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Shot! Shot! Shot! Flu Fact or Fiction

October 21, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Think you know everything there is to know about the flu? Here are five flu facts that you need to know to keep you healthy this flu season.

CVS/pharmacy and Target have teamed up to give you better health and more time for the things that count.

I love almost everything about the autumn. (Of course, I would, right?)

Crisp mornings, cool evenings, beautiful temperatures…it’s like a freaking postcard until IT takes you over.

And then you start reaching for the tissues, the blanket, and a big bowl of chicken noodle.

It’s not just autumn – it’s flu season and he came after you.

Any parent knows once flu finds its way to your home, he’s here to stay and wreak havoc on your lives.

So what do you do? The CDC and the Worldwide Health Organization both recommend the fnfluenza shot for almost everyone.

But last year you got the shot and you still got the flu…so what’s the point? And what about this year’s strain?

With all the conversations happening and flu season looming, it was time to get down to the point and get some answers. So off to CVS / pharmacy Inside Target to find out if my flu facts were really fiction.

FLU FACT OR FICTION

1. “I will get the flu if I get a flu shot.”

First off, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu. That’s right, you don’t get the flu from your shot. You get it from the virus that is spread through germs of the carrier that has it. Period. And while yes, you might get the flu after you get the flu shot, by merely having the vaccine, you’re more than likely going to have a lesser case of the flu than you would have without it.

2. “I have a fever, a runny nose and feel like crap, so I have the flu.”

Nope, that’s not true either. The flu and the flu are both upper respiratory conditions and share several of the same symptoms (achy, sneezing, runny nose, etc.) although the flu can be much worse and lead to pneumonia.

However, there are several things that distinguish the two and you and only know you have the flu if you are tested by your physician. Unfortunately, both are spread through the air through coughs or sneezes from others, skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs), spit (kisses/drinking after each other) and contact with items that have germs already over them. So without being about to keep you or the kids in a sterile box all flu season (considered most of the fall/winter time), you get the flu vaccine to decrease the chances of not getting the flu.

3. “This year’s flu shot is not effective because the flu strain has morphed.”

Every year the flu strain changes. That’s a fact of nature and that’s why the vaccine is developed each season in efforts to fight the current strain. Unfortunately, that doesn’t meant that the flu shot you receive this year will take care of all of them. This is when outbreaks happen, making a real big mess for all of us.

Because of this year’s strain, doctors have recommended that no one use get the the mist version though. “So shot, shot, shots – EVERYBODY…”

4. I don’t have the money for the flu shot.

You know what’s expensive? Several bottles of over-the-counter flu medications that will never work, two or three visits to the urgent care clinic, and all the sick days to finally get well. What’s not expensive? The one shot that takes less five minutes at CVS / pharmacy Inside Target. Most health insurance providers cover the flu vaccine. And when you get yours at CVS, you also get a $5 Target gift card!

5. I don’t have time for the flu shot.

Did you have enough time to get a Starbucks, grab a few groceries or try on that shirt in Target? Then you have enough time to get your flu shot at CVS / pharmacy. I went to test the process and here’s exactly how long it took:

Took that long to get my flu shot at the CVS / pharmacy inside Target. All while getting my #PSL, picking up dinner and no appointment. What’s your excuse? Flu: Fact or Fiction #ontheblog. . . . #TheCVSDifference #mamachallenge #flu #CVS #ad #Dallasblogger #Dallas #needle #shot #influenza #dallasmama @cvspharmacy @target

A video posted by Autumn?mamachallenge.com ? (@autumnreo) on Oct 21, 2016 at 7:24pm PDT

Ok, there was a little paperwork, but I was able to do it ALL on my schedule, after work, after practice, and as I was picking up dinner WITH the kids. It took very little time out of my crazy day and no appointment was needed.

That’s a fact.

Learn more about safeguarding yourself from the flu and CVS / pharmacy Inside Target here.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Five Reasons to Move Your Meds Now

October 2, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Make life easier with just one stop: CVS/pharmacy has found a new home….and it’s right on target. Here’s why you should move your drugs now from your current pharmacy to CVS / pharmacy inside Target.

Thanks to CVS/pharmacy for this big move and this collaboration with mamachallenge.com.

I’m a big fan of getting things done quicker, cheaper and better. That’s now what you get when you use CVS/pharmacy now inside Target. However, if you need a little more convincing why you’ll find your solutions to your #mamachallenge, then we’ve got you covered, especially if you already have a pharmacy. So here’s Five Reasons to Move Your Drugs Now.

Five Reasons to Move Your Meds Now

1.Get your caramel macchiato while you get your scripts.

One.stop.shopping. That should be enough.

Do you really need a reason here why making one stop to get everything you need is easier than making a second? I hate to feel like I’m wasting my time driving all over town trying to get three things off my list. Nothing feels better than heading to Target when you need to get away, right? There’s some moment of empowerment when you are conquering your grocery list and you get to kick it off with caffeine. Need a new outfit? It doesn’t count if you buy it with groceries and vitamins. So grab your coffee, then head to the pharmacy, and begin your trip around the store while you know your saving time (and gas.)

2. Good, friendly, educated customer service is hard to come by.

With all the drugs my family has to take (allergies), we go through a lot of scripts. I try to be educated on everything for everyone, but sometimes I need some info. I don’t just need my prescriptions, I need to know what are these drugs I’m putting in my kids and why? With the but it’s guaranteed with the super care provided by CVS pharmacists. And if you have a chronic medical condition, the Pharmacy Advisor^® program is designed to help CVS Caremark plan members achieve better health with a full team on their side!

3. Get your flu shot (and a lot more), too!

It’s not just your prescriptions that you get at the CVS/pharmacy. You can get your flu shot and even get $5 gift card for Target. You can also get your Tetanus, Pertussis, Pneumonia, MMR, Meningitis and HPV shots at CVS/pharmacy. That’s kinda awesome within itself, but if you’re coming down with something, the MinuteClinic might be worth a stop. Sign in and you can get a text when it’s your turn to be seen. There’s tons of reasons that this could be a god send. Nobody got time for getting sick. So MinuteClinic and get on with the rest of your life.

4. Access to your family’s health is at your fingertips.

They gotta an app for that. Like for real there is: the CVS app that allows you to manage your prescriptions, refill them at your fingertips, and my favorite function, just seeing what prescriptions my family is taking. For example, when I do have to see our pediatrician / family doctor, they always ask, “what prescriptions are you taking?” I don’t carry them in my handbag, but I do have my phone and the CVS app. All I need to do is look through the list and I can give them a full lowdown on what we’re taking. Presto Genius! And that’s just the start of the other ways the CVS app can make your life easier.

5. SAVE money!

Using discounts provided from Target, CVS app, and just the ExtraCare^® Rewards, you’re going to save BIG dollars. But if you really need something in hand to square the deal, then just download the app and you’ll instantly get $3 ExtraBucks® Rewards when you link your ExtraRewards card. I’m all about getting something up front. And then just stay connected to learn when you have dollars coming back to you just by being a member. A free member for saving money and then even more when you use the free service. Let’s do this.

Stay tuned for tips, info and more ways on how CVS/pharmacy can help you make your health and your life even better!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Target and CVS pharmacy Makes it Easier for Moms

August 24, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 15 Comments

It’s one less stop off your to-do list…. CVS/pharmacy and Target have teamed up to give you better health and more time for the things that count.

Thanks to CVS for this big move and this collaboration with mamachallenge.com.

You know that beautiful feeling you get when you walk into Target, grab your cart and realize that almost everything you need in life can be found (and purchased) at Target?

It’s almost like being in a Disney movie and you’re at that moment where there’s sparkles, glitter, and angelic, happy music?

Target already makes it easy for us to get everything from grabbing a Starbucks, try on a bathing suit for vacation, a gift for the birthday party and of course, your favorite groceries. However, Target has teamed up with CVS to take it to the next level by unveiling CVS/pharmacy inside Target.

Yep, now you can get your medication, vitamins and speak with your pharmacist all by just rolling your cart rather than your car to the CVS pharmacy inside your Target.

Many Target stores have already made the transition and the rest will be seeing the changeover soon. In addition, a CVS/pharmacy will be included in all new Target stores that offer pharmacy services with 79 Target clinic locations being rebranded as MinuteClinic. Check here to see if your Target pharmacy is already a CVS/pharmacy!

If you were a Target Pharmacy customer, you’re medication will continue to be filled by CVS/pharmacy. And if you’re already a CVS/pharmacy customer, your information is available at the new location inside Target! And if you we’re a customer of either pharmacy, now’s the best time to make things even easier on you by getting your prescriptions at CVS/pharmacy inside Target or any of the other CVS locations around the country.

With CVS/pharmacy you can always expect qualified and educated professionals to help you with your health questions and now the convenience now of having CVS/pharmacy inside your Target. If you have any other questions about the transition from Target pharmacy to CVS/pharmacy, you can find answers here.

The only tip to making it even easier to manage your prescriptions, request refills, and more is to sign up for CVS.com and download the CVS app! Current Target Pharmacy customers will need to sign up for a new account if they haven’t been a CVS.com customer, but current CVS.com customers already will have their information ready to use at any CVS/pharmacy location.

Stay tuned for tips, info and more ways on how CVS/pharmacy can help you make your health and your life even better!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Clean Your Skin and Your House with Tea Tree Oil

September 1, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 26 Comments

I’m always looking for cost-effective ways to keep my family happy, healthy and in the most natural way possible.

But with so many warnings, disclaimers and recalls on medication today, I am leery of giving them anything that may have long-time side effects. Essential oils, like coconut oil, fish oil and tea tree oil, have swept the nation as an alternative to relieve body woes. But does they REALLY work?

We’ve already shared about the benefits of adding fish oil to your daily regimen, but this product in the CVS/pharmacy radiance PLATINUM line is a staple for under my sink, my medicine cabinet, and even my makeup bag.

Tea Tree Oil Plantation

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with a fresh scent and color that ranges from pale yellow to sometimes colorless and clear. This pleasant oil is an “Aussie,” taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of Australia. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties is best known as a treatment for acne and other skin conditions such as impetigo, fungal infections and dandruff. It seeps into your pores to remove the blockage, disinfects the pores and dries out whiteheads and blackheads. A small drop of it mixed with jojoba oil, which is an oil very close in character to the sebum your body naturally makes, can be a great makeup remover.

“Hello clear skin!”

Have you ever shampooed your hair with product that had tea tree oil in it? It leaves a tingly sensation in your scalp which helps loosen dirt and build up, stimulates growth and honestly feels very relaxing. You can DIY your own tea tree shampoo by simply adding five drops of oil to every eight ounces of shampoo. WALAH – a spa-like experience right at home and it’s like aromatherapy, too!

Tea tree oil is also 100% preservative free, natural, vegetarian and vegan – and makes it great for other household uses like:

A multi-purpose cleaner – Add a teaspoon of oil to a gallon of water to get your windows, floors and kitchen surfaces squeaky clean.
Pest control – Say bye bye to those pesky ants and other creepy crawly things. Wipe your surfaces with an oil and water solution at various points of entry, and the bugs are less likely to slide through.
Mold & stain remover –Add two teaspoons of oil to two cups of water, spray on the mold or stain and wipe clean.
Laundry freshener – Give your laundry detergent a little help by adding two teaspoons of oil to your clothes during the wash cycle. It will keep your washing machine clean and free of build up as well which means it will operate more efficiently.
Diaper duty – Keep your diaper pail smelling fresh by spraying of solution tea tree oil right into the pail. It’s a natural way to keep your nursery odor free and your baby away from toxins.

The radiance PLATINUM tea tree oil comes in a 2 oz. bottle, but it’s highly encouraged to dilute the product with carrier oil to test sensitivity, so the bottle should last a while. Start with a 4:1 ration of carrier oil such as olive or almond to tea tree oil in the initial application to see if your skin and scalp can handle it.

Disclaimer

Under no circumstance should you ever swallow tea tree oil. The side effects include severe rashes, stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and possible coma. Unlike olive oil and coconut oil, keep it far away from your pantry where small children might possibly mistake it for an afternoon snack.

Like aloe vera, olive oil and avocado, tea tree oil occurs naturally and has several multi-use health benefits, so give this mate from “downunder” a try at your nearby CVS/pharmacy. AND…an additional way to ensure you get the best price for you, download the free CVS/pharmacy app today. Save time by looking online and the weekly ad to find out what is on sale so you can save the most money.

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How Fish and Chocolate Can Help You Lose Weight

August 28, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

I’ve been chasing the same 20 pounds(or more) for what feels like 20 years.

You’d think that after running, they would have fallen off…

One could only hope.

I’ve done a lot of different things to lose weight, but it ain’t easy. It is hard work. It’s a lifestyle change. BUT I know enough REAL people who have to know that if you put your mind to it, anything IS POSSIBLE!

But before going all P90X on me, the first and most important step is taking a look at what it is you are doing and aren’t doing. Like what are you putting in your body and what vital nutrients, vitamins and such do YOU need. That answer alone can be a key into your first step into really making a lifestyle change.

CVS/pharmacy recently released radiance PLATINUM, a line of vitamins, supplements and nutritional drinks designed to provide the support and necessary resources to help reach your optimal health and fitness goals. These products include options that are certified non-GMO, gluten free and certified organic. The line includes several categories including herbals like tumeric, minerals, supplements like vitamin e oil, fish oil, folic acid, and vitamins from A to Z.

DISCLAIMER:

Please consult your physician and speak with the pharmacy team at CVS to learn more about what vitamins, supplements, etc. are ideal for you.

After a daily multivitamin (yes, you need one no matter how good of shape you’re in), fish oil is another highly beneficial supplement to add to your regimen. Whether you are dieting or not, fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, nutrients that our bodies don’t produce naturally, but are critical to heart health. NOTE TO SELF: It should tell you something that OBGYNOs have pregnant women take fish oil with their prenatals as well to assist with the development of your growing baby to make them smarter.

Despite its lovely name, radiance PLATINUM fish oil comes in a gel capsule and is easy to take with eight ounces of water, not with your morning coffee if at all possible. It’s probably not best for small children to take them, but teenagers should have no problem. Warning – if for some reason, you crack the capsule, fish oil will ooze out…well basically there’s a reason it’s in a capsule. So moral of the story – swallow quickly.

Like the actual protein that is life changing in tacos, fish oil has been shown to lower triglycerides (bad fats that are dangerous at high levels and can possibly lead to high cholesterol), prevents heart diseases, decreases the build-up of fat around the arteries and can reduce blood pressure.

In addition to the popular heart benefits, researchers have found fish oil to help with depression, ADD, Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia and other brain disorders. And it has also been known to make hair shinier and skin more luminous and dewy. If shiny hair, smooth skin and the possibility that you won’t lose your sanity doesn’t convince you to try fish oil, I don’t know what will.

Another fitness lesson sometimes forgotten is the importance of consuming enough protein. As women, we are afraid to eat or drink anything, especially protein, that may make the scary number of the scale rise. In reality, we’re actually causing our bodies more harm and risking serious injury. If you increase your intake of protein and nutrients with something like the All-In-One Superfood Chocolate Flavored Nutritional Drink Mix, you’ll receive the energy you need to not only complete your workout, but also not pass out once you leave the gym.

The mix is vegetarian, preservative and gluten free and has 30 servings in each container, so it should last you about a month. You can mix one scoop per day with two ounces of water, blend it with a cup of milk for a cold drink, or add it to your protein shake/smoothie. Your immune system will receive a much-needed jolt, and you’ll find that your workouts are more productive because you’ve given your body the fuel it needs to operate. (I also highly suggest blending a 1/2 banana for a great way to change it up and to add a little fruit to your diet.) And it can make a great “treat” when you are craving a milkshake or iced drink, but without the negative impact to your waistline.

Starting out a new healthy lifestyle regime can be intimidating, but something as simple as taking your vitamins will really have a lasting impact on your health.

Stay tuned for more tips on how radiance PLATINUM can be beneficial to your mind and body including this:

Five Reasons to Use Vitamin E Oil Right Now

February 25, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 17 Comments

At my age, you start to finally listen to all those things people have been telling you for years…”Always wash your face…,” “Use moisturizer…,” and “Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.” You go through tons of products, supplements and such, then realize it’s really not that complicated…One of my newest “discoveries” on a recent trip to CVS/pharmacy was the positive benefits of Vitamin E oil.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, supports immune function and helps support cardiovascular health. Vitamin E is naturally found on the outermost skin surface, where it contributes to antioxidant support. While this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should only be taken with your doctor’s approval, for around $10 a bottle, it’s one of the best miracle finds I’ve found for my epidermis!

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize:
Vitamin E helps to retain your skin’s natural moisture while it makes that winter skin look healthy. If you have dry skin, Vitamin E oil can help your skin get back to his normal balance. Use it on your face, your arms and even your nails to help combat those cracked nails and cuticles.

2. Scars Remover:
I have tons of scars and have been told over and over, you just need to learn to live with them. However, Vitamin E oil has been known to help soften the skin around some scars and bruises, then lighten them after repeated use. By assisting in the process of regeneration of skin cells (that antioxidant quality back at work), the old cells are replaced with new ones thus removing the scar tissue. I’ve just started using Vitamin E oil on my scars, but so far it’s about 90% less expensive than other ointments so I’m willing to wait it out to see how effective it can be.

3. Sunburn Relief:
I’ve admitted to my poor decisions of sunbathing when I was young (Crisco is NOT the right oil to put on your skin FYI), but now I know that it was Vitamin E oil I should have used afterwards when I had sunburns. Healing the damage caused by UV rays and the pain, Vitamin E oil is a key ingredient in many sunscreen brands to help protect your skin to prevent the suburns, too.

4. Get Rid of the Eczema Itch:
Eczema runs in the family and all of the Reos at one time or another have big issues with redness, dryness and bumps that come with it. When you use Vitamin E oil, its antioxidant effects help to decrease the inflammation as well as helps to relieve the itchiness while preventing those big episodes that come with eczema.

5. Get Rid of Stretch Marks:
You can tell me all day long that stretch marks are just the love marks to remind you that you created a life inside of you. However, if you gave me a choice, I think I’d get the same warm and fuzzy with a necklace than the road map that my children made of my abdomen. So like scars you can use Vitamin E oil to help lighten those scars, but even more so, you can apply the oil while you’re pregnant to not just prevent stretch marks but also to relieve the dry, itchy reaction.

radiance PLATINUM is a new line of premium supplements and vitamins that are 100% preservative-free.

The new line contains 44 vitamins and supplements with various benefits, including popular options such as probiotics, Fish Oil, vitamin C, as well as multivitamins for both men and women.

The radiance PLATINUM line includes certified non-GMO, gluten-free, certified organic, and options suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

CVS/pharmacy launched this line to offer high-quality options to empower customers to take small steps to meet their individual health goals.

The line is available for purchase at 7,800 CVS/pharmacy locations nationwide and online, but best of all, if you’re not satisfied they have a 100% money-back guarantee.

And additional way to make sure you get the best price for you, download the free CVS/pharmacy app today. Save time by looking online and the weekly ad to find out what is on sale so you can save the most money.

Don’t miss these #mamachallenge moments:

Shot! Shot! Shot! Flu Fact or Fiction

Think you know everything there is to know about the flu? Here are five flu facts that you need to know to keep you healthy this flu season.

FLU FACT OR FICTION

1. “I will get the flu if I get a flu shot.”

2. “I have a fever, a runny nose and feel like crap, so I have the flu.”

3. “This year’s flu shot is not effective because the flu strain has morphed.”

4. I don’t have the money for the flu shot.

5. I don’t have time for the flu shot.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

Five Reasons to Move Your Meds Now

Make life easier with just one stop: CVS/pharmacy has found a new home….and it’s right on target. Here’s why you should move your drugs now from your current pharmacy to CVS / pharmacy inside Target.

Five Reasons to Move Your Meds Now

Stay tuned for tips, info and more ways on how CVS/pharmacy can help you make your health and your life even better!

Target and CVS pharmacy Makes it Easier for Moms

It’s one less stop off your to-do list…. CVS/pharmacy and Target have teamed up to give you better health and more time for the things that count.

Stay tuned for tips, info and more ways on how CVS/pharmacy can help you make your health and your life even better!

Clean Your Skin and Your House with Tea Tree Oil

How Fish and Chocolate Can Help You Lose Weight

Five Reasons to Use Vitamin E Oil Right Now

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