RICHMOND, BC, September 2, 2009 – As thousands of children return to school this fall, London Drugs will be teaching children how they can prevent the spread viruses and bacteria through their Operation WASHUP workshops. As school hallways and classrooms provide a breeding ground for germs, one of the top recommendations from health care professionals is to correctly wash your hands and to do so often. Correct hand washing involves approximately thirty seconds of warm water with soap all over the hand. With regular hand washing the likelihood of germs being spread around the classroom will be reduced, as will the chance of students spreading infectious cold and flu viruses. To assist with health care planning, London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacists are providing a program for young students across Western Canada.
Ideal for children aged six to eight years old; Operation WASHUP is sponsored by London Drugs and available to schools at no charge. The interactive workshop teaches students the proper six-step hand-washing technique that will help prevent the spread of disease caused by germs. A hand-washing demonstration using UV light illustrates how easily unclean areas of hands can be missed without the proper steps of WASHUP. School representatives can contact their nearest London Drugs and arrange a workshop with a London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacist.
In addition to Operation WASHUP, London Drugs also offers a program on food allergies. AllerGWhiz is suitable for those aged eight to ten years old; AllerGWhiz explains food allergies, the importance of not sharing lunches, the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do during one. The London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacist leads an interactive workshop where students are encouraged to share their knowledge of and experiences with allergies. The program includes an Epipen® Simulator that shows students how to use an auto-injector to administer epinephrine should their classmate experience a reaction. With a special DVD, students will learn the serious nature of allergies and how to help avoid allergic reaction situation amongst themselves and their friends.
London Drugs Pharmacists are committed to the health and wellness of their customers through patient care clinics and one-on-one personal consultation at the department’s individual consulting booths. Parents who want to be further involved with their child’s health management may also want to consult with their London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacist about allergies, asthma and their child’s overall well-being. London Drugs Patient Care Pharmacists undergo extensive in-house training and are provided with continual industry updates and education so that customers receive the most up-to-date treatments and care.
In the photo: London Drugs patient care pharmacist, Pindy Janda, teaches students about hand washing through the use of a UV light.
*For photos and DVD broll please contact Cynnamon Schreinert at London Drugs
About London Drugs
Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs currently has 70 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people and carries a diverse range of health and consumer electronic products. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer appreciation, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Wendy Hartley, London Drugs
604-817-2758, WendyHartley@telus.net
Cynnamon Schreinert, London Drugs
604-802-2733, cynnamon@shaw.ca
Posted September 2, 2009