7 Things You Should Know About Menopause

Our individual experiences are incredibly unique, but every woman in the world will go through menopause at some point in her life. Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle; once she has gone through menopause, she is no longer fertile. While this is a natural turning point in every woman's life, it is a major transition and can bring with it several unique physical and emotional challenges.

As a dedicated compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specialists, we work with many women as they make their journeys through menopause. This week, we are here to share with you some of the interesting things we have learned about menopause over the years. If you or someone you know is currently undergoing menopause (or will be soon), we hope you'll take the time to read over this. You might be surprised by what you learn!

1. Women Experience Menopause At Different Ages.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 and the average age is 51. However, menopause can occur earlier or later (anywhere from your 30's to your 60's) depending on various circumstances. For example, women who have received cancer treatment in the past may go through menopause earlier.

2. Menopause Has Several Stages.
From beginning to end, the entire process of menopause can sometimes take several years. Perimenopause begins a few years in advance, at which point your ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone and release eggs less frequently. Once you have been without a period for at least twelve months, you have entered into postmenopause and are no longer fertile.

3. You Could Miss A Period For A Few Months And Still Get Pregnant.
For most women, menstruation will become irregular for several months (if not years) before eventually gradually stopping. The fact that you have not had a period for three to four months does not mean that you have entered postmenopause. It is important to be aware that you may still be able to get pregnant during this time.

4. Hot Flashes Aren't The Only Symptoms.
Menopause is a time for many significant hormonal changes, and these hormonal shifts can result in several different symptoms. Hot flashes are a famous symptom of menopause, but women may experience any number of additional symptoms including mood swings, headaches, fuzzy thinking, muscle pain, and joint pain. Your Lake of the Ozarks compounding pharmacist may be able to help you minimize these symptoms.

5. Your Sex Drive May Be Altered.
Because menopause marks the end of your fertility, you may experience changes in your sex drive during or after menopause. Menopause can sometimes result in vaginal dryness, making intercourse difficult or painful. Other women discover that by lifting the burden of a potential unwanted pregnancy, sex becomes even more enjoyable after menopause. While it is impossible to predict exactly how your libido will be affected, you should be aware that it may change.

6. Menopause Is Not A Disease.
Most importantly, we want to stress the fact that menopause is not a disease. It is a natural phase of life that all women will experience, not a medical condition that needs to be treated with with concern or fear. The hormonal swings and resulting physical symptoms can be a little overwhelming at times, but there are things you can do to help relieve these symptoms and ease the process.

7. Hormone Therapy Can Help With Menopause.
Hormones play incredibly important roles in our bodies; when they are out of balance, it can affect us in more ways than we may realize. By balancing your swinging hormones, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help relieve many of the symptoms associated with menopause, from hot flashes to decreased libido to mood swings. It is important to note that other measures to create a healthy lifestyle (such as eating well and exercising regularly) can also help to ease the process.

Remember The Lime In The Coconut As Your Trusted Hormone Therapy Resource!

During our years as a compounding pharmacy in Central Missouri, we have helped hundreds of women with hormone replacement therapy at the Lake of the Ozarks. We work exclusively with bioidentical hormones - hormones that are molecularly and chemically identical to the hormones found naturally in our bodies and, as a result, are easier for our bodies to absorb and utilize. If you would like more information about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you as your body goes through menopause, don't hesitate to reach out to us! We would be honored to help you through this important transition in your life.

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786

Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

9 Tips To Stay Healthy This Thanksgiving

With the overwhelming portions of turkey, casserole, stuffing, pie, and other desserts at your disposal, the idea of staying healthy during Thanksgiving (and the rest of the holiday season) can seem like an unrealistic goal at best. Nevertheless, taking care of your health during the holidays is absolutely crucial - and it can actually be easier than you might think! The team at our compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you stay on track with these quick tips.

9 Tips To Stay Healthy This Thanksgiving

1. Eat Before Thanksgiving Dinner
Some people avoid eating before the official Thanksgiving meal, but if you're trying to be healthy this Thanksgiving, we recommend you eat a normal breakfast and lunch before the main meal. If you starve yourself beforehand, you will be more likely to overeat.

2. Protect Yourself From Temptation
Why sit right next to the platter of soft, warm cookies? It will be hard enough to resist your favorite treats as is; why make it harder on yourself by putting it right within arm's reach? You may be better off sitting next to an entrée that isn't your favorite - or away from all of the serving dishes altogether!

3. Bring A Healthy Dish To Share
It's no secret that many of Thanksgiving's favorite dishes are less than perfect for our health. Rather than limiting yourself to the unhealthy options that your friends and family members may bring, make a healthy dish to share. Sweet potatoes (without all the added sugar) make for a wonderfully healthy option!

4. Eat Slowly
Study after study has shown that people who eat slower eat less overall. Reduce your risk of bingeing on Thanksgiving by slowing down and making a point to savor every single bite. There's no need to be in a hurry!

5. Do Something Physically Active
What's worse than overeating? Overeating and not doing anything to work off the extra calories. If you want to stay healthy this Thanksgiving, start your morning off with a brisk walk. If you're up to it, try some sort of family activity before or after your big meal too, such as going for a hike or hanging out at the park.

6. Limit Your Sweets
It's no secret that eating large quantities of sugar is bad for your health. It can be hard to resist the multitude of desserts that are available on Thanksgiving, but we encourage you to limit your sugar intake. Try not to go back for that extra slice of pie!

7. Put More Vegetables And Salad On Your Plate
Your plate has a finite amount of space. If you fill the majority of your plate (or at the very least, half) with vegetables and/or salad, you will not have as much room left over to for the high-calorie entrées. As long as you limit your portion sizes, there's no need to deprive yourself of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!

8. Don't Go Back For Seconds
Resisting the urge to fill your plate a second time is the best way to avoid overeating on Thanksgiving. Choose your entrées carefully the first time around - and when your plate is empty, stop eating! You can always enjoy the leftovers later.

9. Drink Lots Of Water
Many of the foods served on Thanksgiving are high in sodium, and high amounts of sodium can dehydrate our bodies. Drinking alcohol can also cause us to become dehydrated. Stay head of the curve by drinking lots of water throughout the day. (As an added bonus, drinking lots of water may also be able to help you avoid overeating.)

Happy Thanksgiving From The Lime!

All of us at the Lake of the Ozarks' best compounding pharmacy hope you have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving weekend! Please remember that your health is our top priority; if you are ever in need of a new pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks or if you are looking for alternative healthcare in Missouri, look no further than the Lime in the Coconut Compounding Pharmacy. Our team is sure to have something that meets your needs!

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786

Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8 Reasons To Consider CranioSacral Therapy

We have talked before about the healing potential of CranioSacral Therapy (CST), but understanding its basic concepts and understanding its real-life applications are two very different things. This week, our CranioSacral Therapist in central Missouri is here to examine with you some of the different uses of CranioSacral Therapy and when it might be applicable to you and your situation. (If you missed our original blog post about CranioSacral therapy, view it here.)

8 Reasons To Consider CST

Here are a few examples of different situations when CranioSacral Therapy may be able to benefit you.

1. You Have Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches and migraines can be caused for any number of different reasons, but they almost always have one thing in common: they are a result of tension stemming from somewhere in the skull, neck, or shoulders. Since its primary function is to relieve tensions in the body, many people have had excellent success using CST to relieve their headaches.

2. You Are Experiencing Pain From Past Surgeries
While it is absolutely necessary in some situations, surgery may also cause several undesirable repercussions. Because surgery is often traumatic to the body, many people suffer from significant tension and stiffness after surgery. The formation of scar tissue can also create tension. CST can work to help relieve these tensions to bring your body back into a better balance.

3. You Experienced Challenges During Childbirth
It is no secret that birthing puts a great deal of strain on the body. If you experienced a difficult birth, your body may be holding onto tensions and trauma that you are consciously unaware of. In fact, a traumatic birth may be the root cause of many seemingly unrelated issues. CST can help to discover the root of your pain and work to cure it at the source.

4. You Are Pregnant
While CST can be very helpful to mothers who have given birth in the past, it can also be enormously beneficial to expecting mothers. CranioSacral Therapy can help alleviate many of the symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy, including back pain, headaches, and nausea. Studies have also shown that women who receive consistent CST treatments during pregnancy enjoy easier and shorter labors.

5. Your Own Birth Was Traumatic
People are quick to talk about the impact difficult births have on the mothers, but what about the infants coming into the world? Birthing complications can have a huge impact on their tiny bodies, the results of which can sometimes be felt for years to come. Our certified CranioSacral Therapist at the Lake of the Ozarks can help identify which of your symptoms may be linked to your own birth and can help facilitate healing.

6. You Suffer From Joint Pain

Our joints have major roles to play in our bodies. Just like our sense of balance, our joints require many different components to cooperate successfully in order to function properly. If anything is even remotely out of place, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. CranioSacral Therapy may be able to help bring everything back into proper alignment.

7. You Have Problems Balancing

Our sense of balance relies on the careful coordination between many participating factors, all of which are found in the inner ear. The inner ear is made of up of multiple bones, fluid-filled canals, and other components that must work together for us to balance. If you are having trouble balancing, CST may be able to help bring these many components back into alignment.

8. You Suffer From Emotional Or Anxiety Disorders
The modern medical world pays little attention to the relationship between our emotional and physical experiences, but the fact remains that the two are irrevocably linked. Through its gentle, hands-on approach, CST can help uncover and heal the emotional issues that are subconsciously linked to your body's outward symptoms.

Call Darin To Schedule Your Private Session Today!

These examples offer a great sampling of the different types of situations in which CST can be helpful, but in truth, this short list barely scratches the surface of the incredible healing potential that CranioSacral Therapy has to offer. If you have more questions about CranioSacral Therapy at the Lake of the Ozarks or if you would like to book your session, call Darin Puppel at 573-964-6786 ext. 303. Your body will thank you!

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786

Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sharon To Serve On The PCCA Advisory Council!

Big news for the Lime in the Coconut! Sharon Hagan RPh., owner and resident compounding pharmacist for the Lime in the Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy, has been asked to serve on the PCCA Advisory Board for the upcoming term. This is a fantastic opportunity for Sharon, and we are super excited for her!

What Is PCCA?

Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) is an organization dedicated to the success of independent compounding pharmacists. PCCA serves as a valuable resource for our compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks (and for others all across the United States) for equipment, chemicals, devices, flavors, software, marketing, and continuing education opportunities. The PCCA website has tons of resources and information on a wide variety of different compounded medications, including men and women's health, pain management, dental compounding, veterinary compounding, pediatric compounding, and much more.

What Will Sharon's Role Be?

The Lime in the Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy has been a member of PCCA ever since Sharon first founded the Lime in 2007. After eight and a half years of dedicated membership, Sharon is excited to take her involvement to the next level!

Sharon, along with a select group of other compounding pharmacists in the U.S., will be responsible for representing the diverse needs of the PCCA network for the 2016-2017 term. Because of the unique responsibilities shouldered by PCCA Advisory Council Members Sharon had to meet several requirements in order to be considered for this position. We are so proud of her!

Qualifications For The PCCA Advisory Council

• Knowledge of the history, mission, and goals of PCCA.
• Knowledge of the compounding community.
• The ability to share business ideas with tact, enthusiasm, and commitment.
• The ability to accept responsibility and follow through.
• The ability to work well with people individually and in a group setting.
• U.S. membership with a minimum level of silver Member Reward status.
• A commitment to the diverse needs of our growing membership.
• A positive attitude and interest in the future and well-being of PCCA.

Responsibilities

• Supporting PCCA's mission and vision.
• Attending two Council's meetings per year and actively participating in them.
• Attending telephone meetings as needed throughout the year.
• Sharing her business knowledge and other areas of expertise with PCCA.
• Being an advocate for PCCA.
• Participating in strategic planning activities.
• Partnering with PCCA leadership to accomplish PCCA's mission and vision.

Benefits Of Serving On The Council

• The opportunity to identify needs for, provide support to, and assist PCCA in achieving its goals.
• Enhanced experience in building and working with teams.
• Increased knowledge of PCCA activities and resources.
• The opportunity to help shape PCCA's direction and future.

Sharon is very excited to be able to serve PCCA and, in turn, The Lime and our valued customers. We know she is going to do an absolutely wonderful job, and we can't wait to see everything she does while serving on the Council!

Congratulations, Sharon!

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786

Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

6 Signs You May Have A Vitamin D Deficiency

Are you "vitamin D-ficient"? You might be surprised to learn that studies show us that well over half of the U.S. population does not have adequate levels of vitamin D. You might also be surprised to learn that this deficiency is not solely present in the winter months. Many of us spend the vast majority of our daylight hours indoors, whether at our jobs or at our home. Not only that, but when we do go outside, we slather ourselves in sunscreen to protect ourselves from UV rays. While sunscreen does a decent job blocking these potentially harmful UV rays from our skin, it also has proven very effective at blocking much-needed vitamin D from absorbing into our bodies. This week, the Lime in the Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy is here to educate you on this major health concern that affects so many people in our society.

What's The Big Deal With Vitamin D?

So we might have lower-than-perfect levels of this particular vitamin... what's the big deal? The truth is that a vitamin D deficiency can actually be a very "big deal." According to WebMD, the health risks associated with a vitamin D deficiency can include:

• Cognitive impairment in older adults
• Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Severe asthma in children
• Cancer

That's not all. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a vitamin D deficiency can also cause:

• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle Weakness / Aches

How Do I Know If I Have A Vitamin D Deficiency?

Maintaining proper levels of vitamin D is crucial to our overall health. Here are a few signs and symptoms that could point to a vitamin D deficiency.

1. Your Head Sweats A Lot

Believe it not, a sweaty head is one of the classic first symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency. In fact, doctors used to ask new mothers if their infants' heads sweated frequently in order to determine whether or not the babies may be deficient in vitamin D.

2. You Feel Sad Or Depressed

Serotonin, the hormone associated with happy and positive moods, has been shown to have a positive correlation with vitamin D levels. If you're feeling down a lot of the time, your vitamin D levels could be low.

3. Your Muscles Are Weak

Have you noticed that your muscles seem to wear out easily and you tired more quickly than you used to - even if you're getting adequate amounts of sleep? This could be a symptom of a vitamin D deficiency.

4. Your Bones Are Achy

Vitamin D has a large role to play in strengthening your bones and keeping them healthy. Having low levels of vitamin D could cause your bones to ache.

5. You Have An Unhealthy Gut

If you have celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other gastrointestinal conditions that make it difficult for you to absorb fat, you may also have a vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D is fat-soluble; your body collects it by absorbing it in its fat.

6. You Are Overweight

As we just discussed, vitamin D is fat-soluble. If you have excess body fat absorbing all of your vitamin D, your vitamin D could get diluted. You may need to take vitamin D supplements in order to make up for this. 

If any of the above situations describe you, it's possible that you may have a vitamin D deficiency. Keep in mind, of course, that this list is not all-encompassing and that each of these symptoms could be signs of other conditions as well. To determine whether or not you truly have a vitamin D deficiency, ask your doctor for a blood test or order one you can take at home. Our compounding pharmacist at the Lake of the Ozarks would also be happy to provide you with more information!

How Can I Improve My Levels Of Vitamin D?

Once you've established that your vitamin D levels are low (or if you simply suspect that they could be), you will want to take steps to increase these levels. Spending more time outside (without being covered in excess clothing or sunscreen) is a great way to start, but there are also several foods that can serve as sources of vitamin D:

• Fatty fish
• Fortified yogurt
• Canned tuna fish or sardines
• Eggs
• Dole's Portobello Mushrooms
• Fortified orange juice
• Fortified milk

Get Your Vitamin D Supplements At The Lime!

Eating foods that are rich in vitamin D is important, but we recommend taking a vitamin D supplement as well to ensure that your body is getting the proper amounts of vitamin D that it needs to thrive. These supplements are available over the counter at most pharmacies and health food stores - including our compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks! Stop by and see us to get yours today.

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786

Hours:

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM