RAISING AWARENESS THIS MONTH IN HEALTH


Each edition, our new guide will highlight some key health awareness days and weeks in the UK, giving pharmacies practical ways to engage patients, improve health outcomes and boost their local presence. From screening and advice to educational campaigns, explore ways to make a meaningful impact for your patients.


Key Dates in June


Men’s Health Week Runs from June 8 to June 14


• Data shows that men are less likely to visit a GP, so pharmacies could bridge the gap. Use this week to offer health initiatives like blood pressure checks or stop smoking support.


• Create a men’s health display in store promoting heart health supplements, multivitamins for men and joint care support.


• Use your social media channels to raise awareness of silent conditions such as heart disease, mental health and prostate issues.


• Engage the community by partnering with local workplaces, gyms and sports clubs to offer health advice and leaflets.


Access more resources and ideas at www.menshealthforum.org.uk


World Blood Donor Day June 14


• Raise awareness in branch by setting up blood donation displays with posters, leaflets and FAQs.


• Collaborate with local donation centres to share upcoming donation sessions in your local community.


• You could provide blood pressure and wellness checks and offer guidance on preparing to give blood.


• Promote related products, online and in-store, such as iron supplements and hydration drinks.


• Use your social media channels to share donor stories, facts and tips.


Access more resources and ideas at blood.co.uk


International Self-Care Day July 24


• Self-care describes the role of individuals in preventing disease, managing their mental and physical health and actively participating in their healthcare. You can encourage walk in advice sessions on lifestyle guidance and promote products that can support patients to manage their own health.


• Create a self-care starter kit to sell to patients - this could include vitamins, first aid, pain relief and stress management items.


• Share simple self-care tips on your social media channels and highlight pharmacy services that support patients with self-care. Short videos work really well.


Access more resources and ideas at www.selfcarefederation.org


Key Dates in July


Alcohol Awareness Week Takes place from July 6 to July 12


• In branch and online, promote safe drinking limits and guidance on local support services.


• Encourage challenges like “dry days” or “moderation week”.


• Promote stress relief products and sleep aids for those who are looking to reduce their alcohol intake.


Access more resources and ideas at alcoholchange.org.uk


Breastfeeding Awareness Week Runs between August 1 and August 7


• Create a breastfeeding support display in branch offering leaflets, helpline details and local support group information. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your pharmacy is a safe, supportive environment for new mums.


• Provide guidance on common concerns like latching issues, sore nipples and feeding frequency. Ensure staff know when to refer to a midwife or health visitor.


• Promote relevant products in store such as nipple creams and breast pads, breast pumps and storage bags and infant relief drops like Infacol. You could even create a new mum support bundle for convenience.


• Use this as an opportunity to support maternal wellbeing in general. For example you could offer checks on mental health, sleep and nutrition, signposting to local or national support services if needed.


• Use social media to promote local breastfeeding groups or drop-ins to demonstrate how you engage with the local community.


Access more resources and ideas at waba.org.my/wbw


International Overdose Awareness Day August 31


• Use social media and displays in branch to raise awareness of overdose risks and how to prevent it.


• Free Naloxone training is often available around August 31 to tie in with the awareness day so it is a good opportunity to train new staff or refresh training for existing staff.


• Provide details for local drug and alcohol services and helplines and make it easy for people to take away information privately.


• Promote harm reduction and where possible support with advice on safe use, needle exchange services or Naloxone supply or awareness.


• Ensure team members feel confident having non-judgemental, confidential discussions and know when to escalate or refer.


Access more resources and ideas at www.overdoseday.com


Key Dates in August


32 scotpharm.com


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