Visit Your Pharmacy To Help With Your New Year Resolutions, UK

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 04 Jan 2010 - 2:00 PDT

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The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) is encouraging people to visit their local pharmacy to help with their New Year's resolution of giving up smoking. Many community pharmacies now offer stop smoking NHS services, so advice and support is free.

John Turk, NPA Chief Executive said: "Recent research has shown that over half of smokers are resolved to quit in January 2010. Smokers are four times more likely to quit should Nicotine Replacement Therapy be accompanied by support such as that provided in a pharmacy."

There are 5 reasons why pharmacies are a good place to get this support:

1. They have the Knowledge - A pharmacist has in depth training in medicines and their use. This stems from a 4 year degree course in pharmacy followed by one year of pre-registration training. There is then a final professional exam to pass before becoming a registered pharmacist then compulsory continuing professional development.

2. They are Convenient to get to - Most people live within 500 metres of a pharmacy and unlike the GP no appointment is needed

3. They are Confidential - Due to the professional ethics contained in the Pharmacy code of practice. Additionally most pharmacies now have consultation areas where you can discuss your medical queries in private

4. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are realistic and appreciate the difficulties in giving up smoking. They are not there to judge you just to support you and make certain the method of quitting is right for you

5. They will provide continuity of care - within the framework of a counselling based programme. The pharmacist will become the point of contact throughout the entire process of giving up smoking or losing weight. This is a vital element in successfully achieving your goal.

Government policy is to create a network of healthy living pharmacies. Community pharmacies advise on a range of other healthy living matters such as appropriate alcohol use, weight management and physical activity.

Source
National Pharmacy Association

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