COVID-19 has drastically impacted the way we seek advice and support for our healthcare professionals. Over 200,000 Saskatchewanians don’t have a regular health care provider, and COVID-19 has only put our health care system under further strain while making it more difficult for Moose Javians to know where to go for health care advice.
As a frontline health care worker, I want to remind you that I’m here to support you and your health. This Pharmacist Awareness Month, I’m sharing some of the many services pharmacists can provide to support your health that you may not know.
- Supporting your heart health – We’re not only hear to help you with medication. Pharmacists are qualified to provide advice on how to improve heart health – which is good news for our hearts and blood vessels! Along with helping you understand your heart medication, pharmacists can help monitor your blood pressure with easy-to-use, in-store machines, and help you understand the readings.
- Treating minor ailments – Did you know that your local pharmacist can prescribe medications for conditions like acne, contact dermatitis (poison ivy), heart burn, eczema, hemorrhoids, and ringworm? From cold sores to UTIs, your local pharmacist can save you a visit to your doctor or clinic when it comes to treating minor ailments. An over-the-counter medication may do the trick, but sometimes a prescription medication is needed, and your pharmacist can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. They will also conduct a follow-up appointment to ensure the treatment is working and keep your doctor up to date on any new prescriptions to ensure there are no surprises at your next doctors’ appointment.
- Rx renewals – With lock downs and stay at home orders, the pandemic has made regular visits to the doctor challenging for some. Did you know medication non-adherence causes 69 per cent of medication-related hospitalizations? Many don’t know that when appropriate, pharmacists can renew your prescriptions over the phone or in-person, saving you a trip to the doctor or clinic.
Your local pharmacists are here to help you navigate your health on your terms. Whether you need a prescription renewal, support managing your heart health or help with a minor ailment, we are here to answer your health questions. Visit your local pharmacist and ask us about how we can support your healthcare journey.
Tim Blunt is the pharmacist and owner of your local Shoppers Drug Mart in Moose Jaw.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2020001/article/00004-eng.htm
http://cdn.agilitycms.com/shoppers-drug-mart-corporate/SDM-Adherence-SSR-2016.pdf
