Courtenay Pharmacy

09/06/2026

Research findings suggest active pursuits, such as gardening, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes among those who have a high genetic risk.

Try growing some of your own food. It's a wonderful way to combine the benefits of gardening and top up your nutrition levels at the same time. You could easily grow some fruit and vegetables, like tomatoes, strawberries, beetroot and beans, in a container on a patio or balcony.

09/04/2026

Five personality traits change substantially from adolescence through old age, often as much as or more than life satisfaction, income, or health.

Personality traits have long been seen as set in stone, with many believing they stop changing once we reach adulthood. A recent study, however, challenges this long-held belief, suggesting that personality changes far more than most people realize. In the first part of the study, researchers survey...

09/03/2026

Want to support your gut health naturally and improve digestion? 🌿

A study of over 6,000 people found that adding 3 portions of fermented foods a day was associated with improved mood and energy, and less hunger and bloating within 3 weeks.

Fermented foods include:

Probiotic yogurt🥣
Kefir 🥛
Sauerkraut 🥬
Kimchi 🌶️

08/31/2026

Having diabetes means you have a higher risk of developing issues with your feet. This is because having higher blood glucose levels for a long time can cause nerve damage (also called neuropathy) in your feet.

If you take care of your feet and check them regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing foot problems.

✅ Keep an eye on your feet at home and check them every day.
✅ Using emollient cream, especially if it has a urea base, will keep your skin healthy.
✅ Take care when cutting your toenails and use an emery board to file any corners.
✅ If you smoke, stop! Smoking makes it harder for blood to circulate and move around your body, including to your feet. This puts you at even more of a risk of amputation.
✅ Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible can be difficult but can help prevent damage to your feet or stop the damage from getting worse.
✅ Eat a healthy, balanced diet and keep active.
✅Avoid shoes or socks that are too tight or rub. Shoes that don’t fit well, even those that feel comfortable, can cause problems. It’s good to buy shoes that are wide fitting.

08/30/2026

Feeling hungry before your next meal? Here's how to fill the gap with healthy nibbles...

Avocado and boiled egg.
Fruit.
Vegetable sticks with natural yoghurt or reduced fat hummus.
Rice cakes with low-fat cream cheese and cucumber.
A slice of toast with reduced fat soft cheese, a thin spread of reduced sugar jam or some chopped fruit.
Natural yoghurt with chopped fruit.
Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana.

08/28/2026

If you have a medical problem, or you’re experiencing side effects from a new medication, you can always come and talk to us! We’re good at listening and can give you great advice.

Have a question that you feel awkward about asking? Don't worry about being overheard, we have private consultation rooms where you can chat discreetly to one of our pharmacists.

Simply ask one of our staff at the counter if you can have a private chat with a pharmacist (you don’t even have to mention what it’s about) and they’ll arrange it for you.

08/27/2026

☀️🥵Older adults accumulate more body heat because sweating and skin blood-vessel dilation decline with age, increasing heat-related cardiovascular and kidney risks.

The year 2024 marked the first time that the global average temperature exceeded the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. One direct consequence is more intense heat extremes, which already pose a significant threat to human health.

08/25/2026

⏰ Restricted eating hours may reduce cognitive decline in older age. A preliminary study shows older people who confined mealtimes and snacks to a nine-hour window and avoided food four hours before bed did better in problem solving tests.

08/24/2026

Ways to boost oxytocin, the love hormones❤️

Give a compliment.
Get or give a massage.
Spend time with friends.
Listen or make to music.
Cuddle or hug.
Spend time with pets.
Give thanks.
Yoga.
Breathing exercises/meditation.
Do something nice for someone/kindness.

08/23/2026

Bored of the same old breakfast? Try making this good morning egg roll-up. It’s an easy and healthy recipe to start your day and It can also be used for lunch.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-guide/eating-support/kitchen/recipes/egg-wrap-vegetables.html