Pharmaprix and Sophie Prégent Join Forces for Stronger Women's Health

New Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS Program Putting Women's Health First

MONTREAL, Aug. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Pharmaprix is building on its track record as a leader in women's health by announcing a partnership with Sophie Prégent as part of the new Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS program. Best-known for her TV, theater and film career, Sophie Prégent will act as ambassador for the AIMEZ VOUS program to help women across Quebec focus on making their own health a priority.

"I'm very enthusiastic to join the Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS program as the issue of women's health is something that I care deeply about," said Sophie Prégent. "I know, like so many other women, how our busy lives can distract us from taking care of ourselves. That's why I'm honoured to join forces with Pharmaprix to help make women's health a priority – because you're at your best when you love you."

Over the past five years, Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix have put women's health first by raising more than $57 million on behalf of its customers, associate owners and their store teams – including $14 million in Quebec.  These funds have benefited more than 1.5 million women through local, regional and national women's health initiatives, including 400 000 women in Quebec.

The Pharmaprix LOVE YOU program is the next evolution of this commitment, which supports women's health initiatives through events like:

• Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS Run for Women, supporting local women's mental health in 12 communities across Canada this past year, including Montreal and Quebec City;
• Twice-annual Beauty Galas held at Pharmaprix; in support of breast cancer screening; and
• Growing Women's Health (formerly Tree of Life) campaign in support of community women's health programs.

Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS also shares the resources and expertise of our supported partners at leading women's health organizations with local women's health initiatives across Canada. The newest initiative is a three-year $1 million partnership with Osteoporosis Canada to help build awareness among Pharmaprix customers about how to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and the broken bones it can cause. It will also support continuing education for Pharmaprix pharmacists on how to help patients slow the progression of bone disease through medication, vitamin supplementation and lifestyle changes. Newly created educational resources will be available to Canadians starting in early 2016.

"Pharmacists are accessible and knowledgeable health professionals who can advise women on lifestyle changes, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and medication adherence to reduce the risk of broken bones due to osteoporosis," said Dr. Suzanne Morin, Vice-Chair of the scientific advisory council for Osteoporosis Canada. "Osteoporosis Canada is optimistic that this new partnership with the Pharmaprix AIMEZ VOUS program will help women keep their bones healthy and reduce the risk of fractures."

Facts about Osteoporosis:

• At least 1 in 3 women will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
• 80 per cent of Canadians who break a bone as a result of osteoporosis are never diagnosed with the condition.
• Each year in Canada, a broken bone caused by osteoporosis is more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.
• Osteoporosis and the fractures it causes cost the health care system $2.3 billion each year.

About Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix
Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The Company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With over 1,250 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the Company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The Company also licenses or owns 59 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé in Québec) and six luxury beauty destinations operating as Murale.  As well, the Company owns and operates 62 Shoppers Home Health Care stores, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services.  In addition to its retail store network, the Company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services; and MediSystem Technologies Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities. Shoppers Drug Mart is a unique and independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.  For more information, visit www.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

SOURCE Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation

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Emmanuelle Salesse, Capital-Image, 514 739-1188, extension 223, [email protected]