Behind the Counter: Unveiling the Multifaceted Role of Pharmacists
“For so many years, the professional behind the counter at your typical pharmacy was often perceived as a dispenser of medications and not much more. The last decade, however, has seen a significant expansion of the scope of pharmaceutical practice, as the role of pharmacists continues to evolve to meet the needs of our patient population in different ways.”

FDA approves Florida’s request to import cheaper drugs from Canada
“The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Florida’s request to import prescription drugs from Canada to rein in drug prices in the state. Medicines in Canada can be nearly half the price of US counterparts and some drugs cost almost $400 a pill in Florida. The FDA’s decision could open the door for other states to follow suit. The major policy shift overrides decades of opposition from the US pharmaceutical industry. The industry’s major lobbying group has already indicated it will try to intervene.”

A discovery in the muscles of long COVID patients may explain exercise troubles
“For patients with long COVID, exercise can lead to a worsening of symptoms, a condition called post-exertional malaise. New research shows what’s going on in their muscles.”

Can Cannabis Improve Exercise Experience?
“Summary: A study of 42 runners reveals that using cannabis before exercise can boost mood and enjoyment. The study shows that both THC and CBD can enhance exercise experience, with CBD even outperforming THC in some aspects.”

Study Finds Specific Cancers Could Be Prevented by Exercise
“Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of developing certain cancers, such as those of the head, neck and the lungs, according to a new study. The researchers also found that people who were diagnosed with cancer but exercised still tended to live longer than those who didn’t exercise.”

Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement Boosts Methadone Treatment
“MONDAY, Jan. 8, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Telehealth-delivered mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement (MORE) is a feasible and effective adjunct to methadone treatment (MT) for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry.”

Mindfulness can motivate you to exercise and other things we learned about our bodies this week
“If one of your resolutions for 2024 is to get a better handle on your health in the new year, you’re not alone. While there’s plenty of well-known health advice out there — say, that regular movement and eating vegetables are nonnegotiables — there’s also research coming out every day that gives us insight into our health. This week, new studies reveal some intriguing information about the mind-body connection, as well as a surprising way to protect your lungs. Here’s what to know.”

Why being more present is the best (and hardest) New Year’s resolution of all
“Imagine if you turned your phone off more frequently and left it in another room. How might that positively impact your life? What would it be like to be more present in your life simply by eliminating the most distracting element? If you can be more present at home, your family will thank you for it. If you can be more present at work, your productivity will grow. If you can be more present at the gym, you’ll see better results. See how powerful it is to truly be in each moment?”