Stark Health Reality: Pharmacist Perspective on Na

Episode 11 is focused on my experience thus far moving from the Upstate New York/Vermont region to the border town of El Paso, TX.  Specifically, I’m sharing struggles and differences seen in providing healthcare to a mixed population, such as language barriers, medication availability, community and trust.   I’d love to hear your comments on this special episode.  To send me a message directly, please use the contact form here: https://www.starkhealthconsulting.com/contact Your feedback is really appreciated! Let me know what you think of the show.  Leave me a honest rating and review on iTunes.

Medisafe is a FREE medication reminder application.  You can download it here at www.medisafe.com

Today’s episode discusses why you should stay adherent to your cholesterol medication regimen.  In addition to lowering your cholesterol, medications like Crestor and Lipitor also have secondary effects that keep cholesterol plaques from breaking off and causing catastrophe. Listen in on why you should be adherent to your statin medications and how this could prevent more health problems down the line. A great resource in everyday language from the CDC on Heart Health: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm Medical article discussing pleiotropic effects of statin medications, like Crestor and Lipitor: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694580/ Join my FREE e-newsletter and get access to my free medication list template!  Help yourself stay adherent and healthy.  Have access to all of your medications, doctors and allergies in one location on your smartphone, tablet or home computer.  Visit www.starkhealthconsulting.com and join for FREE today. I need your help!  Please leave me a honest rating and review in iTunes for this show.  This helps me spread the word about my show and helps others find it in their search to stay healthy and informed. Have an idea for the next episode?  Email me at DrNick@starkhealthconsulting.com

How do you know what’s good quality health information online?  This episode is one you won’t want to miss.  I’m giving out my best pharmacist-recommended resources for navigating health information online.  We’re talking HON Code, CDC, FDA and professional health associations. Always talk to your pharmacist.  Don’t rely on random Google searches and unprofessional websites out there.  WebMD isn’t the best answer either.  Know how to find quality, reputable and reliable health resources when seeking out additional information at home.   Seriously, save this episode. You don’t want to miss this! HON Code:  http://www.hon.ch/HONsearch/Patients/hunt.html Center for Disease Control (CDC): www.CDC.gov Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.FDA.gov American Diabetes Association (ADA): http://www.diabetes.org American Heart Association (AHA): http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ American Cancer Society (ACS): http://www.cancer.org HIV/AIDS Information: www.AIDS.gov http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/BuyingMedicinesOvertheInternet/ucm202863.htm There is a podcast hosted by Aids.gov called ‘Conversations with AIDS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-with-aids.gov/id509281051 I need your help!  Leave me a honest rating and review for this show in iTunes or Stitcher.   Have an idea for another episode?  Email me at DrNick@starkhealthconsulting.com Follow my blog posts at www.StarkHealthConsulting.com/blog

We’ve all been there. Fever at 4am.  That terrible, phlegmy cough that persists for a week.  Chills and cold sweats.  Nose running like a faucet.  Sneezing enough to wake up your neighbor. At one point or another, we’ve all paid a visit to the cough and cold aisle.  What you might not know, is the risk for overdose and therapeutic duplication can be very high. This week, I’m talking specifics about medications found in the over-the-counter aisle.  How easily a Tylenol overdose can really happen.  How branding of common meds like Mucinex and Nyquil can actually contain the same active ingredients. Hear my pharmacist tips for making safe choices making your next stop in the OTC aisle.  Learn when to talk to the pharmacist to make the safest and most effective choice.

Back in the day, a traditional apothecary was a place to get your medication prepared.  21st century pharmacy has undergone a paradigm shift to offering an abundance of new services, in addition to traditional dispensing.  Episode 6 highlights new services you may or may not be aware of that are offered by pharmacists, including: administering CDC-recommended vaccines, Medication Therapy Management (MTM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) to name a few. Listen in as I uncover where the practice of pharmacy is headed and why you might be in for a surprise during your next visit with a pharmacist or pharmacy. I need your help! Leave me an honest rating and review for this show on iTunes or Stitcher! Get a FREE copy of my medication list template so you can electronically store all of your meds on your smartphone and tablet by visiting my website at www.starkhealthconsulting.com

Ever wondered why your health insurance premiums, deductibles and copays keep going up?  I’m diving into the number one driver behind this: specialty pharmacy.  I’m giving out my top pharmacist tips for how to handle high-cost medications and ways you can save money on your medications. I’ve started a blog!  Join the conversation over on my website, www.starkhealthconsulting.com/blog.  I want to hear your questions, comments and feedback.     As always, if you have ideas for new episodes or have a burning question for me, send me an email at DrNick@starkhealthconsulting.com Don’t forget, leave me a honest review of this podcast on iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher!

Today we’re exploring another sector of healthcare.  The world of chiropractic is actually much more integrated than you’d probably expect.  Hear from friend and colleague, Dr. Kate Clodgo, DC, practicing chiropractor in Queensbury, NY.  We’re unveiling how chiropractic work is not simply putting a patch on a bad back, but treating the source and the patient as a whole.  Highlights of this interview include: adjustments, patient advocacy, scope of practice, and leaps and boundaries to understanding and advancing chiropractic roles as healthcare providers. If you’d like to reach out to Dr. Kate, you can reach her by e-mail at drkatedc@gmail.com or visit her practice’s website at tackettchiropractic.com.  Dr. Kate also contributes to a personal website which you can visit at Women's Integrative Health New York Subscribe to Stark Health Reality to have each week’s episode downloaded automatically right to your device.  I'm excited to announce, this podcast is now available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play Music. Have a topic you want covered? E-mail me at: DrNick@starkhealthconsulting.com.  Please leave a rating & review in iTunes for this show! Lastly, if you want more content, information and freebie’s, sign up for my FREE e-mail newsletter at www.starkhealthconsulting.com and join the conversation in my blog at www.starkhealthconsulting.com/blog

Navigating insurance can be a nightmare.  In episode 3, Dr. Nick breaks down the main components that affect the price you pay at the pharmacy for your prescriptions.  Paying close attention to the fine details your insurance offers you, knowing what your copay, coinsurance and deductible are will give you a more precise idea of your out of pocket expenses.  Dr. Nick also gives his top 10 pharmacist recommendations, tips and advice when choosing insurance plans.  Understanding insurance language will empower you to make smarter decisions and pick a health plan specific for your needs.   Like what you’re hearing? Subscribe to Stark Health Reality and the next episode will automatically download when it’s released on Tuesdays. If you’d be so kind, if you can head on over to iTunes or your platform you’re using to listen to this show and leave me a rating and review, I’d really appreciate your honest feedback. Lastly, if you’d like more content, information and freebie’s, visit my website and sign up for my free e-mail newsletter at www.starkhealthconsulting.com

Today, we’re uncovering an arena of pharmacy you likely haven’t heard of before.  I’m so excited to interview friend and colleague, Dr. Jen Lieberman, Pharm.D.  Dr. Lieberman has a robust resume in serving as a Captain in the US Army as a pharmacist and currently works as a civilian pharmacist on post in Kansas.  She shares with us her experience in the US Army.  A patriot at heart, she takes us back through an experience of a lifetime in serving her country on a mission in Africa fighting the Ebola Virus Disease.  Dr. Lieberman recaps what it’s like being the only pharmacist consultant, lack of technology and day-to-day struggles ensuring safe medication use.  Listen to her challenges, increased scope of practice, responsibilities and her thoughts on where healthcare in America is headed.  You can reach Dr. Lieberman via her LinkedIn page here.   Like what you’re hearing? Leave a rating and review for Stark Health Reality in iTunes! Ready for more content? Simply subscribe to this podcast to have the next episode automatically downloaded every Tuesday.  Have an idea for another episode or looking for more information? Visit https://www.starkhealthconsulting.com.

Welcome to Stark Health Reality!  This episode I’m telling you a little about myself and providing a roadmap for the podcast.  

Today’s discussion is on adherence, what it is and highlighting data from the CDC and WHO. What are the costs of missing a dose?  Surprisingly, not doing what the doctor told you to, accounts for $100 billion to $289 billion in healthcare spending, annually.  Increased risk of death, more time in the hospital, and more time and money spent at the doctor’s office.  Doesn’t sound so pleasant. So what can YOU do at home to prevent this?  Hear my #1 pharmacist recommended tool every patient needs to use.  Unlock the power of free technology.  Why you need to have an electronic medication list.  How to utilize Google Drive on your smartphone and tablet for FREE.  Get access to my FREE medication list template by visiting https://www.starkhealthconsulting.com and joining my free newsletter.  Want to hear about a specific topic?  Use the contact form on my website or email me @ DrNick@starkhealthconsulting.com