California is one state that has been ahead of much of the nation for quite some time in recognizing constitutional violations.  The beginning of the Haight-Ashbury crowd in San Francisco spawned more than just a neighborhood for the delinquent runaways and drug-users of the 60s, but in fact developed into a new lifestyle that was more accepting of change than the rest of the nation.  As a result, California became the first state in the union to recognize medical marijuana as a pharmaceutical for chronic pain sufferers and cancer patients. 

In 2003, the Medical Marijuana Program was established in California as the result of the passing of Proposition 215, an extension of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.  Patients must obtain a medical marijuana card from their physician before purchasing medical marijuana from one of its distribution centers and must demonstrate an extreme need for this type of pain relief.  The past seven years have led to a whirlwind of change within the state of California and the nation itself, as federal agents have confiscated and disrupted many of the medical marijuana locations within the state due to the federal ban on the drug.  However, last year saw the transition to a new nation with the executive “ok” to allow states to have the initiative to decide whether or not to allow medical marijuana in their state. 

For the first time in history, Californians no longer have to fear federal agents bursting into their medical marijuana distribution centers and instead can focus on more important things like getting rid of their chronic pain or other related symptoms.  This all ties back to pharmacy students because of the fact that so many Californian pharmacy students are now taking courses in medical marijuana.  The drug has proven to be vastly effective in reducing pain for many patients around the nation and as a result, small pharmacy schools have cropped up around the state (not recognized by pharmacy boards as of yet) that teach students the proper growing technique for medical marijuana.  While most medical marijuana is now purchased from federal or state sources, some centers grow their own in order to treat specific types of pain.  These “pharmacy schools” allow students to learn the best techniques in this growing industry.  While medical marijuana has yet to be fully recognized by most of the country, California continues to pioneer ahead and has thus far helped many cancer patients and other disease-ridden patients experience a better quality of life.

What most of the nation does not realize is that medical marijuana is a new type of pharmaceutical that has the potential benefit of aiding many patients to a better standard of living: it is used for patients undergoing chemo, for patients with mental illnesses, and for patients recovering from a critical accident.  Now that the federal government has virtually “ok-ed” the industry itself, we will begin to see a wider onset of the benefits the drug can offer in the medical community and the spread of this new type of pharmacy school throughout the nation. 

Earlier this year, we heard the good news that many of the smaller towns around the country were going to do just find because of the thriving health care industry.  While this was all well and good (I mean it saved many steel and mining towns), the underlying message is not as uplifting.  By becoming more reliant on the health care industry, we are essentially telling ourselves that our health in general is on more of a downward spiral (although we now have pricey, profitable machines to save us!).  While health care has also evolved with technology, and enabled us to live to a much older age than we were previously able to, it has also evolved with poor health care habits, almost encouraging patients to continue on their unhealthy ways.  The health care industry has only reached the levels it has because of poor health care, which in turn has led to increased numbers of patients in hospitals, forming a “parasitic” effect that is hard to get out of.  Pharmacy school fits into all this by caring for the outpo
uring of health care and growing at the same exponential rate as the health care industry.

Many health care commentators have noticed this growing trend: as the health care industries essentially save our economy from running into the mud, they are at the same time partly responsible for the increase in child diabetes and other diseases that come from being overweight, a major problem in our society.  Instead of putting billions of dollars into the health care industry, we could instead be pumping this money into education and infrastructure basics.  The health care industry has become the “safe” realm to get a job into, because there’s a constant need for doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, and the many other types of health care professionals.  This fact is directly reliant on the number of sick people, a number which is continuously rising due to our poor health care habits. 

An article on the health care industry in the Huffington Post relates the ironic scene at a local pharmacy: the pharmacist (who undoubtedly went to school to practice pharmacy), is on the phone with insurance companies, dealing with irate customers, and watching customers with diabetes load up their carts with candies for holidays.  Ironic to say the least.  The pharmaceutical industry is the least to blame for our poor health and have tried to maintain a healthy society, although they continue to provide us a crutch to lead on, no matter what our health care issue is.

We are thus left in a conundrum as a society: we can ignore our stress about the economy and begin to eat healthy together, work out, and lead healthier lives, or we can continue on the path we’re on, producing unhealthy populations, but promoting the economy at the same time through health care.  Pharmacists are on the neutral ground of this issue, continuing to provide their services in good or in bad times.  
 

Even if you have great health insurance, there’s no real reason to run to the doctor’s office every time you have a scratchy throat, or even a mild fever. Your medicine cabinet is probably stocked well enough with ibuprofen, band aids, and generic cold and flu or allergy medicine, but what about your kitchen? At-home remedies may not fix a broken leg or cure pneumonia, but they can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and don’t require a co-pay or a trip to the drugstore. Try to keep a few of these items in your pantry at all times — or at least seasonally — for quick fixes when you don’t feel like spending extra on health care or feel too icky to venture outside of your home.

• Honey: Honey is used to help bee stings, poison ivy, dry skin and even acne. It’s a natural moisturizer that combats inflammation and relieves itch, too. Honey is also highly acidic, making it a useful agent for fighting bacteria and infections.
• Garlic: Garlic is a tiny, cheap little herb that is used for lots of conditions, including warts, gas, heartburn, and even yeast infections, if you’re brave enough to try this home remedy. Garlic is an antifungal herb, a blood thinner, and helps your immune system generally.
• Cumin: If you have indigestion, diarrhea or bad gas and are embarrassed to ask your pharmacist for a solution, try cumin. Boil the seeds and make a tea, which can also relieve morning sickness and clear you up when you have a cold.
• Ginger: Ginger is another multipurpose ingredient that is an anti-inflammatory agent. Make a tea to ease nausea or muscle pain, especially if the pain is due to spasms or arthritis.
• Whole milk: If you have a minor burn, dip a washcloth or bandage in whole milk — the extra fat is key — to help the pain and the skin heal itself.
• Vinegar: If you have warts, soak a bandage or cotton ball in vinegar or apple cider vinegar overnight. If the wart hasn’t died and fallen off by the next day, try it again for one or two nights, and it should work faster than anything you can buy at the drugstore.

The newly coined term “pharm parties” has been the topic of conversation for many news outlets in the past decade, as the prescription drug phase has reached American teens, eager to find a release in a drug they consider to be legal.  The Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm D) has helped to fight against this new war on drugs by enlisting greater barriers in obtaining prescriptions which are commonly used in these parties, such as Vicodin or Hydrocodeine.  However, with the prevalence of overdoses and online pharmacies steadily rising, the question has risen as to what kind of knowledge can combat this substance abuse.

Pharm parties are typically drug “get togethers” in which teens dump a load of their parents’ prescriptions into a bowl and then dig in, gulping down pills.  While this is still a skeptical setting, many news reports on the subject in general have indicated that teenagers have continuously stole prescription drugs from their parents and either swapped them with classmates or kept them for their own use.  Regardless of the way they receive the pills, the danger is obvious.  Many of these drugs have terrible side effects, including an addictive quality which manages to hook many young adults due to their inexperience in prescription medication.

As a Pharm D, your job consists far outside the ordinary realm of pharmacy, and into the world of overdoses and lethal addictions.  While there is little you can do about the easy accessibility many teens have to prescription drugs, you can work to get legislation past and tougher restrictions on the use of these medications.  Many states have lax prescription drug laws, and as a result, young teens flock to these states in order to stock up on their prescriptions.  Instead of helping cure an illness, we are feeding into a new illness that will only degenerate a future.  Doctors of Pharmacy are much more hands on than typical pharmacists and even work in clinics that cater exclusively to their pharmacy patients, rather than forcing the patient to go both to a doctor and then to a pharmacy.  In this way, the Pharm D has direct communication with the receiver of the medication and can warn them of the risks and the dangers should their children get ahold of their medication. 

Prescription drugs are a growing problem across our nation and while there is little that pharmacists can do on their own, many public policy changes are currently being implemented to save the youth who accidentally end up addicted at such a young age. 

We’ve all heard news stories at some point that proclaim the recall of certain drugs. But what does that mean and should we be concerned? Basically, recalls are protective measures taken by drug manufacturers or the federal government to ensure the safety of those individuals taking a medication that could be potentially dangerous.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for protecting the health of the US public by assuring the safety, effectiveness and security of human and veterinary drugs among other things. To accomplish this end, the FDA requires each new drug that is developed be subjected to extensive laboratory and clinical testing prior to them granting approval. Their Center for Drug Evaluation and Research regulates over the counter drugs (OTC), prescription only medication (POM) and generic drugs. Drug companies must test their drugs in the lab on animal subjects first before moving on to human clinical trials. After thorough testing, the company is eligible to submit an application to the FDA for approval. This application includes the testing results, label and warning information and manufacturing information. Upon the application’s review the FDA can approve the drug if the benefits outweigh the risks.

After a drug has been on the market, the FDA will continue to monitor its progress. Should any new safety concerns arise, it will inform the drug company of the issue and three possible actions can occur: a company can recall the drug on its own initiative, the FDA can request the company to recall the drug, or the FDA can order a recall under statutory authority. The four types of recalls include, Class I, Class II, Class III and Market Withdrawal. Class I recalls define a situation in which the FDA believes there is reasonable probability that exposure to a certain drug could cause serious health problems or even death. Class II recalls are situations where exposure to drugs have a possibility of causing temporary or medically reversible adverse health problems. Class III recall are cases in which use of the drug is unlikely to cause any adverse risks. And finally market withdrawals occur when products have minor violations and the company can remove the medications from the market, correct the problem and reintroduce the product at a later time.

Next time you hear that a drug you are taking has been recalled or withdrawn from the market, contact your physician for more information. Whether it is a major or minor recall, it is always smart to be informed about the medication you take and their risks.

Donating blood has turned into a countrywide effort supported by businesses, churches and worship centers, college campuses, nonprofit groups and government agencies. From helping with natural disasters and widespread emergencies to saving individuals’ lives after car accidents or as they suffer from specific health conditions, donated blood is a significant life-giving cycle that keeps us all connected and healthy. But no matter how much it’s needed or how excited you are to do your part, there are some circumstances when giving blood is dangerous and can hurt either you or the person who will eventually receive blood. Do you know when you should sit out the next donation drive?

The basic eligibility requirements for U.S. blood drives state that you can’t give blood more than once every 56 days, although donating platelets can be done every three days, and donating two units of red blood cells means that you will have to wait 112 days before your next donation. Most states also require that you are 17 years of age, and that you weigh at least 110 lbs. This requirement is for your own safety and will help you recover from the donation process more quickly and without complications.

If you’re surprised to see the blood donation bus at your work or school one day and you meet the general requirements, you should still consider a few factors. Did you eat a good breakfast or lunch that day? Are you taking antibiotics or still have symptoms of an infection? Hepatitis B immune injections require you to wait one year since your last dose, and other medicines and treatments also require you to wait a certain amount of time before giving blood.

More eligibility questions:

• Have you used a needle for non-prescription drugs?
• Have you been at risk for HIV?
• Traveled to a malarial area in the past 12 months?
• Are you pregnant?
• Had a tattoo in the last 12 months? (Some centers have a lower waiting period for tattoos)

Download the FastTrack form from the United Blood Services website to see a complete list.

Implying that you’re lazy is a bit harsh. But even if you’re physically energetic, your mind might be lagging behind when it comes to exercise. While some people love the mindlessness of running miles on end, others can’t stand the monotony of jogging in place, or even running cross country. If you’re feeling stuck because exercise just bores you, we’ve got some options for making your workout a little more interesting, if not fun.

Start by figuring out what kinds of activities you like to do, and list as many as are reasonably available to you: hiking, cardio, yoga, dance classes, swimming and/or tennis are just a few options. Next, pledge to do something different each day, or every few days. If you already have a tennis buddy and a cardio workout video but don’t have access to a pool, consider joining a gym. Don’t go overboard with buying new equipment and paying high fees right away, however. Try finding a balance between what you already do regularly, what’s nearby, and what’s free or at least budget-friendly. Giving yourself a new activity each day works out all the different muscles in your body — which is the ideal way to exercise — and keeps your mind guessing, too.

If you’re easily bored by workouts, turn it into a social event. Get a group of friends together to go rollerblading in the park, find a running buddy who wants to train for a half-marathon, or join a dance class with a friend who wants to try something new or get back into an old activity. Give yourself something to look forward to after the workout, like laying out by the pool, going on a shopping trip, or just grabbing tea or coffee after working out.

A few little tricks you can use to spice up your exercise routine each day or week is to concentrate on the accessories. Create a new mix for your iPod every month at least, treat yourself to a new pair of workout shorts or yoga mat every so often, and invest in a good pair of shoes that will make you feel excited to work out. While you exercise, keep your mind off the routines and the repetition by thinking of all the things you’re able to do because you’re healthy and strong, and all of the great clothes or bathing suits you can fit into since you’re keeping your body in shape. From switching up your activities, to being more social during a workout, to playing little tricks on yourself, even lazy-minded people have a reason to get excited to exercise.

Every state board of pharmacy requires certain prerequisites from students hoping to enter a pharmacy program in the state and receive their license, including the number of hours they have earned, the number of years in the program, etc.  Louisiana is no different, although it does not require as extensive prerequisites as other states.  The state’s requirements include 15 hours of study, resulting in only one year, a lesser amount than many programs which require 2-4 years of study.  The state additionally requires three hours of “live” continuing education requirement hours or five non-live course hours.  Once again, this is different from most states which do not require “live” continuing education hours in pharmacy for licensure.  Finally, the state of Louisiana does not require any further requirements in HIV or medication safety, whereas other states typically require some background knowledge of these topics or a refresher course every few years.  Regardless of the requirements of other states, Louisi
ana determines its own source of requirements for pharmacy licensure and thus far has exhibited a program that attracts pharmacy programs from around the state.

Louisiana is one state that is in dire need of pharmacists and other medical specialists in general, with a rising population that exists underneath the poverty line and a higher emergence of the H1N1 virus.  Only last month, the state was able to secure a large batch of the vaccine that became available in Walgreens stores across the state.  This is one step in the pharmacy program that is constantly looking for ways to improve and to reach the masses within the state.  While the state has been ravaged by hurricanes over the past years, the spirit has not broken and the population continues to persevere despite all odds, producing a fierce pride of the state that is evident from a conversation with any native citizen.  While the pharmacy program in the state can only do so much to help the citizens of Louisiana, the requirements for licensure by the board of pharmacy is one step in the right direction for a state that is almost trying to prove itself to the nation. 

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly changing and evolving in order to bring the best medicine and vaccines to the people of the nation.  The state board of pharmacy in Louisiana is no different in this regard and strives to bring the best possible service to the citizens of the state as they continue to rebuild their coastal cities to become better than they ever were.
 

The eight pharmacy schools of California have made a name for themselves mostly because California has the most pharmacy schools over any other state.  Whether this is due to the large population of the state or simply because many pharmacy programs started out in the state, it is clear that students of California pharmacy schools pride themselves on their acceptance to the school.  Ohio is surprisingly the state with the second highest number of pharmacy schools (six), although California is still known for its research and ability to attract students from around the world. 

Ranging from the University of California to the new Touro University School of Pharmacy, it is clear that California is ever expanding in the pharmaceutical industry.  The eight pharmacy schools are as follows:
•    University of California School of Pharmacy
•    University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy
•    University of Southern California
•    Western University of Health Sciences
•    California Northstate College of Pharmacy
•    Touro University School of Pharmacy
•    Loma Linda University and the School of Pharmacy
•    University of California in San Diego – the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Touro University School of Pharmacy, California Northstate, and Loma Linda are the three newest pharmacy programs in the state and have exhibited the understanding that California nearly runs the pharmacy school industry in the country.  California Northstate College of Pharmacy emphasizes active learning, patient care, and research within their mission statement, and as a new pharmacy school, they have set about to expand the pharmaceutical industry through the amount of research in their program.  Setting a goal to advance the science of pharmacy, this school has already attracted a wide entering class and offers many opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry.

Touro University has a similar mission statement, as they strive to serve society through the programs in its pharmacy school as well as prepare its students for a future in the health care industry.  This pharmacy school prides itself on the small size of classes, especially compared with the large lecture-like classes of larger California schools.  Because Touro is a new school, it is still in the process of expanding its programs, and its student population will undoubtedly grow within the next few years, although its still in the beginning years of the program. 

Loma Linda is a little bit older than the other two schools, and had its first introductory class in 2002 although in an entirely different setting than most other pharmacy programs in California.  Loma Linda prides itself on educating its students in a 7th day advent Christian schedule, thereby allowing students of the like religious minds to come together in pharmacy school.  This program is four years as well although is the first such program to offer the degree in an Adventist setting. 
Regardless of whether you go with the older public schools throughout California, or try out one of the newer schools, chances are that as an incoming pharmacy school student, you will receive an exemplary education in the state of California. 

Earlier this month, Louisiana took precautions with the flu season upon them and shipped vaccinations for H1N1 throughout the state: more than 50 pharmacies in 31 parishes received the vaccination just in time for the winter months.  Louisiana has always been a state that is the hardest hit when diseases invade the country and federal programs have taken notice of this, indicating a shift in the structure of the vaccine’s release into the state. 

Walgreens locations in Louisiana began offering the vaccine to priority groups at the beginning of December in order to combat the rise of flu season later in the month.  Additionally, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy authorized the release of the H1N1 vaccine into the many parishes so that they would not fall into an “at-risk” state later on in winter.   The board then teamed up with Walgreens to get the vaccine a speedy distribution to the parishes of Louisiana that were the highest priority and contained the most at-risk citizens. 

The inoculation effort of Louisiana has been followed by a number of states since the release of the vaccine.  The initiative which the board demonstrated by releasing the vaccine before the height of flu season is a telling sign of the preparedness and anxiety the state has, regarding the H1N1 virus.  The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy is only one of 50 boards that is in charge of the well-being of each state’s citizens and looks over the potential risks that may creep their way into the state.  The rise of H1N1 is one virus every state is currently looking at, and stock piles of the vaccines have run dry within many populous states around the country as worried parents and citizens have waited in lines for their vaccination shot (or spray).