Unfortunate Smoking Statistics
Posted on | September 7, 2010 | No Comments
What a beautiful day it is in Phoenix today, only about 100F degrees and just a few clouds in the sky. It’s a wonder how only ten degree drop in temperature can make such a big difference. It was a pleasure to be outside, even with all of the second-hand cigarette smoke generated by my neighbors teaching their kids how it’s done.
The funny thing about it is, that just the other day I was thinking to myself that it sure seems like more people are smoking these days. Well, at least it seems that way where I’m living. And you know what? I’m not that far off.
According to the latest statistics reported today in CDC’s Vital Signs, the decline in smoking has stalled in the past five years. While the number of adults who smoke in Arizona is only around 15%, unfortunately, the number of smokers nationally remains stuck at around 20%.
That’s right. Even after spending both tremendous amounts of money and effort fighting against tobacco abuse over the past five years, and even with all of the knowledge smokers have gained over the past twenty-five years about the health consequences of smoking, around 46.6 million adults in the U.S. STILL smoke, and 88 million nonsmokers are STILL being exposed to secondhand smoke.
Of course, it goes without saying that these stagnating statistics frustrate and disappoint many in the healthcare field. Many researchers would like to see those numbers reduced to zero and are searching for ways to improve the results. But, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t disagree, and say that we have nothing to be disappointed about. We can’t convince every smoker to quit.
IMO, there will always be a small percentage of the population that are either criminals or morons (or both). Just ask any pharmacist who’s been presented with an out-of-town prescription for #240 Oxycodone CR 80mg tablets on a Saturday night, by a cash-paying customer without an ID, what I mean.
Still not convinced? The results of this recent poll showing that about 20% of Americans actually believe that President Obama is Muslim should be enough to convince anyone else. Sure makes that 80% level look successful, huh?
So, the way I see it, we may have reached that point of diminishing returns in the battle against tobacco abuse. As Ron White says – “You Can’t Fix Stupid“. Increasing our efforts, or throwing even more money at the problem probably won’t convince many more smokers to quit. Any extra effort and money could be better used elsewhere.
Dump The Flu This Year
Posted on | September 5, 2010 | No Comments
At 110 freaking degrees in Phoenix this Labor Day weekend it’s almost hard to believe that flu season is almost upon us, but it is. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May.
For all of my non-healthcare readers who aren’t aware of it already, it takes a couple of weeks for antibodies to develop after being vaccinated. So, it’s being recommended that we get our flu shots earlier in the year than last season – before the flu season fully gets under way, and also because flu vaccines are already being distributed to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide.
Unlike last year, there won’t be any good jokes or cartoons to create about Swine Flu (H1N1) this year. In response to the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus last season (2009-2010), a new flu vaccine was developed which was a good match to the new virus. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.
There will also be many more pharmacists administering the influenza vaccine this year. So, as influenza vaccines are already available in most pharmacies, and pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers, there shouldn’t be any good reason why you or your loved ones can’t get vaccinated. It’s also relatively inexpensive to get vaccinated, even if you’re not insured.
Most everyone 6-months of age and older should get the flu vaccine this year. Don’t wait until it’s too late, and please don’t think it’s unimportant. Flu seasons are unpredictable in many ways, as attested by the 1918 Influenza Epidemic.
In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and frequently washing your hands in order to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.
Wade Quick – The Pharmacist
Posted on | September 5, 2010 | 2 Comments
I just discovered this funny Wade Quick music video entitled “The Pharmacist”. I haven’t found much personal information on Wade, but based on the lyrics of his song, he has to also be a pharmacist. Wade is a great singer/songwriter, and I’m sure that his song will probably now be the representative tune of our profession. How can it not be?
Here’s “The Pharmacist” Lyrics (as best as I could hear) -
Let me introduce myself, I spent half my life in school.
I’ll be glad to be your servant, but I’m not paid to be your fool.
I’m here to help, but help yourself, please listen from the start.
I need your date of birth, last name and first, and your insurance card.
I’ll tell you if your medicine will make you see funny things.
I’ll tell you you should take it slow if it starts to numb your brain.
But if you won’t stand for anything but the Brand, you’ll have to tell me this.
I’m not a mind-reader, I’m just a pharmacist.
Now your’s might take some extra time, I can’t tell what the doctor wrote.
First things first, I’ll call his nurse and she if she can crack the code.
And if your on TennCare I’ll say a prayer that your claim adjudicates.
With a lot of luck and a lot of work, one hour is all it’ll take.
I got Prozac, Xanax, Z-Pak, Cedax, anything you might need.
Mepergan, Ultram, Percocet or Percodan if your pain makes you scream.
But if you won’t stand for anything but the Brand, you’ll have to tell me this.
I’m not a mind-reader, just a pharmacist.
Here we go.
I threw away this PDR, picked up a crystal ball.
Meet the genie in a bottle tucked behind the Geritol.
Last call.
I got Prozac, Xanax, Z-Pak, Cedax, anything you might need.
Mepergan, Ultram, Percocet or Percodan if your pain makes you scream.
But if you won’t stand for anything but the Brand, you’ll have to tell me this.
I’m not a mind-reader, I’m just a pharmacist.
I think your prescription’s ready now ma’am.
I’m not a mind-reader either Wade, I’m just a pharmacist too. But I’m curious, are you still working as a pharmacist? Was your name derived because you live in a flood zone? Stop by and introduce yourself to the other pharmacists who read this weblog. We would like to know more about you.
If you like Wade’s music, here’s his MySpace page where you can listen to a clearer version of “The Pharmacist” and purchase your own download.
Embracing Middle Age
Posted on | September 4, 2010 | No Comments
Does change freak you out? Well, it’s coming anyway, so better embrace it.
Source: Boomer Alley
A Visit To The Optometrist
Posted on | September 3, 2010 | 2 Comments
Well, it’s that time again for my yearly visit to the optometrist. And you wanna know something? I’m not really looking forward to it. (pun intended)
It’s not that I don’t like my optometrist, he’s a good guy and I’m sure that he’s competent enough. It’s just that whenever I go for a checkup it seems as though he has to compete with me just because I’m a pharmacist.
I swear – if I was to tell him that I took a ten pound shit, he would say that he dropped a 12-pounder just to try to upstage me. Truthfully, I’m too old for that oneupmanship type stuff. I don’t want to compete with him. I just wish he would do his job, shut up, and give me my prescription. (like people tell me)
Unfortunately, I’m sure that’s not going to happen.
And of course, you can’t say anything to these type of people because they’re usually passive-aggressive, and they’ll try to make your life more miserable behind your back. Hell-looo! I’m not a threat to you. I’m here because I need my eyes checked, not because I have to prove which one of us is smarter.
The last time I went to my optometrist he had to quiz me about the Canadian healthcare system, like I should know all the answers. Now that optometrists are allowed to prescribe certain medications in Arizona, I’m sure that he’ll be quizzing me about what he can do, and what he can’t do, during this visit.
Yeah boy, I can’t wait.
Not to mention all of the other stuff that I gotta put up with just to test my vision. It almost makes me want to go back to squinting and dime-spotting.
Source: Brian Regan
Michigan Meth Kingpin Arrested
Posted on | September 3, 2010 | No Comments
Still think you want to be a crystal meth dealer? Think again.
Police Arrest Nation’s Wealthiest Crystal Meth Dealer
Communicate With Your Provider
Posted on | September 2, 2010 | No Comments
Please, don’t come to the pharmacy and ask me to second-guess why your doctor did something. Become a participant in your own healthcare. If you have a question, ask your healthcare provider before leaving their office.
It’s not that difficult, I know that you can do it.
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
keep looking »Arizona Health Matters
24hr Poison Information
Quit Smoking Butthead
Other Medical and Healthcare Related Blogs
RxPATROL Crimestoppers
Report an anonymous tip about a pharmacy crime and qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Please call - 1-888-4Rx-Tips (1-888-479-8477)Free Drug Disposal Day
On September 25, 2010, the DEA National Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. Collection activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at sites established throughout the country. Click on the image above to find a site near you.Silent Witness – Arizona
