Father’s Day is this Sunday—but that’s not the only upcoming opportunity to recognize men in your community. This week, June 15-21, 2015, is Men’s Health Week, an awareness period aimed at encouraging men to take care of their health, and to raise awareness about the many preventable health problems that affect men.
As an independent community pharmacist, you have men in your pharmacy every day—and many might not be taking the measures they need to stay healthy.
In honor of Men’s Health Week, build awareness about the importance of men’s health in your pharmacy. Here are some ideas.
1. Wear blue
The Men’s Health Network sponsors Wear Blue Days to build awareness about the importance of men’s health, and to encourage men to live healthier lives. You can show your support by choosing a day this week for your pharmacy to “go blue.” When patients ask why you and your staff are all wearing blue, let them know you’re celebrating Men’s Health Week, and educate them on the importance of men’s health.
2. Collect donations at the register
Collect donations for the Men’s Health Network in your pharmacy to help your patients make a difference. Ask if patients would like to make a donation each time someone picks up a prescription or checks out at the register. You can easily send in the donations you collect with this form.
3. Offer health screenings
Offer all the male patients who visit your pharmacy this week a fast and free health screening, like cholesterol, A1C or blood pressure. Use this screening to counsel them about any health issues they might be experiencing, and invite them to come back to your pharmacy again, so you can work together toward their health goals.
4. Display gendered products
Make a prominent display using front-end products for men. From your stock of male shampoos and deodorants to supplements that are especially beneficial to men, your male patients will appreciate the extra convenience of having their favorite products up front.
And, a recent study from the University of Miami School of Business Administration found that men and women both are more likely to buy male-oriented and female-oriented products, respectively. So putting your male-oriented products front and center this week is likely to boost sales in more ways than one.
5. Post on social media
Use Men’s Health Week as an opportunity to engage with your male patients on social media. Post facts about men’s health issues that your patients might not be aware of, and promote your products and services that can help. (The Men’s Health Network offers plenty of facts and resources on their website.) Don’t forget to use hashtags, like #menshealthmonth or #showusyourblue, to connect your posts to nationwide promotions. You could even post a picture of your staff on the day you all wear blue.
6. Set up a mini health fair
You don’t need to host a large event to build awareness. Host a “mini health fair” in your pharmacy by setting up tables or a display with brochures on health topics related to men’s health, such as heart health, blood pressure or prostate cancer. Use this opportunity to talk with your male patients about issues that can affect their health.
If you can’t celebrate this week, don’t fret! June is Men’s Health Month, so keep your celebrations going through the end of the month.
