Courtenay Pharmacy

12/08/2025

A daily dose of daydreaming heals the heart, soothes the soul, and strengthens the imagination.
~ Richelle E. Goodrich.

12/05/2025

Vitamins and minerals have a role in normal hair follicle development and deficiency of these nutrients may be associated with permanent or temporary hair loss.

Hair loss can be a normal part of the aging process. But it can also result from a range of other causes and contributors. These include:

Inherited genetic disorders and inflammatory diseases
Cancer and cancer treatments
Hormonal fluctuations.
Women can experience hair loss during perimenopause and menopause.
Stress.
Pregnancy.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Certain medication.
Substantial weight loss over a short period of time
Recent surgery or illness.

A variety of vitamins and minerals play a role in new hair growth. They also strengthen your immune system, which is necessary for healthy hair. Specific vitamins and minerals that can contribute to hair health include:

Vitamin A.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin.)
Vitamin B3 (niacin.)
Vitamin B7 (biotin.)
Vitamin B9 (folate.)
Vitamin B12.
Vitamin C.
Vitamin D.
Vitamin E.
Iron.
Selenium.
zinc.

Adequate vitamins and minerals are important to managing hair loss. Most people meet their nutritional needs through a healthy, balanced diet.

It's important to understand that supplementing with too much of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful.

An excessive intake of vitamin A and selenium, for example, can lead to increased hair loss. And consuming too much vitamin A or iron is toxic.
Too much biotin, a popular vitamin found in skin, hair, and nail supplements, can interfere with lab tests, including assessment of thyroid function and certain hormone levels.

However, shortfalls in these micronutrients are rarely the only cause of hair loss. If your hair loss is caused by another underlying medical condition, or a particular stressor, then diet and supplementation may not provide a noticeable benefit.

12/04/2025

Sitting has often been referred to as the new smoking thanks to its negative health benefits. And now a new study finds the flavanols in cocoa have been found to block its detrimental effects on blood vessels.

Sitting has often been referred to as the new smoking thanks to its negative health benefits. For the first time ever, according to researchers in England, the flavanols in cocoa have been found to block its detrimental effects on blood vessels.

12/02/2025

As the original advertisement read....'Why fight oral hygiene - enjoy it with whiskey toothpaste.' 😬

The toothpaste was available in Bourbon and Scotch flavours and contained 3% alcohol. The product gained enough buzz that LIFE magazine did a story on it and Poynter’s invention became a popular novelty product across the country in the 1950s. The idea was later copied by several other brands and Poynter ceased production soon after.

11/30/2025

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) demonstrates strong antimicrobial activity against a range of nail pathogens, including drug-resistant fungi, and penetrates the nail plate more effectively than current topical treatments. Laboratory results indicate it disrupts microbial energy production, causing irreversible damage. A topically applied H2S treatment may offer a faster, safer alternative for nail infections.

Hydrogen sulfide, the volcanic gas that smells of rotten eggs, could be used in a new treatment for tricky nail infections that acts faster and with fewer side effects, according to scientists at the University of Bath and King's College London (KCL).

11/28/2025

When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.
~ G. K. Chesterton

11/27/2025

These 5 herbs and spices have been linked to better digestion and here’s what the evidence shows.

From peppermint tea to cumin seeds, see how five kitchen staples may support digestion, plus cautions for reflux, pregnancy and infants.

11/26/2025

Research shows just 7g more fibre a day can lower your risk of heart disease by 9%.❤️

This equates to an extra portion of e.g.

Whole grains.
Beans.
Lentils.
Split peas.
Chickpeas.
1 Artichoke.
1 Avocado.

Fibre is also associated with lower risks of stroke and colon cancer🌼

11/25/2025

Older adults who regularly listen to or play music may significantly lower their risk of dementia 🎧🎶

Older adults who regularly listen to or play music may significantly lower their risk of dementia, according to a study of more than 10,800 people over age 70.

11/24/2025

If you've ever felt calmer after a walk in the park or a stroll through the woods, it's not your imagination - it's biology🌿🌱🌲

This lovely reminder proves that nature isn’t just beautiful, it’s restorative too.

Being outdoors in nature can trigger changes in your body from lowering stress hormones, easing blood pressure and even improving your gut health.

You don't have to hike for hours to feel these benefits as maximum impact happens after just 20 minutes, so even a lunchtime walk to the park can benefit your body and mind.

Smelling nature is just as powerful as seeing and hearing it.

The scent of trees and soil is full of organic compounds released by plants and when you breathe them in, some molecules pass into the bloodstream.

Pine is a good example of this as the smell of a pine forest can make you calmer within just 90 seconds and that effect lasts for about 10 minutes.

As well as soothing your mind, nature can also help boost your microbiome as soil and plants are full of good bacteria.

They're the same kinds of good bacteria we pay for in probiotics or drinks.

11/23/2025

Researchers found that for most people who think they react to gluten, are maybe reacting to something else in the wheat or food product that contains gluten, and that gluten itself may not be the cause.

A new study shows gluten itself is rarely the cause of gut problems, whatever people think. But symptoms are real. So what’s really going on?

11/21/2025

Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health, immunity, and mood, yet many of us don’t get enough, especially during the darker months.

While sunlight is the main source, certain foods can also help to boost your levels naturally.

Oily fish are among the richest natural sources of vitamin D. Just one serving of salmon or mackerel can provide most of your daily requirement. Sardines, whether fresh or canned, are another excellent option and supply calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eggs are a convenient and versatile way to get more vitamin D. The yolk contains most of the nutrient, so eating whole eggs rather than just the whites is best.

Fresh tuna loses much of its vitamin D during cooking, but tinned tuna retains more of it. It is a convenient cupboard staple that can be added to sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.

You can find vitamin D in mushrooms that have been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light while they've been growing.

For those following a vegan diet, fortified plant-based milks, yoghurts, and spreads are among the most reliable vitamin D foods.

Keeping your vitamin D levels healthy supports not only bones and muscles but also your immune system and overall wellbeing.