Brown's Pharmacy

12/30/2025

It's not too late to get vaccinated for the flu season.

Flu activity rises sharply across the US with at least 7.5 million illnesses: CDC

CDC data shows 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths this season so far.

12/30/2025

National Bicarbonate of Soda Day or Baking Soda day recognizes a staple of the home kitchen on December 30th.

You probably think of baking soda as just a kitchen helper or a fridge deodorizer. But this humble powder can do a lot more for your health and beauty than you realize. From freshening your breath to soothing skin irritations, baking soda deserves a spot in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to find out how this simple staple can improve your daily routine. Learn more about the amazing benefits of baking soda.

The Many Health Benefits of Baking Soda

Natural Oral Care Solution

Baking soda is an excellent natural teeth cleaner that physically removes plaque, the sticky film of bacteria in your mouth. Simply dip a wet toothbrush into the powder and brush as usual. While it doesn't contain fluoride, using it alongside your regular toothpaste can give you a brighter smile!

Dealing with bad breath after a garlicky meal? Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into half a glass of water, then swish it around. Unlike commercial mouthwashes that mask odors, baking soda neutralizes them at the source.

Body Care Helper

Body odor happens when bacteria interact with sweat, creating acidic compounds. Baking soda neutralizes these acids, making it an effective natural deodorant. Just dust a little under your arms or look for deodorants with sodium bicarbonate as a main ingredient.

For a relaxing treat, add half a cup of baking soda to your bathwater. This simple addition neutralizes acids, washes away oils, and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft.

Skin Soother

Got a mosquito bite or minor skin irritation? Make a simple paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply it to the affected area, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off. This can help reduce redness, itching, and discomfort.

Baking soda also makes an excellent, gentle facial scrub. First, wash your face with a mild cleanser, then apply a paste of baking soda and water in gentle circular motions for a deep clean that doesn't strip your skin.

Medical Benefits You Might Not Know About

Acid Reflux Relief

Baking soda is an effective antacid because it neutralizes stomach acid. For occasional heartburn relief, mix 1/2 teaspoon into 1/2 cup of water and drink. The reaction helps calm the burning sensation of acid reflux. Always talk to your pharmacist before using this remedy regularly or giving it to children.

Support for Kidney Function

For people with chronic kidney disease, acid can build up in the body. Sodium bicarbonate may help bring acid levels down and might slow bone loss while supporting muscle health. This treatment should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

Pain Management

Baking soda can help ease minor pain from sunburns or windburns. Soak a washcloth in a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water, then gently apply it to the affected areas. The alkaline properties help soothe irritated skin.

Practical Everyday Uses

Hair Clarifier

Product buildup can make hair dull and hard to style. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your regular shampoo for a deep cleanse that removes residue from styling products. Your hair will feel lighter and be easier to manage!

Denture and Retainer Cleaner

Keep dental appliances fresh by soaking them in a solution of 2 teaspoons of baking soda in warm water. This helps loosen food particles, remove odors, and freshen any bad taste. It works great for retainers and mouth guards, too!

Safe Toy Cleaner

For parents, baking soda offers a gentle way to clean baby toys without harsh chemicals. While it doesn't kill germs on its own, it's perfect for removing grime from highchairs, toys, and feeding trays. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Baking soda truly earns its place beyond the kitchen shelf. This affordable, versatile powder offers so many benefits for your health and home. Our pharmacy staff would be happy to answer any questions about this or other natural remedies!

12/29/2025

Good to know: There is more than one prescription available to help fight the flu. The following article notes what they are and when they are most effective. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to find out what might work best for you.

When the flu strikes, it can feel relentless: rising fever, hacking cough, stuffy nose and sore throat. For many people, relief can come in the form of Tamiflu, a prescription antiviral medication used to treat and even prevent the illness.

12/25/2025

Also known as Christmas Day, this holiday is derived from the Old English Crīstesmæsse which means Christ’s Mass. Today,

Christmas is a public holiday in most countries. Only about a dozen countries do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

Christmas traditions vary around the world and have evolved over time. They borrow from other traditions and cultures, too. Over time, beliefs and customs blended as peoples migrated and attitudes changed.

12/24/2025

Can apple cider vinegar help support gut health? What the science says. https://bit.ly/3YEgMZa

12/22/2025

Five Simple Ways to Boost Immune System Function

1. Focus on Colorful Foods
Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables gives your body the vitamins and minerals it needs for proper immune function. Orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, while citrus fruits offer vitamin C - both key nutrients for immunity.

Try to include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for the best immune system support.

2. Stay Hydrated
Water helps your body naturally remove toxins and keeps all systems running smoothly. When you're well-hydrated, your immune cells can travel more easily throughout your body to fight germs.

Aim for 8 glasses of water daily, more if you're active or it's hot outside.

3. Prioritize Sleep
Your body repairs itself during sleep, including your immune system. Too little rest can weaken your defenses against illness.

Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down.

4. Move Your Body Regularly
Regular exercise improves circulation, helps manage stress, and supports overall immune health. You don't need intense workouts to get benefits!

Even a 30-minute daily walk can provide significant immune system support.

5. Manage Your Stress
Ongoing stress releases hormones that can suppress immune function over time. Finding healthy ways to relax is an important part of preventing illness.

Try deep breathing, gentle stretching, or spending time in nature to calm your mind and support your body.

12/19/2025

More than 38 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes. This statistic can be shocking for those newly diagnosed.

Take proactive steps and talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors today. It’s never too early to understand your health better. Together, we can navigate diabetes with confidence!

12/18/2025

Just a reminder, we will be closed on December 25.

12/17/2025

Q: Can I use my HSA to purchase over-the-counter medications?

A: Yes, you can. The rules on this have changed over time.

As of 2011, the ACA prohibited the purchase of over-the-counter medications with health savings account (HSA) funds, unless a doctor wrote a prescription for them. But Section 4402 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act changed that.

The law, which was enacted in March 2020, eliminated the sentence at the end of Section 223(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that had previously prohibited the purchase of non-prescription over-the-counter medications with HSA money.

12/16/2025

About 40% of patients don't fill new prescriptions. One of the biggest reasons is cost. Here's a way to save on prescription drug prices at our pharmacy: Savings Card by Choice Rx Solutions https://bit.ly/49bOmMi

12/15/2025

CBS News reports rising cases of the flu. It's not too late to get a flu shot.

YouTube https://bit.ly/4qawPd9

12/12/2025

GOOD NEWS FRIDAY!

Customer service is one of our key success factors. It’s what people expect, and after a series of five-star Google reviews, we have noticed a trend. When you come into our pharmacy, you’re more than a number on a prescription bottle. Thank you to all our customers who have left feedback for us this week. It truly helps our organization deliver an unmatched level of customer service, as displayed in this review:

“Agreeing with everyone else. We just left a larger big box drug store where we experienced long lines inside and out, and pharmacists who were grumpy and put you on hold forever. Here, I've experienced stellar customer service with a smile. I'm so happy I switched!!!”