Seasonal Affective Disorder

Here we are, at the precipice of Summer yet still surrounded by the Winter weather and lack of sunlight and what some refer to as the Winter Blues. Many of us who have lived in Oregon our entire lives have become acclimated to the clouds, rain and darker days of Fall and Winter but we can also become a bit fatigued while waiting with baited breath for Spring to arrive. Oh, there will be rain!

Portland isn’t even included in the nation’s top 20 rainiest cities however, here in the city of roses, we can and often times do experience record rainfall as the wet season washes over us.

Medical professionals and extensive studies have revealed that up to 1/3 of the population will experience some form of S.A.D.S and many do not seek a resolution.

A light panel which produces up to 10,000 LUX light output can help to regulate our circadian rhythm and internal body clock and can assist in ensuring that our minds and bodies are ready for action in the morning and able to rest at night.

Beaverton Pharmacy has stocked a few of these lights in the past. They can be quite expensive at times and it can take a bit of time before we notice a positive change in our perceived mood, related to the lack of natural sunshine in the morning.

A regimine of 10,000 LUX light for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning feels like a sunny day with the rays coming through the window and bathing our minds in a mood stabilizing dose of our own Melatonin and Seratonin.

Our stock of Verilux light panels are normally sold at $92.00 on Amazon.com. We will be able to match this price while supplies last.

Although a recognized treatment for S.A.D.S., unfortunately your insurance company is unlikely to cover such an item however there are many testimonials to how well the light therapy can work.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Vascular Leg Health

Many of us may be told by our physicians that we need to wear compression leg wear at some point in our lives. Compression hosiery has come a long way in the last 25 years. They are, no longer, your grandmother’s stockings. Many manufacturers are now making their products with thinner fabrics and even colors, stripes, polka dots and argyle, among just a few.

Choices regarding compression levels are usually made by your doctor and they may even write a prescription to ensure that your fitter is providing you with the proper compression and size. A few higher levels actually require a prescription, due to the extreme pressure provided at their tightest point.

Compression leg wear is recommended for many types of medical conditions.

(Edema) Swelling, (varicosities), spider veins, nerve pain, (orthostatic hypotension) low blood pressure that may cause fainting and others. Once your physician has determined whether compression may benefit you and your condition and has chosen a specific compression, Beaverton Pharmacy can professionally measure for and fit you or your loved one with compression socks that are comfortable and can replace the socks you wear everyday instead of hiding them because of their appearance.

Many insurance carriers do not cover compression leg wear for anything other than Chronic Venous Stasis Ulcerations. Edema and varicose veins are not conditions that require compression yet can benefit from it.

Prices for compression hosiery can be quite expensive compared to socks from a variety store, ranging from $20.00 to over $300.00 for a custom garment. Retail stores may have similar or even the same products on their shelves, with a varying degree of prices. Online buyers do take a risk of receiving the wrong size, wrong color, wrong compression or even a used or defective product. Your local specialists at Beaverton Pharmacy guarrantee an accurate fit and in some cases can replace product for you if damage has occurred while donning or doffing the socks.

There are many choices on the market for brand, color, fabrics, designs, custom fit and style options including knee high, thigh high, leotard or chaps. If you have concerns as to whether you could benefit from simply wearing compression legwear daily, contact your doctor and they can help guide you to better vascular health and more energy.