pharmacy Archives - Page 3 of 4

You get, you give: Get your flu shot and help boost immunity around the world

I Boost Immunity and London Drugs partner to help protect the world’s most vulnerable children in support of UNICEF Canada

With influenza season fast approaching, London Drugs and I Boost Immunity (IBI) are once again reminding everyone that one of the best reasons to get vaccinated against influenza is to protect yourself, as well as those around you who are most at risk. And since vaccination benefits all of us, for every flu shot administered at any one of 81 London Drugs pharmacies, a second lifesaving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada through I Boost Immunity to immunize a child in another country.

Since 2016, I Boost Immunity has donated over 750,000 vaccines for children through UNICEF by rewarding visitors to its website with vaccines for doing online quizzes about vaccine health.

“Our goal is to increase awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against diseases like influenza to improve immunization rates both here in Canada and across the globe,” says Shannon Turner, Executive Director of the Public Health Association of BC. “Teaming up with London Drugs provides a wonderful example of global citizenship in action. The simple act of getting your flu shot has a multiplier effect by also helping vaccinate children around the world at the same time.”

Getting vaccinated against influenza is crucial for individuals at high-risk for developing flu-related complications such as newborns, young children, pregnant women, and adults with chronic medical conditions.

“Many people mistakenly believe there’s no need to get a flu shot because they are healthy,” says Gianni Del Negro, Pharmacist at London Drugs. “But good health is not an excuse to skip the vaccine, especially if you may be in close contact with people may be vulnerable to influenza. Not only that, but anyone who receives the flu shot at our pharmacies will be making a global impact, providing life-saving vaccinations to children worldwide, while taking care of their own health needs and potentially saving the lives of people in their own community as well,” says Del Negro.

Take an influenza quiz and to earn vaccines for UNICEF at www.boostimmunity.com.

To learn more about getting the flu shot at London Drugs, visit: http://www.LondonDrugs.com/flu.

3 Ways Getting the Flu Shot Can Save Lives

Since diseases cross local and national boundaries, vaccinating anyone, anywhere in the world, benefits us all. Simply by getting a flu shot, you can make a global impact, while taking care of your own health needs and potentially saving the lives of your loved ones and people in your own community.

Here’s how getting your flu shot at London Drugs can save lives.

1. Flu shots prevent the spread of potentially fatal illnesses to high-risk patients

To an otherwise healthy person, the flu may be nothing more than five days of feeling miserable, but it’s a genuine threat to the lives of high-risk patients. One of the best reasons to get the flu shot is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those who are most vulnerable such as newborns, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were 302 influenza-associated deaths and 5,176 hospitalizations last year. The more people who are vaccinated, the less chance of exposure to the disease and the fewer deaths and hospitalizations that occur.

2. Flu shots reduce the risk of life-threatening flu-related complications

Getting sick with the flu can put you at risk of getting other infections such as viral or bacterial pneumonia and flu-related complications such as asthma attacks. Getting the flu vaccine only takes a few seconds, yet it can have a big impact by protecting against these life-threatening and serious complications, especially for those who have compromised immune systems.

3. Flu shots provide lifesaving vaccines to the world’s most vulnerable children

For every flu shot administered at London Drugs this year, a lifesaving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada to immunize children in other countries. Simply by getting this year’s flu vaccine at London Drugs, you can play active role in helping to save tens of thousands of the world’s most vulnerable children from deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases.

The vaccination donation campaign is in partnership with I Boost Immunity (IBI), an online immunization advocacy and learning platform supported by the Province of British Columbia and administered by the Public Health Association of BC. Since 2016, I Boost Immunity has donated over 730,000 vaccines for children through UNICEF through various campaigns.

Flu shots are conveniently available seven days a week by appointment or on a walk-in basis at any London Drugs location. Learn more about getting the flu shot at London Drugs.

London Drugs host game-day flu shot clinic with BC Lions

We are teaming up with the BC Lions to offer flu shots at their upcoming home game this Saturday, October 6^th, 2018. Pharmacists will be on site in the Terry Fox Plaza at BC Place between 2pm and 4pm, providing flu shots by-donation to those 5 years of age and older, with or without a game ticket. London Drugs will be matching all donations dollar-for-dollar, with proceeds supporting the BC Lions’ Courage for Kids program.

As an added bonus, for every flu shot administered on game-day, or at any London Drugs location from now until the end of flu season, a life-saving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF Canada to immunize children in another country. The vaccination donation campaign is in partnership with I Boost Immunity (IBI), an online immunization advocacy network.

There has never been a better time to get your flu shot. Not will you be protecting yourself and high risk individuals in the local community, but you will also be supporting two very important children’s charities. Win-win!

Flu shots are also conveniently available seven days a week by appointment or on a walk-in basis at any London Drugs location. To learn more about getting the flu shot at London Drugs, visit: LondonDrugs.com/flu.

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

London Drugs Launches Potentially Life-Saving Hepatitis C Screening at Pharmacies

Potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening now available at the pharmacy

Every Canadian born between 1945 and 1975 should get tested

An innovative and potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening is now available at five London Drugs locations in the Lower Mainland.

Patients can now undertake a simple finger prick test at the pharmacy to check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) at some point in the past. The test, called the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, is more than 99% accurate at detecting HCV antibodies and provides results in 20 minutes.

In cases of a positive result, pharmacists refer patients to their family doctor for a diagnostic lab test. Pharmacists provide initial counselling regarding the potential diagnosis and education about the ability to cure HCV.

The program launches on the heels of new testing guidelines published by the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver recommending that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 get tested for the potentially liver-destroying virus.

There are approximately 80,000 British Columbians believed to be infected with hepatitis C and the province has one of the highest rates of new cases per year in Canada. Many are unaware they harbour the blood-borne virus because it can take decades before symptoms become evident. Early diagnosis can help patients avoid potentially serious liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Watch: Got 20 minutes? Get tested for Hepatitis C

Got 20 minutes? Get tested for Hepatitis C

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

Peninsula Village Mall 15355 – 24th Avenue South Surrey, British Columbia V4A 2H9 Pharmacy: (604) 535-3281	Park Royal North 875 Park Royal North West Vancouver, British Columbia V7T 1H9 Pharmacy: (604) 926-9616	Kerrisdale 2091 W 42nd Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V6M 2B4 Pharmacy: (604) 263-1811

West Broadway 525 West Broadway Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1E6 Pharmacy: (604) 872-5177	Granville & Georgia 710 Granville St. Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 1E4 Pharmacy: (604) 685-5292

How Parents Can Help With Anxiety in Young Children

Returning to school after summer vacation can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for kids and their parents. The start of school may be especially challenging for children who are starting at kindergarten or a new school. Some anxiety is a normal response—most kids experience mild back-to-school uneasiness that gradually fades once they meet their teacher and settle in to class.

Here are some tips for parents to help your child with back-to-school anxiety so they can prepare for a successful new school year.

Listen to their concerns

Whether it is getting a new teacher, schoolwork, dealing with a bully, or missing a friend, listen carefully and avoid dismissing their fears. Kids often have worries! Validate their feelings and give them gentle reassurance that everything will be fine—but don’t overdo it. Keep the conversation short and casual.

Re-introduce term-time routine

After the laid-back, fun-filled summer months of playtime, sleep-ins, and family outings, the transition back to a routine can be challenging. Sometimes it’s met with a lot of resistance—not just for children! A week or two before school begins, start to re-introduce school year routines gradually such as picking out clothes the night before, waking up, eating, and going to bed at regular times.

Schedule a rehearsal

Much like adults are often advised to do when preparing for an important job interview, a trial run before the real thing can go a long way towards easing anxiety. Do a walk-through of your kid’s daily route to school. If you can meet their new teacher, walk the halls, and visit their new classroom before term starts, take advantage of the opportunity. Becoming familiar with the surroundings will prepare them for the first day of school and alleviate any fears of the unknown as will seeing a familiar face on the first day!

Get them excited to see their classmates

Arrange a playdate or two with some of their school friends before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a friend during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.

Plan a fun treat

Give your child something fun to look forward to after the first week of school. It could be a trip to the movies or a bowling alley or to the swimming pool. Perhaps invite one of their school friends to join them! Give them something to look forward to, even though they have to go back to school!

If your child needs extra support to make a successful transition, let someone at school know — the teacher, an aide or the principal. Anxiety symptoms that persist beyond the first month of term may require consultation with an expert.

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