Pharmacy Tips for You and Your Family
When you head to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, you're doing more than just running an errand—you're engaging with your partner in wellness. For many, a trip to the pharmacy can feel transactional, but it’s actually an opportunity to connect with a healthcare professional who can offer a wealth of support and services. Learn how to make the most of your community pharmacy in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Pharmacist Jayshil Patel with Cone Health Community Pharmacy at Eden.
Every time you pick up a prescription, your pharmacist is trained to ask: "Do you have any questions?" It might seem like a formality, but it’s a crucial opportunity.
"It is a very important conversation," Patel explains. "When you talk to the pharmacist, it creates a personal touch." This dialogue helps build a relationship where you know your pharmacist, and they get to know you as a patient. This familiarity allows them to provide more personalized care, ensure you understand your medication, and address any concerns you might have. Don't skip the conversation!
Streamlining Your Pharmacy Experience
Tired of long lines and frequent trips? The pharmacy experience is rapidly evolving to prioritize convenience and ease of use. Cone Health Community Pharmacy offers two major services to make managing your medication simpler:
1. Home Delivery
Long drive-thru lines and waiting at the counter are a common source of dread. Cone Health's solution is free home delivery.
"It takes like about two business days to get your medication at your door," Patel says. Anyone, not just Cone Health patients, can sign up for this service and can fill any prescription.
Concerns about refrigerated items or stolen packages? Patel explains that they use specialized packaging—including freezer or cooler packs for temperature-sensitive items—and you'll receive a notification via MyChart when your medication has been delivered.
2. Medication Packaging and Synchronization
If you or a family member take multiple medications, staying organized can be a challenge. Cone Health offers adherence packaging, a service that packages all your pills by date and time in easy-to-tear packets. Each packet is labeled with the name and description of the medication, organized by "AM" and "PM," making it very convenient.
Best of all? It is not expensive at all.
"It's just the same as your insurance," says Patel. To sign up, you can call or walk into any Cone Health Community Pharmacy, or enroll online at the Cone Health pharmacy website.
Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
As we head into peak season, your pharmacist can be your best resource for staying healthy and navigating the seemingly endless options for over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Navigating OTC Confusion
The shelves of cold and flu remedies can be overwhelming. Before you pick up a bottle, talk to your pharmacist.
"It is very confusing nowadays. A lot of choices available," says Patel. He stresses that based on any underlying conditions you have—such as diabetes or high blood pressure—your pharmacist can recommend the right therapy for you. Don't just pick up any cold and flu medicine; talk to a professional first.
What to Stock Up On
To be prepared for a sudden illness, Cone Health Community Pharmacy offers an Essentials Kit for less than $20!
Don't Forget to Check Expiration Dates!
Patel warns that an expired medication "is absolutely not going to work in your system." If you find you have expired or unused prescriptions, you should dispose of them safely. Many pharmacies, including Cone Health Community Pharmacy, have a medication disposal box. You can also check with local fire stations or community events that host drug take-back days.
All About Vaccines
Vaccines are one of the most proactive ways your pharmacy can support your health. Everyone should consider getting a flu shot, especially those aged 65 and up. At Cone Health, anyone 10 years and older can simply walk in to any Cone Health Community Pharmacy weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get your vaccine—no appointment or doctor's prescription is needed, and your insurance will cover it.
Patel also recommends being current on other important vaccines:
If you visit a Cone Health Community Pharmacy, they can check your records and let you know what vaccines are recommended for you. For the COVID-19 vaccine, anyone over 65, or those under 65 with a qualifying health condition (like diabetes or COPD), can walk in and get the shot without a prescription.
