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At Alto, we’re obsessed withour missionto improve quality of life for everyone who needs the help of medicine. Our mission guides us in all we do and every decision we make. 

Services that reduce travel and encourage social distancing are now more essential than ever, not only for vulnerable populations but all of us as members of our communities. Alto’s free same-day doorstep delivery ensures you have safe and reliable access to medications in this time of uncertainty. 

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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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

The health of your gut can impact everything from your mood to your immunity. Here’s what you need to know and how you can keep your gut healthy.

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours)

You may have noticed in recent years that the topic of gut health seems to come up a lot more in conversation and health news. Why is that? Over the past decade, scientists have been learning that your gastrointestinal (GI) system—of which your gut is a key part—does a lot more than just move food through your body. And that the health of your gut can impact everything from your mood to your immunity. Here’s what you need to know and how you can keep your gut healthy.

Gut Health 101: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Your body is full of trillions of microorganisms that make up your microbiome. Many of these microorganisms are bacteria. Some are harmful and associated with disease, while others are beneficial and key to your health. The ‘gut microbiome’ refers to the bacteria that live in the part of your GI tract where digestion happens—your large and small intestines—where, at any given time, we have between  300 and 500 different species of bacteria living. 

While everyone’s microbiome is unique, a general indicator of a healthy one is having a diversity of bacteria. In unhealthy people, scientists have observed much less diversity although they don’t know for certain which comes first—the bacteria or the disease. 

Inflammation, which studies point to as the root of many diseases, is kept in check in the gut. When the balance of your microbiome gets out of whack, inflammatory bacteria can take charge and, via metabolites, spread inflammation throughout your body. This can affect your brain, heart, and immune system function as well as your skin, weight, and ability to absorb nutrients. 

Having a healthy gut, on the other hand, has been linked to a stronger immune system, reduced symptoms of depression, lower risks of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as reduced symptoms of arthritis. 

So how do we keep our gut healthy? As with many other aspects of health, it largely boils down to the foods we eat and the lifestyle choices we make. Other factors like medication and emotional stress could also play a role. 

To start improving your gut health, it’s helpful to first look at what might be wreaking havoc on your microbiome. While there are many different symptoms that could point to an unhealthy gut, here are the most common.

Upset stomach
Signs of an upset stomach can include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. When your gut is in balance, these symptoms should reduce, since your gut will have an easier time digesting and eliminating your food.

Poor sleep (or constant fatigue)
Serotonin, the sleep and mood hormone, is mainly produced in the gut. An imbalance in your gut can impair serotonin production and affect the quality of your sleep. 

Weight changes
Poor gut health can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat. Decreased nutrient absorption can result in the urge to overeat and unintentional weight gain. On the other hand, a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine could cause weight loss.

Skin irritation
When your gut is inflamed, certain bacteria and toxins can leak out into the body, which could irritate your skin.

Autoimmune conditions
As mentioned earlier, research suggests that an unhealthy gut can lead to an inflammatory response in the body and affect your immune function. This could make you more susceptible to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease where the body attacks itself rather than harmful invaders. 

Food intolerances
It’s theorized that food intolerances can result from an imbalance in the gut. When you’re intolerant to a certain food, you may experience symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea.

A high-sugar diet
Sugar, often linked to inflammation in the body, can decrease the amount of good bacteria in the gut. This can cause more sugar cravings, making the situation worse.

You don’t necessarily have to keep your gut under a daily microscope, but following some general health practices—from keeping a balanced diet to getting a good night’s sleep—can go a long way. Your healthcare practitioner can also give gut health recommendations. Here are some common lifestyle choices that research shows can improve gut health. 

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your whole body, including your gut. Some ways to reduce stress can include exercise, meditation, yoga, connecting with friends or family, and decreasing caffeine consumption.

Having a good pre-bed routine can be as important as the sleep itself. Your pre-bed routine could include minimizing screen time and exercise. In terms of the ideal amount of sleep to log, the National Sleep Foundation has recommendations based on your age. 

3. Avoid smoking
Studies have found that smoking can increase the amount of potentially harmful bacteria in your gut, while decreasing the amount of good bacteria. It’s also been shown to affect heart and lung health, as well as increase your risk of cancer. 

Water helps everything from digestion to carrying nutrients to your cells. And it can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Drinking at least four to six cups a day is recommended. 

5. Take a probiotic or prebiotic
Probiotics are live, good bacteria that can come in pill form or from foods like yogurt. Though the science is still out on the extent of the pills efficacy, there seems to be a general consensus that adding a probiotic can be a good idea to help restore your gut’s balance. Prebiotics are the food that probiotics can eat and are usually fiber-rich. Having prebiotics in your gut can help promote the growth of the good bacteria. 

6. Exercise regularly 
Working out may help increase gut health by growing the diversity of good bacteria in your gut. How much should you exercise? For general adults, the recommendation is at least 150 minutes a week or 20 minutes per day. 

Minimize the amount of foods in your diet that are processed or high in sugar or fat—all of which can lead to increased inflammation in the body. When it comes to gut-healthy foods, diversity is key. Here’s what studies show are best for your gut:

Fiber-rich foods like legumes, beans, peas, oats, bananas, asparagus, and berries

Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, tempeh, miso, and kefir

Garlic and onion which may also help minimize the risks of certain cancers as well as boost the immune system

Collagen-rich or collagen-boosting foods like salmon, bone broth, mushrooms, egg whites, and cashews

Gut health can be key to helping everything from your brain to your immune system function properly. To keep your gut microbiome healthy, a key place to start is with a balanced diet as well as healthy lifestyle practices. Even though we can’t see our gut, there are many symptoms that can help let us know when ours is out of balance and needs some attention. 

If you are concerned about the potential effects of your medications on your gut health, talk to an Alto pharmacist. Our team of patient care pharmacists are ready to help whenever health questions come up. Reach out any time via text, phone call (1-800-874-5881), or in-app messaging.

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours) 

For Black History Month, we’re recognizing pivotal Black leaders in healthcare who’ve paved the way forward for our country and the Black community.

5 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know

At Alto, part of our work is to redefine the modern pharmacy to make sure patients from all backgrounds have reliable, affordable access to the medications they need. This extends to fostering a culture of inclusion in healthcare and honoring the Black leaders who have transformed the medical field. For Black History Month, we’re recognizing pivotal Black leaders in healthcare who’ve paved the way forward for our country and the Black community.

Black Healthcare Leaders Who’ve Paved The Way 

Dating back to the 19th century, there have been many Black individuals who, despite discrimination and prejudice, have made a profound impact in healthcare. From hospital bedsides to the front lines of the abolitionist and suffragist movements, here are five Black pioneers in healthcare you should know.

James McCune Smith: The first Black doctor in the U.S. 

When James McCune Smith showed potential and promise at a young age, his parish collectively raised funds so he could afford to attend university. Because of his race, he wasn’t allowed to attend school in the U.S., so he earned his baccalaureate, master’s, and medical degrees from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. 

Not only did Smith become the first Black doctor to practice medicine in the U.S., but he was also the first Black physician to publish articles in U.S. medical journals. In addition, he penned and edited articles for abolitionist newspapers including “A Lecture on the Haitian Revolution” (1841) and “The Destiny of the People of Color” (1843). He worked closely with Frederick Douglass and the two founded the National Council of Colored People. As a highly-educated Black physician and scholar, Smith was a key figure in not only abolishing slavery, but also in helping make its success credible.

Mary Eliza Mahoney: The first Black licensed nurse in the US

Mary Mahoney, born to freed slaves in 1845, learned the importance of racial equality at a young age. This became her reason for pursuing nursing school: to fight for and serve women and the Black community.

After years as a janitor, cook, and washer woman at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, she was accepted into their nursing program. The program was so demanding that only four of 42 students finished—Mahoney was one of them. And with that she made history as the first Black woman to become a licensed nurse. 

She earned many accolades in healthcare, became a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), and co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), where she was an elected leader. The NACGN was later absorbed into the ANA in 1951. Mahoney spent her days caring for those in need at the hospital and her nights campaigning for women’s suffrage. Her efforts were so influential that after her death, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame alongside her fellow suffragists in Seneca Falls, NY. 

Dr. James Hildreth: President & CEO of Meharry Medical College 

A leader in immunology, Dr. James Hildreth leads Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee — one of only four Black medical schools in the country. Their mission is to create more opportunities in medicine for the Black community. Hildreth is renowned around the globe for his decades of influential HIV research as well as his work to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic. He was recently appointed to the FDA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Review Committee.

Hildreth earned his Bachelor’s at Harvard, his Ph.D. in immunology from Oxford and became the first Rhodes scholar from Arkansas who was Black. He joined the Advisory Board at Alto in August to help reimagine the pharmacy experience as one of its two anchor members. 

Phill Wilson has lived with HIV for over 30 years and lost his partner, Chris Brownlie, to the virus in 1989. Ten years later, he founded the Black Aids Institute (BAI) to ensure Black communities receive the information they need for prevention and treatment. The BAI has been leading the fight to end HIV in Black communities for over two decades and is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on Black people. 

In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Over the last three decades Wilson has amassed countless national and international accolades, including the Ford Foundation’s award in Leadership for a Changing World.

Anna Louise James: One of the first Black female pharmacists

The daughter of a Virginia slave who escaped to Connecticut, Anna Louise James grew up in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where she became the first Black woman in the state to earn a pharmacy license. She ran her own pharmacy and, when her brother-in-law—one of only two Black pharmacists in the state—was drafted in World War I, he asked her to run his pharmacy. 

She renamed it James Pharmacy and was known to everyone as “Miss James.” More than a place to pick up medicine, her pharmacy was a central gathering spot for the community. Miss James ran the pharmacy for 50 years and today, the building still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our work to redefine the modern pharmacy begins with recognizing and honoring past and present Black leaders in healthcare. The leaders who’ve not only advanced the field of medicine, but who continue to break down barriers to help ensure equal access for all. Interested in making a difference at Alto? Follow us on LinkedIn to learn more or visit our Careers page for open roles.

At Alto, we’re obsessed with our mission to improve quality of life for everyone who needs the help of medicine. Our mission guides us in all we do and every decision we make. 

Our mission and diversity work are tied together with one word from our mission -- everyone. Too often, only those with significant resources access the best and benefit from innovation in healthcare. We see it everyday in the data. Too many among us continue to struggle with solvable challenges, in our own wellbeing and in the larger healthcare system. These statements and environments have existed in the workplace as well, influencing the products, services, and policies that steer how the organization works for all of us.  Our work is to make Alto different.  Our work is to build and sustain an inclusive culture.  Our work is to attract, develop, reward and retain talent from all the communities we serve as patients and build a product that supports everyone. 

Today marks another step in our diversity, equity, and inclusion journey as we release our first annual diversity report. We share it because this work is central to our mission and in doing so, we use transparency to hold ourselves accountable, as well as hopefully play a part in raising expectations and norms throughout the healthcare and technology industries.

In 2020, across the company we saw a 13ppt increase in women and 7ppt increase in underrepresented groups (Black, Hispanic/LatinX and Native professionals).

As for women in leadership, we saw increases of 3ppts in Women Managers and 1ppt in Product, Engineering and Design driven by both hiring and promotion. At the leadership level, 32% of leaders identify as women.

In 2020, we saw 10ppt increase across our underrepresented managers to 13% Black, 16% Hispanic/LatinX, 2% Native/Indigenious.  In the leadership group, we saw an 8ppt increase to 15% Black and 2% Hispanic/LatinX. 

In 2020, we also established our Alto Advisory Board and our first two anchor members, who will help guide Alto towards our mission, advise on key decisions, and support strategic initiatives. We’ve formed the Advisory Board to support our leadership as we navigate the regulatory landscape, launch new features to modernize the pharmacy experience, and adhere to the highest standards of operational excellence and patient care.  

Dr. Hildreth is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and largest private historically Black academic health sciences centers. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, his Ph.D. in immunology from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He was the first Black American in the 125-year history of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine to earn full professorship with tenure and is internationally known for his influential HIV research.

Jennifer Kent served as the Director for the California Department of Health Care Services, where she led the second largest public healthcare system in the nation, with an annual budget of over $100B and serving over 13 million Californians. She oversaw the administration of 24 managed care plans as well as 56 county behavioral health plans. She has also held leadership roles in the Health & Human Services Agency, Governor's Office and has experience in the private sector as a lobbyist, consultant, and association executive. She has more than 15 years of health administration and policy experience in California.

Alto created our DEI strategy with our team aligned to four pillars – Hire, Include, Develop, and Invest.  Each pillar's actions tie to our people and our business. This means the return on investment is clear and goals are aligned to business outcomes.

Medical Health Care Premiums and Part Time Health Care Benefits in SF: 

In order to increase access and affordability to critical health-care services, we asked our broker to offer a special mid-year open enrollment 2020, reducing premiums for most plans by 5%. We reduced out-of-pocket maximums and speciality office visits by an average of 37%. We reduced co-insurance as well as costs for labs, x-Rays, and emergency room visits for our Cigna plan by 50%. Finally, prescriptions copays were reduced by 25% for Brand medications and 75% for Generic prescriptions. This benefits the employee with direct access to care and a better employee experience as compared to direct contribution to the city fund.

We increased our paid parental leave across all US locations to 8 weeks (up from 6 in 2020) for all parents requesting leave as of January 1st.  Throughout 2020 parents and other caregivers were impacted significantly as schools, daycare, and caregivers were closed, isolated, or unable to rely on pre-covid support. We offered laptops to parents who couldn’t afford them for each child to participate in remote learning.  We offered expanded benefits above and beyond FFCRA. Finally, we offered paid sessions for remote learning, tutoring, and experiences for parents and caregivers.

Finally, in December we launched Modern Health with 6 paid coach/therapy sessions and access to a digital wellbeing library and resources to all Altoids.

We launched six ERGs in 2020. Formalizing the work of our original Diversity Committee into six groups: Umoja (Black), Auténtico (LatinX/Hispanic), Women, Proud (LGBTQIA+), Asian/Pacific Islander, and Working Parents. These groups are focused on building community with both those who identify and allies. They support our education, development and investment in our communities. Each has been given a budget, an executive sponsor, and access to other company resources.

We recognized as a leadership team that we needed to educate ourselves. We were not going to rely on those from underrepresented communities to educate us. We embarked on four three-hour sessions focused on learning about diversity and inclusive language, naming our privilege, and starting the work each of us wanted to do. It was only after these sessions, with clear self-awareness and awakening; that began the work of empowering other leaders -- managers and other Altoids on this journey. There is more work to be done, as Neil Frye, Chief People Officer, mentioned in his blog post in late 2020 -- this is not a sprint, nor is it a marathon; it is life-long work.

Focus on Latinx Senior Manager to VP talent; with targeted outreach, activation and networking for opportunistic and open hiring

Expand employee resource group events throughout the year supporting inclusive environment, educating and investing in our communities

Get to full participation in DEI Workshops and launch additional sessions like What’s My Privilege and Moving to Action across the company

Explore new partnerships with Community & Higher Ed Institutions (i.e. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, etc.)

2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The delicate, branching structures of the lungs bear a striking resemblance to trees. The air you breathe travels down your windpipe, or trachea, and enters the lungs through two large tubes known as bronchi. Just like the roots and limbs of a tree, these tubes divide again and again into smaller bronchioles before finally ending in clusters of tiny air sacs called alveoli—what you might consider the leaves. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. Although it's the third leading cause of death in the U.S., the good news is that it can be prevented and treated to slow the progression and maintain quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

COPD refers to a group of progressive lung diseases, meaning the condition becomes worse over time. The most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and many people with COPD have both of these conditions. 

Blog

Béquet Confections: The Story Behind Alto Pharmacy’s Caramel

Debunking Common Myths about PrEP

Alto Pharmacy Announced as One of Forbes Best Startup Employers

What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV

How to Manage Your Child’s Asthma

What You Should Know About the A1C Test and Diabetes

5 Science-Backed Ideas for Healthy Living

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours)

5 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know

2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Using Your Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device

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