Cold & Flu Medicine Guide

If you have ever browsed the cold medicine aisle of your local drug store, you know that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many products available and each containing different combinations of active ingredients, how do you know which one is right for you? Perhaps you mainly have a stuffed-up nose and cough and would like to select the most appropriate product so you don’t end up taking unnecessary medications. Which one should you choose?

If you have ever wondered this, this fundamental guide to cold medications is for you. Read on, and shop like a pro the next time you need one.

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stay healthy during the holidays

How To Stay Healthy During the Holidays

Regardless of age, it’s important to know how to stay healthy during the holidays. While fun, these special days can seem like the perfect time to ‘let go’ of your healthy living habits in order to indulge in food and alcohol. But did you know that doing this can be harmful to your health…and possibly even life-threatening?

In this article, I will discuss why and provide an overview on what you can do during these times to maintain your best health and prevent holiday illness…so that you can spend your days focusing on enjoying the occasion.

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vitamin d guide

Vitamin D: A Guide to Foods and Supplements

Vitamin D. Do you ever wonder if you are getting enough of it, whether you should be taking a supplement, or why vitamin D is even important?

In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about this essential nutrient and hormone—how to get it, what foods have it, and how to choose and take a vitamin D supplement if you need it.

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bitter thanksgiving poem

A Bitter Thanksgiving [a poem]

Many of you may recall having read these lines from past Thanksgivings; it is a retelling of a visit I had with one of my patients during this time of year—a woman whose life and struggles were unlike mine in many ways, but who nevertheless taught me many things about courage and integrity.

I hope you enjoy these words, and have a blessed Thanksgiving week.

***

Allow me to spin upon the spindle
a tale of an encounter true.
A patient once, a homeless mum,
her words now recounted for you:

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happy pill depression poem birdie fudge

Happy Pill [a poem]

By Birdie Fudge | Featured Contributor


A while back, I went on medication for the first time for my major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. I wrote poems every day, starting from the first day I took the pill. I used my poetry to track my mood and the timeline of the medicine taking effect. When I look at the poetry written during the beginning of that journey and compare it to now, it’s as if two different people are speaking. This poem reflects me in the beginning of my journey. My other poem, “I am Grateful,” reflects how I feel today.

***

It’s like suddenly
I took this magic pill 
and I was given the gift of reason 
and all my fears seemed to disappear 
my anxieties subsided 
or at least they were dulled out 
beneath the surface 
the layer of fog 
on top of all my other emotions 
became lifted

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