Cambration July 2012 Newsletter

Seniors’ Day

Cambrian Pharmacy is proud to announce our first loyalty rewards program for seniors. Starting in July, on the first Tuesday of each month, everyone who is the young age of 65 or over will receive 10% off all general merchandise. So please join us on Tuesday, July 3rd, and let us show you our appreciation for your support of Cambrian Pharmacy.

Please note this discount does not apply to any post office services or products, prescriptions, services, medical rentals, magazines, pocketbooks, newspapers, or lottery.

Bug Repellants & Sun Blocks

After being cooped up all winter, we Canadians love to get outside in the sun, making a bee--‐line for patios, beaches, and camping. We support all that, of course, but want to give you a heads up before you pick up the sunscreen and bug spray again.

The skinny on Sunscreen:

• Don’t be fooled by high SPFs. You still need to re--‐ apply sunscreen every 2 hours or so, and especially after being in the water or sweating profusely. Also, SPF numbers don’t apply to UVA rays, just UVB rays (see next point).

• Know your rays. Most sunscreens protect against UVB rays, which are what cause sunburns. UVA rays are just as important, however, as they are the ones that damage DNA in skin cells and cause cancer. So make sure to choose a sunscreen that protects from both kinds of UV rays.

• Read the label. There are two different kinds of sunscreens – chemical, and mineral. Oxybenzone, a common chemical UV--‐ blocker, is a suspected hormone disruptor and is photoallergenic (reacts with light and irritates), and other similar chemicals pose similar risks. Another chemical ingredient to watch out for is retinyl palmitate (a derivative of vitamin A commonly included in many sunscreens), which has recently been linked to skin cancer –the complete opposite of what a sunscreen should do.

• Opt for mineral--‐based sunscreens. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural minerals, small particles of which are used in sunscreens to physically block UVA & UVB rays. These mineral blockers are considered a safer alternative to chemical UV blockers. Zinc and titanium do not break down in sunlight, 3 are not allergenic, and don't disrupt hormones.

• Cover up! Hats are in, and healthy is always in style. Try to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm, if you can; that’s when the sun’s rays are strongest.

• Check out this database. The U.S.--‐based organization, EWG, has done a wonderful job on a database cataloguing over 1000 sunscreens and rating them based on the hazard score of their ingredients. You can check how your current sunscreen measures up, or, look into which brands are better. They also have more sun safety tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

The lowdown on Bug spray:

• DEET can be dangerous. DEET (a.k.a. N,N--‐DIETHYL--‐M--‐ TOLUAMIDE) is a pesticide that is linked to organ system toxicity, possible reproductive or neurological toxicity, and skin irritation. Even Health Canada warns not to use concentrations of more than 10% on children, and supports the use of soybean oil and citronella--‐ based repellents.

• Essential oils can work just as well. Some natural bug sprays use essential oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus oil and soybean oil, specifically. You can find some natural brands in the cosmetics database, or google recipes to make your own.

• Cover up (this applies to bug spray too)! Spray overtop of long sleeved shirts instead of directly on skin if possible, then wash clothing 3 before wearing again.

• For more details, check out the Toxic Nation Guide to Insect Repellants.

Festive Summer Drinks!

Try these festive summer drinks, courtesy of Emergen--‐C vitamin drink mixes. Emergen--‐C is available at Cambrian Pharmacy in boxes of 30, or single packets, if you want to try out each flavour.

MOCITO MOJITO

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet Lemon--‐Lime Emergen--‐C vitamin drink mix
  • 6 ounces filtered water
  • 1/2 lime, sliced into wedges
  • A few pinches of fresh mint leaves
  • Ice (crushed or cubed)

Directions:

Pour filtered water into a glass. Add Emergen--‐C Lemon--‐Lime drink mix and stir. Squeeze lime into glass and drop in wedges. Add ice and mint leaves, and stir. Serves 1

MAUI WOWEE

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet Tropical Emergen--‐C vitamin drink mix
  • 1 packet Super Orange Emergen--‐C vitamin drink mix
  • 8 ounces fresh pineapple juice
  • Ice (crushed or cubed)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients into a glass, and enjoy! Serves 1

Recipes courtesy of Emergen-­‐C

Keeping You Informed...

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