All Foster's Pharmacy locations in Mount Vernon, Knox County, Centerburg Ohio are full service pharmacies with medical equipment, flu shots, home health, vitamins, and prescription delivery.

By now, you’ve probably heard the alarming reports. Since the 1970s, the prevalence of obesity in adults has doubled and the number of overweight children has tripled. As you know, this is not just a problem of appearance or self-esteem. Extra weight greatly increases the risk for many types of chronic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers, and high cholesterol.

How did we get here in such a short time? Many things have come together to create this epidemic: For starters, less activity, bigger portion sizes, crazy work schedules, greater reliance on fast food, and countless hours in front of one type of screen or another.

The problem is that consuming 100 calories more than you burn each day is all it takes to add 10 extra pounds a year. The good news is that making a few small changes can turn this trend around.

The first step is to find out where you stand. A body mass index (BMI) calculator can tell you if your weight is normal, or if you’re overweight or obese. You can find these on www.healthmart.com.

If you need to lose weight, don’t try to do too much at once. That sets you up for failure. Aim for slow and steady loss—no more than 3 pounds a week. Set a few measurable goals you know you can reach, such as eliminating sodas from your diet or adding 15 extra minutes of exercise each day. Once you’ve turned these changes into habits, you can move on to other goals.

Researchers created the National Weight Control Registry to find out other factors involved in successful long-term weight loss. They found several in common with 4,000 obese people who took off—and kept off—a significant amount of weight. These people all ate a low-fat diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables. They weighed themselves at least weekly. They ate breakfast every day. And, they did what many of us fail to do—they were active at least 60 to 90 minutes a day.

Wondering what else you can do? Of course, the list is long, so begin with changes you know you can make.

• Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

• Eat more whole grains and lean protein.

• Limit saturated fats, soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks.

• Don’t eat while watching television. Try to only eat when you’re hungry, not when you’re bored.

• Come up with family activities that everyone enjoys.

• Consider keeping a food or activity diary. You might be in store for a few surprises.

If you want to consider over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements or prescription medications to help you lose weight, make me your first stop. I can bring you up to date on their risks and benefits. You should know that supplements may help with short-term weight loss, but their safety is in question.

In general, prescription medications should only be used by those who are obese and at risk for chronic diseases. They include appetite suppressants (which make you feel less hungry), lipase inhibitors (which keep your body from absorbing dietary fat), and several others in development.

Just remember: when it comes to weight loss, a silver bullet does not yet exist!

A rash is a rash is a rash, right? Wrong. In fact, there are so many different types of skin rashes, you may find it hard to keep track of them all.

Here’s a brief overview of just 10 of the more common types of skin rashes.

1. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, dry, scaly, inflamed skin. Fluid-filled blisters may also form. You can’t catch it from other people, but a family history of allergies can increase your risk. Over-the-counter (OTC) cortisone-containing creams or ointments may help.

2. Contact dermatitis shows up as red, dry, itchy patches—often on your hands and face—areas that have been exposed to an irritant, such as soap or detergent. Poison oak or ivy is an allergic cause of contact dermatitis, which brings on itchy, red blisters. Avoid the irritant or allergen. A variety of newer OTC products can help prevent and treat poison oak or ivy. Sometimes oral corticosteroids are prescribed.

3. A drug rash can occur if you’re allergic to a medication, such as antibiotics. Red, itchy spots that spread, covering a large area develop within two weeks of starting a new medication. Certain foods may cause a similar reaction. See your doctor right away if you suspect an allergy.

4.  Ringworm actually involves no worms at all. This itchy, red, slightly raised ring is caused by a fungus. You can pick up ringworm from other people or animals. Topical antifungals can usually clear up this rash.

5. Impetigo is a bacterial infection. It sometimes develops in open cuts or bites. A red sore quickly ruptures and oozes, forming a crust. The infection spreads easily from person to person or to other areas of skin. You might need OTC or prescription antibiotics.

6. Swimmer’s itch can lead to itchy, red, raised areas. You may get it if you swim in water that’s contaminated with parasites. If it worsens or doesn’t clear up without treatment, see your doctor.

7. Rosea, though usually mild, leads to large scaly, pink areas of skin. It may become itchy and red or inflamed. Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can sooth itching. The cause of rosea is unknown.

8. Heat rash can flare up if you spend too much time in the heat. Red clusters of blister-like bumps can pop up in areas that get very warm, such as your neck, upper chest, or groin. Try to stay cool and dry, and wear loose clothing.

9. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes a. rapid buildup of rough, dead skin cells. It shows up as thick, silvery scales or itchy, red patches—often on knees, elbows, or scalp. Depending on its severity, your doctor may need to prescribe medication.

10. Lichen planus is another common skin rash. It’s not contagious, though it’s linked to certain conditions and medications. It appears as shiny, flat-topped bumps. Anti-itch products, such as antihistamines, may bring relief.

Bottom line? Many rashes clear up with a little time. But if yours doesn’t, Foster's can help point you to the right products or let you know when a doctor’s care is the best idea.