Taking Action, Changing Lives: A Decade of Diabetes Care In Action
DARTMOUTH, NS, May 4 /CNW/ - People with diabetes know that managing the condition can be challenging.
That's why nearly 18,000 members of the Diabetes Care In Action program truly value the help they get from their PROfile Pharmacists at Sobeys Pharmacy, Lawtons Drugs and Pharmacy at Price Chopper.
This is more than a typical drug or grocery store loyalty program: it is a vital health care connection for people who often struggle to take control over a serious illness.
Diabetes Care In Action is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. There is no better time than the present to take a look at what makes this program so successful.
It all starts with the pharmacists: a group of dedicated and resourceful health care professionals who live up to the program name by taking their knowledge and skills and putting them into action. Over the past 10 years, as part of the program, PROfile Pharmacists have spent literally thousands of hours updating and refreshing their professional knowledge about diabetes care so that they are in the best position to help their patients achieve better health.
Consider the case of a customer having a low blood sugar emergency at his local Sobeys store. The PROfile Pharmacist on duty rushed to his aid and administered care until paramedics arrived. But this was just the beginning: the pharmacist made certain that the patient safely made it home and scheduled a follow-up consultation the next day, ensuring continuity of care.
This patient and his family have since become comfortable in caring for the condition and are well-equipped to handle any future emergencies.
These anecdotes are hardly uncommon.
The daughter of a man with diabetes approached her PROfile Pharmacist, gravely concerned about her father's health, as he refused to take his diabetes seriously and had recently been hospitalized with heart problems.
The pharmacist immediately signed her up for the Diabetes Care In Action program and her father's turnaround has been remarkable, thanks to the information and advice offered by the PROfile Pharmacist through the program.
His blood sugar is lower, he has lost weight and is now exercising frequently, despite the fact that he does not have access to a family doctor and visits a hospital emergency room for prescription refills.
His thankful daughter credits Diabetes Care In Action for filling the gap in her father's health care needs.
The benefits to patients with diabetes can be seen on a daily basis at PROfile Pharmacies across Canada, with PROfile Pharmacists engaging their patients.
As an ongoing initiative for pharmacy customers, Diabetes Care In Action continues to be an important investment in the health of our communities.
For many patients, this program bridges a significant gap in their health care, as patients receive tools, resources and advice from a trusted health care professional that would otherwise be difficult to access.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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The program began in Atlantic Canada in 2000 at Lawtons Drugs and Sobeys Pharmacy and has since expanded nation-wide to include all of their locations, including Pharmacy at Price Chopper.
Additional program benefits for ongoing pharmacy customers with diabetes include:
- A free subscription to the Diabetes Care In Action newsletter. Mailed or emailed eight times yearly, the newsletter is full of helpful information on diabetes self-management, including lifestyle tips, nutritional strategies, and delicious and healthy recipes. Expert-reviewed by pharmacists and a Certified Diabetes Educator, this resource serves to keep patients connected to their PROfile Pharmacist. - Advance notification for in-store health and wellness clinics and seminars, offering patients free access to additional health care resources, such as Registered Dietitians. - Coupons, discounts and prizes.
WHAT ARE DIABETES CARE IN ACTION MEMBERS SAYING?
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"I find it very interesting as well as informative. My clients (with diabetes) benefit greatly from it..." -D.F., Health care professional
"Thank you for such a practical and helpful newsletter... Yours is one of the letters I look for and read as part of my information gathering. Thank you for being there." - K.P., Diabetes Care member
HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION ON DIABETES CARE IN ACTION
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We're committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes.
Contact us today to learn more about how PROfile Pharmacists are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and how we can continue to serve our communities by putting diabetes care into action for many years to come!
For further information: To arrange for an interview or for more program information, please contact: Sandra Aylward, B.Sc. (Pharm.), R.Ph., Vice-President, Professional and Regulatory Affairs, Lawtons Drugs and Sobeys Pharmacy, 270-236 Brownlow Ave., Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1V5, Tel: (902) 468-1000 ext. 7508, Fax: (902) 468-8566, Email: [email protected]
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