November 13, 2007

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay, Jamie and Jimmy.

12:20: Canadian Family is helping parents everywhere by taking the guesswork out of holiday (or Christmas) shopping. Over 180 toys have been tested by both Canadian Family expert editors, their very own children and families all over Canada. By the way, all of this year’’s selections are non-toxic.
Guest: Jen Reynolds, Editor in Chief, Canadian Family Magazine.

12:35: A visit with Dr. Joyce Tellier.
Guest: Dr. Joyce Tellier, Naturopathic doctor over at Webber natural pharmaceuticals.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy segment.
Guest: Hilton.

Pharmacist's Changing Role !

On April 1st 2007 new legislation came into effect that now allows Alberta pharmacists to expand the scope of services they can offer. One of the biggest changes you will see will be that pharmacists now will have limited prescribing authority. Over time some will be authorized to administer drugs by injection. The changes in pharmacy are designed to provide better care, improved drug therapy and access to superior care. Communication is the key to better health care, everybody on the team plays a role, the doctor, the pharmacist, other health care providers and above all, the patient. The pharmacist is an integral member than insures the the patient gets the most benefit from their medication. The new law allows pharmacists the option to prescribe and give injections but it does not obligate them. What is a prescribing pharmacist? The pharmacist is to have a partnership with another health care professional after a diagnosis or decision for treatment has been made. Therefore prescribing by pharmacists will not replace the need to see a doctor. Pharmacists will be able to adapt a prescription, and notify the doctor afterwards, preventing delays. The pharmacist will also be allowed to provide refills of a drug the patient regularly takes, until he/she is able to see the doctor. In case of an emergency, and are in need of immediate drug therapy, the pharmacist can prescribe a small amount of a drug to treat the symptoms until the patient can see a health care professional to make a diagnosis. Working with a doctor, a pharmacist will be authorized to manage drug therapy, as in a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure for patients. The pharmacist can adjust the dose or the drug so it best suite the needs of the patient. The pharmacist will monitor the effect to new drugs, and ensuring that the therapy is optimal. Pharmacists will not be able to prescribe narcotics or controlled drugs. This is just the beginning of what pharmacists will be able to provide. The journey for the pharmacist should become a drug information or therapy consultant to those who are presently make the decisions, the physicians and the self-medicating patients. It has even been suggested that the ultimate gaol should be to give the pharmacist responsibility for prescribing medication and monitoring the patients response to a drug therapy regimen.