Tis the season for unhealthy habits and unwelcome illness to wreak havoc on our bodies.
With the seasons changing and holidays just around the corner, it’s hard for many people to keep up with their health.
But as an independent community pharmacist, you can help patients combat unhealthy habits and prevent illness by encouraging them to stay healthy during the upcoming months.
Here are some ways to help patients stay on track with their health this fall and winter.
1. Offer flu shots
Studies show that getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of flu by 50 to 60 percent. And, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccination.
Considering the amount of people who miss school and work each year due to the flu virus, it’s vital that patients receive their flu shots.
Offering flu shots at your pharmacy makes getting vaccinated convenient for patients. And the more convenient it is, the more likely patients will get a flu shot and increase their chance of staying healthy throughout the flu season.
2. Start a health and wellness program
For many patients, it’s difficult to stay on track with their mental and physical health during the fall and winter months. But, sometimes all your patients need is a little guidance on how to make healthy habits a priority again.
Start a health and wellness program at your pharmacy to help patients stay healthy throughout the tougher months.
Focus on mental health by promoting meditation, and physical health by promoting hydration, diet and nutrition. Work with patients on setting up weekly meal plans and provide them with healthy recipes to try.
3. Start a fitness education program
Laziness tends to increase when it’s cold outside, causing people to have trouble managing their weight. But your patients need to understand the importance of being physically active, regardless of the weather.
Encourage patients to get a jump-start on their New Year’s resolutions by starting a fitness education program.
Educate patients on the types of exercises best suited for their individual needs, and work with them to achieve weekly or monthly exercise goals.
You could even partner with a local health club or physical therapist to offer this program.
4. Stock helpful over-the-counter (OTC) products
Your pharmacy’s front end is essentially a medicine cabinet full of products that can help patients stay healthy as the seasons change.
Consider creating end caps or displays of these items to remind patients of the benefits these products can provide during the colder months.
Products to promote in your front end include:
- Vitamins
- Supplements
- Skin and lip moisturizers
- Sunscreen
- Cleaning supplies
- Hand sanitizer
5. Utilize online resources
Your online resources are some of the best tools you have at your disposal to educate and encourage patients to keep up with their health.
Create blog posts and share tips and helpful information on your social media sites to keep your patients in-the-know.
For example, post healthy recipes on social media or create a blog post about the top recommended vitamins and supplements to boost patients’ energy levels and immune systems.
Use these tools to spark conversations with patients online, so you can offer encouragement and answer any questions they may have quickly and conveniently.
It’s important to keep your employees healthy, too. Check out these 10 tips for promoting employee health and wellness at your pharmacy.
