April 2023: Quick, Practical Health Picks from Family24Rx

Four short, useful posts went live this month. If you want fast takeaways you can use at home or bring to your next doctor visit, this page sums each one and gives clear next steps. No fluff — just what matters.

Oral care and medication side effects

Dry mouth can sneak up on anyone. The post on a dry mouth–friendly oral care routine suggests drinking water often, using a soft-bristle toothbrush, switching to a gentle toothpaste, and choosing alcohol-free mouthwash. If dryness persists, try a saliva substitute or ask your pharmacist about saliva stimulants. Practical tip: keep a small water bottle and a sugar-free lozenge in your bag—sip and suck through the day to keep symptoms down.

Atorvastatin is great for cholesterol, but some people notice skin rashes. The April piece explains when to act: stop the statin and contact your doctor if you get hives, swelling, breathing trouble, or a severe rash. For minor rashes, document when it started and any other meds or products you used, and bring that list to your provider. Don’t stop your statin without medical advice—your doctor may change the dose or try a different medication.

Antibiotics and acid-reducing meds

Cefadroxil came up as an effective option for common infections like strep throat, skin infections, and some UTIs. The post highlights that most people tolerate it well but to watch for diarrhea, yeast infections, or allergic reactions. Quick rule: finish the full course even if you feel better, and call your provider if symptoms worsen or new ones appear.

Rabeprazole sodium is a proton pump inhibitor used for reflux and ulcers. The April summary walks through how dosing can vary by condition and individual response. It emphasizes following your prescriber's instructions and adjusting only under medical guidance. If you have ongoing heartburn, ask about the lowest effective dose and whether short- or long-term therapy fits your situation.

Want to act on what you read? Here are three simple steps: 1) Make a one-page list of your meds and symptoms to bring to appointments. 2) Try the easy dry mouth measures (water, lozenges, alcohol-free rinse) for two weeks and note any change. 3) If starting or stopping antibiotics, PPIs, or statins, speak with your provider about side effects and monitoring.

Each April post focuses on practical, everyday advice for families. If a topic affects you or someone you care for, print the short post or save it on your phone, then discuss it with your healthcare team. Small changes—hydration, a switch to gentler oral products, informed dosing—can make a real difference at home.