FEBRUARY 2016 ;e Costco Connection 93

To learn more about Costco Pharmacy, click on the “Pharmacy”
link at Costco.com or call toll-free 1-800-607-6861.

TIPS FROM THE PHARMACY

HEART HEALTH

UPDATE
PharmacyCOSTCO

HEART DISEASE causes one out of four deaths in America every year, according to the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research shows certain dietary compounds, like omega- 3 fatty acids, plant sterols and stanols, as well as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can play a major role in heart health. The National Institutes of Health developed therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) and recommends increasing intake of these compounds to support heart function.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, consumption of omega- 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Since these nutrients are primarily found in fatty fish, such as salmon, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fatty fish per week for healthy people. A fish oil supplement can help fill that nutrient gap for individuals who do not consume the recommended amount.

Plant sterols and stanols, also called phytosterols, are plant-derived compounds that are similar in structure to cholesterol. These compounds competitively block the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, helping to inhibit some absorption of dietary cholesterol and reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. As part of the TLC diet, those with elevated cholesterol levels are advised to consume 2 grams of plant sterols and stanols per day.

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound that supports heart function. Some medications, like statin drugs, can decrease CoQ10 levels in the body; therefore, supplementation can be an important tool in maintaining healthy levels. Costco sells a variety of these supplements.

For more on heart health, see the article on page 69. C

Safe disposal of drugs

MEDICINES ARE CRITICAL to health, but when they are no longer needed they become a serious health risk to family members and pets. This can happen through accidental exposure or intentional misuse if the drugs are not disposed of properly, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you can’t find a take-back program, the FDA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have developed these guidelines.

• Follow any specific disposal instructions on the prescription drug label or patient information that accompanies the medicine. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so.

A list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing down the sink or toilet can be found at fda.gov; search “disposal by flushing.”

• Block out any identifying information—such
as your name, the prescription number and your
address—on empty prescription containers before
throwing them away. This prevents someone from
getting your personal information.
• If no disposal instructions are given on the
label and no take-back program is available, use
your household trash to dispose of the drugs. To
do so, remove the medications from their original
containers and mix them with something like used
coffee grounds or cat litter, then place the mixture
in a sealable bag, empty can or other container to
prevent the drug from leaking out of a garbage bag.
Place that container in the trash. Note that your
community may have specific waste guidelines.
Pharmacies may provide (for a nominal charge)
medication mail-back envelopes that consumers
can use to safely get rid of unwanted medications.
Costco members who want to safely dispose of
medications may choose to purchase a take-away
medication recovery system from a Costco
Pharmacy. This specially designed envelope can be
used to send unwanted or unneeded drugs to a dis-
posal facility (postage fee is included). C
©
EVA
N
L
OR
N
E
/
S
H
UT
T
ER
S
TOC
K

Avoiding
heart
disease

IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT leading a healthier lifestyle, many people overlook eye health. According to a survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, 70 percent of people age 45 to 65 ranked vision as the most important of the five senses, yet more than half were not aware of the important nutrients for eye health.

Found in dark leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables such as kale and carrots, lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful carotenoids that help eyes filter harmful blue light and provide overall antioxidant support for the eyes. If these nutrients are not in your diet, vitamin supplements are available.

Recommendations for maintaining healthy eyes
include annual eye exams, not smoking, wearing
sunglasses, using safety eye-
wear, taking frequent vision
breaks from electronic de-
vices and including lutein
and zeaxanthin in your diet.