Monthly Health Topics

April

Stress Awareness Month – Understanding and Managing Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact stress can have on our health and learning practical ways to manage it. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, ongoing or chronic stress can contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, heart disease, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system.

The good news is that small daily habits can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Tips for Managing Stress

• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises
• Take regular breaks and spend time outdoors
• Maintain a healthy sleep routine
• Stay physically active
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Stay connected with friends, family, and community support
• Speak with a healthcare provider if stress feels overwhelming

National Public Health Week (April 1–7) is a time to recognize the vital role public health plays in keeping our communities safe, informed, and thriving. From disease prevention and vaccinations to mental wellness and environmental health, public health efforts impact every aspect of our daily lives.

At Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment, we are proud to support community health year-round through accessible services, education, and outreach initiatives.

As part of this week, we invite you to join us for our Community on the Move event on April 10th from 11 AM – 2 PM at our location (6701 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21234). This event is designed to connect individuals, caregivers, and families with valuable health and mobility resources.

Ways to support public health this week:

  • Stay up to date on recommended vaccines and preventive screenings

  • Prioritize your mental wellness and stress management

  • Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle

  • Keep your home and environment clean and safe

  • Get involved in local community initiatives

Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community.

👉 Learn more and get involved by visiting the link above or scanning the QR code.

Helpful Resources

Learn more about managing stress from trusted health organizations:

• American Psychological Association – Stress: Management https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

• National Institute of Mental Health – Stress: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress

• CDC – Coping with Stress: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping

• MedlinePlus – Stress and Your Health: https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html

Taking time to care for your mental and emotional health is an important part of overall wellness. Small steps today can lead to healthier habits tomorrow.

Education

World Immunization Week: Why Vaccines Matter

World Immunization Week, observed annually from April 24–30, highlights the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages from preventable diseases.

Vaccines help train the immune system to recognize and fight infections. Thanks to widespread immunization efforts, many diseases that once caused severe illness and death are now rare or preventable.

For adults—especially older adults and individuals with chronic conditions—staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive healthcare.

Common Adult Vaccines

Depending on age, lifestyle, and health conditions, recommended vaccines may include:

• Influenza (Flu)
• COVID-19
• RSV
• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
• Shingles (Shingrix)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

A pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are recommended for you.

Vaccine Safety and Trusted Information

Vaccines are carefully studied for safety and effectiveness before approval and are continuously monitored by health experts.

Learn more from trusted organizations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
https://www.nfid.org/immunization

Are You Up to Date on Your Vaccines?

Adults often think vaccines are only for children, but staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive healthcare throughout life.

Vaccines help protect against serious illnesses and can reduce the risk of complications, hospitalization, and spreading disease to others.

Many adults may benefit from vaccines such as:

• Influenza (Flu) – recommended annually
• COVID-19 – updated doses recommended for certain groups
• RSV – recommended for some adults age 60+
• Shingles (Shingrix) – recommended for adults age 50+
• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) – recommended for adults age 65+ and certain health conditions
• Tdap – booster recommended every 10 years

Helpful Resources

CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

CDC Vaccines & Immunizations
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
https://www.nfid.org/immunization

If you are unsure which vaccines are recommended for you, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Northern Pharmacy & Medical Equipment also offers mobile vaccination clinics to help improve access to vaccines in senior communities, workplaces, and community organizations.

📧 Contact us: vaccines@northernpharmacy.com

Training Videos

HIV Education

Learn more about the importance of medication in the treatment and prevention of HIV.

Educational information from www.helpstopthevirus.com.

 

Men’s Health

Northern Pharmacy - Erectile Dysfunction Seminar 2021

A discussion for Men's Health. Erectile Dysfunction and compounding pharmacy treatments that can help.