1. Emergen-C Packets 

Vitamin C is important for helping to keep the immune system strong, so load up on Emergen-C packets. With 24 nutrients including 1,000 mg of immune supporting vitamin C and 7 B vitamins to enhance energy naturally, kids and big kids alike will benefit. Plus, they are easy to drink, portable, and available in flavors such as orange, raspberry, and lemon lime. (Which makes them more appealing to children than tablets or capsules.) 

2. Vitamin D Drops from Carlson    

Vitamin D supports immune health and plays a key role in helping to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. While vitamin D is found in milk, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and some other fortified foods like cereal, up to 70% of children in our country are vitamin D deficient (according to a study in Pediatrics Journal). Supplementation can help counteract decreased D levels and support disease prevention throughout life. Try Carlson D drops for kids. These unflavored drops offer a convenient way to experience the health benefits of vitamin D.  

3. Fish Oil Supplements 

Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. They play a crucial role in brain function and children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids (including EPA and DHA). According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in a clinical study of nearly 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral problems (such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances) than boys with normal omega-3 fatty acid levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, some plants, and nut oils. You can also help to make sure your little ones get enough Omega-3s through supplementation. Come in to talk with our staff about options. 

4. Behavior Balance 

Concentration and calm are helpful for many kids in the classroom. FoodScience of Vermont Behavior Balance capsules are great for all school-aged kids and contain a combination of nutrients - such as folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and zinc - that work synergistically to balance behavior patterns and socialization skills, support stress coping mechanisms and immune system function. We have other options to help with concentration as well - come in and talk with us about your kids' individuals needs.   

5. Lemon Balm Glycerite from Avena Botanicals 

Another great nutraceutical for supporting kids' ability to focus and get through the day with smiles is Avena Botanicals Lemon Balm Glycerite. Made locally in Maine, the liquid drops are relaxing, calming and uplifting to the spirit. They help to relax spasms in the stomach and digestive complaints, and are helpful for attention deficit disorder.

*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 

HORMONES AND YOUR HEALTH | SEPTEMBER 20 | 6:30 p.m.    

On September 20, at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Bethany Hays MD, Medical Director of True North Health Center, will be coming to ABD to help answer all your hormone questions. Drawing from her vast experience and practice, Dr. Hays will share her insights and help sort out some of the complex confusion around bio-identical hormones.  

The evening will begin with light tastes and beverages at 6:30 p.m. and then Dr. Hays will start her presentation by 6:45 p.m. and leave lots of time to answer your questions. We hope you'll join us. 

Space is limited--click here to sign up for HORMONES & YOUR HEALTH today!  

We have a new line of skin care products in the store that we think you'll love!   

We are pleased to introduce a brand new skin care line to our store. Created by pharmacists, Rx Solutions is the most advanced treatment for improving your skin you can get without a prescription. The product line contains specifically formulated, concentrated blends of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients to help correct the signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, shrink pores and restore your skin's natural radiance.  

Rx Solutions unique formulas offer a higher level of beneficial ingredients than what you can buy over the counter. The key ingredients - such as peptides, glycolic acid, and vitamin C - really make a difference in how your skin looks and feels and the retinol product comes in two strengths not found in usual off-the-shelf products (2 and 4 percent).

Why are we bringing Rx Solutions Skin Therapy to Apothecary by Design? "Because we have distinctive qualities as a pharmacy that set us apart," says our Nurse Coordinator Brenda Houdlette. "We offer services that are a step above and these products are consistent with our philosophy as far as the care we try to deliver. They are a skin care solution that is one step above what you can get elsewhere. Plus, our staff has the training to help you customize care that is just right for your needs."

You'll see a full range of products on display in the store from anti-aging formulas like retinol and glycolic acid peels to blemish formulas to everyday skin firming options. We have the complete list of ingredients for every product in-store as well, so we can talk through any questions you may have.

"I think these are wonderful products," Brenda says. "They are cleaner than the fragrance loaded products you might find elsewhere and they last a long time, so I've found them to be a great value. I encourage people to come in and incorporate them into their current skin care regimen. Just try replacing one product you usually use or add something new to see if you like it."

All Rx Solutions products will be 10% off for Loyalty Members!  

In July, we introduced you to Brenda Houdlette, our Nurse Coordinator. Brenda offers patient consults with peri- and post-menopausal women. She provides patient education and works with patients and their practitioners to develop individualized bio-identical hormone therapy plans. Starting this month, we'll hear hormone therapy insights and health tips from Brenda. Look for Brenda's tidbits in future newsletters and online, and call anytime at 207-899-0663 x223 to set up your own patient consult.

There is great value in customizing hormone replacement therapy - and bio-identical therapy in particular - according to each individual woman's needs. In 2002, the results of the Women's Health Initiative study on hormone therapy highlighted the problems associated with a "one size fits all" approach to hormone replacement therapy. Researchers studying the synthetic hormones Premarin and Provera determined that they were more dangerous than a placebo (when given to women age 60 and over to prevent heart disease). Neither Premarin (a synthetic estrogen) nor Provera (a synthetic progestin) are found in the human female body and adverse effects--such as heart disease and breast cancer--were found to be associated with them.  

(Read more in Menopause, As Brought to You By Big Pharma, NY Times, 2009)

The science of medicine today has matured.  Now, a full range of bio-identical hormones--taken individually or in combination--are available in our pharmacy. These natural hormones can be individually adjusted and prescribed based on a woman's test results and symptoms, so that she takes only what is needed for her body. By evaluating each woman's own unique set of physical and physiological factors, a plan is made to fit her individual needs.

Ask your doctor to consider talking to one of our compounding pharmacists for specific information. If they are reluctant to prescribe hormone therapy, you can call our pharmacy and schedule a consult in order to help determine what types of therapies would most benefit your needs and the information will be sent to your doctor's office to further aid them in prescribing the appropriate treatment.

Best, Brenda 

PANEL OF MERCY HOSPITAL EXPERTS | OCTOBER 18 | 6:30 p.m.    

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month we're pleased to be gearing up for it with a very special event. A panel of breast cancer specialists from Mercy hospital will be coming to offer insights on prevention, steps to take when diagnosed, and post-treatment care. The panel includes: 

Suzanne Hoekstra, MD FACS - Breast Surgeon-Breast Care Specialists of Maine - Mercy Hospital

Roger Inhorn MD, PhD - Oncologist - Mercy Hospital

Dana Greer, RN - Clinical Trials and Genetic Testing - Oncology Dept - Mercy Hospital

Joan Lavery-McLaughlin, RD, LD - Nutritionist - Oncology Department - Mercy Hospital   

Get ready for the event and consider incorporating a few prevention tips into your daily lifestyle:   

- Maintain a healthy weight (obesity may increase the risk of breast cancer)
- Limit alcohol consumption to one drink or less per day

- Take a vitamin D supplement to avoid depletion

- Get regular aerobic activity for 30 minutes, five times a day

- Eat more veggies -- cabbage, broccoli, and kale in particular

Read more: Outsmart Breast Cancer: Nine steps that make a difference - from eating the right vegetables to taking correct supplements.

Register for BEATING BREAST CANCER here!