A resident of Lexington, Virginia, Ashok Pinnamaraju holds a master’s degree in computer science and a PhD in pharmacy. As a pharmacist and an owner, Ashok Pinnamaraju primarily serves clients from the Shenandoah Valley area. One of the most famous parks in Shenandoah, Virginia, is Shenandoah Valley National Park, which is known as one of America’s most spectacular parks. This park is situated 75 miles west of Washington, DC, and is rich in natural beauty. Wildlife such as wild turkey, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and black bears are also abundant in the park. There are numerous activities to do in Shenandoah Valley National Park, including hiking along its 500 miles of trails. Popular hikes include trekking to the summit of Old Rag Mountain and exploring Dark Hollow Falls. Cycling is another method of exploring the park, as is taking a scenic drive along the famous 105-mile long Skyline Drive. The road runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features several marked spots to pull off and enjoy the view. The best place to start Skyline Drive is south of Front Royal, Virginia, where the road passes through wine and hill country. The speed limit allowed on Skyline Drive is 35 mph, and it takes three hours to travel the full length of the park by car.
Based in Roanoke, Virginia, Ashok Pinnamaraju, PhD, guides Williamson Road Pharmacy, where he emphasizes customer-centered service. With a doctorate in pharmacy from Oregon State University, Dr. Ashok Pinnamaraju is knowledgeable about the full range of medications his retail location stocks.There are several classes of drugs available for insomnia and other sleep disorders, including the “Z” sedative-hypnotics, which work as agonists and facilitators of the GABAA receptors, which inhabit the central nervous system and are linked with brain activity. Among the first-line drugs in this class are zaleplon (Sonata), zolpidem (Intermezzo, Ambien), and eszopiclone (Lunesta). One thing to be aware of with these controlled substances is that there are dependency risks, so they should be taken with caution. Potential side effects include residual drowsiness and dizziness the next day, as well as vivid dreams and parasomnias.By contrast, benzodiazepines do not last as long and are accompanied by fewer “hangover” symptoms the next day. However, they, too, must be taken with caution, as their binding to GABAA receptors is less selective and dependence is a serious issue. For many people, melatonin, which occurs naturally as a hormone, is a less disruptive alternative that also has uses in fighting jet lag.
The recipient of a PhD in pharmacy from Oregon State University, Ashok Pinnamaraju guides Williamson Road Pharmacy in Virginia as owner and head pharmacist. To better serve his customers, Ashok Pinnamaraju provides guidance for both prescription and over-the-counter products.Each summer millions of Americans hit the beach or the backyard to take advantage of the sunshine. However, sun exposure can cause a number of health complications, from cosmetic issues such as wrinkles and age spots to life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer. In recent years, public health initiatives have stressed the importance of wearing sunscreen during outdoor activities, but studies have shown that many people do not understand how to choose the correct product for their needs.As such, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recommends that pharmacists become familiar with different types of sunscreen and be prepared to provide guidance to customers. Pharmacists should be especially fluent with the current labeling schemes on sunscreen products, which can be confusing for customers. These labels, which are required by the FDA, should indicate the level of the skin protection factor (SPF) and whether the product is waterproof.For most people, a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is the best choice. However, experts point out that each person is different, and these requirements can vary depending on the customer’s age and specific health concerns.
A pharmacist with over a decade of experience, Ashok Pinnamaraju is the owner of Williamson Road Pharmacy, an independent retail pharmacy in Roanoke, Virginia. Active in his field, Ashok Pinnamaraju belongs to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).Last March, the association echoed warnings from the US Food and Drug Administration about fraudulent influenza "cures." This past flu season was particularly rough, with a number of deaths reported from the illness. Attempting to capitalize on the heightened public concern, scammers have taken to marketing over-the-counter products that they say will cure or prevent influenza, even though the FDA has approved no such drug for that purpose. The flu shot remains the most effective prevention tool available for the public to ward off influenza. For those who do contract the illness, it is important to remember that there are drugs available to treat symptoms, such as fever, but not to outright cure the condition.
