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Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

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Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances. Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include.

How to Prepare a Diabetes Emergency Kit

Diabetes requires daily management of blood sugar levels, and any type of unforeseen emergency can pose serious challenges for people living with the condition. Preparing a diabetes emergency kit ensures that you can manage your blood sugar and stay on top of your medications under any circumstances.

Here’s a checklist of the items that every diabetes emergency kit should include. Pack them in a waterproof, insulated bag, and keep it in your house near an accessible exit. Be sure to go through your kit every few months to make sure the medication and food hasn’t expired.

In the event of an emergency, it’s critical that first responders and medical personnel are aware of your diabetes diagnosis and other important information about your health, including:

Details about medication dosage, timing, and frequency

There are a variety of apps that make it easy to store and share your medical history during an emergency, including GenieMD, MTBC PHR, and CareZone. Wearing a diabetes medical ID bracelet can also ensure that you receive the treatment you need in an emergency situation.

Set aside a week’s worth of your diabetes medication. If you have type 1 diabetes, this will include insulin. If you take insulin as an injection, be sure to pack backup syringes. If you use an insulin pump, pack extra reservoirs, infusion sets, and batteries, and include vials of insulin and syringes in case the pump stops working.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your diabetes emergency kit may include oral or injectable medication that helps your body use insulin more effectively. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.

If you take medication that requires refrigeration like insulin, exenatide, or pramlintide, include a cold pack and insulated bag in your diabetes emergency kit. Ice packs will generally stay frozen for 24-36 hours in an insulated bag, so rotate the ice packs in your kit and make sure there’s always a backup in the freezer.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important component of diabetes management. If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, your blood glucose levels can drop too low if you take more insulin than needed or if you eat less or exercise more than usual. Your body needs enough blood sugar to properly function, and low blood sugar can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness if left unaddressed.

Pack a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in your diabetes emergency kit to measure your blood sugar levels. Include the following supplies as well:

It’s important to have extra sources of glucose on hand if you experience drops in blood sugar levels, also called hypoglycemia. There are a variety of options to restore your blood glucose levels:

Glucose tablets, available over the counter (Lift Glucose Chews, TRUEplus® Glucose Tablets, ReliOn™ Glucose Tablets)

Glucose gel, available over the counter (Dex4® Glucose Gel, Glutose™ 15/Glutose™ 45, Insta-Glucose®)

Snacks like dried fruits, trail mix, honey, or granola bars, which contain carbohydrates that the body can convert into glucose

You should also carry glucagon in case of severe hypoglycemia. Learn more about the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

Hydration is critical for people with diabetes, since dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Store a three-day supply of at least one gallon per person a day at home — the CDC’s recommendation for emergency preparation — and include a couple 16 oz bottles of water in your diabetes emergency kit.

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

Our dedicated diabetes team is here to support you at every step of the way. We offer free same-day delivery of medications and supplies right to your doorstep, and we handle everything behind the scenes, too, from investigating cost-saving opportunities to submitting prior authorizations with your doctor and more.

Get started or learn more about Alto by reaching out at any time via or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

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.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and long-term inflammatory lung condition characterized by a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Read on to learn more about the stages of COPD, including the symptoms and treatment options for each stage.

What to Know About the Four Stages of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and long-term inflammatory lung condition characterized by a persistent cough and shortness of breath. While COPD is caused by smoking 85-90% of the time, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and industrial dust and fumes also contributes to cases. It’s the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and affects more than 15 million Americans.

Detecting COPD early on is critical to slowing the progression of the disease and avoiding serious complications. Doctors use a system called the GOLD Criteria to determine how severe each person’s COPD is. There are four distinct stages of COPD: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Your physician will determine your stage based on results from a breathing test called a spirometry, which assesses lung function by measuring how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly and easily you can exhale. They will also consider the severity of your symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups.

As a progressive lung disease, COPD symptoms gradually become more severe over time, and people with COPD also grow increasingly susceptible to complications such as heart problems, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer. But while there is no cure for the condition, it is treatable: you can slow the progression by working with your doctor to establish a treatment plan and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits like avoiding cigarette smoke, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting your yearly flu shot.

Read on to learn more about the stages of COPD, including the symptoms and treatment options for each stage.

The main symptoms of stage 1 COPD are shortness of breath and an ongoing cough, which may be accompanied with mucus. However, these symptoms are so mild that you may not realize you are experiencing them. 

Though stage 1 COPD symptoms are easy to miss, damage to the lungs still occurs. If you have any concerns that you may have COPD, speak with your doctor about an assessment. And if you currently smoke, try to quit as soon as possible to protect your lungs.

In addition to smoking cessation, your doctor may also prescribe a bronchodilator medication, which relaxes airway muscles to ease breathing and is typically taken through an inhaler. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, tremors, runny nose, and throat irritation. If you experience severe side effects like blurry vision, a rapid or irregular heart rate, or an allergic reaction with a rash or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.

You should also stay up to date with yearly flu shots and pneumonia vaccines to avoid worsening of respiratory symptoms and other health complications.

In this stage, previously existing symptoms from stage 1 intensify as airflow limitations progress. Shortness of breath during physical activities is more noticeable, and coughing and mucus production may increase. Other symptoms include wheezing, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.

This is often the stage where you may first become aware of symptoms and seek treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator medication if they haven’t already, along with recommending breathing exercises. Techniques like pursed lip breathing and coordinated breathing can help you exert yourself less during physical activities and maintain an active lifestyle.

In addition to your medications, pulmonary rehabilitation is another common component of treatment for stage 2 COPD. It gives people living with COPD the tools they need to manage their condition, reducing the severity of symptoms and improving their quality of life. At these outpatient exercise and education programs, physical therapists, dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will share breathing techniques, coping strategies, nutritional advice, and exercise recommendations. Your doctor can help you determine if pulmonary rehabilitation is right for you.

The frequency of your doctor’s appointments depends on the severity of your condition. If symptoms are mild, you may have follow-up appointments every six months, while more severe symptoms will require more frequent monitoring.

At stage 3, lung function has significantly decreased. As the walls of the air sacs in the lungs continue to weaken, it becomes more difficult to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide while exhaling.

Previous symptoms are more intense and more noticeable: shortness of breath has worsened, coughing or wheezing occurs more frequently, and you may produce thicker mucus.

You may also experience the following symptoms:

In this stage, you may experience flare-ups when symptoms suddenly become more severe and lung function dramatically changes. During these exacerbations, you may feel greater amounts of mucus clogging your bronchial tubes and sudden constrictions of the muscles around your airways.

Flare-ups are the leading cause of COPD-related hospitalizations, and it’s important to take immediate action if you experience symptoms of a flare-up. Watch out for the following signs:

Wheezing or whistling noises when you breathe

Cognitive impairment including confusion, depression, or memory lapses

As part of your COPD treatment, your doctor will help you develop an action plan for managing flare-ups, including medications. Oral steroids including prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone can treat acute COPD exacerbations. Side effects from short-term use of these medications are typically minor, if they occur. 

If you have frequent flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids including Flovent® HFA and Qvar Redihaler®; expectorants, which thin and loosen mucus; or oxygen therapy. You may also need to see your doctor every two weeks to a month for ongoing monitoring of symptoms.

In stage 4 of COPD, lung function is very low. Stage 3 symptoms worsen and become more persistent. Shortness of breath and chest tightness occur with everyday activities, and it becomes a big effort just to breathe. Hospitalizations for breathing complications, lung infections, or respiratory failure are common during stage 4 COPD, and sudden flare-ups can be life-threatening.

Pulmonary hypertension, a form of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart

There are various treatment options for severe COPD symptoms, including supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and steroids taken orally, intravenously, or via inhaler. Potential side effects from steroids include swelling in the airways and mouth, muscle weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and increased risk for pneumonia. Read our previous blog to learn more about managing medication side effects, and speak with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Supplemental oxygen, or oxygen therapy, helps get more oxygen into your lungs and increases your tolerance for physical activities. There are several devices for oxygen therapy. The most common is a nasal cannula, a device with two small tubes that fit into your nostrils and a connected oxygen tank. Adjusting to supplemental oxygen is a process, but you’ll come to feel more and more comfortable with time. The American Lung Association has helpful resources for anyone starting oxygen therapy.

Lung surgery or lung transplants are also options for some people with severe COPD. Eligibility is based on many factors, including participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, lung function tests, and additional considerations such as whether you are strong enough for the procedure and if you smoke. (You cannot be a current smoker for lung surgery eligibility.) Your doctor can help you determine if lung surgery is right for you.

Detecting and treating early-stage COPD is essential to slowing the progression of the disease. If you are experiencing any early warning signs like shortness of breath and a persistent cough, make an appointment with your doctor to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Early COPD screening is especially important if you smoke since you face a greater risk of developing this lung disease.

Many people struggle with quitting smoking, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for resources that can help, including nicotine replacement products or medications. The CDC has a variety of smoking cessation resources to help as well.

Get the treatment you need to slow the progression of COPD

Sticking to the treatment your doctor has recommended is critical to avoiding COPD flare-ups and slowing the progression of the disease. At Alto, we make that as easy as possible by offering free hand-delivery, automatic savings investigations, and easy medication management tools through our website and app. And our team of pharmacists is always here to answer your questions by phone or in-app messaging. 

To learn how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan, you can reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging. 

The arrival of your fertility medications can be a little overwhelming. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when unboxing your fertility medications from Alto Pharmacy.

Unboxing Your Fertility Medications from Alto Pharmacy

While the arrival of your medications is definitely a big milestone on the road to IVF or egg freezing, it can also be a little overwhelming. Many people are surprised to find just how much is packed inside the box — not only the fertility medications themselves, but all the ancillary supplies along with them. On top of that, many fertility medications have to be refrigerated or prepared a certain way, so it’s important to have a pharmacy partner that considers these additional factors during packaging.

At Alto, we’re committed to removing stress from the fertility journey wherever we can, including the delivery and unboxing of your fertility medications. Customers often tell us how grateful they were for our clear labeling and packaging during fertility treatment. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when unboxing your fertility medications from Alto Pharmacy.

You’ll receive all the ancillary supplies needed for medication administration, including a mixing needle, an injection needle, and a syringe. We send a few backup needles, too, so there’s no need to panic if you happen to misplace one, as well as a starter supply of alcohol swabs. Each ancillary is packaged in its own bag and labeled with a sticker that explains its purpose and accompanying medication.

Some medications require you to mix a powder and liquid solution prior to administration. It’s important to swirl the medication, since shaking will cause the mixed medication to foam, which may make it unusable. All of these medications are clearly labeled with a “swirl mix!, don’t shake” sticker as a reminder.

Refrigeration is essential with many fertility medications. We ensure that medications are held at the right temperature while in transit and give you the information you need to keep them properly stored at home.

In courier packages, refrigerated medications are packed inside of insulated mailers or box liners, with stamps or stickers on the outside letting you know to store the contents somewhere cold. And if your package includes both refrigerated and non-refrigerated medications, we package them separately so that each medication is stored under the proper conditions.

For customers who live outside of our courier zones, we offer overnight delivery of fertility medications through a third party shipping service. We use styrofoam containers and ice packs for these deliveries to hold medications at the right temperature until you get them.

You’ll never have to wonder where your medications are: once your delivery is scheduled, you can see where your courier is and get text updates on their ETA. We also offer discreet packaging to ensure privacy if you need medication sent to the office, or if it arrives at home when you’re out.

Choose a reliable pharmacy partner for fertility treatment

As an Alto customer, you’ll never have to worry about whether medications will arrive on time, in the right condition — and you’ll never be alone in navigating fertility treatment.

Learn how we can support your fertility journey here or reach out at any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

Unboxing Your Fertility Medications from Alto Pharmacy 

In the event of a hypoglycemia emergency, a hormone called glucagon can help people with diabetes restore their blood sugar to a healthy range. Here’s what to know about hypoglycemia and the purpose of glucagon in diabetes treatment.

The Purpose of Glucagon in Diabetes Treatment

For people with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is a balancing act. In general, diabetes causes higher levels of blood sugar because the body lacks insulin. Without the right treatment, high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications in the long term, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

At the same time, people with diabetes who take insulin as part of their treatment face an increased risk for low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This is a serious health concern in its own right, as severe hypoglycemia episodes can lead to seizures or the loss of consciousness.

The role of insulin in diabetes treatment

Insulin can help manage both of the two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, cannot produce any insulin at all, so they need insulin injections every day to control their levels of blood glucose.

Type 2 diabetes, which develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, involves two key problems with insulin production: cells in the body become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate levels of blood glucose. It may be possible to manage early-stage type 2 diabetes with oral medication and healthy lifestyle habits, but many people with more advanced type 2 diabetes take insulin injections to manage their blood sugar.

Insulin must be injected into the fatty tissue under your skin to reach the bloodstream. It may be administered with a syringe, pen, or pump. Read our previous blog for an overview of insulin in diabetes treatment.

Blood sugar targets and insulin reactions

Blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day depending on calorie intake, physical activity, and other factors including stress and sleep. The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your insulin levels as steady as possible to avoid rapid changes in your blood glucose levels. However, blood sugar can fall outside of the healthy range, even with the right dosage of insulin.

An insulin reaction — also referred to as hypoglycemia — is when your blood glucose levels drop below a healthy range after taking insulin. The main causes of hypoglycemia are not eating enough or exercising too much. The timing of your insulin dose can also cause blood sugar to drop.

For many people with diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. However, diabetes treatment plans are individualized, and you may have a different blood sugar target range. Your healthcare provider can help you develop your own targets and determine what too low means for you.

Individual reactions to low blood sugar vary, so it’s important to take note of your symptoms as they occur and learn your own signs of hypoglycemia. Below are common signs to watch for.

Coordination problems, clumsiness, and confusion

The only way to confirm that you are experiencing hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). However, if you are experiencing signs of low blood sugar and unable to check blood sugar levels, treat symptoms with high-sugar foods or drinks.

The 15-15 rule for treating mild hypoglycemia

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar is between 55-69 mg/dL. It can often be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Young children with diabetes typically need less than 15 grams of carbohydrates to raise low blood sugar. If your child has diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Severe hypoglycemia and the purpose of glucagon

Severely low blood sugar — 55 mg/dL or less for many people with diabetes — cannot be treated with the 15-15 rule. This is where glucagon comes into play. The purpose of glucagon is to restore blood sugar during these episodes of severe hypoglycemia.

Ideally, working with your doctor to monitor blood sugar levels can help you avoid severe hypoglycemia. However, it’s important to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Glucagon is available by prescription and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. There are several FDA-approved medication options for glucagon, including GlucaGen®, Eli Lilly’s Glucagon Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar, Gvoke®, ZEGALOGUE®, and a generic option approved in December 2020.

 If you have a glucagon prescription, check the expiration date and make sure there’s at least a year of remaining shelf life. Friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you spend a lot of time with should know where to find your glucagon and how to administer it. Make sure they also know to contact a doctor immediately after emergency glucagon administration.

Blood sugar monitoring and preventing hypoglycemia

Regular monitoring of blood sugar can help you stay within your target range and understand how factors like food, physical activity, medications, and stress affect your blood sugar levels. Depending on your insulin dosage, you may need to check and record your blood sugar multiple times a day, including before and after meals and at bedtime. Your doctor will let you know when to check your blood sugar. It's important to follow the schedule your doctor has recommended and to keep a daily record of your blood sugar levels.

If you find that your blood sugar often falls below your normal range, share your blood sugar numbers with your healthcare provider, along with any relevant information on physical activity and diet. They can help you identify patterns and recommend adjustments to your treatment to keep your blood sugar in balance.

We’re here to support your diabetes care plan

We understand how overwhelming diabetes treatment may feel at first. While health risks like hypoglycemia can be serious, a strong care team can help you stay on top of blood sugar monitoring and confidently manage your diabetes.

Alto is more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your diabetes care. We have a dedicated diabetes support team to ensure that you have everything you need to follow through on your individualized treatment plan. Learn more here or reach out at any time by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app secure messaging.

With more than 50,000 fertility patients served, Alto Pharmacy understands the complexities of your fertility treatment. That’s why we offer a variety of resources to ensure you’re never alone in navigating your fertility medications.

3 Alto Pharmacy Resources to Ease Your Fertility Journey

Undergoing fertility treatment is an intense and deeply personal experience. A great fertility pharmacy partner understands this and goes the extra mile to put your care first.

Reliability and convenience should be non-negotiable in a pharmacy partner during IVF and egg freezing, processes that involve quick-moving and often rapidly changing protocols of fertility medications. But at Alto, that’s only the beginning. We believe that an exceptional fertility pharmacy doesn’t just deliver your fertility medications and necessary ancillary supplies on time — it becomes a partner in your journey.

With more than 50,000 fertility patients served, we understand the complexities of your fertility treatment. That’s why we offer a variety of resources to ensure you’re never alone in navigating your fertility medications.

1. Personalized fertility medication injection guides

It’s normal to be nervous about administering your first injections, but we’re here to walk you through them. In our injection guide videos, experienced pharmacists from Alto’s clinical fertility team share all the information you need to feel confident and ready, from unboxing your medications and preparing the syringe, to correctly injecting the medication and disposing or storing it safely. They also cover potential side effects and tips for preparing in advance.

And you won’t have to sift through years of outdated videos on YouTube to find the correct one for your medication: as an Alto customer, you’ll find your own unique playlist with videos for your specific fertility medications in the app. Some medications have different administration methods, including subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. We developed different injection guides for each administration method so you have all the relevant videos for your fertility medication protocol right at your fingertips.

2. One-on-one consultations with fertility-trained pharmacists

When questions arise during fertility treatment, there’s no substitute for one-on-one time with a fertility pharmacist. But at traditional pharmacies, it’s far too difficult to get a pharmacist’s undivided attention.

That’s not the case at Alto. Whether you’re wondering where to store medications while traveling or how to alleviate pain after an injection — actual questions Alto customers have asked our pharmacists — you’ll have direct access to a fertility-trained pharmacist who’s familiar with your medication protocol seven days a week.

Our pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST on weeknights and 6 pm PST on weekends. Since most fertility medications are administered as nightly injections, our extended hours mean you’ll interact with an actual person, not an automated recording, when it matters most. The best part? There’s no time limit. We’ll wait on the phone while you watch all of the video guides for your nightly injections and walk you through each one if it helps put your mind at ease.

We know that life doesn’t stop during fertility treatment, and sometimes you just need a quick yes or no right away. If a call isn’t convenient, you can ask as many questions as you need to via text or secure message in our app. Whichever communication method you use, you’ll still have a direct line to a fertility-trained pharmacist focused on your individual needs.

Exploring fertility treatment may feel like navigating unfamiliar territory at first. There’s so much new information to take in, from fertility medications and their sequence in an IVF or egg freezing cycle, to the jargon and acronyms you’ll often hear. We have an extensive library of fertility-focused content to help you deepen your understanding of fertility treatments and find useful information to make the best decisions for your needs.

Here are just a few of the resources we offer:

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Managing the Costs of Fertility Treatment

Choose a fertility pharmacy you can rely on

Too often, managing fertility medications only adds to the stress of fertility treatment, with hours spent waiting on hold to track down a medication delivery or navigate insurance benefits.

Choosing a reliable pharmacy partner can minimize stress during IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility treatments. Since 2016, we’ve supported more than 50,000 patients through their fertility journeys. As an Alto customer, you’ll never have to worry about whether medications will arrive on time — and you’ll have a supportive pharmacist by your side at every step of the way.

Learn more at alto.com/fertility or reach out at any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

Protect your brain health in the long term by prioritizing a heart-healthy lifestyle today. Here are five actions that can help you prevent cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease.

The Link Between Heart and Brain Health | Alto Pharmacy

When the brain doesn’t function as it should, it can lead to challenges with memory, movement, thoughts, and speech. Many people around the world know firsthand how devastating these brain health problems can be: dementia — a general term for an aging-related decline in cognitive abilities — currently affects 50 million people worldwide. 

As heartbreaking as it is to watch an aging loved one lose their ability to remember, communicate, and process information, there is some good news. Researchers are learning more and more about dementia, and prioritizing heart health may lower a person’s risk of cognitive decline.

How the heart affects brain functionality

Dementia is a progressive, aging-related deterioration of cognitive function caused by a group of diseases. The two most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases, and vascular dementia, which accounts for about 10% of all dementia cases and is linked to strokes and other problems with blood flow to the brain.

The link between heart health and vascular dementia is well-established. Researchers have long known that damage to the arteries — blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body — can lead to strokes and the subsequent cognitive decline in vascular dementia.

And now, there’s increasing evidence that key risk factors for cardiovascular disease and strokes, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also found that a high percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease also have cardiovascular disease.

1. Get moving, even for a short amount of time.

Not only will a physically active lifestyle lower your risk for heart disease, it can also benefit the brain. Research has found that people who are more physically active face a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes several days a week may increase the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain linked to memory formation. If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a fitness routine, start by dividing your workout into smaller pieces. Two fifteen-minute walks in a day, or even a few bursts of jumping jacks, can help you reach your weekly target.

2. Stay on top of blood pressure screening — and limit your sodium intake.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It also may contribute to a person’s risk of cognitive decline — research has found that high blood pressure can negatively impact parts of the brain responsible for thinking and memory.

High blood pressure can be treated, but early detection is important. Many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed significantly. It’s important to get regular blood pressure tests, especially if you have a known heart condition or a family history of heart disease. Consult with your doctor about recommended testing frequency.

Eating less salt is a simple way to take care of both your heart and your brain, as high sodium intake can increase blood pressure. The American Heart Association suggests capping your sodium intake at 1,500 mg/day. Make it a habit to check nutrition labels while grocery shopping and opt for low-sodium options when possible.

Learn more about managing blood pressure.

3. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent or control diabetes.

If you are one of the millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes, a disease in which the body struggles to convert sugar, or glucose, into energy, you may also face a greater risk for several forms of dementia. The high glucose levels in people with diabetes damage blood vessels throughout the body, which can increase a person’s risk of vascular dementia. There is also evidence that adults with type 2 diabetes — the most common form of diabetes — have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to stay on top of your treatment plan and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring blood glucose.

And if you don’t have diabetes, it’s still important to discuss your diabetes risk with your doctor. An estimated 88 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but still below the range for a diabetes diagnosis. Fortunately, prediabetes is reversible, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes.

Learn more about the preventive measures you can take to prevent prediabetes.

Sleep deprivation affects you both mentally and physically. It is linked to health issues that can increase your risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, as well as dementia.

If you’ve struggled to get enough rest, you’re not alone. More than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. say they get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. There are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. Start by switching to decaf in the afternoons and evenings, avoiding late-night meals, and trying to wake up and wind down at consistent times.

Learn how to manage stress-related sleeping issues.

Having a strong social network and participating in activities with others can improve many areas of your health. Social isolation can increase an older person’s risk of dementia by about 50%, and loneliness has been linked to poor cardiovascular health.

Small acts of connection — from volunteering or joining a book club to catching up with friends virtually or in person — will lead to a more fulfilling life today and can help strengthen your cardiovascular and cognitive functioning for years to come.

To give your brain an extra boost, look for group activities that keep your mind moving, too. Challenging the mind with stimulating logic games, or by learning a new language or taking up a new hobby, can strengthen your brain in both the short and long term.

We’re here to help you prioritize heart health and cognitive health

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to stay on top of your medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions. We offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone or in-app messaging, and will even remind you when your medications are due for a refill.

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies.

Alto Pharmacy Named Great Place to Work®

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits. This important recognition is a testament to the dedication of the entire Alto team and the vision of our founders to create a healthcare company truly anchored on the needs and experiences of the customer.

80% of our team says that Alto is a great place of work, compared to just 59% of employees at  other companies that participated in this year’s assessment. Here are other key takeaways from our team’s’ responses:

93% of our team members say that you are made to feel welcome when you join Alto.

88% say that people care about each other here.

86% say that they are able to take time off from work when needed.

Every company has its own unique culture, but there are two things that all great workplaces share: trust in company leadership and a strong sense of pride in the work. For many Alto team members, being part of a mission-driven company is one of the best parts of working here. 

Our mission — to improve the quality of life for everyone who needs medicine — guides us in every business decision, every day. From fostering an inclusive culture that invests in talent from the same communities as our patients, to building a pharmacy model that meets individuals where they are in their health journey, everything we do at Alto is anchored on delivering meaningful change. 

When asked what makes Alto a great place to work, our team members emphasized our guiding company values — including our commitment to putting patients first and leading with empathy — and getting to spend each workday with colleagues who are also inspired and motivated by those values.

“Our bold, patient-centered mission creates a powerful level of empathy across the entire team,” shared Rob Anderson, Alto’s Head of Talent . “The people who work here are one of the best parts of coming into work, and one of the top reasons our workplace is so rewarding.”

And taking care of our team members is just as important as ensuring we leave no patient behind. In response to the past year’s unprecedented challenges, we introduced Alto Recharge Week, which includes expanded time off for all team members. This reset period allows team members to unplug and recharge, and it’s also a small show of  appreciation for how they supported our patients and healthcare providers throughout these challenging times.  

It’s an exciting moment to be part of Alto’s mission. Since our founding in 2015, we’ve been focused on delivering a totally new model of pharmacy care. Our community-based, courier-first pharmacy model simplifies the entire prescription process and is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, leading to better  outcomes, healthier lives, and happier customers. And with every year, Alto’s impact continues to grow:

More than 36 million individuals now live within Alto’s free same-day courier service zones. 

In the past twelve months, we opened new locations in New York City, Houston, Dallas, and San Jose and expanded our coverage areas in Seattle, Las Vegas, and Denver. 

We've expanded our specialized resources for patients living with diabetes and managing heart and lung conditions .

We’ve accomplished so much over the past six years, and we’re still just getting started.

“I don’t know a single person who hasn’t needed something from a pharmacy at some point, and there’s still so many people across the country who have yet to experience our unique community pharmacy experience,” Alto’s Recruiting Manager Lauren Binet said. “That potential for impact is incredibly motivating.”

As our geographic footprint has grown, so has our team. In the past two years alone, we’ve quadruped our team to more than 1,000 Altoids!

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy.

View open roles in design, engineering, IT, sales, patient care, and more.

About Great Place to Work Certification™

Great Place to Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified.

When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Read on to learn more.

A Guide to Common Asthma Medications | Alto Pharmacy

If you’ve ever had an asthma attack or watched a friend or family member experience one, you know how uncomfortable it is when you are struggling to breathe. But while asthma, a chronic disease that affects more than 25 million Americans, may not be curable, it is certainly manageable. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, you can live an active life by working with your doctor to establish a treatment plan.

When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.  However, because there is lots of variation in how different people experience asthma, there isn’t a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to asthma medications. For some people with mild cases of asthma, rescue medications that offer quick relief from acute asthma symptoms are enough, while moderate to severe cases often involve long-term maintenance medication.

Read on to learn more about the main types of asthma medications that your doctor may prescribe.

First, let’s discuss how to tell if you have asthma. The condition doesn’t look the same in each person, and an individual’s asthma symptoms may change over time, but common signs include:

Trouble sleeping because of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Coughing or wheezing intensified by the cold or flu

If you experience persistent coughing or wheezing for more than a few days or any of the symptoms above, consult with your doctor. An asthma diagnosis is based on your medical history, an evaluation of your symptoms, a physical exam, and lung tests.

You may find that your symptoms flare up in certain situations, like during exercise, or that they are intensified by environmental triggers like allergies. In these cases, you may have to take extra precautions when engaging in specific activities or supplement your asthma medication with allergy treatment. Your doctor can help you determine your specific treatment needs.

Learn how to prevent seasonal allergies and reduce symptoms of allergy-triggered asthma.

Quick-relief asthma medications for acute symptoms

People with asthma often need immediate relief when symptoms flare up. Quick-relief or “rescue” asthma medications help in these situations. Used on an as-needed basis, these medications relax airway muscles to open the lungs and relieve shortness of breath and wheezing within minutes. They can stop an asthma attack in progress or help prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Common quick-relief asthma medications include:

Albuterol (branded options include ProAir® HFA, Proventil® HFA, Ventolin® HFA)

Inhalers are the most common form of quick-relief asthma medications. Albuterol and Levalbuterol are also available as a liquid solution for nebulizer use.  Common side effects of this medication class include nervousness or shakiness, headache, throat or nasal irritation, and muscle aches. There are also some known severe side effects, including allergic reactions like hives, a rapid heart rate, or heart palpitations. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options.

You may be able to manage mild or exercise-induced asthma symptoms with quick-relief medications alone. However, treatment for more persistent asthma symptoms often involves long-term control medication.

While rescue medications can help treat acute asthma symptoms during an asthma attack, long-term control medications are taken regularly to prevent symptoms from escalating in the first place. They are a very important component of asthma treatment for those with more serious symptoms.

There are two main types of long-term control medications for asthma: inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers that contain both corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs).

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