March is Pharmacist Awareness Month

Pharmacists are taking on expanded roles and are increasingly being recognized as the medication management experts of the health care team. Here is chart from the Canadian Pharmacists Association showing what pharmacists are doing in each province.

Pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers for Canadians, yet many still unaware of the breadth of health services they now provide.

Pharmacist Awareness Month aims to help improve the public’s understanding of the increasing role pharmacists play in the provision of health care services and the tangible benefits they bring as health care providers for Canadians.

For many years, Pharmacists have been taking on expanded roles in the Canadian health care system. Today’s pharmacist is highly respected as the medication management expert of the health care team. They collaborate with patients, their families and other health care providers to deliver a range of innovative services, including medication reviews, chronic disease management, immunization services and wellness programs.

Pharmacists: Trusted Care When and Where You Need It

Given the increasing numbers of medications, the aging population and the growing importance of self-care, Pharmacy Awareness Month is a critical opportunity to remind Canadians about the services easily accessible through their pharmacists. At London Drugs, these services include:

• Medication reviews to ensure drug therapy is appropriate and effective. Pharmacists are trained and knowledgeable about medication issues.
• Travel & Immunization Clinics
• Osteoporosis Screening Clinics
• Smoking Cessation Clinics
• Nutrition and Your Metabolism Clinics
• Flu Immunization Clinics
• Administer vaccines by Certified Injection Pharmacists, including the Zostavax vaccine for Shingles
• Individualized diabetes management programs withCertified Diabetes Educators
• Chronic illness management
• Compression stockings fitting
• Prescribe for minor ailments/conditions (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba only)
• Assisting patients find solutions to everyday health issues around allergy, cough & cold, pain management, stomach health and eye care.

Speak with a London Drugs pharmacist to learn more about these services for maintaining optimal health.