100 million Americans live with chronic pain - that’s more than those with heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined. Understanding the underlying causes of your pain can help improve other areas of your health. That’s why Pain Awareness Month is the perfect time to assess your physical health and take steps to prioritize your overall wellbeing. Here are three tips to keep in mind this month that will help you feel your best:  

Tip #1: Put Your Health First  

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to ignore the signs our bodies send, telling us that something is wrong. Concealing minor pain can often lead to more serious problems down the line. Scheduling regular checkups with a physician can help you treat minor problems before they become more serious.

Tip #2: Understand Treatment Options

We all experience pain differently, and our regimen to treat and manage that pain should be just as personalized. The U.S. Pain Foundation’s “My Pain Plan” allow people with chronic pain to create a unique, personalized treatment plan. This great resource can help you start a dialogue with your healthcare provider and chart a course for an effective treatment plan.

Tip #3: Manage Your Pain and Maximize Your Savings

An effective pain management strategy shouldn’t break the bank. By participating in prescription discount programs like Community Cares Rx, you’ll have free unlimited access to resources to help you save money. Online tools allow you to locate a pharmacy and research drug pricing and availability, helping to make your prescriptions more affordable.

For more details on Community Cares Rx and other programs that provide cost savings on prescription medications, please visit www.communitycaresrx.com.

With the first day of fall officially in the books, health experts across the nation are discussing the possibility of a COVID-19 resurgence in the coming weeks. Countries in Europe and Asia have already started to fend off a second wave of the disease, and as the weather starts to get cooler, it’s important to be prepared and stay vigilant about your health.  

Wondering what you can do to stay a step ahead and remain healthy this season? Here are a few tips:

1. Get a flu shot
   Vaccination season is underway, and the CDC says it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. In addition to staying healthy, getting your flu shot is a simple way for everyone to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, and allow them to focus time and resources on treating COVID-19 patients. To get your flu shot, contact or visit your local pharmacy – many accept walk-in appointments!
   
2. Know your local COVID-19 guidelines
   Many parts of the country have seen schools and businesses reopen, or attempt to reopen, in recent weeks. States, cities and counties may have different regulations in place, so it’s helpful to know what precautions your community is taking. While some communities are easing restrictions, others are increasing them – and this is likely to keep changing as our knowledge of the pandemic evolves throughout the fall. Local regulations are designed to keep you safe and are following the latest data available. Remember, just because a restaurant or store has re-opened, they could close back up again. Find the latest restrictions your state’s Department of Health website to keep yourself up to date.
   
3. Keep up the recommended prevention techniques
   During the summer, spending time outside was a great way to stay active and relatively safe, as COVID-19 is less transmittable in the open air. With cooler temperatures on the horizon, we will soon find ourselves back indoors, but it’s still as important to continue the same recommended prevention techniques. Make sure to keep washing your hands, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Out in public, maintain six feet apart from other people and wear a face covering at all times – and don’t forget to wash your cloth mask after each use!

While preparing for a safe and healthy season, it can be helpful to find ways to save on your everyday medications by participating in prescription discount programs like Community Cares Rx. For information on Community Cares Rx and other cost-saving programs that can help you find discounts on prescription medications, please visit www.paramountrx.com.

Do you know if you’re up to date on your vaccinations? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of American adults get sick each year from diseases that vaccines can prevent. That’s why August is the perfect time to prioritize your health and update your immunizations.  In honor of National Immunization Month, check out the tips below to help keep you and your family healthy all year long.

Tip #1: Utilize Free Resources

Different vaccines are recommended based on your age, occupation, or health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or heart disease. Keeping up with boosters and seasonal vaccines can be overwhelming and difficult to track. The CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide is a comprehensive resource that leads you through every vaccine – from pregnancy to adulthood! Pay close attention to this guide, as immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time.

Tip #2: Community Immunity 

When you get vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and your community. Community immunity protects everyone, but it’s especially important for vulnerable populations that can’t get vaccinated for certain diseases. For example, some babies are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies or weakened immune systems. Opting in to annual vaccines help you protect your loved ones and community!

Tip #3: Don’t Break the Bank

Doctor visits, prescriptions and hospital bills can add up to thousands of dollars. In addition to getting annual vaccinations, doing a little research can help you maximize your health care savings. By participating in prescription discount programs like Community Cares Rx, you’ll have free unlimited access to resources to help you save money. Online tools allow you to locate a pharmacy and research drug pricing and availability, helping to make your prescriptions more affordable.

For more details on Community Cares Rx and other programs that provide cost savings on prescription medications, please visit www.communitycaresrx.com.

Ronald Richmond, R.Ph., MPH, Senior Vice President of Provider Relations, Paramount Rx

How are pharmacists implementing drive-thru COVID-19 testing? What are the challenges and opportunities with this type of testing?

The pharmacy industry is working rapidly to make more testing available to the public. While testing may be available at both chain and independent pharmacies, a majority of the drive-thru COVID-19 tests are being implemented by major chain pharmacies using appointment-based services. These drive-thru tests are administered primarily through supervised self-swabbing, which minimizes physical contact and provides a greater sense of safety. Some pharmacies are even distributing at-home self-swab test kits, reducing in-person contact to virtually zero. State regulations regarding which services pharmacists can perform under their scope of practice has been a hurdle. However, the states have been working to address these challenges. This may include authorizing pharmacists to provide testing under existing practice laws or waiving the requirement for collaborative practice arrangements to provide testing. Overall, the addition of pharmacy COVID-19 testing services will provide greater access to testing, which can help to identify positive cases more quickly and get patients to self-quarantine and any treatment they may need faster.

In your opinion, what is the most important role of pharmacists right now?

There are three critical components I believe should be a top priority at this time:

1. Improving medication therapy outcomes by driving medication adherence
2. Providing a local, accessible destination for preventive care services, such as immunizations
3. Providing patient education on medications and health-related matters

How has COVID-19 changed the dynamics between pharmacists and patients?

The increased use of remote prescription services, such a delivery and mail-in orders, has eliminated face-to-face contact normally seen in pharmacist-patient interactions at the counter. This is a critical component of pharmacist-patient relationships, as it enhances the sense of community and trust. As pharmacies deal with short supplies or unavailable stock of essential items, pharmacists are adapting to provide patients with alternative products and resources. For example, if a pharmacy is out of alcohol swabs or Acetaminophen, the pharmacist can be consulted to suggest a safe alternative product.

Do you believe pharmacists will play a larger role in patient care moving forward?

In several states, pharmacists are already playing a larger role in delivering patient care. These services may include prescribing oral contraceptives, conducting finger-stick blood tests for blood glucose or throat swab tests for strep, and providing diabetes education, to name a few. The availability of these types of expanded services will vary depending on the state you live in, and the type of service. States must often expand their pharmacists’ scope of practice under the law to allow them to perform these services.  Services that integrate well with normal pharmacy workflow, such as walk-up immunizations, can usually be offered at all pharmacies. In contrast, services that require more time or a private room, like diabetes education, may only be available on an appointment basis at select pharmacies.

How do you believe COVID-19 will impact the pharmacy industry in the long-term?

While it may likely impact industry procurement and preparedness practices, I’m not sure that COVID-19 will significantly impact pharmacy practice. Many pharmacists already provide testing services, so using local pharmacists to administer COVID-19 testing is not necessarily a new concept. Pharmacy drive thru testing is a new concept and may be impactful on normal workflow during pandemics, but it should not present a practice challenge for pharmacists, especially when acting in a supervisory role for self-swab tests. In addition, when the COVID-19 vaccine is available, most pharmacies will already have the infrastructure in place to administer the immunizations. During the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, pharmacists learned how support the distribution and tracking of an allocated government-procured vaccine, build reporting mechanisms to account for administered doses and work with payers to secure reimbursement for the administration of the vaccine. I believe that this H1N1 experience, coupled with the expansion of provider seasonal and non-seasonal immunization services in subsequent years, has left pharmacists well prepared to assist in the mitigation of this pandemic when a vaccine becomes available. 

For more details on Community Cares Rx and other programs that provide cost savings on prescription medications, please visit www.paramountrx.com.

Did you know taking a vacation could actually help you live longer? For many Americans, summer vacation is a chance to relax, recharge and take a well-needed mental health break. As summer heats up, families are considering whether or not it’s safe to vacation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and fun vacation this month:

1. Plan your trip in advance

When choosing a destination, be sure to check travel restrictions, as well as state and local regulations. Remember to pack ample hand sanitizer, face masks and disinfectant wipes. Also, stock up on any prescription you may need while traveling. If you’re taking prescription drugs for common ailments like blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, participating in a program like Community Cares Rx could help you save up to 70 percent off generic medications.

2. Embrace the outdoors

With most indoor attractions closed, you’ll most likely be spending the majority of your time outdoors and away from crowds. Your options are endless when it comes to outdoor fun! Plan a hike followed by a picnic, relax on a secluded beach or cross a national landmark off your bucket list. No matter how you’re enjoying the great outdoors, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. And don’t forget to reapply! Sunscreen should be applied at least every two hours, or more frequently when sweating or swimming.

3. Mix it up with a staycation

If you’re still wary about traveling this summer, bring the vacation to you! With a little creativity, you can transform your home into the perfect summer oasis. While you’re enjoying your staycation, take the opportunity to unplug and disconnect from unnecessary stressors like email alerts. According to The Vision Council, roughly 65 percent of Americans suffer from digital eye strain. Even if you can’t completely avoid the internet, it’s a good idea to limit your screen time. Your brain will thank you for going off the grid for some much-needed recharging.

Whether you’re taking a road trip or enjoying a staycation this summer, a little preparation can help you save money and protect your health so you can relax and enjoy your time with loved ones. For more details on Community Cares Rx and other programs that provide cost savings on prescription medications, please visit www.communitycaresrx.com.

As patients, we take prescriptions to improve our health, so it can be confusing and scary when our prescriptions are recalled. However, most of the time there’s no need for alarm, as the FDA actually recalls drugs on a weekly basis for minor reasons like adverse side effects, mislabeling and manufacturing defects. So, what should you do when your medication is recalled? Check out the tips below to safely navigate a drug recall:

1. Get all the information

If your medication is recalled, don’t panic. Most recalls are initiated out of an abundance of caution to help keep the public safe. You may even hear about the recall before your pharmacist is able to reach out to you. If this is the case, it’s important to continue taking your medication until you speak with your healthcare provider, as some medications are critical for your health. By signing up for the FDA’s Recall, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts, you can stay informed on the latest prescription news and recalls.  

2. Make an action plan

After finding out that your prescription is recalled, verify whether your exact medication is affected by looking at the manufacturer, lot number and expiration date. If you’re unsure where to find this information, reach out to your pharmacist for help. If your exact medication is recalled, your pharmacist may be able to get the same medication from a different drug company. After discussing with your doctor, be sure to properly dispose of the recalled drug by following the FDA’s Disposal of Unused Medicines instructions. Pro tip: Take the opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet of expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine!

3. Start saving money

If your medication is recalled, it may be time to switch to an alternative medication. No matter what prescriptions you’re taking, be sure to utilize online tools to find the best possible price on your medications. Print out a free prescription discount card at www.communitycaresrx.com. A digital version of the card is also available via text or email.

For more details on Community Cares Rx and other programs that provide cost savings on prescription medications, please visit www.communitycaresrx.com.

The details of your sex life are one of the most intimate and private things you hold in life. Anything that interferes with these moments, such as erectile dysfunction, can lead to a litany of problems. Sharing these difficult topics with a professional may seem even more dubious. 

You’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction affects 30 million Americans, and, thanks to medical advancements, many treatment options exist if you can’t consistently get or maintain an erection. We took a more detailed look at the various medications and alternative treatment methods available to get your sex life back on track.More...