On behalf of the more than 22,000 inde- pendent community pharmacies across the country represented by the National Community Pharmacists Association, it is my pleasure to share with you Matters of Health, a resource to help you live a healthier life.
As small business owners, community pharmacists are proud members of their community and share the commitment of our family, friends and neighbors to see our communities be the best they can be. Your local independent pharmacy employs local residents, utilizes local sup- pliers when possible and contributes to the health and economy of its community. We think of our patients as members of our extended family and are here to help you improve your health. Understanding and being aware of illnesses is an integral part of your well-being. Inside this issue, you’ll find articles on topics such as symptoms you should never ignore, weight management, shingles and bladder control. Your community pharmacist is uniquely positioned to answer many of your health and medication questions. Pharmacists are among the most acces- sible healthcare providers and are, first and foremost, medication experts. From questions about side effects, dosage
amounts, potential drug interactions, preventing drug abuse and more, your community pharmacist is there to assist you. Consider us your one-stop resource for answers.
Independent community pharmacists specialize in providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Yes, we spend part of our day making sure your prescriptions are filled correctly, but we can also pro- vide you with specialized services such as synchronizing your medication refills to save you time and help you continue to take your medication as directed. More than 65 percent of community pharma- cies offer on-the-spot immunizations, giving you convenient access to your annual flu shot or other vaccinations. Ad- ditionally, many pharmacies offer blood pressure monitoring and diabetes training to help patients better manage chronic conditions.
Having trouble affording your prescrip- tions? Independent community pharma- cists will work with you and your other healthcare providers to identify the most cost-effective medication for you. Think of your community pharmacist as part of your healthcare team.
Thank you for choosing your local com- munity pharmacy, and we hope to see you again soon.
