National HIV Testing Day

We have come a very long way in our achievements in modern medicine and although we may have a lot of products and services now that can allow you to live a full and regular life, you should always take prevention as primary care. Protect yourself and others by knowing all of the facts. If there is something that you begin to describe as "Well, I think..." then you need to ask your doctor or healthcare professional more information. 

There are many options out there now to keep you safe and one of the most popular in the recent years is PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and it’s the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective. A single pill taken once daily, it is highly effective against HIV when taken every day. The medication interferes with HIV’s ability to copy itself in your body after you’ve been exposed. This prevents it from establishing an infection and making you sick.

Around 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people don't know they have it. Nearly 45,000 people find out they have HIV every year.

HIV testing is the gateway to prevention and care.

• People who test negative have more prevention tools available today than ever before.
• People who test positive can take HIV medicines that can keep them healthy for many years and greatly reduce their chance of passing HIV to others. Learn more about living with HIV.

More than 90% of new HIV infections in the United States could be prevented by testing and diagnosing people living with HIV and making sure they receive early, ongoing treatment.

Get tested Today!

Make Everyday National Cancer Survivors Day

Today I post because today is the day that someone very close to me was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. National Cancer Survivors Day is actually June 5th but I think that selecting only one day to remember those we have lost or to appreciate those whom we almost lost is just not acceptable. We must be grateful on a daily basis because those who we love can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. 

According to the National Cancer Survivors Day Official Website 

This year marks the 9th annual National Cancer Survivors Day®. We celebrate the millions of Americans who are cancer survivors. We honor these patients and survivors, as well as their family members, health care providers, and friends.

As part of the leadership team of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), we also commend the tireless efforts of the researchers who are working to find new and better ways to control and treat cancer more effectively and safely. This is a vitally important task. Although more and more cancer survivors will return to active and productive lives following their cancer diagnosis, for many of them, the long-term physical, psychological, and social effects of cancer and its treatments remain serious and challenging. Recognizing this, survivorship research remains a key component of NCI’s research portfolio.

The number of people living after a cancer diagnosis and treatment in the United States increased from 7 million in 1992 to 15.5 million in 2016, and is expected to rise to more than 20 million by 2026. Thus, whereas cancer survivors accounted for about 2.5 percent of the U.S. population in 1992, it is estimated that they will account for more than 5 percent of the population in 2026.

NCI-supported researchers agree that, as any cancer survivor will tell you, cancer is not ‘over’ when treatment ends; cancer has the capacity to affect all aspects of survivors’ lives, effects that can have profound and lasting import on their psychological and social health. Looking to the future, we are going to see growing efforts to find targeted and tailored cancer therapies that have the best chance of curing the illness, with the least toxicity to the survivor.  

Cancer not only affects the person but their family and friends as well. We must work together to help do what we can because we never know who it could happen to next. Cancer has no Bias. Everyday we should reflect on those who Cancer has taken from us and appreciate those that it has left with just the scars. 

Its One Love, Morning, Noon and Night

During the summertime it may be a misconception that the humidity and sweat from the heat bring moisture to the body but this is not entirely true. During these warm summer months, you will be exposed to the sun on a much more extended basis, as well as salt water and chlorine if the beaches and pools tickle your fancy and these all add up to drying out your skin and hair. 

Most people have a certain skin routine and do not change it as the seasons change but let me tell you...its time for an update! Wearing makeup in the hot months and sweating then possibly falling asleep after a long nights out are HORRIBLE for the integrity of your skin. 

Add these simple steps to your daily routine for the softest skin, that people will have to touch...Let One Love show you the way

In the Mornings:

One Love Organics' Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum is one to beat, not to mention environmentally friendly and cruelty-free. The formula has the benefits of two exotic oils, sea buckthorn and chia which add omega-3 and 7 to skin. In a base of coconut oil derivative and sunflower oil, the gardenia scent has a chance to scent skin to the perfect degree. Plus, it works as a beach essential because it can be used in the hair as well!

During the day:

During the day, One Love Organics' Vitamin D Moisture Mist is a part lightweight moisturizer, part toner, this botanical mist infuses skin with emollient oils and Vitamin E via a delayed time-release delivery system for long-lasting hydration and unparalleled efficacy. Shiitake mushroom, a natural source of Vitamin D, helps tone and balance while antioxidant-rich alpine rose helps to protect against environmental stressors and elemental dryness.

At Night:

Remember to wash the day off with the One Love Organics' Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover which effortlessly lifts away impurities and makeup while restoring skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance. This non-stripping, clean-rinsing formula features papain, a fruit enzyme that helps to exfoliate and soften, and a natural Vitamin B complex to detoxify and tone.

Get To Know Your Pharmacy: Angelika

This New Jersey native is the firecracker on the team. Ang attended Pascack Valley High School and knew that she wanted to be involved in a career that would not only benefit her but others as well.  Graduating from LIU with her Pharmacy degree in 2015, she is a fresh face bursting with energy and excitement. She is well knowledgable and is here to answer your questions. She is recently engaged and enjoys spending her free time traveling back to her home country of Poland when she can. We want to know our customers as best as we can and to do that we should share who we are as well. Here at Cedra we aren't just a Pharmacy or a Boutique, we are your one stop shop for all of your Beauty and Wellness needs. If you can't find the time to stop in, give us a call and Ang or any one of us will be here to assist you as best we can. 

Mouth-Water(melon)ing Summer Cocktail

Few may know this but watermelon is related to cucumbers, pumpkin, and squash. It's part vegetable and part fruit (it's a sweet, seed-producing plant, after all) This might not be surprising, but it's still a fun fact watermelon is more than 91 percent water. This means that snacking will also keep you hydrated on those hot summery days!

Recipe!

2 cups Frozen watermelon

1/2 cup frozen cucumbers

1/4 cup frozen rasberries

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 scoops of ALOHA Protein powder (Preferably Vanilla)

A splash of blueberry-pomegranate juice

and optional 3 oz. Gin...for those 21+

#LiverLifeWalk

See how you can be a part of the change here

Cedra x Zoeva

I have been struggling to keep this secret for so long now. But it's finally here! Cedra has newly partnered with the amazing brand Zoeva. I have been interested in their products personally for years and last year someone bought me a couple items from the line. From that day I knew that this was a company that more people needed to know about. 

All of their products are extremely high quality and effective. The pigments are vivid and the brushes are soft yet supple. Gone are the days when Beauty meant Pain because with Zoeva all you will feel is complete bliss. The products are so wonderfully priced so that everyone can feel just as glamorous as the next. Just like Cedra, we want you to walk in and think..."WOW" you wont believe what other wonderful products that we carry unless you stop inside. 

Remember you are where you shop and always be conscious of what you buy. Shop smart and only get the best products for you possible, let Cedra help you with some of those decisions. Stop in this week and receive 10% off your first purchase!

Sunblock for you Hair!

It looks as though the sun is finally coming here to New York! If you are one of those people who simply cannot wait to get out there and rip off all those winter layers, then it looks like you won't have to wait much longer. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year, hiking, fishing, swimming and simply wandering new corners of the city. All of these outdoor activity means prolonged exposure to the sun and this means that you should be applying SPF on a daily basis but you might be forgetting your hair!

If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays can damage the outside cover of the hair strand, called the cuticle. Signs of sun damage to your hair include discoloration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness. Damaged hair has a dry look and feel.

Especially if you are a lover of the pool and or the beach, the chlorine and salt water are harsh on your hair. There are a few options for protection, when I was younger my mother would rub regular sunblock in my hair, well this is that same idea, perfected. SachaJuan Hair in the Sun

Cinco De Mayo with Cedra X ALOHA

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

 

 Todays date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. This attack resulted in the unlikely victory for the Mexican Army. On September 16, 1862, President Juarez declared that the date of the Battle of Puebla would be made an annual holiday. Hence, Cinco de Mayo became a popular holiday in Mexico and in areas where there is a large Mexican population. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is popularly mistaken to be Mexico's Independence Day; the most important national holiday in Mexico, which is celebrated on September 16.

ALOHA is now being sold at Cedra Pharmacy and as a gift to you all, buy any ALOHA product instore and receive 10% off your entire purchase as a welcome gift. In the Hawaiian language, aloha means “sharing the breath of life.” At ALOHA, we aim to do this by making health simple, fun, and accessible. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become needlessly complicated. False claims, conflicting messages in the media, and weak regulations in the wellness industry are constant sources of confusion. We are increasingly exposed to stress and environmental toxins that compromise our health. ALOHA works to address these challenges and make an impact.

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Spicy Macha Margarita Recipe

Ingredients

1. 3 ounces green tea
2. 2 ounces tequila blanco
3. 1 ounce Aloha coconut powder
4. 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
5. 1 teaspoon honey simple syrup (1 teaspoon honey melted with 1 teaspoon water)
6. 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
7. 2 slices jalapeño

For an added tangy kick, rim the glass with Sriracha and salt if so desired. Blend with Ice and enjoy!

Now that you have knowledge on why it is that you are drinking and celebrating, go ahead and enjoy this tasty, spicy yet sweet cocktail! Always remember, drink responsibly and never drink and drive. 

Colored Roots New Trend of Summer 2016!

It always happens with that Coachella time of year. Vivid pops of color come back in style and people become more bohemian and free with their style choices. In my opinion, I wanted something not too crazy but something that was different. Hairstyles come and go but feel free when experimenting with your hair because you can always change it. 

When going for a more drastic change like I did (Going from Black to gray tips with purple roots) you want to ensure that you do it in steps. Going from one extreme to another is going to be damaging to the integrity of your hair and this is because you are most likely going to require bleach. When starting this process I knew that I would need to lift my black hair to a brown that I could get away with wearing on the daily basis. 

I began using a L'oreal lightener with a 20 Volume developer and this helped bring my hair to a yellow-ish brown to which I toned with a purple hair dye mixed with conditioner that left my hair a nice caramel brown. Three weeks later I went in with the same process on the ends and touched it on my roots afterward just to lift the color ever so slightly. When this was done my hair was butter yellow on the ends and a brown on the roots. At this point all that I used was the same purple Pravanna hair dye that I used to tone my hair the time before but applied it directly to the roots. The last step I applied the SachaJuan Silver Conditioner to the ends and left it on my hair for about an hour...Voila!

Check out these other photos that were my inspiration for this haircolor

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American Liver Foundation/ Liver Life Walk

         The American Liver Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes liver health and disease prevention. The mission of the ALF is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease
The Liver Life Walk Houston will be the American Liver Foundation - Desert Southwest Division 7th Annual dog friendly walk. Join us and help raise awareness to one of America's growing epidemics, Liver disease!
        Liver Life Walk allows people affected by liver disease to come together and raise critical funds and awareness for the American Liver Foundation, all while having a good time. Each Liver Life Walk location features a festival-type atmosphere including activities for kids, food, entertainment and information about the American Liver Foundation.
        Although liver disease is among the ten major causes of death in the United States, there was no national voluntary health agency devoted exclusively to combating liver diseases until 1976, when the American Liver Foundation was created by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). This organization of scientists and healthcare professionals was concerned with the rising incidence of liver disease and the lack of awareness among both the general public and the medical community. The mission, the programs and the services provided by American Liver Foundation complement the great work of AASLD.

Be a part of the solution and stand with us April 30th, find out more here

Color Corrector or Concealer

   Its only April and it seems like a new craze has taken over the year. It may have started over social media channels last year but people have been color correcting for years. There is a difference between color correcting and concealing. People are over doing the whole color correction process. If you have slight darkness under your eye area (1-3 or even 4 shades darker), then you can get away with using a thin coat of a full coverage concealer, no need to use red lipstick under your eyes and then find yourself struggling to blend it out and cover it with your foundation/concealer afterwards.

        Color correctors are only necessary if you’re dealing with a more serious skin problems like melasma, rosacea or acne scars, in which case you might want a bit more help in covering up these issues.  

If you are a person who does not like to wear ‘a lot’ of makeup, and by this I mean, no foundation or concealer just a few strokes of powder, then color correcting definitely is not for you. When using a color corrector, I recommend applying foundation, then color correcting and then concealing. This is a process that can be difficult at first but if necessary can help to make the world of difference.

National Walking Day

With all today's craziness with Hover boards and the over abundance of cab services, it can be easy to forget the importance of simply getting up and walking. Well today is National Walking Day and the American Heart Association is encouraging people to lace up their sneakers and take 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. 

Exercise can come in various forms, it doesn't have to be at the actual gym! You can make any excuse to burn a few extra calories and better your heart health. If you have some extra time after you get off work, get off at the stop before and walk the remainder of the way. If you live close to work try walking there, a few small alterations to your daily routine and your body and mind will greatly benefit. 

Walking and exercise have various benefits from toning up your body and core, to aiding in fighting dementia as well as fighting depression. You’ll get more done with more energy, and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energizers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. Try walking on your lunch break to achieve more in the afternoon.

Find more information on how to improve yourself and help fight for those who can't for themselves click here

Cedra x BrioGeo Spring Hair Affair

On behalf of Cedra and BrioGeo I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who attended our in-store event this past Saturday; April 2nd despite the touchy weather that we experienced. We got the chance to meet a ton of new faces and really interact with the customers on a friendly, personal basis. We hope to continue to work towards a better, healthier you, it all takes one step and we are here to guide you along the way. 

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As well I would like to thank Nancy Twine as well as Joey Lauren founders of BrioGeo and Kissamint respectively for coming out and talking to the customers about their wonderful brands and how they came up with these amazing ideas. Special thanks also goes out to Katie Rosen of MD SolarSciences for attending and setting up a table to discuss the importance of skin care and preservation from the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure. 

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The afternoon was spent chatting and shopping. There was a Braid Bar at the back and Makeup applications done by our personal beauty guru Brandon Cross in the front. The day was complete with customers shopping around the store and getting 20% off of their entire purchase as well as leaving with a swag bag donated by Briogeo but containing other goodies from such brands as Java Skin Care, MD SolarSciences, Aloha, and Europarfumes. Till next season! Hope that those that could not make this event will be able to make the next one!

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Airplane Travel Essentials

It's definitely that time of year. The season is changing once again and there are spring days, and then there are some winter days thrown in into the mix, but all you really want is summer. It's that time of year that people are taking small getaways and flying all about, from cities to states and countries to continents. Some flights are long but some are short. You should be prepared for whatever situation that life may throw at you and I am here to help. 

Planes travel to thousands of feet up in the air and because of the high altitude and the cabin pressure, it tends to dry out the skin, which is also a reason that some people feel tired after a few hours of sitting in one place (on the plane that is)

Avene Thermal Spring Water  

This product originates as rain. However, the 40-year journey through the Cevennes Mountain aquifer produces thermal spring water ideally suited for the care and management of sensitive skin. It gradually becomes infused with trace elements and silicates, achieving a perfectly balanced mineral composition ideal for sensitive skin. Avène soothes, softens, and restores skin’s natural balance.

MedSkin Liftergy Eye Pads

For those flights where you did not allow yourself much sleep the night before or if you are traveling on the Red Eye this product is perfect for you. Contour & Lift Facial Mask, Immediate skin plumping effect, Reduces wrinkle depth and Free of parabens, fragrances, PEGs, 
colorants and silicones. Refresh your eyes with these 15 mins before the flight lands and look as though you just popped out of bed. 

One Love Organics Morning Glory

Packed to the brim with incredibly active ingredients (including a caffeinated energy blend and gardenia plant cells) Morning Glory will tighten and tone your skin like no other for an anytime skin revival. It has helped me battle the groggy lack of sleep face as to not scare the flight attendants when de-boarding. 

Jack Black Cool CTRL Deodorant

This aluminum-free formula contains clinically tested, time-released odor-blocking technology plus naturally derived anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients to stop odor. Featuring the popular Turbo Wash® aroma, this deodorant provides a long-lasting, refreshed feeling, leaving you cool and in CTRL. Dermatologist tested.

Travalo Fragrance Atomizer

This tiny device allows you to swap out your large bottle of cologne or perfume for a small travel sized companion that can be filled with the scent of your choice. Classic Excel packs 65 sprays of perfume and has a contents indicator window. Classic Excel is also light, strong and aircraft approved, so it's safe to take anywhere

Kissamint 

With a light gloss-giving, luxe lip conditioning balm at one end, and a mouth-freshening mint drop at the other, Kissamint is made with the finest ingredients, so you can feel fabulous, fearless, and ready to take on the world...or the person sitting next to you ;)

Safe Travels!

Give Your Skin Care a Double Shot

Discovery Kit, Body Wash, Body Serum, Lip Scrub, Bar Soap, Body Scrub 

        Fresh on the shelves at Cedra, you can walk in today and find one of our new lines, Java Skin Care. JAVA Coffee Infused Skin Care products marry the rejuvenating properties of green coffee - one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, with a unique blend of organic essential oils (like argan, pumpkin, and rosemary) that are proven to nourish, repair and protect the skin. This inspired union between coffee and essential oils produces JAVA’s remarkable skincare formula, which is unlike anything else on the market.

        Botanically the species of green coffee that we are interested in is Coffea Arabica. The word ‘green’ refers to the immature coffee beans that have been un-roasted and processed cold so that they retain their waxy outer layer. Think the same way that people cold press juice, to retain the nutrients. Since the beans are not exposed to the roasting they retain a higher percentage of volatile components including the well known alkaloid theophylline like that found in green tea and the wrinkle stopping amino acid; gamma-Aminobutyric acid.

SPRING HAIR AFFAIR

        Hello everyone! This is the launch of the Spring Season for my Cedra, We are putting together a mini event with our partner company BrioGeo. Complimentary Apps and Prosecco while you shop around and listen to some fun music to get you into the groove for the weekend. You can also get your hair braided with a fun style, that incorporates beautiful real flowers into it, by one of our professional hair stylists that will be in-store or get your makeup done simply by spending $50+ on anything in store.

        As you may or may not know, for every prescription that we fill, Cedra donates to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and the American Cancer Society and 5% of all sales during this event will be donated as well! Come show your support and lets have a fun boozy afternoon together. Did I also mention that there will be a raffle! When you come in, make sure to put your name down on the sign in sheet and 30 lucky guests will be selected at random to receive a complimentary swag bag!  YAAAS SPRING

Make Tomorrows Breakfast Count

Açai Bowl topped with Straw/Blue-berries and Bananas 

        People seem to always be talking about antioxidants, and just like when people are asked about gluten, people seem to have the general idea, but still don't fully understand what it is. Lets start off with a definition. An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. And what is Oxidation you might ask... well this is a is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to the potential of cell damage.  It's much like the chemical reaction that creates rust on a bicycle or turns the surface of a cut apple brown.

        The acai ; pronounced (ah-sigh-EE) berry is a grape like fruit harvested from acai palm trees, which are native to the rainforests of South America. Acai berries are widely touted as a so-called superfood, with proponents claiming that they are helpful for a variety of health concerns, including arthritis, weight loss, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction, skin appearance, detoxification and general health. I try to work these super berries into my daily diet, and can get them in by way of morning juice, smoothie or bowl. 
        Not everyone has the time to prepare a meal or eat an entire fruit salad but eating breakfast everyday is very important. Beginning each day with a well balanced meal can help with exhaustion during the day, hunger cravings, weight loss and various other concerns. If you are one of the people who can't get these in naturally, Cedra does carry our line of dietary supplements and one of them is the "AntiOxidant Essentials: With Vitamins C & E" as always you should consult with a professional before taking any medication or supplements. Remember that our pharmacists are here 6 days a week to help with any questions that you may have. Be sure to stop by for a friendly consultation. I promise you wont regret it.

The Next Best Use For Dry Shampoo

“#MakeupTipThursday”

— Brandon Cross

If you can be guilty of not wanting to wash your hair regularly like me then you probably have heard of Dry Shampoo, it seems like almost every brand now is making some form of dry shampoo, from a spray, to a powder, they come in all shapes and sizes. 

Well now there is more time to rejoice! If you have been to Sephora lately then you might have seen that they are now making Dry Clean (and instant dry brush cleaner) If you do not feel like shelling out the cash to try this item, guess what...you regular Dry Shampoo will have the same effect. Simply spray the brush with the dry shampoo and wipe on a clean cloth or paper towel to clean. Voila! Short, Simple, Easy. 

Pledge Omega-3 This Year

According to Paleo-Leap Bone-in sardines are an excellent source of calcium. A 3.75-ounce can provides 35% of the RDA, probably higher than any other Paleo food. It’s true that calcium isn’t the end of the story for healthy bones and teeth, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important at all; if you don’t react well to dairy, sardines are your bones’ best friend.

Their high calcium content is usually the star of the show, but don’t let it blind you to everything else in the can. Sardines also deliver:

• Selenium (69%)
• Phosphorus (45%)
• Iron (15%)
• Magnesium (9%)
• Copper (9%)

Sardines are something like a fish oil supplement, if fish oil supplements also delivered protein, vitamins, minerals, and an easily portable snack food. Unlike supplements, canned sardines don’t need to be refrigerated, and you don’t have to worry about whether they’ve been sitting around going rancid on the grocery-store shelf. So between the supplement and the fish, the fish are the clear winners. Fish may have earned its reputation as “brain food” because some people eat fish to help with depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),Alzheimer’s disease, and other thinking disorders. 

If you have an issue reaching your daily requirement of these types of nutrients that the body requires, Cedra has its own line of vitamins. Come in and have a chat with a pharmacist and let us assist you and recommend what daily vitamins you should be taking.