Hours of Operation

Mondays 9am-6pm

Tuesdays through Fridays 9am-9pm

Saturdays 9am-6pm

Sunday 12-5

www.medicineshoppenb.ca

Coupon Sharing Program
Members can drop off envelopes with $3.00 worth of current dated coupons and, for your effort, you will be entered into a monthly draw for a small prize.
We welcome members to help themselves to any of the coupons that we collect. The rack is located just inside the doors across from the service desk.

Information for Medicine Shoppe tips are gathered from a variety of websites. It is always best to check with a physician prior to adjusting your eating habits or adding supplements. Please note that opinions may vary on the topics covered.

Osteoporosis Medications: A Discussion of Current Concerns

Daniel Pike, Pharmacist

Over the past month I have received numerous questions from patients concerned about their osteoporosis medications increasing their risk for fractures. Many of these people had actually stopped taking their medications without discussing the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. The reason for this concern is due to media coverage of studies looking at the long-term use of bisphosphonates. This class of osteoporosis medication is made-up of Fosamax® (alendronate), Actonel® (risedronate), and others. Through this article I hope to shed light on the findings of these studies, and discuss current recommendations for patients taking these medications.
Bisphosphonates are a common first-line option in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. These medications work to maintain bone mass by slowing the body’s process of bone breakdown. It is through this mechanism that we have seen a documented potential for increased bone density and decreased number of fractures. For instance, alendronate has been shown to reduce the risk of spine, hip and other fractures by approximately 50% over two to four years of treatment. So why is there concern over their use? Two studies presented to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that even though these drugs may help prevent fractures and increase bone for several years, there is a need to re-evaluate their long-term use. These studies demonstrated that over time, bisphosphonates may cause bone to become more brittle and prone to certain types of fractures. One specific fracture that has been linked is that of the thigh bone.
Are these studies of any significance? First of all, it is important to know that these studies were small, and may not show a true problem with bisphosphonates. In a statement released from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, it is felt that based on evidence currently available the benefits of using these medications outweigh the potential risks. They also state that even though these fractures should be taken seriously, the amount of people experiencing them is very small compared to the number of people who take the medications. With this in mind, it can be said that there is currently no clear connection between bisphosphonates and these fractures.
So what does all of this mean for people currently taking these medications? First of all it is important to know that bisphosphonates are very effective when used properly. Patients should never discontinue these medications without first talking to a healthcare professional. If you are on an osteoporosis medication it is important that you review your treatment with your physician on a yearly basis. If you have been taking these medications for over five years, you may wish to discuss with your physician the benefits of continuing treatment. Based on your risk for fractures they may decide to continue your current medication, switch you to a different medication, or stop treatment for a period of time and monitor your bone density.
It is also worth knowing other ways to keep bones healthy and strong. Some examples may include consuming sufficient calcium and vitamin D to meet your age requirements, participating in regular exercise and physical activity, and limiting your alcohol intake.
This situation highlights the importance of always looking at not only the risks, but also at the benefits of taking a medication. If you have any questions be sure to ask your physician or your pharmacist. Remember your health is our number one priority!

In Windows 7, have you ever opened an application or window, seen it appear in the Taskbar, yet the window or application is not visible on the Desktop?

Due to a mis-configuration, switching of screen resolutions, or switching back and forth between using multiple monitors, it is possible for a window / application to appear at a location not currently visible on your Desktop. In Windows XP, right-clicking on a window's Taskbar icon opened a menu that you could use to move it back. However, in Windows 7, right-clicking on these Taskbar icons do not pull up such menus. Thus, how can you make the windows / applications visible again?
A. Access the "Move" menu via the keyboard
Moving a window that has been hiding back into view on the Windows 7 Desktop
1. Click on an icon in the Taskbar that represents a hidden window / application.
2. Press Alt + Space, then M.
3. Press and hold down the left cursor key for a few seconds. Try the up cursor key. This should move the window back to a visible position on your Windows XP Desktop.
B. Restore or maximize the window
While right-clicking the Taskbar icon itself does not pull up a "Restore" or "Maximize" menu item, right-clicking on the thumbnail preview on an icon does.
1. Hover over an icon to display its preview.
2. Right-click the preview.
3. Select "Restore" or "Maximize" from the pop-up menu that appears.
Restoring a hidden window via a right-click menu of its thumbnail preview
C. Move the window
1. Click the Taskbar icon.
2. Then, hover over the icon to display its preview.
3. Right-click the preview.
4. Select "Move" from the pop-up menu that appears.
5. From here you may be able to use the cursor keys as mentioned above to move the window back to the displayable area.
D. Using the keyboard Windows keys
Windows 7 lets you dock, maximize, and minimize windows via keyboard shortcuts. Use this to your advantage.
Click the Taskbar icon representing the hidden window. Then press Windows + Left-Cursor or Windows + Right-Cursor a few times, and the window should reappear on the Desktop.