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If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later.

Béquet Confections: The Story Behind Alto Pharmacy’s Caramel

If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Alto’s co-founders knew early on that they wanted to include an unexpected moment of delight in each delivery: “We wanted to put a smile on our customers' faces, knowing that taking medicine may not always be the most pleasant experience,” shared Matt Gamache-Asselin, Alto’s CEO and co-founder. “After tasting Béquet’s caramel, we knew we found a winner.”

Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later. 

Béquet Confections was founded in 2001 by Robin Béquet and is now one of the largest gourmet caramel manufacturers in the U.S. Robin transformed her hobby into a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor at the encouragement of friends and family who couldn’t get enough of her gourmet caramel.

Twenty years later, Béquet Confections continues to delight customers across the nation with varieties such as Celtic Sea Salt®, Salt-Chocolate, and Butterscotch. They’ve received numerous accolades including the sofi™ award, presented by the Specialty Food Association, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the gourmet food industry. 

So what sets Béquet Gourmet Caramel apart from the competition? It’s about having a passion for doing something better than anyone else, and that starts with using high quality ingredients. 

The entire process takes place at a facility in Bozeman, Montana, the town where Robin originally started the business. Each batch of Bequet’s Celtic Sea Salt® caramel is hand-crafted under the watchful eye of a master caramel chef, and includes non-GMO sugar, antibiotic-free milk and, of course, authentic Celtic Sea Salt®. This particular grey salt is harvested from the north of France and undergoes a thorough sifting process. 

The raw ingredients are poured into small stainless steel kettles and slow-simmered to a very specific temperature. This a key component of the process as temperature dictates both the flavor and color profile of the finished sweets. Once the caramel is cooked to perfection, it is poured onto a cooling table and cut into strips. The staff then completes a quality control check to ensure the salt is evenly distributed  for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. 

Robin credits the community of Bozeman for supporting her dream and helping the business grow. Without the local assistance of retailers who took a chance on stocking the product, neighbors who championed for her, and even landlords who offered reduced rent, Béquet Confections wouldn’t be where it is today. 

Two years ago, Life is Sweet purchased Béquet Confections. “We’re proud to be a part of the Life is Sweet family of brands and look forward to continuing Robin’s legacy of producing the most exquisite gourmet caramel,” shared Lyndsey Althans, Director of Finance & Administration at Béquet Confections.

To learn more about Béquet Confections and find a local retailer near you, visit their site. Use the code ALTO20* to save 20% off your next online purchase. 

*Limit one use per customer, shipping fees are excluded. Not valid in stores or on previous orders; may not be combined with other offers. Béquet Confections reserves the right to terminate special offers without notice at any time.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health.

How Your Family History Affects Your Heart Health

While you know that traits like the color of your eyes and hair, as well as maybe your love of coffee, have been passed down through your family, you might not realize the extent to which heredity can also influence aspects of your health. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the United States, knowing your family’s health history and the extent of your risk is key to managing your heart health. Here’s how having heart disease in your family can affect your own heart’s health, what you can do, and everyday ways to keep your heart beating healthy. 

When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually referring to coronary heart disease (also referred to as coronary artery disease).This is the most common type of heart disease and leads to more than 370,000 deaths in the United States every year. 

Coronary heart disease results when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that lead to your heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to pass through, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Common risk factors for heart disease include high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind), stress, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, being post-menopausal for women and being older than 45 for men.

According to the American Heart Association, your risk of heart disease is strongly linked to your family history. That means that if someone in your family has diabetes or high LDL cholesterol, for example, then you may be more prone to these heart disease risk factors as well. Similarly, if someone in your family has had a stroke, that makes you more likely to have one. 

To understand your genetic risk of heart disease, you need to first take a look at your family’s health history. You may not know the health history of your entire extended family and that’s okay. A key first step is to start learning the health history of your first-degree relatives: first your parents, then your siblings. Did either of your parents or siblings have a heart attack or stroke, or die from one, at an early age? If they did prior to age 55 for males or age 65 for females, then you’re at an increased risk of heart disease.

Additionally, there are other genetic factors to be aware of that can increase your risk of heart disease. Statistics from the American Heart Association show that African Americans are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke; and about one in three Hispanics will have high blood pressure.

Your family’s home lifestyle and environment can also play a role in your heart health. Living in a household of smokers, for example, can increase your risk of heart disease, while a regular diet of fast food can trigger inflammation in your body and lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. 

Where you live can also be a factor. City and urban environments can expose you to more air pollution as well as poor water or food quality, which can all contribute to heart disease. 

What to do once you know your family’s health history

Once you have some idea of your immediate family’s health picture and any history of heart disease or risk factors, you’ll next want to assess your own risk. There are various heart attack risk calculators that can help you do this. These take into account your genetics as well as current diet and lifestyle habits to predict your chance of having a heart attack.

Sharing your personal heart disease risk and family history with your doctor is important because it can allow them to come up with a plan to help you lower your risk. Your doctor may also suggest certain medical tests to provide a more accurate diagnosis. A blood test, for example, can look for certain biomarkers in your bloodstream, like LDL cholesterol, that increase your heart disease risk. A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, can detect any calcium on the walls of your arteries.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of any early heart attack warning signs to watch out for. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath during daily activities, or pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, you should call 911 to get proper care as soon as possible.

If you discover that you have an extensive family history of cardiovascular disease or you’ve calculated your risk to be higher than average, does that mean you will end up with cardiovascular disease yourself? Not necessarily. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce your risk. 

Once you have the results of any blood tests, your doctor will factor these into your family history and lifestyle habits to come up with a strategy to help you manage any heart disease risk. They’ll also discuss with you any risks and benefits of taking certain cardiovascular medications, if necessary. 

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle will also be a key part of any heart disease management plan. This includes avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, as well as adding more healthy foods to your diet like nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans and fish. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying active. For physical activity, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise such as brisk walking or riding your bike at least five days a week.

If you have any other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, control these by staying on top of your regimen prescribed by your doctor. You’ll also want to be aware of the other factors you might not realize can influence your risk of heart disease.

While it’s essential to be your own advocate when it comes to your health, we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. If you are prescribed medications for your heart, our pharmacists would be happy to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. We’ll look for any available savings to help you get the lowest price, and we’ll deliver your medications to your home for free. Simply tell your doctor to send your new prescription to Alto or contact our team - we’ll take care of the transfer for you.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is an HIV prevention method. Many people are still learning about the medication. Here are six PrEP myths debunked.

Debunking Common Myths about PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is an HIV prevention method. Its most common form comes as an oral medication taken by those who don’t have HIV. PrEP can help prevent HIV from infecting and spreading through your system. Since PrEP is relatively new, many people are still learning about the medication. Here are six PrEP myths debunked.

First, let’s look at its efficacy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% when taken as prescribed. And it can even reduce the risk to intravenous drug users by 74% if taken daily. Currently, the two FDA-approved PrEP medications are Truvada® and Descovy®.

Consistent use allows the medicine to remain present in the bloodstream of an HIV-negative individual. If you’re exposed to HIV, PrEP will block the invading virus from spreading throughout your body.

Myth: You don’t need to use condoms on PrEP.

PrEP provides protection from HIV, but it does not protect against other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Using condoms along with PrEP can help reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

Myth: You can start taking PrEP after you’ve been exposed. 
PrEP is for people who are at risk for HIV. According to the CDC, PrEP is not the right choice for people who may have been recently exposed to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately. 

Myth: PrEP is only for gay men. 
PrEP is recommended if you have an HIV-positive partner, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown. Truvada® is also specifically recommended for those taking drugs intravenously and who are at risk. Descovy® is not for those at risk through vaginal sex. 

Myth: You don’t need to take PrEP every day. 

PrEP is a both a daily prescription and on-demand medication depending on your situation and risk level. Studies have shown on-demand PrEP to be effective for gay and bisexual men having sex without a condom who are not at ongoing risk of HIV, but studies have yet to show the medications on-demand efficacy for heterosexual partners. The daily medication is for those with an ongoing risk of contracting HIV. In this situation, PrEP needs to be taken every day as prescribed for it to work effectively. If it’s not taken daily, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus. 

To help you remember to take your PrEP pill, you can try our helpful Reminders feature in the Alto app that will let you know when it’s time for your next dose. To ensure you don’t run out of PrEP, you can also opt into auto refills so that we can reach out to you when you’re close to being due for your next delivery.

It’s true that paying for PrEP out-of-pocket can be costly. The good news is that most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also PrEP assistance programs that can help you get the medication for low or no cost, even if you don’t have insurance.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can answer any questions you have, write a prescription for you (PrEP is prescription-only), as well as help you set up your HIV test, which is required before you can start taking PrEP. If you don’t have a health care provider or can’t get a prescription from your doctor, organizations like Please Prep Me can help quickly connect you with a provider who can write you a prescription for PrEP. 

If you have additional questions, we recommend talking it over with your provider. When it comes to helping you set up auto refills, daily reminders, or to ensure you get your medications the day you need them, our team of expert pharmacists is here to help. We’ll also deliver your prescription for free and send you quarterly lab reminders. You can download the Alto mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Reach out to our HIV speciality team at 1 (800) 874-5881 (call/text) or send us a message through our mobile app. 

Alto Pharmacy is recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers in 2021, ranking 13th among 60 healthcare startups.

Alto Pharmacy Announced as One of Forbes Best Startup Employers

After discovering that half of all prescriptions aren’t even picked up—resulting in 125,000 avoidable deaths every year—we set out to build a new kind of pharmacy that focuses on the person behind every prescription.

Here at Alto, we’re transforming a $500 billion industry by reinventing what a pharmacy can do—from hand-delivering medications for free to offering on-call help by text or chat. Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and it shows. After delivering more than one million prescriptions, we have an NPS score of 86 and over a thousand five-star reviews on Yelp.

In addition to delivering a better pharmacy experience for everyone who needs medicine, we’re committed to cultivating a better workplace for for our team, every day. That’s why we’re honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers in 2021, ranking 13th among 60 healthcare startups. Inclusion on the list was based on professional reputation, employee satisfaction, and growth, among other criteria. 

This accolade follows several others in recent months including LinkedIn’s Top Startups in 2020 and San Francisco Business Times Largest Bay Area Digital Health Companies in 2020. In addition, Alto’s CEO, Matt Gamache-Asselin, recently received recognition as one of The Top 25 Consumer Health Tech Executives of 2020 by The Healthcare Technology Report. 

“We have a lot to be proud of in the past year, especially in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared Gamache-Asselin. “I’m so proud of the hard work and commitment exhibited by every member of our team in providing exceptional pharmacy care in our communities. As we continue to expand our services to more and more people, we’ll also be growing our team of incredibly knowledgeable and caring professionals.”

Are you passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy? Join us as we  deliver our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of Americans. 

For the full employers list and an overview of the selection methodology, head to the Forbes site. .

Alto Pharmacy Announced as One of Forbes Best Startup Employers 

Forbes 2021 America's best startup employers

Here’s what we know so far about the risk of COVID-19 for people with HIV, vaccine safety, and how to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. 

What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV

As of March, 2021, over 115 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, many are wondering what the COVID-19 vaccine could mean for the 38 million people who are living with HIV: is it safe or does it pose a greater risk for these individuals? Here’s what we know so far about the risk of COVID-19 for people with HIV, vaccine safety, and how to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. 

Are people living with HIV at a higher risk for COVID-19? 

Data is limited and experts are still learning exactly how COVID-19 affects those with HIV, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that those who have HIV (and who are also on effective HIV treatment) generally have the same risk of contracting the virus as those who don’t have HIV. 

So, who is at greater risk? The CDC has evidence that shows older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, and a weakened immune system are at an increased risk for more severe cases of COVID-19. And since nearly half of those living with HIV in the United States are over 50 years old, those living with HIV are encouraged to follow all CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Experts have not found any significant evidence that those living with HIV will experience more severe COVID-19 outcomes; studies performed in Spain and in the United States on a Veterans aging cohort both found no difference in susceptibility to the virus in those with HIV.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people living with HIV?

Yes. According to the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed or approved by regulators are believed to be safe for most people, including those living with HIV. The COVID-19 vaccines, like other vaccines, undergo the same safety tests and are required to meet rigorous standards. 

Regulators have not yet found any evidence that people living with HIV are at a greater risk from the COVID-19 vaccine in terms of side effects than anyone else.

How does the vaccine work and what symptoms could I expect?

In a recent virtual town hall on COVID-19 and HIV hosted by Getting to Zero San Francisco, experts confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to help reduce the severity of illness from the virus. The vaccine could also prevent infection, reduce transmission, and lead to healthier communities. 

The COVID-19 vaccines work by helping our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to actually contract the illness. The different vaccines work in slightly different ways to protect us, but all generally leave the body with a supply of cells that remember how to fight the virus in the future.

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the process of building immunity can result in some people experiencing mild symptoms like a sore arm and mild fever or chills in the days following vaccination. If you have any pain or discomfort, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications.

How can people with HIV protect themselves from COVID-19?

As you’ve likely heard, the best way to keep from getting sick is simply to avoid exposure to the virus. Everyone, including people living with HIV, should keep taking everyday actions like wearing a mask, staying six feet away from those who don’t live with you, and avoiding crowds, to help avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19.

If you have HIV and are taking your HIV medicine, it’s important to continue doing so and follow any advice from your healthcare provider. This will help keep your immune system healthy and ready to fight off any infection. The CDC also recommends lifestyle practices like eating healthy foods, getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, and minimizing stress as much as you can.

If you develop any symptoms that indicate you might have COVID-19, the CDC recommends calling your healthcare provider and getting tested. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home. If you do develop severe symptoms, the CDC recommends you get emergency medical care immediately.

At Alto, we’re committed to ensuring you receive you medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are fully stocked and our pharmacists are on hand to answer any questions and provide ongoing access to support and advice. Reach out to our HIV specialty team at 1-800-874-5881 (call/text) or send us a message through our mobile app. 

Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect.

How to Manage Your Child’s Asthma

Of the over 19 million people who have asthma in the United States, nearly 6 million of them are children. This chronic disease makes it hard to breathe and thus can affect every aspect of your child’s life, from school to play. And with allergy season just around the corner, you might hear extra coughing and sneezing around the house. Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect, and the impact COVID-19 could have on those with asthma.

What are the signs my child might have asthma?

The signs and symptoms of asthma can vary by child but, in general, some common signs your child might have the disease include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. The severity of these will also vary, with some cases being mild and manageable and more severe cases requiring emergency care.

Symptoms appear when your child is exposed to triggers like pollen or smoke. Triggers cause the airways to become inflamed, which causes swelling and mucus production, and leads to an overall narrowing of the air passageway making it harder to breathe and leading to the above symptoms. 

Since symptoms of asthma can be signs of other ailments as well, it can be difficult to always know if what your child is experiencing is asthma. Coughing, for example, can also be a symptom of a cold or the flu. Another asthmatic symptom—wheezing—could also be caused by bronchitis or another respiratory problem. 

This is where other asthmatic signs like your child saying “I’m always coughing” or “My chest feels funny,” can be helpful. Either way, if your child shows any of these symptoms, it can be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor so your child can start getting treatment if needed.

Your doctor will likely use a few different methods to test if your child has asthma. First, they’ll ask for your child’s medical history, where they can share symptoms and any triggers they may have noticed. Then the doctor will conduct a physical exam which will look at your child’s nose and throat, their breathing, and skin for any signs of allergic conditions. They may also conduct a series of lung function tests and a chest or sinus X-ray.

The doctor will then look at the results of these tests to discern if your child has asthma and what type. From there, they will develop a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your child’s symptoms.

A quick-relief inhaler may be enough to keep symptoms under control for mild cases of asthma. Depending on how your child is doing, more treatments can be added if needed. Maintenance treatments can help reduce the need for quick-relief inhalers. In fact, how often these inhalers are used is an indicator of asthma control for doctors and can help them determine the proper treatment plan. 

The second main aspect of treatment is avoiding triggers. The most common triggers include irritants such as air pollution, cold air, odors or smoke, as well as mold, dust mites, and pollen. Other triggers include sinus infections, exercise, heartburn, and allergic reactions.

Since the world is unpredictable, you can’t always control triggers, but you can take certain measures to help keep them in check, such as changing your diet when food reactions occur, minimizing smoking, and requesting an indoor air assessment. A variety of virtual asthma education classes and workshops are also offered online to help you learn best practices when it comes to prevention and treatment. 

What effect does COVID-19 have on my child’s asthma?

According to the CDC, those with moderate to severe asthma may be at an increased risk for more severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. To help reduce your risk, it’s recommended that you continue taking your current medicines, including any inhalers with corticosteroids in them. The CDC also recommends that you keep a 30-day supply of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t risk running out if you fall sick, need to quarantine, or otherwise can’t make it to the pharmacy.

In addition to these asthma-specific strategies, the everyday COVID-19 protocols of wearing a mask, socially distancing, and avoiding large crowds should be followed. If you’re worried that wearing a mask might affect asthma symptoms, research that came out last month showed that wearing a mask did not affect oxygen levels, regardless of whether the wearer had asthma or not. 

If you have concerns about your condition or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should call your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a provider, you can contact your nearest community health center or health department. 

Many people live normal lives with proper asthma management. A good treatment plan, guidance from your doctor, and a reliable pharmacy can help you manage your child’s symptoms so they can keep doing most of those everyday activities they enjoy. 

We’re here to help your child breathe easier

Whether you need to get your child’s first inhaler or obtain prescription refills, Alto is here every step of the way. Our pharmacists are on hand to answer any questions and our pharmacies around the country are fully stocked with asthma medications. We’re prepared and ready to deliver your medicines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure safety, we offer free, contactless drop-offs for every prescription, so you can get your refills on time in the comfort of your home. Reach out any time via text, phone call (1-800-874-5881), or in-app messaging.

Starting Friday, March 12, residents of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs.

Hello, Dallas-Fort Worth!

Alto’s launch in the Dallas-Fort Worth market extends our industry-leading patient care model to even more Texans. 

Starting Friday, March 12, residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs. 

At Alto, we believe it’s our job to ensure you have your medications at the best price, on time and with the support you need. We bring pharmacy to you - no more waiting in line, making an extra trip, or finding out your prescription isn’t ready to be picked up after you’ve already arrived. Our free doorstep delivery means your medications come directly to you on the day and time you select, and most medications are available the same-day. Stay up to date on your courier’s progress with text alerts or in our mobile app. 

Starting a new medication or doing an injection for the first time? Message a pharmacist with your questions, even in the evenings and on weekends. And we’re a full service pharmacy - we stock all major brand, generic, over-the-counter and specialty medications, meaning your entire family’s pharmacy needs can be managed in the Alto app and coordinated into one delivery.

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 6 - 9 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 2 - 5 pm CT

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 5:30 pm CT

Dallas-Fort Worth residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe, phone or fax). 

Have existing prescriptions at another pharmacy? Start a transfer online or give us a call at 1 (800) 874-5881, and we’ll handle the switch. 

Need to pick up? Our pharmacy is located at 475 State Highway 121, Suite 150, in Lewisville.

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 11 pm CT and Saturday - Sunday 10 am - 7 pm CT. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone/text at 1 (800) 874-5881, email or app.

Founded in 2015, Alto is a patient-centric digital pharmacy based committed to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. We provide free same-day delivery to your door seven days a week for prescriptions, but, more importantly, offer cost transparency, personalized in-app and phone support, and real-time coordination with doctors and insurance companies to get you the care that you need. Alto is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Houston and Dallas.

One key test—the A1C blood test—is critical to diagnosing and managing the disease. Here’s what the test measures, why it’s important, and how monitoring your glucose levels at home can help. 

What You Should Know About the A1C Test and Diabetes

An estimated 34 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, while more than twice that—88 million—are living with prediabetes. What’s more, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that another 7.3 million have diabetes, but don’t know it. One key test—the A1C blood test—is critical to diagnosing and managing the disease. Here’s what the test measures, why it’s important, and how monitoring your glucose levels at home can help. 

The A1C is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as prediabetes. If you’re living with diabetes, the test is also used to monitor how well you’re managing your blood sugar, or glucose, levels.

The test measures what percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood are coated with sugar (glycated) because when glucose builds up, hemoglobin is what it binds to. Hemoglobin is what gives your blood its red color, and its job is to carry oxygen to all of your organs and tissues. 

Since your red blood cells live for about 3 months, the A1C test shows the average level of glucose in your blood from the past 2-3 months. In general, the higher your A1C levels, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications. 

In a way, the A1C test captures the bigger picture, like a basketball player’s points-per-game average for the season. It gives you a snapshot into the athlete’s overall success—something that can’t be seen in a single game or from a single day’s blood test results.

What the A1C numbers mean (and what a normal range is)

A1C test results will come back as a percentage—the percent of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. The higher the percentage, the greater your risk of developing diabetes complications. In addition to helping diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, the test will also give you a baseline A1C level. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, you’ll be tested regularly and can compare those results to your baseline to see how your treatment plan is going. Here’s what your numbers could look like and what they mean: 

If your levels are below 5.7%, that is considered normal. If you land between 5.7% and 6.5%, you fall into the prediabetic category and you’re at a higher risk of developing diabetes. If your test results show you’re above 6.5%, you’re considered in the diabetic range. To confirm a diabetes diagnosis, your healthcare provider will likely look at the results of two blood tests given on different days. The goal A1C for most patients with diabetes is 7% or less, though individual goals may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Something to keep in mind is that certain factors like pregnancy, kidney and liver disease, certain medications with opioids, some HIV medications, recent or heavy blood loss, or conditions like anemia can all interfere with the accuracy of the A1C test results. These could all influence your A1C goal and are things you can discuss with your healthcare provider ahead of time.

A1IC targets can also change over time as your age or your health condition changes. Generally younger people have a lower A1C goal in order to reduce diabetes-related complications, whereas older people or those with other comorbidities have a higher A1C goal This is why it’s important to work with your doctor to set your own individual A1C goal.

What’s the difference between the A1C test and home glucose monitoring?

If you’re prediabetic or diabetic, you’ll work with your healthcare provider to come up with a treatment plan. A part of your home treatment plan will likely include self-monitoring, which you can do with a blood glucose meter or other device. This will tell you your blood sugar levels at the exact time you do the test—either in milligrams of sugar per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles of sugar per liter (mmol/L). 

Blood sugar goes up and down during the day and night, and factors like eating, exercise, or stress, can all affect your blood sugar. So you might see some variability throughout the day in your numbers. To come back to the basketball analogy, these tests can be likened to a single game’s stats and can reveal the daily nuance that the A1C test can’t. 

On the other hand, because the A1C test measures the average blood glucose over the past three months, it provides a good idea of overall glycemic control over time. As we mentioned earlier, it captures the bigger picture. It also doesn't require fasting, like some blood glucose tests, so it can be given at any time.

The in-the-moment precision of self-monitoring can be helpful when it comes to making choices about your diet and exercise throughout the day. It can also help you keep tabs on your A1C target. For example, if your A1C goal is below 7%—a common target for people with diabetes—you should aim for blood sugar below 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) on average. The ADA offers a simple A1C calculator where you can easily convert between A1C and eAG. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how often you should get tested. The frequency will be determined by your healthcare provider and will depend on a few factors unique to you including your age as well as if you’re on any current diabetes treatment plan with certain goals. 

In general, however, if you have prediabetes, the Mayo Clinic recommends getting tested once a year. If you have diabetes, and if your blood sugar level is consistently within your target range and you don’t use insulin, twice a year is recommended. If your blood sugar levels have been out of your target range and you are using insulin, your doctor might recommend up to four times per year. Additionally, if your diabetes treatment plan changes or you begin taking a new diabetes medication, that could also increase the frequency of A1C testing. You can work with your healthcare provider to decide what works best. 

Whether you're navigating medications for a recent diagnosis or are looking to learn more about diabetes prevention, we know it can be a lot to sort through. That’s why we’re here to help every step of the way. 

From glucose monitors to test strips to medications, our team of patient care pharmacists at Alto is available to chat whenever questions come up. Feel free to reach out any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Here’s why healthy habits are key to improving your health and six ideas to try when you need some “me time.”

6 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

We know that taking care of our well-being is important, but when work deadlines are calling or the family needs your attention, your own wellness can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list. Fortunately, many healthy lifestyle habits don’t require much time or money, and can even be an enjoyable break from your everyday to-dos. Here’s why healthy habits are key to improving your health and six ideas to try when you need some “me time.”

When we’re overworked, stressed-out, or exhausted, it can be difficult to take care of our own daily maintenance tasks, let alone do activities we enjoy or make time to help others. And when we neglect our own care, it can leave us feeling burnt out, anxious, or depressed—states that affect everything from our performance at work to our relationships at home. 

Studies suggest that carving out “me time” is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Healthier habits and lifestyle adjustments have been linked to lower levels of stress and higher quality of life, as well as lower levels of morbidity and reduced healthcare costs. And it can start with just a few minutes a day and cost nothing. Here are five science-backed lifestyle practices that your current (and future) self may thank you for. 

1. Practice meditation and mindfulness. 
You don’t need to ascribe to a certain religion or spend a month on a far-flung retreat to meditate or reap its benefits. Numerous studies suggest that even a few minutes a day of meditation can have many health benefits—from helping reduce anxious and stressful thoughts to curbing insomnia. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer meditation basics at low or no cost. You can also ask at your workplace to see if services like Modern Health are offered. 


2. Try breathing practices. 
We know breathing is essential to life, but since it happens automatically, many of us don’t pay much attention to it. But research suggests that certain breathing techniques can help improve everything from your focus to your sleep. Studies have also found that practices like nasal breathing and pursed-lip breathing, as well as the deeper diaphragmatic breathing involved in yoga practices can be helpful in managing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as asthma. 


3. Cook a meal at home. 
From picking out a new recipe to gathering all the ingredients, cooking at home for yourself or for others can be a relaxing multi-sensory wellness practice. It’s also often a healthier option than grabbing take-out. For this reason, studies suggest it as a top self-care practice to help those with diabetes avoid hospital visits and other health implications.


4. Do something creative. 
When it comes to the arts, you don’t need to have mastered a craft to enjoy it. The act of expressing in an artistic way can be enjoyable regardless of the outcome. And studies show that doing something creative—strumming a guitar, singing to yourself in the shower, or writing creatively—can boost your mood and emotional health as well as contribute to reducing stress and feelings of depression.

5. Stay on top of your medications. 
While this may seem obvious, forgetting to take essential medications is more common than you might think. In fact, studies have shown that up to 20-30% of medications are never filled, and that nearly 50% of medications for chronic disease aren’t taken as prescribed.  Alto can help make sure your prescriptions are delivered on time, as well as connect you with a pharmacist to answer any questions about dosage or side effects.

It's essential to be your own advocate when it comes to your health and well-being, and we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. Talking with your healthcare provider about healthier habits and lifestyle adjustments can be just as important as discussing your medications. 

Our team of patient care pharmacists at Alto is available to chat whenever questions come up. Feel free to reach out any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

5 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

Despite its reputation, cholesterol is not inherently bad. Our pharmacists explain what is meant by good and bad cholesterol and how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol 101: The Good vs. The Bad (And What to Do About It)

Despite its reputation, cholesterol is not inherently bad. In fact, some cholesterol is not only good but necessary for our health. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, help with digestion, and produce hormones. The problem comes when you have too much of the bad type of cholesterol. This can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your cholesterol levels in check and healthy. 

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your bloodstream and in your cells. Since it doesn’t dissolve in the blood, proteins—called lipoproteins—carry cholesterol to where it is needed in the body. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol and triglycerides, which are a type of fat the body uses as an energy source, just like carbohydrates. 

Cholesterol comes from two sources: your liver and certain foods you eat, like meat, poultry, and dairy. Your liver, however, makes all the cholesterol your body needs for your cells, digestion, and hormones.

What is meant by good and bad cholesterol?

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is also called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. HDL, on the other hand, is considered “good cholesterol” because it can help clear these buildups by removing the bad cholesterol from your body.

Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. So, in general, you want to have higher HDL levels and lower LDL levels to keep your heart healthy. A blood test can measure the amount of each type of cholesterol in your blood. In general, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that you keep your total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL, your LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL and your HDL cholesterol over 50 mg/DL for women and under 40 mg/dL for men.

How can I maintain healthy cholesterol levels?

Keeping your cholesterol levels in check and maintaining good heart health primarily comes down to your diet and lifestyle. Here are the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommendations for what to load up on and what to avoid. 

Whole-grain foods (bread, pasta, brown rice)

Lean meats and poultry without skin. If you choose red meat and pork, select “loin” and “round” options to help minimize the amount of fat. 

Fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines

Unsalted nuts, seeds, and legumes (dried beans or peas)

Non-tropical vegetable oils like olive, corn, canola, or safflower oils

Full-fat dairy products (whole milk, cream, ice cream, butter, and cheese)

Baked goods made with saturated and trans fats like donuts, cakes, and cookies

Foods with “hydrogenated oils” in the ingredients

Tropical oils like coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils

Solid fats like shortening, stick margarine, and lard

What other lifestyle choices can help improve my heart health?

Fortunately, the go-to practices for keeping your heart healthy are a lot of the same ones that are recommended for keeping the rest of your body (and brain) tuned up. Here are four lifestyle choices to consider to support your heart health.

Studies show lacing up those sneakers is key to a healthy heart. Frequent exercise has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as low blood pressure and higher insulin sensitivity. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week like taking a brisk walk in the neighborhood, going for a bike ride, or doing yard work.

2. Reduce stress.
Studies suggest that meditation and mindfulness can help improve everything from your stress levels and blood pressure to your sleep quality and emotional health. Having a furry friend around could also help lower your blood pressure, as well as improve your physical and emotional health by helping you stay more active and social.

3. Get good sleep.
If you’ve ever had a night of poor sleep, you already know the many ways that puts you in a slump. Sleep issues like not sleeping enough, sleep apnea, and insomnia can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Regular exercise, limited screen time before bed, and a consistent sleep schedule can all help improve your sleep. 

Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation have both been linked to higher levels of good cholesterol. For alcohol, the CDC recommends limiting your intake to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. 

To learn more about ways to keep your heart healthy, you can also tune into the American Heart Association podcast that covers everything from managing cholesterol to practicing meditation. But before you go about making any major lifestyle changes or if you have concerns about your heart health, it’s important to first consult with your doctor to decide what’s best for you.

It’s important to be your own advocate when it comes to your health and we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. If your doctor prescribes cholesterol-lowering medications or other heart medications, our pharmacists would be happy to walk you through dosage instructions and answer your questions. We’ll also help you get the lowest price by looking for any available savings, as well as deliver your medications to your home for free. Simply tell your doctor to send your new prescription to Alto or contact our care team, and we’ll transfer your existing prescriptions for you.

Reverend Stacey, who is also the Executive Minister at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, sat down with us to share more about the challenges of fertility in the Black community, what fertility care providers can do to create more inclusive experiences, and some of her favorite memories in the history of FFCG. 

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

When it comes to fertility, there is a lot to navigate—from deciding which treatment option is right for you to figuring out how to afford the costs. In the U.S., about 11% of women experience infertility, and studies suggest that Black women are twice as likely to face infertility as white women. 

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn is trying to change this. After working as a health educator in Chicago and an education director at Planned Parenthood, she founded Fertility for Colored Girls (FFCG) in 2013. As a 501c3, FFCG’s mission is to provide education, awareness, and support to Black women/couples and other women of color who struggle with infertility—something Stacey wished she’d had when she was on her own infertility journey. 

With 14 chapters across the country spanning urban and suburban communities, and with more opening each year, FFCG provides services including educational programs, grant opportunities, counseling, and monthly support groups where women can share their experiences and receive support.

What are the reasons Black women are almost twice as likely to experience infertility as white women?

There are a few factors behind this. The first is that in the Black community, infertility is a taboo topic. And it’s not something we expect to experience. In our communities, we have believed the hype that Black women are hyper-fertile. Much of this comes from breeding myths during slavery around our ability to be able to give birth. But the reality is, these myths are incorrect. So it begins with how we have been socialized and educated around our own reproductive health and our Black bodies. 

A second reason is that there are many Black women and couples who don’t trust the medical system. And because of this distrust, we’re not accessing health care. We think doctors don’t take us seriously and impose their biases on us. And even today, we still hear stories of Black women and couples having surgeries done on them and being sterilized without permission.

A third reason has to do with research. Most of the research around reproductive health and treatment has primarily been done on white women. So when research shows that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not as successful with Black women, it’s because the trials haven’t included Black women. Once we start seeing more research done that includes black and brown women and other ethnicities then we’ll be able to tailor treatments better. 

A final reason has to do with marketing. We still have a number of fertility clinics that aren’t including women and babies of color and other ethnicities in their marketing. So Black women and couples don’t see themselves in the marketing and if you can’t see yourself, it makes it harder to feel welcome and to trust that you’ll get quality care. 

In addition to marketing and staffing, what other recommendations do you have for clinicians and fertility care providers to create a more accessible and equitable experience? 

I would say education. The staff working with women of color need to be educated. They need to be equipped with tools on how to be culturally sensitive to the Black women and couples that are coming into their spaces. Something I hear from Black women and couples is they want the doctor and team to partner up with them in their treatment—not to look down on them or talk at them. They want someone to walk with them on their journeys. 

Education can also help staff understand their own biases which, a lot of the time, they’re unaware of. It’s important they know what to say and what not to say to make sure they aren’t deterring Black couples. In addition, Black and other ethnicities need to be represented in executive roles and throughout the organization —from doctors to nurses to lab technicians. Making sure staff is inclusive, diverse, and culturally-educated.

Finally, they need to work with organizations like FFCG, who have their pulse on the community and can help them create relationships with the Black community. And they should be open to having these conversations not just during Black History Month, but all the time.

For the communities you work with and those who might not understand their family building options and the resources available to them, what do you want them to know? 

I want them to know there are multiple paths to parenthood. And though they are all different, they are not deficient. When I educate the women and couples I coach and that come to me, I help them focus on the goal, which is to be parents and to build a family. When you know the goal, then you can understand that you have other natural options, like IVF, intrauterine insemination, donor eggs or donor sperm, domestic adoption, et cetera. 

There is an option and a path that has been designed for everyone and I help them see that. Because when you have options, there are possibilities. I am very intentional about helping to open up the minds of the women and couples that I work with to help them see the goal. Because when you reach the goal of becoming a parent to a child, the reality is that you’re not going to love them any less because it is the child that God has sent you.

Is there a particular memory or moment that stands out for you since you founded Fertility for Colored Girls?

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Hello, Dallas!

What You Should Know About the A1C Test and Diabetes

5 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

Cholesterol 101: The Good vs. The Bad (And What to Do About It)

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

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