Lately in the news, there has been a lot of stories about people buying and selling prescription narcotics or pain medications on the streets. Prescription medications are becoming more of a problem and with the exception of alcohol, prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused substance.  In January, the state of Minnesota enacted the Prescription Monitoring Program. This program is designed to monitor the prescribing and disbursement of prescription drugs designated as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This program will stop patients from using several physicians to get their controlled medications. Several other states already have a prescription monitoring program. Studies have shown that these states have a lower incidence of hospital admissions due to drug abuse. Hopefully we will see the same affect in our state.

Happy Friday everyone! We hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful sunshine!

We invite you to MedSave on Monday for two events that will be taking place. We are having our monthly customer appreciation day so make sure you stop by for a treat on us and we are also excited to have Comforting Life Solutions join us for the day. Below is some information about Comforting Life Solutions and the service they provide but make sure you stop by the pharmacy on Monday to learn even more about them. They offer a wonderful, affordable Medical ID card that could save your life! Read below for more info!

911 Medical ID – The card that can save your life!

The Medical ID card is the “Next Generation” Portable Personal Health Record USB device. This card is simple to use and can easily be found in an emergency and quickly accessed by emergency personnel.

Benefits of the Medical ID

• Easy to use and keep updated
• Simple way to transfer medical information to any medical provider.
• Card is small enough to keep in your wallet.
• Medallion style is available and ideal for children, seniors & special needs groups.
• Keep your health and medical records and that of up to 10 others on one card or medallion.
• Protects you from medical errors.
• One time low price of $35.99
• Lifetime software upgrades at no charge.
• You have total information privacy and sole control over information on the card and who sees it.
• Your Living Will or Power of Attorney documents are always with you.
• In an emergency, it could save your life!

Join us for our upcoming seminar on Thursday, February 25th from 10:00 – 11:30 am at WoodsEdge Senior Living.

Kristin Klinfelter, Registered Dietician will discuss the top nutrition concerns for older adults in their golden years. The focus will be on balanced nutrition and practical tips to help you achieve optional health. Stay for a complimentary healthful lunch, including Chef Ed’s homemade speciality soup, bread and light dessert!

Presentation and lunch will be held at WindSong Catered Living Aparatments, 1010 Anne Street NW in Bemidji.

Space is limited!!! Please RSVP to MedSave at 759-1222.

MedSave and LifeQuest Chiropractic Center teamed up last year for Bemidji’s first Senior Expo. We are in the beginning stages of planning the 2nd Annual Senior Expo for 2010 and we are looking for suggestions! This is an educational event and we would like some seminar topics that you think seniors would be interested in learning about. As we get closer to the event we will be advertising when and where the event will be taking place along with seminar topics and an overall description of the event.

Please leave us a comment with your suggestions! Thanks and have a great day!

Several people ask me if they really need a multi-vitamin, because they “eat very well”. My answer is: Yes! Even if you eat very balanced and healthy, there is a possibility that you are not getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. In addition, some vitamins do not absorb due to interactions with certain medications or other factors. One example of this is Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, among other things. If you are taking Metformin, a Diabetes medication or any “acid-reducer”, you many not be absorbing Vitamin B12 from your food! However, in the supplement form (from a multi-vitamin), your body can absorb it. In addition, as we age, our ability to absorb Vitamin B12 from food diminishes. So, please enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods on a daily basis…and take your multi-vitamin too! If you have questions about certain vitamins, please contact me or a pharmacist at MedSave Family Pharmacy.

Hello! I just wanted to remind everyone of the seminar we are having tomorrow evening at MedSave. If you are feeling down in the dumps join MedSave and Sarah Diehl MSW, LICSW to find out what might be causing your depression. The seminar will be tomorrow from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Please register by calling MedSave at 759-1222.

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Choice Therapy spent almost the entire day yesterday at our pharmacy offering free screenings and assessments to our customers and community. It was a very busy day and we were happy to see all of the people who came in for the screenings and additional things that were taking place. Choice Therapy also handed out free magnets, nail files, and fruit. At MedSave we had information available on our new services, gave out pocket pill containers, decks of cards, granola bars, and bottled water.

Thank you to everyone who came out for a fun day! We always enjoy having you at the pharmacy!

Hello everyone!  At MedSave we love working with people and businesses to help one another reach our goals! On Monday, Choice Therapy is going to be at MedSave from 10:00 to 5:00 pm. They will be informing people about the services they offer to our community as well as doing FREE injury screenings for low back pain, knee/shoulder/ankle injuries, neck pain and hand pain. FREE balance & fall risk assessments will also be available. MedSave will be giving away pocket pill containers, snacks, and information on our  new services!

We would love to have you stop by to take part in the activities!

Hope everyone has a wonderful evening and stay warm!!!

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is doing well!

At MedSave we focus on education. We want people to be educated about their health and be aware of ways to improve their health. We need your help! We would greatly appreciate if you can respond to the following question by leaving a comment. Thanks!

What healthcare needs are not being met in our community?

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a success story with you. If you have a MedSave success story I would love for you to share it with us by leaving a comment. All comments will be approved before appearing on the blog. Please leave you name and phone number on the bottom of your post. (*This information will not be posted online.) I can then call you to tell you when you can come pick up your free gift.

SUCCESS STORY: A patient of ours has been suffering from shingles for several weeks. He had used several different prescription medications without any luck. John, pharmacist at MedSave, suggested to his doctor that we could try our compounded shingles cream. The patient used the cream & had significant results. The patient was very thankful for the services we provide.