Pursuing Wellness At The Pharmacy
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. A local pharmacy often offers multiple products without a prescription to help people avoid illness and disease. Vitamins, vaccinations, tobacco cessation products, supplements, and even birth control can be picked up at the pharmacy. Take a proactive approach to health with products designed to promote wellness.
Get vaccinated
Staying up-to-date with necessary vaccines can be a lot to keep track of. Different recommendations exist for different age groups, and some shots, like the flu vaccine, must be given yearly. When a vaccine is required but a trip to the doctor isn’t scheduled soon, the pharmacy is a great option to consider. Pharmacists are trained to know exactly what type of vaccine each person needs and can administer the shot at a convenient time and date. Avoid long wait times and crowded doctor’s offices with an easy trip to the pharmacy.
Pick up your vitamins
A local pharmacy offers multiple vitamin options. Some are formulated for specific life stages, such as pregnancy, while other options may cater to specific age groups, such as seniors, who likely have increased needs for vitamin B12 and calcium. In some cases, an additional supplement, such as vitamin D, may be required if a person has a deficiency. Although most people can find the right vitamin by simply perusing the supplement aisle, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist for help. This experienced health professional can steer individuals in the right direction to find a vitamin that meets health needs without the risk of potential side effects.
Supplement your health
Beyond the traditional multivitamin, various other supplements are available at the pharmacy. Elderberry to prevent colds, garlic and ginger supplements to control blood pressure (BP), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to boost fertility are just a few examples of herbal wonders. The pharmacist can point the consumer in the right direction, advise on proper dosing, and check for any known interactions with other drugs or supplements.
Tobacco cessation at the pharmacy
Quitting smoking is hard. Finding the right products to support a tobacco-free lifestyle doesn’t have to be so complicated. Most pharmacies carry various smoking cessation products, such as nicotine gum and patches, that can be purchased without a prescription. A pharmacist can advise on the correct dose and how best to use or apply the product.
Birth control without a prescription?
Most of the time, a doctor’s visit and prescription are needed to obtain birth control. However, an OTC progestin-only option may be available from the pharmacy in some cases. While this is excellent news for the many women who rely on contraception to prevent pregnancy, education on the proper use of the medication remains crucial. A pharmacist can walk the user through how to take the pill for maximum effectiveness and possible side effects to watch for.
Wellness your way
Staying healthy shouldn’t involve multiple trips to the doctor. A local pharmacy often carries many OTC products that can improve health. Whether the concern is smoking cessation or pregnancy prevention, many medications, supplements, and vaccines are available without a prescription. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a pharmacist for further guidance on taking advantage of all the products and services offered by a pharmacy.
