3/26/2013
SGMC and Chancy Drugs to host two “Know Your Prescription” lunch-and-learnsVALDOSTA, GA – March 26, 2013 – South Georgia Medical Center and Chancy Drugs want to educate the community to “Know Your Prescriptions.” SGMC wants to promote awareness about the importance of keeping accurate records and learning about and understanding your medications during Medication Safety Week, April 1 – 7, 2013. Two lunch-and-learn events are scheduled during Medication Safety Week in which licensed pharmacists from SGMC and Chancy Drugs will discuss the importance of medication safety and take questions from the audience. Brown-bag medication checks will be conducted, so participants are encouraged to bring their medications with them. On Tuesday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m., the event will be held at the Senior Citizen Center, 1360 E. Park Avenue, Valdosta. The second opportunity to enjoy this program will be at the new Lake Park YMCA, 5285 Mill Store Road on Thursday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is encouraged for these events and can be made by calling SGMC’s Community Health Promotions at 229.333.1074. Each year in the United States, over 700,000 visits to the emergency departments are from the misuse of medication. And many adverse drug events are preventable. Generally safe when used as prescribed, there are risks in taking any medicine. In fact, over two-thirds of all doctor visits end with a prescription written. “Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are used to treat and manage the symptoms of diseases and help relieve pain and suffering,” explains Cindy Vickery, Registered Pharmacist and Interim Pharmacy Director, SGMC. “But if used incorrectly can result in injury or even death. Patients and caregivers can help reduce the risk of harm from medicines by learning about and practicing medication safety.” Hugh Chancy, owner of Chancy Drugs, currently serves as the 3rd Vice President of the National Community Pharmacy Association as well as on the Georgia Pharmacy Association Board. He is passionate about educating the public regarding the importance of medication safety and improving medication adherence. “Communication is key with our patients,” states Chancy. “It is essential that people are well informed about their medications, possible side effects and how to properly take their medicines. We are excited to work with SGMC in providing this much-needed education to the community.”Medication Safety Week focuses on seven steps to help keep yourself and family members safe and healthy when taking medication. April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet April 2: Know your Medicines April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness April 5: Organize Your Medicines April 6: Transitional Care Awareness April 7: Better Communication with Health SGMC and our local pharmacies encourage each person to take a more active role in their health care. Call 229.333.1074 for more information