Shop Alto Essentials to add pharmacy products to any delivery!

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

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.

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. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

Five COPD Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Life

Breathing is central to so many parts of our day that life inevitably changes after a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs airflow from the lungs. If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities, which can feel discouraging. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition, and simple lifestyle changes can vastly improve your quality of life. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

There’s a reason it’s first on the list. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85-90% of all COPD cases and as many as 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. Smoking cessation is the most important thing you can do to maintain a good quality of life and slow the progression of this lung disease.

Quitting can be challenging, so ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources to help make it easier. They may be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Secondhand smoke exposure also contributes to COPD. Up to 1 in 4 people living with this lung disease have never smoked cigarettes. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, avoiding secondhand smoke at home or at work is critical to managing COPD.

Watch our recent webinar for more on the role of smoking cessation in COPD treatment.

Living with COPD and asthma: healthy lifestyle tips

Believe it or not, exercising when you are short of breath actually makes it easier to breathe because it strengthens your respiratory muscles. With frequent physical activity, the body learns how to use oxygen more efficiently. For people living with a lung disease like COPD, moderate exercise improves all of the following:

As you plan your new exercise routine, consider gentle exercises that don’t overexert the lungs like gardening, golfing, and slow walks. Your doctor can offer guidance on the best activities for your needs.

If you’re on supplemental oxygen, you’ll use it while exercising. Work with your doctor to adjust your oxygen flow rate as needed. Bring a rescue inhaler with you too in case symptoms flare up.

Our diet can greatly impact our breathing. Various nutrients produce different levels of carbon dioxide as you metabolize them. Carbohydrates produce more while fat produces the least. For that reason, many people with COPD have found that a low-carb, high-fat diet leads to easier breathing. Here are three additional tips:

Being too full makes it difficult to breathe. Opt for 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of heavier meals.

It’s important to stay hydrated, but limit the amount of liquids you consume with meals, since they can also make you feel full.

Cleaner air naturally makes for easier breathing. Beyond keeping your home a smoke-free zone, avoid perfumes, cleaning products, and personal care and hygiene products with strong odors. Instead, look for natural, non-toxic products. Air purifiers and vacuum cleaners with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will also help clear the air.

Living with a serious lung disease brings emotional challenges in addition to physical ones. It’s understandable to experience sadness, anxiety, or fear — sometimes all three at once. Do small things to take good care of yourself. Staying active, even on the days when exercise doesn’t seem appealing, can clear your mind. Journaling, breathing exercises, and meditation are great strategies to manage stress.

We’re here to support your COPD treatment plan

It’s important to have a strong support network, which looks different for each person. Whether sharing your experiences with close friends and family, joining a support group, or talking to a mental health professional, make sure you’re never alone in navigating life with COPD.

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to get the COPD medications you need. We offer same-day delivery and user-friendly medication management 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 inhaler or other medications are due for a refill. Reach out to learn how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan.

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.

Here’s what you should know about the link between mental health and heart disease, including heart-healthy ways to navigate emotional lows and manage stress.

How Mental Health Affects Heart Health

Prioritizing mental health doesn’t only improve your moods and relationships, it can potentially lower your risk for heart attack or stroke, too. Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, is deeply intertwined with some of the most widespread mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

In fact, the connection goes both ways: mental health affects heart health, and cardiovascular disease can contribute to mental health disorders. Here’s what you should know about the link between mental health and heart disease, including heart-healthy ways to navigate emotional lows and manage stress.

Heart disease might seem like a purely physical issue, but mental health affects heart health. Up to 40% of people affected by heart disease also fulfill the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, one of the most common mental health disorders and the most frequently diagnosed type of depression in the U.S. At the same time, people with depression face a higher risk for heart disease.

Statistics like these go to show that our mind and body will always influence each other. The connection is both behavioral and physiological: our thoughts and emotions shape our habits and routines — like how well we sleep, how often we exercise, and how we cope with stress — in addition to impacting heart rate, blood flow, and cortisol levels. And, in turn, our physical health has the power to impact our emotional and social well-being.

Mental Health Disorders and Risk Factors for Heart Disease

According to the CDC, more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with some type of mental health disorder in their lifetime. And since mental health affects heart health, the prevalence of mental health disorders in the U.S. also means that millions of Americans are at higher risk for heart disease.

The primary drivers of heart disease include both uncontrollable factors like age and family history and ones that we can either modify or treat, including smoking, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The correlation between mental health and heart disease stems in part from the overlap between behaviors associated with mental health disorders and risk factors for heart disease. For example, anxiety and depression are both linked to smoking and less active lifestyles.

On top of these key physical risks, there are additional factors for heart disease that relate to your mental well-being, including sleeping habits, alcohol use, diet, and even how happy you feel at work. Given the link between mental health and heart disease, any efforts you make on the self-care front, like prioritizing rest or exploring where you find professional and personal fulfillment, can only help to boost heart health.

Beyond Behavior: Physiological Effects of Mental Health Disorders

The link between mental health and heart disease doesn’t only occur indirectly through behaviors that lead to higher risk. Research has found that mental health disorders cause changes in the body that overlap with risk factors for heart disease, including:

Gradually, these physiological effects can lead to calcium accumulation in the arteries and the development of heart disease. 

A variety of mental health disorders influence a person’s risk for heart disease, from anxiety to PTSD and chronic stress, but the heart-head connection is particularly strong with depression. Not only are people with depression more likely to develop heart disease, they also face a worse prognosis. Depression can intensify fatigue and contribute to isolation after serious cardiac events, complicating recovery from surgery, heart attacks, and strokes. In addition, heart disease patients with depression may face a higher risk for premature death as well as longer or more frequent hospitalizations. 

Research has also found that while having both heart disease and anxiety doubles a patient’s risk of fatality, the combination of depression and heart disease triples it. It’s important for people with heart disease to proactively address symptoms of depression if they appear, regardless of whether they’ve dealt with depression before.

Because of the heavy emotional toll of a heart attack, depression is even more common after this type of serious cardiac event than with heart disease overall. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that up to 65% of cardiovascular disease patients who’ve had a heart attack experience depression.

After a heart attack you may have new or deeper feelings of anxiety given the uncertainty of your future. Stepping back from regular roles and responsibilities at work or with family while you recover can bring up complicated feelings and impact your sense of identity. 

And if lifestyle habits contributed to your heart attack risk, you may feel a sense of guilt as well. These are all understandable, natural reactions. The important thing is to keep moving forward by taking ownership of your health, which may include seeking mental health treatment. Remember, there’s no shame in getting the support you need, and, in fact, doing so is vital to your physical recovery. 

What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Mind

The good news is that taking care of your mental health often looks exactly the same as taking care of your heart. Lifestyle changes that help manage heart disease, like following a balanced diet, drinking less, and getting those steps in, can also alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.

Plus, happy thoughts are literally good for the heart. Some research suggests that patients with positive outlooks are more likely to make vital lifestyle changes following a heart attack, while gratitude is linked to lower levels of inflammation and better overall heart health. Of course, it’s more difficult to practice gratitude when you’re experiencing the isolation of clinical depression, so if you’re dealing with symptoms, remember that seeking help is taking charge of your well-being — and your heart.

The next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, center your mind and keep your heart beating strong with these proactive strategies:

Explore visualization strategies to mentally picture a positive outcome to a challenge you’re facing.

Consider taking something off your plate at work or at home.

Exceptional Pharmacy Care Every Step of the Way

Heart disease and mental health challenges can feel isolating, but Alto’s expert pharmacists are always on call to help you navigate your health journey. Whether you’re taking medication for heart disease, a mental health disorder, or both, we’re happy to answer any questions you have and deliver your medications right to your doorstep. Call 1-800-874-5881 or reach out via in-app messaging at any time.

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. 

Emphysema destroys the fragile air sacs in the lungs, which impairs the airflow. The air carrying carbon dioxide out of the body cannot be adequately expelled and some remains trapped in the lungs. Fresh, oxygen-rich air is then blocked from entering the lungs, causing gradually worsening shortness of breath, even while at rest.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with emphysema also have bronchitis, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. With bronchitis, mucus builds up in the lungs, spurring a persistent cough. 

The CDC reports that sixteen million Americans have trouble breathing due to COPD. However, they estimate that the actual number includes millions more who have not yet been diagnosed. 

In the vast majority of people with COPD, lung damage is caused by cigarette smoking. According to the COPD Foundation, about 90% of people with COPD are current or former smokers. However, damage can also be caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, including air pollution and workplace exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes. 

An estimated five percent of people with COPD have a deficiency in a protein known as alpha-1-antitrypsin, which causes the lungs to deteriorate and can also affect the liver. People with severe asthma can also progress into COPD. 

The most telling—and distressing—symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, another major symptom is a constant cough that produces a lot of mucus. Additional symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, frequent respiratory infections, and fatigue. Severe COPD can cause swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet and weight loss. 

As a progressive disease, symptoms often begin mildly and may be confused for the common cold. But rather than clearing up after a week or two, the coughing and shortness of breath will continue to worsen over time and make daily activities more difficult. 

Unfortunately, by the time COPD symptoms appear, there may already be significant lung damage. Symptoms will continue to escalate, particularly if smoking or exposure to lung irritants continues. With proper intervention and treatment, however, most people with COPD can slow the disease’s progression and maintain their quality of life. 

People with COPD often experience flare-ups known as exacerbations. During these episodes, symptoms become much more severe for several days or weeks and may require treatment with antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, and even hospitalization. 

Respiratory infections or inflammation triggers—such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, dusts, fumes, or other toxic substances—are common causes of exacerbations. Anyone who experiences a marked increase in coughing, difficulty breathing, or mucus in the lungs should seek immediate medical attention. 

The best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke or stop smoking now. Quitting isn’t easy for most people, so it’s a good idea to enlist your healthcare provider’s support.  They may recommend nicotine replacement products or medications that can help. 

The CDC offers a variety of resources that can help you quit smoking, including a free text message program (text QUIT to 47848) and their quitSTART app, which is available for both Android and iOS. The Mayo Clinic outlines ten tips to help you resist the urge to smoke that you may find helpful as you get started. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke exposure and occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust. If you work with any type of lung irritant, the Mayo Clinic advises talking with your supervisor about the best ways to protect yourself, like using respiratory protective equipment. 

Staying active will not only improve your overall health; it will also strengthen your lungs. The American Lung Association recommends getting thirty minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises will benefit your lungs, so you can include anything from brisk walking to weight lifting to vigorous household cleaning. 

Lastly, make sure to get your annual flu vaccine each fall, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine, to prevent infections that can weaken your lungs. 

While there is no cure for COPD, treatment can ease symptoms and lower the risk of complications like heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, pulmonary hypertension, and depression. 

COPD can be treated with medications, supplemental oxygen therapy, and surgery. However, many people with mild forms of the disease may only need to quit smoking and avoid other inflammation triggers. 

The most common medications used to treat COPD include: 

Bronchodilators, which usually come in inhalers and relax the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier. 

Inhaled corticosteroids, which help to reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations. 

Oral steroids are sometimes used in short courses during periods of exacerbation to prevent further worsening of symptoms.

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are used for severe COPD. These medications decrease airway inflammation and relax the airways.

Theophylline may be used when other treatments are ineffective or if cost is a factor. It may help improve breathing and prevent exacerbations but can cause side effects like nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and tremors.

Antibiotics may also be used to treat respiratory infections but are generally not recommended for prevention. 

Often, a combination of these medications is used to treat COPD. Inhaled medications are taken using a device called an inhaler, which allows the medication to be absorbed straight into your lungs. If you’re prescribed a new inhaler, one of Alto’s pharmacists can walk you through how to use it.  Not all inhalers work the same way, so learning the proper technique is crucial for ensuring adequate therapy.

People with COPD are also generally prescribed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. These individually tailored programs combine exercise, nutrition advice, and counseling to prevent exacerbations, slow the progression of symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Those with insufficient oxygen reaching their blood may benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. It involves using a lightweight, portable device to deliver oxygen directly to your lungs as needed.

Surgery may be an option for those with severe COPD, particularly severe emphysema. It’s usually reserved for when other types of treatment have failed. 

Because breathing is so elementary, it’s easy to take it for granted. But so many of the activities we enjoy—and life itself—depend on the healthy function of our lungs. 

When breathing becomes difficult, life can change drastically, so it’s important to find support. That may mean sharing your feelings with a close friend or family member, joining a support group for people with COPD, or enlisting the help of a mental health professional. 

Above all, it’s critical to follow your treatment to avoid worsening symptoms. At Alto, we want to make getting the COPD medications you need as easy as possible, so we offer free hand-delivery, automatic savings investigations, and user-friendly medication management through our website and app. We always have a team of pharmacists on-call to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat, and we’ll even remind you when your inhaler or other medications are due for a refill, then schedule a time to drop them off. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan, our team is available from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends. Download the mobile app for secure messaging or call 1-800-874-5881. 

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

The beginning of a new year is a perfect opportunity to refresh your routine and set health and wellness goals, but it can be difficult to follow through on these intentions in the long term: studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. If you entered January with big intentions only to find your new habits slipping, there’s no time like the present to recommit to your physical and mental well-being. Here are a few potential areas to focus on as you hit reset.

A Guide to Year-Round Wellness

Exercising more frequently is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions every year, and for good reason: regular physical activity can lower your risk for many chronic health conditions and improve your mood and sleep, among other benefits.

To make lasting, meaningful changes, set achievable goals. Many Americans exercise less during fall and winter in comparison to warmer months. If you don’t currently have a regular routine, aiming to work out for an hour each day may not be a practical starting point. Behavioral scientist Susan Weinschenk Ph.D., outlines three critical steps for building new habits that stick: start with a small and specific action, tie it to an existing habit, and make it easy to accomplish during the first week. 

Rather than trying to become a hardcore workout enthusiast overnight, resolve to enjoy your morning coffee while walking, then increase your daily walk by ten minutes the next week. When you anchor your intention to an existing action, you give your brain a natural cue to put it into practice. And since the key to solidifying your new habit is repetition, starting with an easy action will create self-trust and allow you to expand on your goal over time.

Mental health is an important aspect of your overall health, as mental health disorders such as depression can increase your risk for numerous physical conditions, from diabetes to heart disease. For many, this is a particularly challenging time from the standpoint of mental health. Approximately 5% of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by changes in the weather and reduced exposure to sunlight, while 10-20% of Americans experience a milder form of the winter blues.

To combat the effects of winter depression, try to keep your home as bright as possible by keeping curtains and blinds open and sitting closer to well-lit windows when you can. Be sure to spend some time outside every day, even if the weather is cold or the sky is gray. The morning is an especially impactful time to get outside and walk around.

For many Americans, mental health challenges persist year round. Burnout, a form of chronic stress often linked to workplace demands, has grown increasingly common throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. Of the 1,500 U.S. workers who participated in a 2021 survey about burnout, over half reported experiencing burnout related to their job responsibilities. The effects of burnout go beyond missed deadlines and a lack of motivation — chronic stress influences many aspects of your physical health, from your risk for heart disease to the brain-gut connection.

To maintain emotional balance, start by learning the signs of burnout. Look out for insomnia, exhaustion, changes in your appetite, headaches, and stomachaches. Opt for healthy stress management strategies, like meditation and exercise. In addition, try to stick to your usual sleep schedule. 

If you find that symptoms of burnout or other mental health disorders are interfering with your relationships or daily responsibilities, reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. You may also benefit from free mental health apps like What’s Up?, which helps you manage stress and negative thoughts through a therapy approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Insight Timer, which has a diverse library of free guided meditations.

As you prioritize your overall mental health, focus on deepening social connections or creating new ones. Social isolation and loneliness have been growing issues in the U.S. even before the Covid-19 pandemic — a 2018 study from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Economist found that one in five Americans often or always feel isolated — and the pandemic-related rise of remote work has only solidified the trend. In a recent public opinion poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), nearly two-thirds of the participants said that they felt isolated or lonely at least sometimes as a result of working from home.

Having a strong social network and regularly connecting with others can improve many areas of your health, including your cardiovascular and cognitive health. Whether volunteering, exploring new hobbies, or catching up with friends or family virtually or in person, small acts of connection go far.

It’s challenging to keep up with health goals if you’re sidelined by the cold, flu, or other illnesses. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to give your immunity a boost, even beyond getting your annual flu shot and staying current with vaccines. 

Experts at the Cleveland Clinic recommend incorporating immune-boosting foods into your winter menu to help your body dispatch any seasonal invaders. Fill your grocery cart with a wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure you consume a full arsenal of antioxidants. Be sure to stock up on raw garlic, which contains antiviral compounds, along with vitamin-C-rich foods like citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, and kiwis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to succumb to sickness after being exposed to a virus. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night to support healthy infection-fighting antibodies and cells. We’ve compiled these tips for getting the nightly rest you need when sleep is elusive.

At Alto, we believe that staying on top of your health should be as simple as possible, and we’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care all year long. We offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our mobile app.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

From enjoying a holiday staycation to finally tackling a long-awaited project, here are ten ways we can make the most of being stuck home for the holidays.

The Unexpected Benefit of Being Stuck Home for the Holidays

Our holiday cheer has taken a hit this year. We’ve found ourselves stringing up lights on the heels of a country-wide surge in COVID-19 infections. The CDC has advised that the safest way to celebrate the holidays is with members of our own households. We’d already reckoned with the loss of office holiday parties and made peace with socially-distanced Santa, but the idea of confining our holiday festivities to our own four walls has taken some time to sink in. 

We won’t pretend it will be easy to wish loved ones “Happy Holidays” from afar. Yet, if the true spirit of the season is rooted in togetherness, what better way to honor it than protecting those we love and our community at large? 

After all, there might be benefits to skipping this year’s daylong road trip to mom’s house and no longer feeling obligated to attend an endless list of holiday soirees. When have we ever ended a year with so much extra time? From enjoying a holiday staycation to finally tackling a long-awaited project, here are ten ways we can make the most of being stuck home for the holidays.

Take a day to give your home space an upgrade. Moving around the furniture can be surprisingly impactful, but won’t send you running to the store or blowing your budget.

Use this time to learn a new skill or delve into a topic that intrigues you. For best results, choose a class that you can complete over the course of several days. You might try Harvard and MIT founded edX, which lists free courses from top-ranked universities. To flex your creative muscles and learn a new craft, try Skillshare, which offers a Premium membership but also thousands of free classes. 

If you’re craving a couch marathon, but feel like you’ve watched the entire TV lineup over the past several months, consider revisiting an old favorite and looking for details you’ve never noticed before. 

Remind yourself that this current reality is temporary and one day we’ll be free to travel again. Plan the first trip you’d like to take, giving yourself time to really explore your ideal location in-depth. 

Not your ideal holiday activity? Well, consider this: if you’re anything like the majority of us, the backs of your cabinets could hold items you haven’t seen in years. You’re almost certain to uncover a few surprises. 

If you’ve ever thought longingly about a weekend of yoga and meditation, creative writing and painting, or connecting with nature, this may finally be your moment. Simply choose a time frame, plan a gentle agenda, and prep your meals ahead of time. Don’t forget to let loved ones know that you’re trying to unplug, so you can keep calls and texts to a minimum.

Why not devote some time to your favorite housemate this holiday season? The challenge of working out the trick is a great bonding experience, provided you use plenty of patience and positive reinforcement. For some great tips, check out this article on Dogster. 

Whether you go for classic (Monopoly), wholesome (Candyland), quick-thinking (Taboo), or hilarious (What Do You Meme?), a night of games with your family, partner, or roommates is sure to entertain. If you live alone or want to include more people in the fun, set up a virtual game night. Many popular games have online versions you can use. 

Have you dreamed of visiting the Smithsonian or wandering the halls of the Louvre? Many of the most famous museums in the world now offer online tours that will make you feel like you’re in the room.

Whether you choose to spend your time being productive or relaxed, on a set schedule or simply winging it, there’s one activity we don’t recommend: going to the pharmacy. If you have new prescriptions or refills to pick up, there’s no need to drive to the pharmacy and wait in line. Instead, leave your prescriptions to us and cue up the next module in your online course or episode of TV. We’ll hand-deliver your medications right to your door, then stay on call to answer your questions and provide support. It’s the gift of time—all year long.

We’re wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 

If you’re considering IVF or freezing your eggs and unsure of what to expect, this article will break down the basics and offer suggestions for how to prepare. 

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

These days, egg freezing and IVF, or in vitro fertilization, are fairly common routes on the journey to parenthood. Yet, that doesn’t mean these fertility treatments are always an easy road. While both treatments helped millions of women conceive, they can require a significant investment of emotion, resources, and time. 

In vitro fertilization is a type of fertility treatment where:

The retrieved eggs are combined with sperm outside of the body in a laboratory 

The embryos (fertilized eggs) are then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. 

The main difference between egg freezing and IVF is the timing. Rather than attempting to get pregnant right away, egg freezing gives you the option to store your unfertilized eggs for a later time. When and if you decide you are ready to have a baby, your eggs will be thawed in the lab and the rest of the IVF process will be completed. Freezing healthy eggs at a younger age allows women more flexibility in their family-planning timelines.  

The initial screening and prescribed medications are very similar for IVF and egg freezing. After completing an initial ultrasound and bloodwork, your doctor will prescribe fertility medications to stimulate follicle growth. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that potentially contain an egg. Your prescription will involve self-injecting hormones on a precisely timed schedule and regular check-ins for additional ultrasounds and bloodwork. For a more detailed understanding of the timeline and medications used during an IVF cycle, see our article,  IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained. 

Once your follicles have reached maturity, your doctor will gently guide a thin needle through your vaginal wall and use suction to draw the eggs from the follicles. The 15-45 minute procedure is minimally invasive, and you’ll be sedated to ensure there’s no pain. The retrieved eggs are either frozen and stored for later use or placed in a petri dish with sperm cells so fertilization can take place. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred to your uterus through a quick, non-surgical procedure using an ultrasound-guided catheter.  

IVF may include a variety of other parties at each stage. In some cases, an egg donor undergoes the egg retrieval process. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the intended parent’s uterus. Sometimes a gestational carrier carries and delivers a child for another couple or person. The embryo is created via IVF using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors and then transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus. In all of these cases, the sperm used to fertilize the eggs may come from either a male partner or donor. Your unique fertility journey may or may not include one or more of these variations.

From a biological standpoint, the American Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology recommends being at a healthy weight and avoiding smoking or alcohol use. It’s also important to mentally prepare, as this journey may take more than one cycle and be physically demanding on your body. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to your emotional well-being: 

Don’t let staying “stress-free” stress you out 

During any type of fertility treatment, it’s natural to feel anxious or apprehensive. You are emotionally invested in the outcome, after all. So the standard advice to avoid stress during IVF may only serve to catch you in a cycle of worrying about your worries. It’s true that stress isn’t good for your health and it negatively impacts your quality of life; however, recent studies have offered reassurance that your stress level is unlikely to affect your chances of IVF success. 

We recommend that you include stress-relieving techniques in your fertility self-care plan, but it’s important to know that some stress is expected and perfectly okay. Rather than trying to avoid anxious thoughts altogether, try to acknowledge whatever hopes and fears arise, then work to let them go through practices that help you feel calm. The key here is to be gentle with yourself. Try light, low-impact movement practices like yoga, walking, or tai chi, or lay in bed and listen to a guided audio meditation. There are meditation programs that focus specifically on supporting the fertility journey, like Expectful and Circle + Bloom, as well as free fertility meditations on Insight Timer. 

If possible, we suggest surrounding yourself with caring individuals who can provide emotional support or assist with injections when needed. Talk about your feelings with your loved ones. And If you know someone else who has gone through egg freezing or IVF, perhaps you can schedule a weekly phone chat or walk through your neighborhood. 

Finding this type of support isn’t always easy, however. If you’re feeling isolated or struggling to find someone to confide in, know that you are part of a community of women who share similar challenges. Your fertility clinic may offer counseling or support groups, or you can find one through Resolve, the National Fertility Association. No matter your circumstances, you don’t have to navigate fertility and family planning alone. 

Many people also find support through blogs and online communities centered around fertility and IVF, like IVF Babble and Pregnantish. While these can be excellent resources, be mindful that not everything you read online will be completely factual or apply to your unique circumstances. Your doctor or pharmacist should be your source for any medical advice. The stories others share will range from joyful to heartbreaking, so check in with where you’re at emotionally before you start browsing. Remember: whether good or bad, these are the experiences of others. Your journey will unfold in its own way. 

Because treatment can change from one day to the next, it’s helpful to have a pharmacy partner that can be just as flexible and deliver medications as needed. For that reason, we recommend selecting a pharmacy that offers reliable delivery and expert guidance on fertility medications. 

Alto’s fertility pharmacists are accessible by phone or messaging in our mobile app. We understand that protocols can change with little notice, which is why you will always receive a confirmation and updates from us after we receive your prescription. You can also view your delivery status in our mobile app and designate a safe place for us to place your medications for contactless delivery (we can facilitate contact-free signatures as well). 

For more tips on how to select your pharmacy, read “What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy.” 

The IVF journey can be challenging, but we’ll be with you every step of the way. Alto’s dedicated fertility specialists are here to answer your questions, guide you through your first injections, and work with your physician to ensure your egg freezing or IVF treatment plan is followed correctly. Visit us at alto.com/fertility or reach out via phone or the app to learn more. 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2022 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.
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.

Following prevention guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing is still the surest way to stay safe. In addition, here are seven strategies to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic if you have asthma.

Seven Strategies for People with Asthma During COVID-19

As COVID-19 infection rates surge across the country, asthma is making its way into news headlines. Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the end of November suggests that people with asthma may be at reduced risk of contracting the coronavirus. 

The researchers stressed that further study is needed, and possible explanations are still being explored. But the news may be welcome for people with asthma—a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways—who are facing an additional threat to their lungs from COVID-19, which primarily affects the respiratory system.  

This singular study is no reason to relax on preventative measures, however. The CDC has warned that those with moderate-to-severe asthma who do contract COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of serious complications, including asthma attacks, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress.

Following prevention guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing is still the surest way to stay safe. However, in addition to doubling down on these efforts, here are seven strategies to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic if you have asthma:

Right now, prevention is still our best defense against serious illness from COVID-19. Though rising infection rates may mean that restrictions will tighten in the short term, eventually, the gradual phases of reopening will begin again. Remember that most reopening guidelines center on those who are not at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications. Anyone who is considered high risk due to age or an underlying medical condition, including moderate-to-severe asthma, should continue to take extra precautions as reopening in their area unfolds and adhere to the CDC’s recommendations for their specific condition. 

The coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for hours or even days; however, surface transmission does not seem to pose nearly as significant a risk as person-to-person contact. Nevertheless, the CDC advises cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly. 

This recommendation can present an issue for people with asthma. Many chemical sprays used to clean indoor spaces can trigger an asthma attack—a sudden onset of inflammation in the airways that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.  

If possible, ask someone else in your household to disinfect surfaces and objects for you. If you need to take care of it yourself, be sure to choose disinfectants that are less likely to trigger an asthma attack. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides recommendations for green cleaning products and includes asthma safety ratings. 

When using cleaners or disinfectants inside, open as many doors and windows as possible. Use only the amount of product recommended on the label and follow the instructions carefully. It can also help to use wipes or a dampened towel rather than a spray to avoid inhaling aerosols while cleaning. 

The CDC recommends keeping an emergency supply (30 days’ worth) of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t risk running out if you need to quarantine, become sick, or otherwise can’t make it to the pharmacy. 

If you fill your prescription with Alto, we want to assure you that we are fully prepared to deliver your asthma medications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer free, contactless drop-offs with every single prescription, so you’ll receive your refills on time from the comfort and safety of home. 

There has been misleading information circulating online about inhaled corticosteroids (i.e. Flovent, Qvar, Pulmicort, and Asmanex)—a standard asthma treatment—possibly increasing the risk of contracting COVID-19. At the same time, other articles suggest ICS as a potential treatment for COVID-19. 

Experts are clear: there is not enough evidence to prove these assertions, and discontinuing treatment or misusing medications poses a real danger to people with asthma. If you have any concerns about your medications, continue to use them as prescribed, and reach out to your healthcare provider. Alto’s pharmacists are also on call to answer your questions by phone or in-app secure messaging.

The symptoms of an asthma attack (wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing) bear some similarities to the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 (trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, and bluish lips or face)

If you’re experiencing asthma symptoms that do not respond to your treatment plan or symptoms that could indicate COVID-19 infection, seek immediate medical attention. For more information on the common symptoms of COVID-19 and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, read “Cold, Flu, or COVID-19? Your Seasonal Symptom Guide.” 

Find Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety

We are living in undoubtedly stressful times. Stress and strong emotions can be asthma triggers, so it’s essential to find ways to cope with anxiety during the pandemic and beyond. 

It’s impossible to avoid stress altogether, so don’t fall into a pattern of stressing about your stress. It’s much more helpful to regularly check-in with your emotional state and take steps to course-correct when you begin to become overwhelmed. 

Meditation, movement, healthy sleep habits, and social connection are effective ways to become more resilient during stressful situations. You might also consider practicing mindful breathing or another relaxation technique that you can use to calm your body and mind during a stressful situation. Your chosen method can be as simple as gradually lengthening and deepening your breathing or mentally telling each part of your body to relax. 

Leaning on the support of friends and family can help reduce stress and provide a sense of safety. However, if stress and anxiety become difficult to manage, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. The CDC offers this list of resources for finding a counselor in your area. 

When it comes to medical advice, rely on your healthcare provider, not the internet. Our understanding of how the coronavirus works is changing every day, so falling down a rabbit hole of outdated information could cause unnecessary anxiety. Stick to reputable, timely sources like the CDC, and always consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Our team of patient care pharmacists at Alto is also available to chat if questions come up. We’ll make sure that you’re always able to access the medications you need throughout COVID-19—with free home delivery. Reach out any time via in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Here’s our best advice for coping with the stress of uncertainty and keeping the spirit of the season alive from home. 

Staying Healthy During a Challenging Holiday Season

The holiday season has a way of stirring up equal parts stress and cheer. We eagerly anticipate cherished traditions and festive gatherings while taking on a dizzying array of tasks — from shopping to decorating to making travel plans. As you finalize your holiday plans this year, look for opportunities to avoid falling into familiar patterns of stress. To help you get started, we’ve compiled our best advice for staying healthy and enjoying the spirit of the season.

The month of December is often rife with temptations to overcommit, overindulge, and overspend. It never hurts to simplify our to-do lists and cut ourselves some slack. Rather than trying to do it all, find ways to incorporate your favorite traditions without piling on the stress.

If you love the spirit of gift-giving but feel stressed about the financial burden, you might try crafting homemade presents or setting up a family gift exchange. Similarly, if you daydream all year about the holiday meal but feel hopeless about cooking it yourself, consider supporting a local restaurant offering your favorite dishes to-go. 

Put a lot of pressure on yourself to create picture-perfect holidays? You’re not alone — for many, holiday perfectionism plays a big part in seasonal stress. But it doesn’t have to. You can still enjoy your celebrations even if everything doesn’t go as planned. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy them even more.

Challenge yourself to let this season be a little less than perfect. Experiment with ways to keep your favorite traditions alive while cutting a few corners, or giving other family members the opportunity to take on more this year. Sure, you might burn your first attempt at grandma’s famous cookies, or your family video call might cut out, but try to see the beauty — and the humor — in small setbacks. After all, laughter has been shown to decrease stress hormones and positively impact overall health. 

The holidays coincide with the darkest days and coldest nights of the year. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder triggered by the winter gloom that can cause depression, fatigue, and social withdrawal, despite the season’s insistence on holiday cheer.

If you find yourself with a case of the winter blues, research has shown that bright lighting can uplift your energy and mood. Try to expose yourself to sunlight every day. The sun’s rays stimulate the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that increases feelings of happiness and well-being.

You may also want to consider stringing up your holiday lights, even if you’re not expecting company. Psychology experts confirm that brightly colored lights and festive decorations can have a positive effect on our mood.

Expressions of gratitude cause our brains to release dopamine and serotonin, two mood-enhancing brain chemicals that promote feelings of pleasure and reduce stress. Try not to dwell on what didn’t go as planned this year, or how this holiday season compares to others. Instead, focus your attention on what you’re grateful for. Whether you recount happy moments from your day or share appreciation for the people you encounter, relishing the good things is a powerful stress reliever.

Be sure to make time for self-care practices that reduce the physical effects of stress. In the short term, stress actually boosts the immune system. When our bodies are in fight or flight mode, we’re more prone to injuries that we need to heal quickly. It’s chronic stress that eventually puts enough strain on the body to have the opposite effect: increasing inflammation and reducing our ability to fight off infection.

Make sure to get adequate sleep, stay active, and eat well. Not only will these habits help keep your immune system strong, but they also support physical and emotional resilience. A deep breathing practice can help you lower stress hormone levels and boost your resistance to infection.

There are many deep breathing techniques, but the crucial element is to move beyond shallow chest breathing and allow the air coming through your nose to fill your lungs until your lower belly rises. You can practice while lying down or standing in line at the grocery store for an instant dose of relaxation.

Alto is here to help you take good care this holiday season. Our free, same-day delivery eliminates the additional stress of long pharmacy lines over the holidays. We're open seven days a week and our team of pharmacists is available to answer any questions from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

In honor of World Kindness Day on November 13th, let’s explore the science behind why kindness may be one of the effective medicines of all. 

Why Kindness May Be the Best Medicine

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” - Dalai Lama

You know those warm and fuzzy feelings you get after performing a good deed? It turns out that they’re backed by science. Known as “helper’s high,” your brain’s pleasure and reward centers actually light up whenever you show kindness to someone else. This phenomenon suggests that deep down, we’re wired to be kind. It’s an idea that feels exceedingly hopeful in today’s divided world.

The next time you feel down, know that the lift you need may be one act of altruism away. Though fascinatingly, the benefits of kindness extend far beyond the mind. From lowering blood pressure to reducing pain, acts of compassion can have measured effects on our physical health and longevity. In honor of World Kindness Day on November 13th, let’s explore the science behind why kindness may be one of the effective medicines of all. 

Studies have shown that when we engage in altruistic behavior—putting the well-being of others before our own without expectation of anything in return—we release a cascade of feel-good chemicals—from oxytocin (the “love hormone”) to serotonin (the “happy chemical”) to dopamine (known to produce a feeling of euphoria). These mood-boosting chemicals are said to soothe stress and ease depression, as well as help you feel joy, bond with others, and experience pleasure. 

There have been many studies illuminating a clear link between feelings of social belonging and greater longevity. According to the American Psychological Society, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates and another study found volunteering slowed the progress of cognitive decline. Interestingly, the studies suggest that it’s not just the act of volunteering that matters, but the intent to help others as well. Those who feel they’ve made a positive impact on their community are more likely to live a longer, healthier life. 

We have long connected our emotions to our hearts, and what an intuitive association this has turned out to be. We now know that loneliness can increase our risk of cardiovascular disease and, conversely, kindness can strengthen our physical hearts. When we experience an act of compassion or care, we often say it “warms our hearts.” That’s likely due to the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone” that we mentioned earlier. Oxytocin contributes to blood vessel dilation, which reduces blood pressure and improves heart health. Best of all, even just witnessing a good deed can be enough to produce this cardioprotective effect. 

A series of studies published in 2017 found that the areas of the brain that react to pain seem to be deactivated by the experience of giving and volunteering. Furthermore, the more meaningful people felt their good deeds were, the less they experienced pain. Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers. Secreted by the nervous system in response to stress, endorphins function similarly to opioids. You might know them best for their role in “runner’s high”—the sense of euphoria that occurs after strenuous exercise. 

Our brains are programmed to reward us when we’re kind. But the stress and busyness of life can wear us down and leave us out of practice. If the benefits we’ve covered are just what the doctor ordered, these simple acts of service can help uplift you and everyone around you. Just remember—a single act of kindness will only take you so far. For best results, you'll want to get a daily dose. The more regularly we practice kindness, the greater and more enduring the rewards.

Give a genuine compliment to someone you encounter.

Blog

Five COPD Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Life

How Mental Health Affects Heart Health

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A Guide to Year-Round Wellness

The Unexpected Benefit of Being Stuck Home for the Holidays

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

Seven Strategies for People with Asthma During COVID-19

A Holiday Guide to Health and Wellness

Why Kindness May Be the Best Medicine

Navigating HIV Treatment and Prevention During COVID-19

Coming Out with Pride: Nicholas Satow Shares His Story

Too Stressed to Sleep? These Strategies Can Help.

Switch to a better pharmacy.