The Isle of Palms Recreation Center launched its Speaker Series on Jan. 7 with Joe Gandy, a pharmacist from Delta Pharmacy on Isle of Palms. In the first installment of the series, Gandy spoke about medications, vaccinations and supplements. He discussed some of the history and evolution of pharmacy and the services provided by community pharmacies as an accessible health care site, prescriptions, over-the-counter medication advice, vaccinations and medication therapy management. Regarding supplements, Gandy explained that they are regulated by the FDA more similarly to food than drugs as a result of regulation passed in the 1990s. “Supplements do not go through the rigorous testing and approval process that medications do. While it’s typically best to get your nutrients through diet, supplements can serve as an aid in certain situations such as true deficiencies due to biological dysfunctions or even some medications.” He noted it’s important to seek quality formulations if taking a supplement. Do medications address the problem or just put a bandage on it? Gandy elaborated that it can be both. Medications can objectively treat certain conditions like antibiotics for an infection or blood pressure or cholesterol medicine. “These results can be seen or measured relatively clearly. Other medications may improve conditions less easily measured (i.e. antidepressants), often along with other non-pharmacological treatments,” Gandy shared. Vaccines, which have been crucial in preventing and even eradicating some diseases (i.e. polio), have become a controversial topic in recent years. “Unfortunately, during Covid they were pushed very rapidly and without much explanation. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic a lot of decisions were made outside of the normal protocols and vaccines were developed and distributed under emergency use,” Gandy highlighted. Gandy added that all of today's available vaccines have gone through the standard process and have been approved like any other medication. Though they are not 100% effective, vaccines can reduce the burden of common diseases. For more information about upcoming speakers, visit iop.net/recreation/programs-classes/adult-programs. 2025 ® COASTAL COVERAGE SPECIALISTS 843.881-4707 | insureme@sigsc.com Mount Pleasant & Beaufort AUTO • HOMEOWNERS CONDO • LIFE • WIND & HAIL COMMERCIAL • FLOOD Schirmer Insurance Group protects against life’s unpredictable events. COMMUNITY Local pharmacist weighs-in on medications, vaccinations and more By Maurice J. Frazier 13 IslandVibesIOP.com IOP REC SPEAKER SERIES Navigating the College Application Process Lisa Gastaldi, Low Country College Counseling Tuesday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m. Let’s Go Birding! Charles Donnelly, Holy City Birding Thursday, March 27, 11 a.m. DESIGN SERIES Simplify & Organize Heidi Alexander, Everything in Its Place Wednesday, March 12, 11 a.m. Design on a Dime Elizabeth Newman, Elizabeth Newman Interior Design Wednesday, March 26, 11 a.m. Ambassador of Good Vibes! Eli Lev, Singer Songwriter Wednesday, April 23, 11 a.m. FOURTH AGE SERIES Aging Lightly Kathryn McGrew, Ph.D. Wednesday, Sept.24, 5 p.m. Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate Process Joshua Hooser, Attorney at Law, Hooser Legal Counsel LLC Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m.
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