Welcome to our January roundup! We’ve gathered three fresh pieces that cover everything from managing a tricky health combo to building your own battery pack, plus the best CVS alternatives for 2025. Grab a coffee and skim through – you’ll walk away with clear actions you can use right now.
If you or someone you care about lives with chronic Hepatitis C, anemia might show up on the radar without warning. The virus damages liver cells, which then struggle to produce enough erythropoietin – a hormone that tells bone marrow to make red blood cells. Less erythropoietin means fewer reds, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
What can you do? First, get a full blood count done regularly; spotting low hemoglobin early helps you act fast. Talk to your doctor about iron supplements or vitamin B12 if labs show a deficiency. In many cases, treating the underlying Hepatitis C with newer antivirals also lifts anemia levels because the liver starts healing.
Got a tinkering itch? Lithium‑ion packs are powerful, lightweight, and perfect for custom gadgets – but safety comes first. Start by sourcing high‑quality cells from reputable vendors; avoid salvaged laptop batteries unless you know how to test each cell’s voltage and capacity.
Next, plan your pack layout. Decide on series (voltage) vs. parallel (capacity) based on the device you’re powering. Use a proper battery management system (BMS) to balance cells and protect against over‑charge, over‑discharge, and short circuits. A simple solder‑free connector kit can keep things neat and reduce heat risks.
When assembling, work in a well‑ventilated area, wear gloves, and keep a fire‑proof mat nearby. Once your pack is sealed, run a low‑current charge to verify the BMS works before plugging into any high‑draw load. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a reliable power source for drones, electric bikes, or home‑brew solar projects.
Looking for inspiration? Many hobbyists share their builds on forums – from portable jump starters to backyard weather stations. Pick one that matches your skill level and tweak it to fit your needs.
CVS isn’t the only game‑in‑town anymore. We’ve compared ten other pharmacies, both brick‑and‑mortar and online, so you can pick what fits your routine best.
Walgreens still leads with a massive network of stores and a robust app for refills. Rite Aid offers solid discounts on over‑the‑counter meds, especially if you join their loyalty program. If you prefer grocery trips, Safeway and Kroger have pharmacy counters that let you grab prescriptions while you shop.
Online options are exploding. Amazon Pharmacy ships quickly and integrates with Alexa for reminders. GoodRx now runs its own storefront, providing price‑matching and telehealth visits. For niche needs, HealthWarehouse focuses on specialty drugs at lower prices, and Capsule delivers same‑day service in many metros.When choosing, consider factors like location, insurance acceptance, delivery speed, and any extra services such as flu shots or health screenings. Many of these alternatives also have mobile apps that let you track refills, set reminders, and even chat with pharmacists.
Bottom line: You don’t have to stick with CVS if another pharmacy gives you better prices, faster service, or more convenient hours. Take a quick look at the list above and see which one aligns with your health routine.
