London Drugs pharmacists have long recognized the importance of helping you be proactive about your health, and of properly disposing of drugs, needles and other medicine-related supplies.

Lately, due to concerns for the environment and unnecessary drug usage, we have stepped up our role as “environmental ambassadors.” Here are some ways in which we can help you support your health and the health of the world in which you live.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We have initiated several programs to cut down on environmental waste and to dispose of waste in a safe manner:

• Medication Returns Program: We accept expired or unused medications for safe disposal. (The medications are safely incinerated, preventing them from entering landfills, sewers and the environment at large.)
• Diabetic Needle Disposal Program: With the purchase of 100 BD syringes or pen needles, you will receive a certified biohazard needle disposal container free of charge. (If you are not buying needles, you may still purchase a container for a nominal charge.) Filled containers may be returned to a London Drugs pharmacy and we will dispose of the contents in a way that is safe for the public and the environment.
• Recycling of vials, bottles and lids: To reduce overall waste, in June of this year, our pharmacies began to recycle vials, bottles and lids used for prescriptions. Since this program is presently limited to containers used in-store, we encourage our customers to also recycle empty prescription bottles and vials (marked with the recycling triangle and either “2” or “5”) through their local municipal recycling program.

Helping You be Proactive
Taking a proactive role in your health and well being conserves resources and helps you attain your wellness goals. London Drugs pharmacies are an excellent resource for wellness, offering health supplements, educational books and CDs, and fitness support equipment. Our Patient Care Pharmacists also hold a number of clinics throughout the year to help you better understand your health condition or to provide preventive/support services such as flu vaccinations and help with quitting smoking. Many of our clinics provide you with the opportunity to take better charge of your health, by screening you for risk factors. During an Osteoporosis Screening Clinic, for example, you will be given a personal risk assessment for bone fracture and pointers on how to reduce your personal risk for developing the condition.

Clinics scheduled regularly in our stores include:

• Heart Health
• Osteoporosis Screening
• Smoking Cessation
• Sun Awareness
• Flu Vaccination
• Living with Diabetes (three separate clinics)

Please check our website for a full listing of clinic dates.

Fitness and wellness support products that may be purchased from the pharmacy include a variety of blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, pedometers, and peak flow meters for asthma. (Many of our pharmacies have a Device Trainer on staff to help you make full use out of the device you purchase.) Our stores also carry a range of humidifiers, air purifiers and vaporizers.

Support When Using Natural Products...
Do you routinely use (or wish to try) natural health supplements such as herbal formulations? As we become more aware of the health benefits derived from natural therapies, many people are adding a bottle or two to their shopping basket. While most natural supplements can complement your overall health plan, some should not be used in conjunction with specific prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. (For example, ginkgo biloba, a herb commonly used to enhance memory, can augment the blood thinning abilities of warfarin.)

Your London Drugs pharmacist can help you make safe choices in your quest for natural health therapies. Our pharmacists have received special education in the use of vitamins, herbal remedies and homeopathic medications and can help you determine the product best suited to your specific needs. The pharmacist can also determine what natural products may interfere with conventional drug therapies and/or cause undesirable side effects.

...and a Wide Selection of Supplements
Our pharmacies carry a wide selection of health supplements, including vitamins and minerals, herbal formulations, homeopathic remedies, meal replacement bars and drinks, and lotions and creams for pain relief. Here is a partial list of what we have “in-store” for your improved well being:

• Melatonin capsules for sleep problems and jet lag;
• Flaxseed oil and Omega 3, 6, 9 capsules for heart health, depression, arthritis and general well being;
• Natural hormone replacement therapies;
• Noni and pomegranate juices for antioxidant power;
• Various cardiovascular support supplements such as garlic, l-arginine, and fish oils (Omega-3);
• Green energy formula capsules and powders for nutritional/ antioxidant support;
• Natural formulas for winter ills, including echinacea and goldenseal;
• Natural supplements for male health, such as prostate and erectile dysfunction support;
• Glucosamine and MSM supplements for joint support;
• Essential oils, lotions and creams for pain relief, including the pain of arthritis;
• Nutritional and meal replacement bars/drinks;
• Weight management support formulations.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the many ways in which London Drugs pharmacists can help you live better naturally while actively supporting the environment. We look forward to personally answering any questions you may have about achieving your wellness goals.