Charron Medical

Visit us at: 222 Main St. Nashua, NH 03060

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The ABC’s of CBD

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Wading through the clutter of advertisements, government rules, and medical claims on cannabidiol (CBD) based products and medical marijuana can be downright befuddling.  Everywhere you look today, somebody is selling CBD or talking about CBD. Is it really a miracle product? Or is it another supplement with unproven claims? Inflammatory bodies want to know.

Inflammation is one of the biggest issues we face, as our bodies age.  Conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, even mental fog, can be traced to inflammation in the body.  Some claim that CBD, hemp, or medical marijuana have been used by societies as long as people have existed, to treat inflammation and chronic conditions.   If that is true, then why are we just now hearing so much about it?

Regulation.  This is where science and government collide.  Cannabis, the plant where CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are derived, has been classified as a controlled substance since the passing of The Marijuana Tax Act 1937.  There are two main types of cannabis – Hemp and Marijuana- which were both classified as controlled substances in the U.S.  So the scientific community could study CBD – and there is definitely some good research, on a global level, indicating CBD can have healing properties – but the federal government, which funds so much of the medical research in this country through universities and non-profits, could not fund it.  And any research was likely illegal. But that has now changed.

Enter the 2018 Farm Bill.  The new farm bill defines Hemp – having less than 0.03% THC – as legal to grow.  Marijuana, the other type of Cannabis, typically has more THC and remains a controlled substance.    This paved the way for the legalization of hemp, which means it can be grown here and used in the production of related products such as oils, creams, and salves ( CNN article).  The CBD industry in the U.S. is now pushing $22 billion.

The question still remains, will CBD help me feel better?  Many doctors and health practitioners think – Yes. According to an AARP article:

Mikhail Kogan, M.D., medical director of the George Washington University Center for Integrative Medicine, has prescribed CBD for his patients since the compound was legalized for medical use in the District of Columbia in 2011. Kogan says cannabinoids are “safer than Tylenol or caffeine by tenfold. If you compare them to opiates, they’re about 10,000 times safer.” He recommends placing a few drops of the oil under the tongue.

 

I would really like CBD to work.  Not only does the appeal of a botanical treatment sound holistic to me, but there is the other issue.  In my home state, people – especially young people – are overdosing on opioids. Prescription pill addictions are destroying families in our own communities.  But we need to be realistic too. Is CBD going to solve your problems? Will it move people away from narcotics? Will it truly help patients with chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, inflammation, arthritis, and crippling mood disorders?  Is it even worth all the attention it has been getting?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not sure.  They are scurrying to find answers. This New York Times article has an excellent report on the most recent CBD forum.  What is the FDA concerned about?

  • Quality control and consistency
  • Contamination of infused products (i.e. pesticides, heavy metals)
  • Dosage and concentration concerns

 The World Health Organization believes CBD:

 CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications. Several countries have modified their national controls to accommodate CBD as a medicinal product. To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.

Admittedly, I didn’t do all this research before trying CBD for my own inflammatory problems.   I am only now reading though the sources and opinions on CBD. But I did buy my supply from a well-known local medical supply company.  They have always provided good quality medical supplies and equipment. They have sourced from reputable suppliers with experience and knowledge.  So I purchased a bottle of CBD oil from Charron Medical, who is sourcing from CBD MD. The supplier has a great buyer’s guide to help you make your decision about CBD.  Because in the end, it is going to be up to you and your doctor.  Will you try it? How will you know if it is making a difference? What does your doctor or pharmacist say about potential drug interactions?

If CBD is proven to provide relief to those suffering with chronic pain and inflammation, as well as anxiety and sleep disorders, then we will all be hearing more about it from our doctors and caregivers.

Don’t Miss Out on Holiday Fun: Prepare early for your travel needs

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It happens every year.  Families and friends get together to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s.  Don’t get left behind because of mobility or other house-guest concerns.

If your grandmother, grandfather, mother or dad is able to stay with you, make it easy on everyone by planning ahead.  You will want to consider mobility issues, bathroom needs, dietary restrictions, and other comfort items.

Mobility

If mobility is an issue for your family member, make sure to have a walker, rollator, cane, or other walking aid available.  Some travelers use the Nova Carrying Case to bring their transport chair or walker with them.  It is good for flying, train, or car travel.

Some families will keep a spare rollator or walker on hand, for those grandparents or parents who need a little help getting around.

A bed rail can help with climbing out of bed in a guest room.  It can ease the worry of getting up during the night, and taking at tumble onto the floor.

Canes and walking sticks will help your family member navigate new terrain.  And let’s face it, after a long day of celebrating with family it feels good to lean on a sturdy walking stick or cane.

Dietary Restrictions

If you are hosting this holiday season, make sure to ask about dietary restrictions.  Some family members cold be diabetic.  It is important to know how to cook and what food to have on hand, for diabetics.

If you are diabetic, make sure to carry a travel medical kit.  It will be very important to follow your doctors recommendations while traveling, just like when you are at home.

Sleeping Aids

Bed wedges can make all the difference between getting a good night’s sleep and waking up tired.  You don’t want to be grumpy during this festive time!  Charron Medical has inflatable bed wedges for all types of conditions.  A battery powered motor will blow up the bed wedge to the desired level.  Some people have told us these bed wedges are more comfortable than the memory foam versions.  

 

House Bill Introduced to Provide Medicare Coverage of Custom Breast Prostheses – The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, H.R. 6980

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Thank you to our New Hampshire Representatives who voted to introduce custom breast prostheses to the Medicare program.

The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, H.R. 6980, will address a gap in coverage for women who need another option. Some women may not be candidates for reconstruction, which can be very expensive, while others may not want more surgery. Custom breast prostheses are beneficial for women who are unable to find off-the-shelf prostheses that fit their particular chest wall, finding symmetry to match their remaining breast, or matching skin tone. Medicare currently covers both reconstruction and off-the-shelf options, but not custom prothesis.  This is why we need new legislation.

According to Breastcancer.org:

Some specialty stores will sell custom-made breast prostheses, uniquely constructed and cast to match the natural contours and color of each woman’s body and her other breast. These are typically made from silicone or latex, and are more expensive than a breast prostheses that isn’t custom-made. Many insurance companies don’t cover custom-made breast forms. A plaster cast or laser scan is taken of your chest and then the prostheses is contoured so it fits snugly against your body.

As the movement gains traction, and the insurance community responds to the demand for custom breast protheses, providers will be more able to help survivors access the prostheses they want.  There is wide-spread support for this service, and we are looking forward to a time when any person needing the right prothesetic will have access.  

At Charron Medical we have seen instance where a woman’s body does not fit neatly into the standard breast forms.  We are often able to make adjustments and find the best possible fit.  But in those cases, the best possible fit could be a custom one.  #makemewholeagain is working to support the movement for custom protheses.  We applaud their efforts and will continue to support the legislation for access to custom protheses for all breast cancer patients.

 

 

 

 

http://www.peopleforqualitycare.org/makemewholeagain

 

Find Your Community

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Seniors Gardening

We don’t need science to tell us how important it is to belong someplace. There is no greater feeling than to be accepted by your friends, family, and neighbors. 

Sometimes, we might find ourselves in a new place and need to find our community.  Or the community we had is now changed, and we need to find a new community.   Temma Erhenfeld writes for Psychology Today, and she points out that friendships inspire us as we age, and that we will be happiest if we focus on high quality friendships.

 My mother now lives in Florida, and she has found her community there.  The neighborhood is a caring place where friends visit each other daily, share meals, and carpool to the grocery store.  They have a standing afternoon date to binge watch an hour of television, and then take a walk down to the water to see the birds and watch the boats.

 Recently, the annual Great American Downtown meeting of the Nashua Main Street community was held at the Nashua City Hall.  Store owners, aldermen and alderwomen, city staff, journalists, and volunteers gathered to recap the 2017 activities of the non-profit downtown organization.

The accomplishments were impressive, such as the Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll and the Taste of Downtown event.  Locals will find and appreciate the community when they attend a downtown event.  

Where will you find your community?

  • Senior Center
  • Retirement Community
  • Volunteer
  • YMCA
  • Knitting or Sewing Club
  • Athletic League
  • Cooking Circle
  • Book Club
  • Fraternity
  • Church
  • Tutor or Mentor Programs

Compression Therapy eases Tired, Achy Legs, and many Medical Conditions

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Tired, achy legs benefit from compression therapy.  Wearing graduated socks or stockings will increase circulation, reduce swelling, and the feeling of tired, achy legs.  Compression therapy will reduce venous pressure within your legs, by applying external pressure to your legs.  If you have ever felt these symptoms, you can visit Charron Medical Services and talk to a knowledgeable staff member about compression socks:

  •  Heavy, tired & aching legs
  • Swollen ankles and legs
  • Cramping and tingling in the legs
  • Small varicose veins
  • Dull or sharp pain in the calf
  • Post-workout fatigue in your lower limbs

 Your body is designed to pump lymphatic fluid and protein-rich blood into your limbs and muscles.  This can promote healing, but it can also put pressure on nerves and cause pain.  Furthermore, prolonged inflammation can damage healthy tissue and even hinder the healing process.

 How do you know if compression socks or sleeves will help you? 

  • Breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk of lymphedema due to damaged lymph nodes. Compression sleeves are often prescribed and recommended.
  • Travel can cause fluid to build up in your legs. Wear compression socks or tights to prevent the discomfort and fatigue of edema.
  • Compression hosiery targets some of the discomfort of pregnancy
  • Post-workout compression can reduce soreness, improve circulation, and reduce swelling to promote recovery

 

If you are in a profession that involves a lot of sitting or standing, such as teaching or healthcare, you could benefit from daily use of compression wear.  Manufacturing workers who stand on concrete surfaces will find relief in daily use of compression socks.  Anyone who travels frequently will want to reduce swelling by wearing compression gear.

 Three tips to help prevent the discomfort of tired, achy legs and edema include:

  1. Wear compression socks or tights
  2. Stay active – walk, dance, swim, hike, exercise
  3. Drink fluids

 Replace your compression socks or sleeves every three to six months.