November is National Diabetes Month, and Faulkner’s would like to remind our community that, in the fight against diabetes, patient self-care and empowerment are key. Activity Staying active will help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and elevate your mood. Physical activity can even help keep blood sugar levels and diabetes symptoms under control. Medication A health care provider can help you determine whether or not medications for diabetes management will benefit you. Read on →

Pain management is something of an art and a science. There are few words to fully capture the experience of chronic pain, yet many patients get to a point where they know their pain management measures simply aren’t working. When that happens, what’s next? Understand there’s no magic cure. While we’d like to be completely pain-free, the goal of treating chronic pain is typically to experience a good quality of life while handling pain at a tolerable level. Read on →

Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, this virus lies dormant in nerve tissues and can reactivate years later as shingles. Symptoms include pain, burning, numbness or tingling, sensitivity to touch, a red rash or fluid-filled blisters, and itching. Sometimes people experience fever, headache, sensitivity to light, or fatigue. Pain is often the first symptom, and it can be intense. Read on →

Many muscle cramps are caused by an electrolyte imbalance brought about by dehydration and overexertion. Inactivity—regardless of fluid intake—is another significant cause of cramping. Some individuals, however, seem particularly predisposed to painful cramps without a clear explanation why. If chronic cramping is causing you pain, what can you do about it? Try a gentle massage. Lightly rub on and around the sore part of your body to relax the contracting muscle. Read on →

When a new school year begins, the cold and flu season is sure to follow. Keep your family healthier this time around with our preventative tips. Maximize Immunity Most illness prevention requires daily immunity maintenance. Eat nutritious foods, get adequate sleep and exercise regularly. However, cooler months benefit from a concentrated effort. So get to bed earlier, eat more fruits and vegetables, and try supplements like vitamin C, echinacea and goldenseal. Read on →

Type II diabetes can often seem difficult to manage, but there are now many treatment options available, and the medical community continues to gain ground with advancements in diabetic research. Among the most vital and easily manageable lines of defense against complications is vigilant foot care. Peripheral neuropathy and ulcers are very serious conditions, but actions may be taken to avoid and treat these issues. The first step is to inspect diabetic feet daily. Read on →

You have a number of options when it comes to choosing a pharmacy. From big box retailers to giant drug store chains and online stores to mail-order options, there are many different ways to purchase your family’s medications and prescriptions. And best among these many providers is the locally owned and operated, independent pharmacy. Faulkner’s Drug Store is the local pharmacy serving Monroe and Union Counties for more than five decades. Read on →