Ford's Family Pharmacy and Wellness Centre

08/20/2026

🥛💊 "𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗜 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸?"

Milk is good for you.

Your medication is supposed to be good for you.

So taking them together should be even better... right?

Not always.

And the reason is actually pretty interesting.

🥛 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗜𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸

It's often the 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗶𝘂𝗺.

Calcium can bind to certain medications in your digestive system. When that happens, your body may absorb less of the medication than intended.

In other words...

You swallowed the right dose.

But your body might not actually receive the full benefit of that dose.

💊 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?

This interaction can occur with certain medications, including some antibiotics and thyroid medications.

And it's not necessarily just a glass of milk.

Depending on the medication, you may need to think about other sources of calcium too:

🧀 Dairy products

🥛 Calcium-fortified drinks

💊 Calcium supplements

💊 Some multivitamins and mineral supplements

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆?

Usually, no.

For medications affected by calcium, it may simply mean separating when you take your medication from when you consume calcium.

But the timing can be different depending on the medication.

That's why we don't recommend guessing.

💚 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁

Medication instructions can sometimes seem oddly specific.

"Take with food."

"Take on an empty stomach."

"Avoid dairy."

"Don't take with calcium."

There's usually a reason behind them.

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, we're always happy to explain 𝘄𝗵𝘆 those instructions matter and help you figure out a schedule that works for you.

📍 544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB
📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 Did you know calcium could affect how some medications are absorbed?

08/18/2026

💊😬 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗠𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝗳 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄?

Big pill.

Glass of water.

Three attempts.

Still sitting there staring at you.

At some point you think...

*"I'm just going to crush this thing."*

Before you reach for the pill crusher...

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁.

Some medications can be safely split or crushed.

Others absolutely should NOT be.

💊 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?

Some tablets are specifically designed to control **where, when, or how quickly** the medication is released into your body.

Crushing them can completely change that.

⏱️ 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱-𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

These are designed to release medication gradually over several hours.

Crushing certain extended-release tablets can cause too much medication to be released at once instead of slowly over time.

Look for abbreviations such as:

• ER
• XR
• SR
• CR
• LA

But don't rely on the letters alone—always check.

🛡️ 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰-𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀

That coating isn't necessarily decorative.

Some medications are coated so they can pass through the stomach before dissolving.

Crushing the tablet destroys that protection.

⚠️ 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀

A tablet may be designed to protect the medication, protect your stomach, avoid an unpleasant taste, or limit direct exposure to the medicine.

That's why there's no universal rule.

💚 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗳 𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁?

Tell us!

Depending on the medication, there may be another option such as:

✔️ A smaller tablet

✔️ A liquid formulation

✔️ A different dosage form

✔️ A medication that can safely be split

✔️ Another appropriate alternative

The important part is **asking before crushing, chewing, splitting, or opening your medication.**

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, that's exactly the kind of question our pharmacists are here to answer.

Because sometimes that annoying coating on your pill is doing a lot more than you think.

📍 544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB
📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 Be honest...

What's the biggest pill you've ever looked at and thought:

"𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧?"

08/14/2026

🎒💚 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 = 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲

Lunches are being packed.

Alarm clocks are being set.

Backpacks are somehow already disappearing.

And after a summer of late nights, BBQs, vacations and "we'll figure out supper later"...

August is a great time to get the whole family's routine back on track.

That includes nutrition.

🥕 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻?

Not necessarily.

A varied, nutritious diet should always be the foundation.

But let's also acknowledge reality...

Some kids will happily eat salmon, broccoli and eggs.

Others are currently surviving on three approved foods and the promise that the sandwich "was cut the right way." 😅

Depending on age, diet and individual needs, a children's multivitamin or specific nutrient supplement may sometimes be worth discussing.

And don't forget the teenagers.

Growth and development during adolescence increase the body's need for several nutrients, including calcium, iron and other vitamins and minerals.

👨‍👩‍👧 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗱?

Adults have different nutritional needs too.

Men's, women's and general adult multivitamins can have different formulations depending on age and life stage.

And sometimes a multivitamin isn't what you need at all.

That's why choosing a supplement based solely on whichever bottle has the fanciest label isn't always the best strategy.

💚 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, we carry nutritional supplements for different ages and stages of life.

Our team can help you understand what you're looking at, what's appropriate for your family, and whether supplementation makes sense in the first place.

Because getting back into a healthy routine doesn't have to mean buying half the vitamin aisle.

Sometimes you just need someone to help you choose wisely.

📍 544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB
📞 (506) 853-0830

Here's to healthy lunches, better routines...

And finding at least ONE vegetable everyone will eat. 🥦

08/10/2026

💙🧡 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

Most of us have heard of autoimmune diseases...

But have you ever heard of an 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 disease?

These are rare conditions involving problems with the body's innate immune system that can lead to repeated or ongoing episodes of inflammation.

Depending on the condition, people may experience things like:

🌡️ Recurrent fevers

🦴 Joint or muscle pain

🌿 Skin rashes

😴 Fatigue

🔥 Episodes of unexplained inflammation

And because these symptoms can overlap with many other health conditions, getting answers isn't always easy.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

There isn't one food, vitamin, or supplement that can simply "switch off" an autoinflammatory disease.

Treatment should be guided by your healthcare team.

But there are everyday habits that can support overall health alongside appropriate medical care:

🥗 Eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet

🐟 Including foods naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids

🚶 Staying physically active at a level appropriate for you

😴 Prioritizing quality sleep

💧 Staying well hydrated

🚭 Avoiding smoking

🧘 Finding healthy ways to manage stress

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀?

You may hear about supplements such as:

• Omega-3 fish oil
• Turmeric/curcumin
• Vitamin D when intake or levels are inadequate

But "natural" doesn't automatically mean appropriate for everyone.

Supplements can interact with medications, appropriate doses can vary, and the evidence isn't the same for every inflammatory condition.

That's why we'd much rather you ask than start filling your cupboard based on something you saw online.

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, our pharmacists can review your medications and supplements and help you make informed choices that complement—not replace—the care recommended by your healthcare team.

This August, we're helping shine a light on autoinflammatory diseases and the individuals and families living with them.

Sometimes greater awareness is where better understanding begins. 💙🧡

📍 Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre
544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

08/04/2026

We have Karen Phytoplankton back in stock at Ford's!

Karen Phytoplankton

08/04/2026

🥣💚 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗱...

"Feed a cold... starve a fever."

Maybe your grandmother said it.

Maybe it was your mom.

Or maybe it was that one family member who always seemed to have a home remedy for everything.

When you were sick, they'd make you a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup, tuck you in with an extra blanket, and somehow convince you that you were going to be just fine.

Whether the soup actually worked or not...

You always felt a little better.

There's something comforting about being cared for.

So...

Was Grandma right?

The saying itself isn't exactly how we understand illness today.

If you have a cold or a fever, your body still needs fluids, nourishment, and plenty of rest. The best approach is to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and eat if you feel up to it.

And that homemade chicken soup or bone broth?

It may not be a cure...

But it can certainly help.

A slow-simmered homemade bone broth contains water for hydration, protein, naturally occurring collagen-derived amino acids such as glycine, and minerals that are released from the bones during cooking. The warm broth may also help soothe a sore throat, loosen mucus, and provide gentle nourishment when you don't have much of an appetite.

In other words...

Grandma may not have known the science behind it.

She just knew that a warm bowl of homemade soup, plenty of fluids, and a little extra care could help you feel more comfortable while your body did the healing.

Maybe Grandma didn't know all the science.

But she understood something just as important:

Sometimes healing starts with someone slowing down long enough to take care of you.

💚

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, we believe healthcare should feel a little like that too.

A place where your questions are welcomed, your concerns are heard, and you're cared for like a neighbour—not just another prescription.

📍 544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 What's an old wives' tale or home remedy you grew up hearing that you'll never forget?

Maybe Grandma was onto something after all.

07/31/2026

Wait! Don't leave without these! 🤣

🏕️☀️ 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

Whether you're heading to the beach, the campground, the cottage, or just spending the weekend enjoying everything New Brunswick has to offer, a little preparation can go a long way.

Before you head out, here's a quick checklist:

✔️ Sunscreen

✔️ Insect repellent

✔️ Aloe vera for unexpected sunburns

✔️ Allergy medication

✔️ Pain relief for those "I definitely shouldn't have tried that" moments

✔️ Bandages and a basic first aid kit

✔️ Electrolytes to stay hydrated in the summer heat

✔️ Any prescription medications you'll need for the weekend

It's easy to remember the cooler...

But don't forget the things that can help keep the weekend on track if something unexpected happens.

At Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre, we carry a wide selection of summer essentials, from first aid supplies and pain relief to bug bite treatments, sunscreen, allergy products, hydration support, and more.

If you're not sure what to pack, stop in and our team will be happy to help you find what you need.

📍 Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre

544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

Have a safe, fun, and healthy weekend!

👇 What's one thing you've forgotten to pack that you'll never forget again?

07/24/2026

💊🤔 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝗯𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿?

It's one of the most common questions we hear at the pharmacy.

You've got a pounding headache.

A sore back.

Or maybe you've overdone it in the garden.

You look at the medicine cabinet and think...

"Can I take both?"

The short answer?

✅ **Sometimes, yes.**

But...

It depends.

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀

Although they're both used to relieve pain and reduce fever, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are different medications.

Because they work differently, there are situations where a healthcare professional may recommend using both.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲

Ibuprofen isn't recommended for everyone, especially if you have certain stomach, kidney, heart, or bleeding conditions.

Acetaminophen also has a maximum daily dose, and taking too much can seriously harm your liver.

That's why it's always important to:

✔️ Follow the directions on the label.

✔️ Know what ingredients are already in your cold or flu medication.

✔️ Ask before combining medications if you're unsure.

💚 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿

One quick conversation can help you choose the safest option for your situation.

If you're ever unsure whether medications can be taken together, stop in or give us a call.

We're always happy to help.

📍 Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre

544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 Be honest...

Before today, did you think ibuprofen and acetaminophen were basically the same thing?

07/20/2026

☕💊 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲?

Morning routine:

☕ Pour coffee.

💊 Grab medication.

😌 Take them together.

Simple... right?

Not always.

For some medications and supplements, coffee can actually interfere with how well they work.

🤔 𝗛𝗼𝘄?

Coffee can reduce the absorption of certain medications and nutrients, meaning your body may not absorb as much as it should.

Some common examples include:

💊 Thyroid medication

🩸 Iron supplements

🦴 Some osteoporosis medications

💊 Certain antibiotics

That doesn't mean coffee is "bad."

It just means timing can matter.

☕ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝘆 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?

Many medications are perfectly fine to take with coffee.

Others work best with water.

That's why it's important not to assume every medication follows the same rules.

💧 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁...

A glass of water is almost always the safest choice unless you've been told otherwise.

Then enjoy your coffee afterward.

Your morning coffee doesn't have to go anywhere...

It might just need to wait a few minutes.

💚 Every medication is different, and if you're ever unsure about the best way or time to take yours, just ask us.

That's what we're here for.

📍 Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre

544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 Be honest...

Did you know coffee could affect how some medications and supplements work?

07/17/2026

💊🗂️ 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗱 𝗔 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻...

Be honest...

If we opened your medicine cabinet today, would we find:

🏛️ Cold medicine from 2014

🏛️ A prescription you "might need someday"

🏛️ Three bottles of ibuprofen... all half full

🏛️ A mystery cream with no box

🏛️ Vitamins you forgot you even bought

You're definitely not alone.

Almost everyone has medications tucked away that have been sitting there for years.

But here's the thing...

💊 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻

Over time, some medications may lose their effectiveness, and certain products may no longer be recommended once they've expired.

That's why it's a good idea to take a few minutes every now and then to check your medicine cabinet.

It's a simple habit that can help ensure you're reaching for products that are safe and effective when you need them most.

💚 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽

Set a reminder once or twice a year to do a quick medicine cabinet clean-out.

Your future self will thank you.

And if you're ever unsure whether a medication is still okay to use—or how to safely dispose of old or expired medications—our team is always happy to help.

📍 Ford's Family Pharmacy & Wellness Centre

544 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB

📞 (506) 853-0830

👇 Time for a little honesty...

What's the oldest thing currently hiding in your medicine cabinet?

(We promise... we won't judge.)