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We’ve all been there, standing at the pharmacy counter. You hand over your prescription, and the pharmacist asks, "Would you prefer the generic or the brand name?"The generic is significantly cheaper but you might wonder, “If it costs less, is it actually doing the job? Am I sacrificing my health to save a few dollars?”To clear up the confusion, we sat down with Deans Pharmacy’s pharmacist, Ricardo Newell, to bust the myths and give you the facts.

When we talk about health challenges facing Jamaicans, conversations usually centre around blood pressure, “sugar”, or heart health. But there is a quiet crisis developing in households across the country that directly intersects with all three: the rising rate of cognitive decline.

Take a breath. Go ahead – breathe in right now. Feel that? That air moving easily into your lungs, no struggle, no fight? Most of us do that about twenty thousand times a day and we never think about it. Not once. It's automatic. It's effortless. 

Picture this: You grab a glass of wine or a beer after work to unwind. It's just one drink, right? In Jamaica, alcohol is woven into many aspects of daily social life – from weekend limes to celebrations and family gatherings. For many, a drink or two is simply “social drinking” – a harmless, often expected, way to connect. But what if even small sips pose real risks to your body and mind?

When was the last time you actually thought about your kidneys? If you’re like most of us, probably never. We worry about “pressure”, we watch “the sugar”, and we definitely don’t play around when it comes to our hearts. But those two fist-sized organs tucked away in your lower back are often overlooked – despite being absolutely essential to your long-term health.

February usually gets hijacked by roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and the pressure of grand romantic gestures for partners, friends, and family. But here’s a radical thought: the most enduring relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.