S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe or "sammy") has been used in Europe for two decades to treat arthritis and depression. Newsweek reported in the March 22nd issue that SAMe appears comparable to state-of-the-art drug therpies without significant side effects. SAMe is not an herb, it is a compound that is made by the human body from methionine, an amino acid. In the presence of vitamin B12 and folic acid, SAMe donates a methyl group to tissues which supports a number of vital processes such as cell membrane maintenance, removal of toxic substances and the production of dopamine and serotonin, both vital neurotransmitters. After acting as a methyl donor, SAMe's breakdown products generate sulfate groups that help maintain cartilage in joints. Researchers in Italy reported in the 1970s that up to 70% of depressed patients responded to SAMe. SAMe is not recommended for bipolar depression as it may worsen mania. Positive effects can be seen in less than a week unlike conventional antidepressants that take up to six weeks to be effective. Patients with depression taking SAMe that also had osteoarthritis reported significant relief from joint pain. Animal studies suggest that the compound may restore damaged cartilage not just dampen pain. SAMe is sold by prescription in Europe but is available without a prescription at Taos Pharmacy.

Airwatch is an electronic peak flow meter system. Peak flow meter readings can warn of an upcoming asthma attack before it occurs. Exposure to an asthma trigger such as pollen, dust, smoke or cold air begins a series of events that leads to inflammation of the airways, constriction of the airways, and increased mucous production. Careful monitoring of airflow can warn of the beginning of an asthma attack, stepping up drug therapy and prevent an attack. The problem with current air flow monitoring is that it requires careful record keeping in an asthma diary. This time consuming process is often neglected. Airwatch is an electronic meter that maintains months of results in a computer chip. The data can be sent over a regular phone line to a central computer which will fax the data to your doctor's office within minutes, this data can be used by the doctor to order an increase in medication to help prevent an attack. Airwatch is only available in Taos at Taos Pharmacy. The system retails for $99 but a $20 rebate is available until December 31, 1999. In addition, many insurance companies will pay for Airwatch as a covered benefit. Call Taos Pharmacy if you are interested in an Airwatch system for your child.

Taos Pharmacy is proud to announce the return of Cholestin to our shelves. Cholestin is a patented form of Monascus purpureus Went yeast that produces HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that are proven to reduce serum cholesterol. Cholestin was unavailable for some time due to a lawsuit filed by a major drug manufacturer that claimed that Choelstin was a drug that infringed upon their drug patent. The courts found that Cholestin is a natural product that produces an effective medication for lowering cholesterol. Pharmanex, the distributor of Cholestin, has reintroduced Cholestin only through independently owned pharmacies such as Taos Pharmacy. We proudly carry the complete line of Pharmanex products including Cholestin for cholesterol, CordyMax form of Cordyceps sinensis mushroom used to restore energy, promote longevity, and improve the quality of life, Tegreen97 which contains concentrated levels of green tea polyphenols that offer tremendous antioxidant activity, BioGinkgo27/7 form of ginkgolides to help stimulate memory and ability to concentrate, BioSt.John's combination of St. John's Wort and CordyMax to promote positive mood and reduce fatigue, and standardized formulas of CoQ10, Cranberry, Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginseng, Hawthorn, Kava Kava, Saw Palmetto, and Vitex. We carry the complete line of quality Pharmanex products.

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