For millions of Canadians, lowering cholesterol is an important part of protecting heart health and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. For decades, statins have been the foundation of cholesterol treatment. Medications such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have helped millions of patients lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
(more…)A Needle-Free Future for Anaphylaxis Care: Introducing Neffy
For individuals and families living with severe, life-threatening allergies, the directive has always been clear: carry your epinephrine auto-injector everywhere, and do not hesitate to use it at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Yet despite decades of evidence proving that early epinephrine administration saves lives, clinical data and pharmacy practice reveal a persistent challenge: fear of needles, accidental needle-stick injuries, and the sheer bulk of traditional auto-injectors frequently cause patients or caregivers to hesitate during a medical emergency.
(more…)Understanding Your Risk of Shingles and Why Vaccination Matters
Did you know that about 1 in 3 adults who have had chickenpox will develop shingles in their lifetime? Shingles (herpes zoster) isn’t just a painful rash—it can lead to complications like postherpetic neuralgia, which can significantly affect quality of life. Understanding your risk factors can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.
(more…)Sun Safety Isn’t Just Seasonal—It’s Clinical: How Centrum Pharmacy Helps Protect You Year-Round
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and Centrum Pharmacy is here to remind our patients that protecting your skin from the sun isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a vital part of your health.
(more…)5 Clinical Pearls for Optimizing Levothyroxine Therapy: What Every Patient Should Know
At Centrum Pharmacy and the Orleans Family Health Clinic, our integrated care model ensures that patients receive Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care—the 4 C’s that set us apart in primary care access and chronic disease management. Thyroid disease represents one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in Canada, and pharmacists play a vital role in detecting symptoms early, supporting treatment, and ensuring optimal levothyroxine therapy.
(more…)Magnesium for Sleep: Is It Safe and Effective?
Magnesium has recently gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms, with users swearing by it as a natural solution for better sleep, less anxiety, and even relief from constipation. But how much of this is hype—and how much is backed by science? At Centrum Pharmacy, we help patients navigate supplement use safely and effectively, so here’s what you need to know.
(more…)Centrum Pharmacy and OFHC: Delivering the Primary Care Model Ontario Needs Today
Across Canada, governments are scrambling to address the growing shortage of family doctors. In one recent example, Newfoundland and Labrador announced a $2 million pilot project to publicly fund nurse practitioners, giving patients access to primary care without out-of-pocket costs. It’s an encouraging step forward — but here in Ottawa, Centrum Pharmacy and Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC) have already built the model that Ontario should be implementing province-wide.
(more…)When Wildfire Smoke Fills the Air in Ottawa: How to Protect Your Health
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As wildfires become more frequent and intense, many of us are finding ourselves checking the air quality index (AQHI) more often than the weather. Smoke from forest fires doesn’t just obscure the sky—it poses serious health risks, especially for those with asthma, heart conditions, or young children. Here’s how you can stay safe and healthy when wildfire smoke is in the air.
Beware of Online Weight-Loss Scams: Centrum Pharmacy Does Not Sell or Endorse “Melt Drops” or “Lean Drops”
Centrum Pharmacy would like to advise our patients and the community that we do not sell, endorse, recommend, or have any affiliation with products marketed as “Melt Drops,” “Lean Drops,” or similar online weight-loss supplements.
(more…)Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada: What You Need to Know
Heart disease and stroke are affecting more Canadians than previously estimated — around 6 million people are living with these conditions. The good news is that most risks can be reduced through healthy habits — nearly 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented.
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