April 2023 Archive — practical posts on ringworm, vitamin D, azathioprine, and acetaminophen

April 2023 on PharmaExpressRx delivered four focused pieces that help you act—whether you’re in the gym, struggling with sleep, managing meds, or treating pain. Each post gives clear steps you can use today. Below I summarize the main points and what you should do next.

Ringworm: stop it before it starts

The ringworm article targets athletes and gym-goers with hands-on prevention tips. Key actions: dry your skin right after workouts, wear breathable clothes, and avoid sharing towels, shoes, or hair tools. Disinfect mats and equipment regularly and choose moisture-wicking fabrics. If you spot a round, itchy patch, start topical antifungal treatment quickly and avoid contact sports until it clears. These are small habits that cut the infection risk a lot.

Practical example: after a sweaty session, change out of damp clothes within 15 minutes and wipe down equipment you used. Carry a personal towel and keep gym shoes ventilated between sessions.

Vitamin D and sleep: a surprising link

The vitamin D piece explains how low levels can make falling and staying asleep harder and may tie to sleep apnea. If you notice daytime tiredness, check your vitamin D with a simple blood test. Boost levels safely: spend short daily periods in sunlight, add vitamin D–rich foods like fatty fish or fortified milk, and consider supplements if your doctor agrees. Monitor effects on your sleep over a few weeks and adjust with medical guidance.

Tip: aim for consistent morning sunlight when possible. That helps your body’s sleep clock and raises vitamin D at the same time.

The azathioprine review flags a potential safety issue many patients and doctors should watch. A recent comprehensive review found an association between azathioprine and an increased risk of blood clots in some patients. If you take azathioprine for autoimmune disease or after a transplant, talk to your provider about your clot risk, especially if you have prior clot history, long travel plans, or family clotting disorders. Your doctor may order blood tests, adjust doses, or consider alternative drugs.

Action step: schedule a medication review and ask specifically about clot signs—sudden leg pain, swelling, or shortness of breath—and what to do if those occur.

The acetaminophen-plus-caffeine article balances benefits and risks. The combo can strengthen pain relief for headaches and migraines, but overuse raises liver and cardiovascular concerns. Follow dosing limits: don’t exceed recommended acetaminophen amounts, watch added caffeine from other sources, and avoid frequent daily use. If you have liver disease, high blood pressure, or heart issues, talk to your clinician before using the combo regularly.

Quick rule: treat occasional pain with the combo if it helps, but don’t turn it into a daily habit without medical advice.

Want the full posts? Each article gives step-by-step tips and signs to watch for. Use this archive as a checklist: prevent ringworm, check vitamin D for better sleep, review azathioprine clot risk with your doctor, and respect dosing limits for acetaminophen plus caffeine.

30 April Matthew Brown 0 Comments

How to Prevent Ringworm in Athletes and Gym Enthusiasts

As an athlete and gym enthusiast myself, preventing ringworm is essential for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. To avoid this common fungal infection, it's important to keep our skin clean and dry, especially after workouts. Always wear clean, breathable clothing and avoid sharing personal items, such as towels or gym equipment. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of workout gear and surfaces can also help minimize the risk. Lastly, don't forget to educate yourself and others on the signs of ringworm, so you can catch and treat it early if it does occur.

29 April Matthew Brown 0 Comments

How Vitamin D Deficiency Affects Sleep Quality

I recently learned about the impact of vitamin D deficiency on sleep quality and found it quite fascinating. It turns out that a lack of vitamin D can lead to poor sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The deficiency has also been linked to sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. Ensuring we get enough vitamin D, either through natural sunlight or supplements, is essential for maintaining good sleep hygiene. So, let's make sure we prioritize our vitamin D intake for a better night's sleep!