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Hepatitis C screening now offered at five Calgary London Drugs locations

Hepatitis C screening now offered at five Calgary London Drugs locations

Unique collaboration between doctors and pharmacists expands access to
hepatitis C screening and treatment in Calgary

Hepatitis C screening now offered at five London Drugs locations in Calgary, helping to make testing and treatment for the potentially liver-destroying virus more accessible. Patients can now undertake a simple finger prick test at the pharmacy to check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The test, called the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, is more than 99 per cent accurate at detecting HCV antibodies and provides results in 20 minutes.

According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), an estimated 24,000 Albertans live with chronic hepatitis C and many are unaware they harbor the blood-borne virus because it can take decades before symptoms become evident.

“You can carry this infection for decades in your liver and actually have no symptoms at all – until the end stages of the disease. That’s why screening and early diagnosis is critically important,” says Dr. Matthew Sadler, a physician at the Foothills Medical Centre’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. “Offering hepatitis C screening in the community helps increase awareness of the disease, and expands access to treatment by offering a point-of-care testing option that some, such as those without a family doctor, may find more convenient,” he says.

Recent guidelines published by the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver recommend that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 get tested.

“Making hepatitis C screening quick and convenient right in the pharmacy and working collaboratively with doctors, we can ensure those who test positive will get the treatment and follow-up care they need,” says Aaron Lo, Pharmacy Manager at London Drugs.

“There is a lot of misinformation about hepatitis C. The cure rate is above 95 per cent now and the treatment is relatively simple. It involves taking antiviral medications daily for eight to 12 weeks,” says Lo.

Hepatitis C screening is available at the following London Drugs locations in Calgary. Patients should call the pharmacy to book an appointment. The cost of the test is $24.

First Calgary SE

4701 – 130th Avenue. SE

Calgary, Alberta, T2Z 4J2

Pharmacy: (403) 257-6850

London Town Square

3545 – 32nd Avenue NE

Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6M6

Pharmacy: (403) 250-8492

Beddington Towne Centre

8120 Beddington Blvd NW

Calgary, Alberta T3K 2A8

Pharmacy: (403) 275-4804

Stephen Ave LD Express

230 – 8 Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 1B5

Pharmacy: (403) 351-0645

London Place West

5255 Richmond Road SW

Calgary, Alberta T3E 7C4

Pharmacy: (403) 240-1235

5 Reasons Your Pharmacist is Awesome

Everyone knows that your pharmacist is the expert in filling your prescriptions, but everyone may not know that they provide many other super helpful services as well. We’re celebrating World Pharmacists Day by shining a light on all of the ways your friendly, neighbourhood London Drugs pharmacist can help you maintain and improve your health.

1. They can give you your jabs

Getting immunized isn’t exactly fun, but pharmacists can take the sting out of it by making it easy and convenient. If you’re planning a trip overseas, your pharmacist can help you prepare by reviewing your immunization history, letting you know which vaccines you’ll need for your destination, administering them, and issuing you an International Certificate of Vaccination if you need it.

London Drugs’ Certified Injection Pharmacists are also able to administer influenza vaccinations, as well as the Zostavax vaccine for Shingles.

If you would like to get a vaccination at a London Drugs pharmacy, just ask for more information at the pharmacy counter.

2. They give great advice

Although sometimes necessary, getting in to see a doctor can be time-consuming and complicated. If you’re looking for quick advice about minor ailments or wellness, your pharmacist can be your first stop on the road to good health. You can meet with a London Drugs pharmacist one-on-one to get trusted health advice on anything from allergy relief, diabetes management, nutrition, cough and cold remedies, pain management, stomach health, and eye care. Here’s the best part–no appointment necessary!

3. They help with the kids

Becoming a new parent can be scary, especially if you think something is wrong with your precious little bundle. If you have questions about your child’s health, pharmacists are an accessible resource. They can recommend over-the-counter medications that are safe for your children and provide information on proper dosage to help you treat common baby health conditions such as diaper rash, eczema, cradle cap, constipation, pain and fever, rashes, teething and more. Pharmacists can also refer your child to a doctor or other health professional if they feel your little bundle of joy requires a closer look.

4. They can help you find out for sure

You can never be too careful with your health, and pharmacists make it easier to put your mind at ease. Health screenings are a great way to take control of your health, and London Drugs provides the following convenient screening services and clinics at most of our locations:

5. They care about the community

Pharmacists are not only healthcare professionals, they are caring members of the community that they serve.

For example, last year during the British Columbia wildfire crisis, they provided life-saving services in the affected communities. While London Drugs helped assemble essential supplies and support staff, London Drugs pharmacists assisted those affected by accessing medical histories and contacted insurance providers to ensure quick access to essential medications for people who had to evacuate their homes.

Do you have a great story about how your super-pharmacist saved the day? Share it with us in the comments or on Twitter! #ilovemypharmacist

Osteoporosis: How You Can Reduce Your Risk

1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in Canada will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Reduce your risk by attending an Osteoporosis Screening Clinic at London Drugs.

Affecting both men and women, and with no one single cause, pharmacists say Osteoporosis is a condition that more people should undergo screening for. Approximately two million Canadians each year are affected by osteoporosis, which leads to an increased risk of fractures, often in the wrist, spine, shoulder, and hip.[1] One in three women and one in five men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime[2].

Fractures can lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. There are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis until a broken bone occurs, but if caught early through screening, patients can prevent further bone loss and avoid potential falls and fractures.

Osteoporosis Screening Clinics held at London Drugs provide convenient access to routine screening at the pharmacy. Using the World Health Organization’s FRAX assessment tool and Sunlight Omnisense® device, pharmacists scan and measure patient’s bone strength of the wrist and assess their risk for falls and fractures.

Post-screening, patients are given an assessment of their vitamin D and calcium intake, lifestyle factors, and existing medical conditions as they relate to fracture risk. Each patient is then provided with tips on how to minimize their risks, and a personalized action plan to fit their wellness goals. The complete consultation takes about 45-minutes.

Pharmacists now play an important role in osteoporosis prevention education, helping Canadians understand their risk of developing Osteoporosis, before a fracture occurs. In fact, community pharmacist-initiated screening programs double the number of patients tested and treated for osteoporosis.[3]

To learn more, view the Osteoporosis Screening Clinic schedule to book an appointment online, or call the pharmacy.

[1] Osteoporosis Canada

[2] Osteoporosis Canada

[3] Canadian Pharmacists Association

London Drugs Oral Health Screening now an Official Program in Pharmacy After Successful First-ever Pilot

Oral-Care-2016-header

Following a successful pilot and first ever oral cancer screening in pharmacy in 2015, London Drugs is committed to bringing the clinics to more locations and will be offering oral health screening clinics at 15 locations in Metro Vancouver between April 25 and May 18, 2016.

“What began as a three clinic trial with a dental professional in collaboration with our pharmacists in April 2015, quickly grew to 12 clinics in a matter of weeks, during our first ever attempt at this program,” explains John Tse, Vice President Pharmacy, London Drugs. “There is clearly demand for the oral screening and continued need for awareness of oral cancer and oral cancer prevention.”

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world with approximately three people dying of oral cancer every day in Canada. Early detection is crucial. Most oral cancers are diagnosed late when the survival rate is poor.

London Drugs Diabetes and Insulin Management Clinics

Certified Diabetes Educators assist Western Canadians with diabetes management

According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more than nine million Canadians now live with diabetes, the statistic having nearly doubled since 2000. That number is expected to increase by 1.5 million people in coming years and will see one in three people with the disease by 2020.

With more than 20 people being newly diagnosed with the disease every hour, diabetes has become one of Canada’s foremost illnesses. In response to a nationwide concern over the disease, London Drugs has continued to grow its Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) Program. As part of that program London Drugs offers Diabetes & Insulin Management Clinics to assist Canadians with the management of their diabetes.

Beginning in May, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) are available on-site to book 45-minute one-on-one personal care and consultation appointments. CDEs offer assistance to people living with diabetes in handling their disease while also guiding them by making recommendations for therapy. During each clinical session, patients receive a personalized assessment, and advice on blood glucose monitoring, safe insulin injection and overall diabetes management. With an in-store Certified Diabetes Educator, London Drugs pharmacy patients have access to a health care professional who can work regularly with them to help manage their disease.

Over the years, the number of Certified Diabetes Educators at London Drugs has increased to 55 across Western Canada. With pharmacy at the heart of its business, all London Drugs pharmacists are provided with the tools to identify, assess and discuss individualized risks and implications for diabetes. It is during these Diabetes Clinics that people living with diabetes are able to gain a deeper understanding and learn more about their individual disease management.

The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends that Canadians over the age of 40 be tested for diabetes every three years. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include a family history of the disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol as well as being a member of a high-risk group including those of Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian or African descent. Without proper management and care of diabetes, complications may arise in the form of heart, kidney or eye disease as well as potential nerve damage.

For full information on Type 2 Diabetes visit the London Drugs Health Library online or speak with a London Drugs Pharmacist at your nearest location. To learn more about London Drugs’ Diabetes Clinics, visit www.londondrugs.com/diabetesclinic to book your appointment.

Hepatitis C screening now offered at five Calgary London Drugs locations