Ectopic pregnancies can lead to very serious complications, such as ruptured fallopian tubes, without prompt treatment to end the pregnancy. Given this risk, anyone with a history of fallopian tube blockage should inform their doctor as soon as they think they might be pregnant.

A hydrosalpinx may prevent the possibility of pregnancy in some cases, as the fluid can be toxic to an embryo. This interferes with successful embryo implantation in the uterus, a critical step in the reproductive process. In other cases, a person with hydrosalpinx may be able to become pregnant, but the resulting inflammation of the uterine lining can still interfere with the typical development of an embryo in a healthy pregnancy.

Blocked fallopian tubes may develop as the result of the following health conditions and infections.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lining of the pelvic cavity. When it develops in the fallopian tubes, the resulting scar tissue may lead to fallopian tube blockage.

Physical trauma to the female reproductive organs, like a previous abdominal surgery or ruptured appendix, can also contribute to the accumulation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, can lead to the accumulation of scar tissue and fluid in these organs. PID typically develops when bacteria enter the female reproductive tract. It is often a complication of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea.

What are typical symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes are rarely accompanied by noticeable symptoms other than difficulty becoming pregnant. Many women first learn that they have a fallopian tube blockage after consulting a doctor for a fertility evaluation. However, more extensive fallopian tube obstruction may be accompanied by chronic mild pelvic or abdominal pain. This is most common with a hydrosalpinx.

How is fallopian tube blockage diagnosed?

Blocked fallopian tubes are typically diagnosed with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or a laparoscopy.

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray taken to examine issues within the uterus and fallopian tubes. In this process, dye is injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix. If there is no fallopian tube blockage, the dye will flow through the fallopian tubes.

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a small camera through the abdomen to evaluate reproductive organs including the fallopian tubes.

Surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are the two main treatment options for people with tubal factor infertility. The best option for you depends on the extent of the blockage and individual reproductive health factors.

Surgery may be an appropriate treatment option for someone whose fallopian tubes are not severely damaged if there aren’t additional infertility factors. If you are conceiving as a couple, a partner’s sperm count and quality should be accounted for as well.

Tubal surgery can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. If you have had this procedure, it’s even more critical to contact your doctor right away if you believe you may be pregnant.

IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which an egg is fertilized with sperm outside of the body and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. Since IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes, implanting a fertilized egg directly into the uterine lining, it is a common treatment for tubal factor infertility.

It is typically recommended for people with fallopian tube blockage who are less likely to have success conceiving naturally. This includes people with severely damaged fallopian tubes as well as those with less severe fallopian tube damage but other infertility risk factors.

Hydrosalpinx has been associated with lower IVF success rates. If you have this type of fallopian tube damage, your doctor may recommend fallopian tube removal before starting IVF.

The cost of treatment and insurance coverage are also important factors to consider as you explore your options.

Fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, but Alto is with you every step of the way. We offer reliable same-day delivery of your medications and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and access to fertility-trained pharmacists.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through secure in-app messaging.

There are many triggers that can lead to allergy symptoms, including certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. Like any type of allergic reaction, a drug allergy is the result of an immune response to a normally harmless substance — in this case, one or more ingredients in a medication.

Medication Allergies, Explained

Drug allergies range from mild to very severe. Generally speaking, the only way to prevent this type of allergic reaction is to avoid taking the medication in question. In some cases symptoms may require treatment with other medications. Make sure that all of your providers and your pharmacist are aware of any known or suspected medication allergies so that they can help you explore alternative options and prevent symptoms.

Below, we share how to recognize drug allergy symptoms and what steps to take if you experience them.

Drug allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance in a medication as an outside invader such as a virus or bacteria. As part of this reaction, your immune system produces antibodies that in turn release histamine, a chemical responsible for typical allergy symptoms.

You typically won’t experience symptoms the first time you take a medication you’re allergic to. This is because in order for an allergic reaction to occur, your immune system has to recognize a substance that it has previously identified as harmful.

Though drug allergy symptoms and medication side effects can sometimes overlap, there is an important distinction between the two, as ordinary side effects don’t involve an immune response.

Any medication can cause an allergic reaction, but certain medications are more frequently associated with them, including:

Antibiotics, particularly penicillin and sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra® and Bactrim®) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole®)

Seizure medications, particularly aromatic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and phenobarbital (Luminal®)

Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®)

Penicillin is the most frequently reported medication allergy. If you believe you are allergic to penicillin, it is important to seek proper evaluation and diagnosis. (Penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by a simple skin test.) While many people are indeed allergic to this class of antibiotics — and in some cases, to similar alternatives as well — studies have found that penicillin allergies are overreported. A significant percentage of all those who believe they are allergic don’t have the true immune reaction that characterizes a drug allergy. This often results in the unnecessary use of alternative medications that may be less effective or more expensive.

Another reason proper testing is important is that it’s possible to outgrow a penicillin allergy over time. Of all those with a documented penicillin allergy, only an estimated 20% remain allergic after 10 years. If you were diagnosed with a penicillin allergy more than 10 years ago, consult with an allergist to determine if you’re still allergic.

Mild drug allergy cases often produce typical allergy symptoms, which may develop anywhere from hours to weeks after you take the medication. The most common symptoms are itching of the eyes or skin, minor rashes, and hives. Swelling and wheezing may also occur. While these symptoms typically don’t require emergency medical care, seek evaluation from your provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms of severe drug allergies such as anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction that blocks breathing — tend to develop more quickly, often immediately after you take a medication or within an hour.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

Serious drug allergies require emergency medical care. Call 911 immediately if you experience the above signs of anaphylaxis or another severe reaction after taking a medication.

As noted above, penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by skin testing. This is a simple process conducted by an allergist in which your skin is exposed to a small amount of penicillin. A positive result is determined by a red, itchy bump.

It is also relatively easy to identify sensitivity to contrast dye — simply experiencing allergy symptoms after getting an x-ray is typically sufficient diagnostic criteria.

The process for diagnosing other drug allergies is often more complex, but a specialist called an allergist can help identify one through testing and an evaluation of your health history and symptoms.

Depending on the reaction you’re experiencing, your doctor may recommend treatment options to relieve discomfort and prevent your symptoms from worsening. Common treatments for drug allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) for mild symptoms such as rash, hives, and itchiness - purchase these OTC medications from the Essentials store in the Alto app! 

Corticosteroids such as prednisone for itching and inflammation

Epinephrine is used in emergencies to treat anaphylaxis and other severe reactions. It is administered by injection.

A process called desensitization can gradually improve your tolerance of a medication you’re allergic to. During this treatment, which must be performed by an allergist, you are administered increasingly higher doses of the trigger medication. It is typically reserved for cases where there is no appropriate alternative to prescribe. It is often done in a hospital so that immediate medical care is available in the event of complications or a negative reaction.

There is no cure for a medication allergy, though a penicillin allergy may resolve itself with time. In other cases, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is by avoiding the specific medication. Sometimes it is also necessary to avoid similar medications — for example, if several medications contain the substance that triggered your symptoms.

Given this, make sure that your medical records are up to date — any healthcare provider who treats you should be aware of your full medical history including any drug allergies. You should also inform your pharmacist of allergic reactions to medications.

If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, it’s critical to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about your allergies, including the trigger, or allergen.

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication allergies, interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging.

The term “autoimmune disease” encompasses more than 100 conditions, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and more. Although these diseases affect different organs and tissues and vary widely in terms of symptoms, severity, and treatment needs, they are all characterized by an immune system that has turned on itself, mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells. Here are several key facts to know about these complex conditions.

Five Things to Know About Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are more common than it may seem

While type 1 diabetes and arthritis are relatively well known, many autoimmune diseases aren’t household names. Some, like takayasu arteritis, Susac syndrome, and Behcet’s disease, even meet the official criteria of a rare disease, as they affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US. But by no means should autoimmune disorders be considered an obscure health issue. With an estimated 50 million Americans living with one or more of them, most of us have some connection to these conditions.

Many autoimmune diseases run in families, but genetics are just one factor in their development

It’s true that many autoimmune diseases run in families, but the genetic component of these conditions is often misunderstood. In many cases, having a relative with an autoimmune disease may increase your risk of developing one, but it does not guarantee a diagnosis. Your genetic makeup is only one of several factors involved in the development of an autoimmune disease, along with environment and lifestyle.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to learn your relatives’ health histories. Since there is a genetic component to autoimmunity, information about your family’s health issues can aid your doctor in making an accurate diagnosis.

Speaking of diagnosis, it is often a complex multi-step process. This is due to the fact that many autoimmune disorders have overlapping symptoms but lack a simple, single diagnostic test. To support your provider in making a diagnosis, share a detailed list of your symptoms and how long you’ve experienced them as well as your family’s medical history.

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test is a common first step in the diagnosis process. It checks for the presence of antibodies that attack healthy cells. If you have a positive result, additional tests can help your doctor make a more specific diagnosis.

A negative ANA result does not necessarily rule out a diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend additional tests for other antibodies or inflammation markers, including:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, often used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, often used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease

A rheumatoid factor test, often used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis

Having an autoimmune disease doesn’t mean you have a weak immune system

Immunocompromised individuals have a weak immune system, or one that is less capable of producing antibodies and protecting against illness. Since autoimmune disorders involve the immune system, there is often a misconception that having one of these conditions means you have an increased risk for any type of infection or will respond less effectively to a vaccine.

On the contrary, the issues with immune system function in an autoimmune disease don’t necessarily mean that your body is less equipped to fight off an infection. However, certain medications used to treat some autoimmune disorders — like the immunosuppressants for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus — may slow down your immune system, resulting in an immunocompromised state.

Day-to-day life with an autoimmune disorder looks different for each individual. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. In the case of many other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, there are periods of intensified symptoms known as flare-ups and periods of mild symptoms or none at all known as remission. Ultimately, there is a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases, and with each one, a wide spectrum of experiences. 

Our pharmacists have specialized training in the treatment of many autoimmune diseases and are here with the support you need seven days a week. We can answer any questions you may have about medication side effects, non-pharmacological treatment options, lifestyle changes, and more. Same-day delivery and in-app medication management tools make it simple to stay on track with treatment.

Reach out through secure in-app messaging to learn more.

Every year, thousands of people in the US develop illnesses that are preventable with vaccines, in some cases resulting in serious health complications or hospitalization. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month this August, take a moment to learn more about the importance of vaccination and make sure you are up to date with recommended vaccines. 

National Immunization Awareness Month 2023

Vaccines, which were first developed in 1796 for smallpox, provide the best defense against many diseases. They are one of the safest ways to protect your health, as side effects are typically mild and resolve themselves without treatment.

Building on your immune system’s natural function, vaccines lower the risk of getting certain diseases or developing serious complications. And in lowering your chance of spreading these diseases, they also help you keep your loved ones safe.

Immunization remains important throughout your whole life, even if you received routine vaccines as a child. Not only does the protection of some vaccines weaken over time, you may develop new risks for illnesses based on age, occupation, travel, or changes to your overall health.

Many chronic conditions — including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and asthma — increase your risk of developing serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. For this reason, vaccines are a critical part of managing these conditions, even if you are also taking medication to control symptoms. Here’s more on the importance of immunization when living with a chronic illness.

Diabetes can make it more difficult for your immune system to fight infection and illness, putting individuals with the condition at a greater risk for complications of the flu, pneumonia, meningitis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, some of these illnesses can interfere with diabetes management — for example, the flu can drastically increase blood sugar levels.

Like diabetes, heart disease makes it more difficult for your immune system to protect you from illness, leading to a greater risk for complications. The flu can also increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

COPD and asthma can increase swelling of the airways and lungs. When individuals with these conditions get vaccine-preventable diseases that similarly impact respiratory function, they are more likely to experience complications. Adults with these respiratory conditions also face a greater risk for flu-related complications.

Not sure which vaccines you need? We have helpful information about the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules below, but be sure to confirm with your provider as well!

The CDC recommends that all adults stay up to date on the following vaccines:

Covid-19 vaccine - currently, everyone ages six years and older needs one dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna covid-19 vaccine to be up to date. Adults ages 65 and older are eligible to get a second dose of these vaccines.

Flu vaccine - recommended once every year for all infants, children, and adults over the age of six months 

Additional recommendations for specific age ranges include:

19-26 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the chickenpox, hepatitis B, HPV, and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the MenB vaccine.

27-49 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the chickenpox and HPV vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

50-64 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the shingles vaccine. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

65 years and older: Make sure you’re also up to date on the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages six and under

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages 7 to 18.

Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy gives your baby short-term protection against whooping cough, which can be life-threatening for newborns. Additional vaccines may be recommended before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more about vaccines and pregnancy here.

Some international travel may require additional vaccines, depending on your itinerary and vaccination history. You can find more information about travel vaccines here.

Most recommended vaccines are offered at doctor’s offices, and your provider is a great place to start. Ask if they offer the vaccines you need. If not, they can give you a referral.

Pharmacies and community health clinics are other common vaccination locations. Some people are even able to get certain vaccines at their workplace.

If you have health insurance, another option is to ask your insurance provider for a list of vaccine providers in your network.

The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines to children and adolescents 18 and under who meet any of the following criteria:

Do not have health insurance or coverage of recommended vaccines

Choose a reliable and flexible pharmacy partner

Alto Pharmacy makes it simple to live your healthiest life by providing an easier, more supportive, and more affordable prescription experience. Our pharmacists are here with information and answers, even during nights and weekends. And the Alto app gives you control and convenience in managing your medications, with auto refills, medication bundling, and custom dosing reminders.

A chronic illness diagnosis is a significant unexpected life event, one that can understandably bring many feelings to the surface, from fear and anger to grief and shame. It often means changes in day-to-day life and potentially shifts in your identity and relationships as well.

Facing a Diagnosis of a Chronic Illness

It’s not uncommon for the uncertainty of a diagnosis to affect a person’s mental health. About one-third of everyone with a serious chronic illness experiences symptoms of depression. Those with a history of depression or who faced significant stress prior to their diagnosis may have a higher risk for mental health issues. But no matter your health history or the specific challenges of your condition, taking good care of yourself and prioritizing your emotional needs can help you adjust to life after a diagnosis.

While learning to live with a condition is an ongoing and personal journey, the tips below can give you a starting point as you move forward and find the coping strategies that work best for you.

Instead of self-blame, focus on moving forward

When facing a challenge or in times of shock, it’s only natural to want to know why, or to think about what we could’ve done differently. Unfortunately, in the context of a chronic illness diagnosis, there isn’t always a satisfying answer to be found. Sometimes a condition runs in your family. In other cases, there may be no explanation of why you developed your illness.

Even if your condition is preventable, considering what you could have done in the past won’t give you more control over present circumstances. The best thing you can do for your health at this moment is to face your diagnosis head-on and move forward.

That means different things to different people, but acknowledging the limitations of a chronic illness while staying hopeful is key. You may not be able to do some of what you could once do easily, and you may need to adjust your responsibilities with work, school, or caregiving. However, that does not mean that everything is beyond your control.

It can be helpful to get literal about what’s changing. One strategy is to make a list of activities or tasks that are challenging to do with your illness and proactively think up solutions or alternatives. Depending on the specific challenges you’re navigating, that could mean asking for assistance with meal prep or taking up gentler forms of exercise.

As important as it is to move forward, it’s okay if it takes you time to do so. You are processing a substantial life change, so give yourself the space that you need.

Your health journey is yours, with options and choices to make about treatment, lifestyle changes, and forms of support. Knowledge can empower you to decide how you want to live with a chronic illness.

Finding a provider that you trust is a crucial first step in learning more about your condition. It’s important that you can openly share your concerns and ask any questions you need to. In addition to looking for a physician with the appropriate expertise and credentials, make sure that you feel comfortable around them.

Though your provider may be treating you for a physical condition, let them know how you feel emotionally as well. Mental health issues can make it more challenging to stay on top of your treatment needs and manage your condition. Your provider is here as a resource and can offer referrals for counseling or medication if needed.

Medication is critical to the management of many chronic conditions. Appropriate medication use is necessary to experience the full therapeutic benefits, but unfortunately, medication is only taken as prescribed 50% of the time.

You’ll likely gain comfort and familiarity with your treatment plan in time, but there may be a learning curve to managing your medications, especially if you take more than one. Here are several tips.

Educate yourself about potential interactions and side effects

You should always know the answers to the following questions about any medication you take — your pharmacist is a great resource for information.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Even if you experience side effects, never stop taking a medication without first consulting your doctor. Rather, keep a log of side effects and share them with your care team. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or help you safely switch to an alternative medication.

Find your preferred medication reminder system

There are a variety of tools to help you remember when to take your medication, from pill organizers to setting alarms and linking the act of taking your medication to another daily activity. The Alto app includes custom medication reminders.

It’s also important to find your preferred system for remembering refills. Our app’s medication management features include auto refills and medication bundling. If you aren’t using a medication management app, check your prescription labels regularly to see how many refills are remaining.

This is your health journey, but you don’t have to go at it alone. One of the best ways to reduce stress during this time is to take some responsibilities off of your plate. That will likely mean leaning more on others, so make sure to surround yourself with supportive and reliable people.

Nonprofits related to your condition can provide additional support and valuable resources. If you feel overwhelmed by the feelings that have arisen, don’t hesitate to ask your provider for referrals to a therapist for individual counseling.

Read Finding Support After a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

Mindfulness and physical activity are both important tools as you navigate this health journey. The former is all about present moment awareness and focusing on what’s happening right now, which is important since you may have many anxieties and fears about the unknown. Studies have also shown that mindfulness practices can help you cope with pain and stress. It doesn’t have to be a big endeavor. Just several minutes of quiet meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, or listening to music each day can make a big difference.

Physical exercise isn’t just good for your physical health — it’s also linked to improved mood and mental wellness. If some of your go-to activities are no longer possible because of your illness, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. To ensure that your fitness habits are appropriate for your needs at this time, consult your provider before trying any new exercises.

As a reliable pharmacy partner, we make sure you’re never on your own in navigating the complexities of treatment for a chronic illness. Our pharmacists are here with information and answers, even during nights and weekends. And the Alto app gives you control and convenience in managing your medications, with auto refills, medication bundling, and custom dosing reminders.

Summer may be a time to take it easy, but that doesn’t mean letting health and fitness goals slip by the wayside. Not only is the year’s halfway point an opportunity to recommit to your wellness — and perhaps check in with those New Year’s resolutions — there are seasonal health considerations to account for as temperatures rise and you spend more time outside. We’ve rounded up our top summer wellness tips to help you stay safe and healthy amidst the beach days, BBQs, and road trips.

Five Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

Many of us are familiar with the discomfort of a sunburn after a long summer day outdoors. While the pain and redness are short-lasting, prolonged sun exposure may cause long-term damage to the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer.

Limiting your exposure to UV rays is the most impactful way to protect your skin. Here are several steps you can take.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every day — up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. If you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher.

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 peaks.

Check the UV Index here 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.

Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats.

Hydration is paramount during summer months, as hot, humid weather decreases the amount of fluid in your body. To prevent dehydration-related issues like heat injury, consume plenty of fluids and take extra precautions during extreme heat or strenuous exercise.

A glass of water isn’t your only option for staying hydrated — consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, and other fruits and veggies will also increase your daily water intake.

If you take medication, ask your pharmacist if it can affect your body’s ability to cool itself, in which case you may need to double up those hydration efforts.

Regular physical activity is part of practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle, not to mention its numerous other benefits like better quality of sleep, good bone and digestive health, and reduced stress. 

Most health experts suggest aiming for 150 minutes each week. If you find it challenging to reach this target, you’re not alone: according to the New York Times, less than 5% of all US adults complete this weekly minimum. When it comes to exercise, there’s a big correlation between consistency and enjoyment, and one of the biggest barriers to starting and maintaining a routine is finding the right fitness activities for you.

Summer brings many new exercise options to explore, from hiking and mountain biking to transitioning from treadmill to trail. Whatever your preferred outdoor workout may be, let those warm, sunny days get you moving.

As you explore your outdoor exercise options, have a backup workout plan in place in case temperatures soar. Extreme heat is more than a discomfort, it’s a legitimate health risk to stay mindful of.

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body cannot regulate its temperature after exposure to intense heat. While everyone should avoid extremely high temperatures, some individuals are more susceptible to these reactions, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with heart disease or poor circulation.

There is a spectrum of severity of heat illness. Heat exhaustion is less severe than heat stroke, which requires urgent medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion to watch for include:

If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool, shaded location, rest, and drink cold water or sports drinks. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour.

Heat exhaustion may precede heat stroke, which affects the nervous system. Indicators that someone is experiencing heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion include disorientation or confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. A person with heat stroke requires emergency medical care. While waiting for medical services, they should remain in a cool, shaded area and try to lower their body temperature with cold cloths or water.

Fortunately, the skin protection tips above can prevent heat illness, too — a sunburn makes it more difficult for your body to stay cool. Staying hydrated and wearing loose, lightweight clothing also help.

5. Manage your medication while traveling - we can help!

During summer travel season, make sure you have everything you need to manage your health while away from home. Here are several quick tips from our guide on medication management while traveling.

If traveling internationally, research your destination’s medication laws. Many medications that are legal in the U.S. aren’t allowed in other countries, including some over-the-counter treatments. Some countries also require you to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your provider.

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