Anderson Drug

At our pharmacy, our dedication goes beyond simply providing medications. We strive to ensure the well-being and safety of our community. One critical aspect of our role is preventing overdoses, poisonings, and injuries, especially in our senior population, who often contend with medications that can induce dizziness or drowsiness. Health Canada also provides a great resource page for information on injury prevention.

We also take a proactive stance in addressing a critical issue prevalent in our society – opioid overdoses. Opioid overdose is a grave concern affecting not only individuals struggling with substance use but also their families and communities. To combat this crisis and save lives, we proudly offer FREE Naloxone kits to any Alberta resident. For more information on Naloxone Kits, visit Alberta Health Services’ resource page or come talk to us at Anderson Drug!

Prevention is at the heart of what we do. By diligently focusing on educating seniors, caregivers, and our community, we strive to create a safer environment. Our efforts go beyond the pharmacy counter, touching lives and enhancing the quality of life for our beloved seniors. Let’s work together to build a safer and healthier community. Your safety is our commitment.

Your Community Pharmacists at Anderson Drug by Freson Bros.

As the sun continues to warm our days, many of us are taking advantage of the pleasant weather by embarking on outdoor explorations and joyful escapades. Amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes of our adventures – our feet. They tirelessly carry us through every journey, making every mile possible. That’s why, while you’re out there having a blast, it’s crucial to remember the importance of proper foot care.

Our dedicated community pharmacists at Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. are here to ensure that your feet receive the attention and care they truly deserve. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, swelling, blisters, rashes, or seeking the perfect support with braces and insoles, we’ve got you. We can assess your needs and provide expert advice on selecting the right products from athlete’s foot to plantar fasciitis. 

Our commitment extends beyond comfort—we stock an array of products ranging from Canesten cream to wart treatments, designed to address various foot concerns. While we may have a limited selection of footcare products at our location, our pharmacists are armed with knowledge and ready to guide you toward optimal foot health. Don’t wait—step into our store today and give your feet the care they need for the miles ahead!

Your Community Pharmacists at Anderson Drug by Freson Bros.

Loretta Koch, Community Pharmacy Manager of Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. in Stony Plain, has been a pharmacist in Parkland County since 1995. She graduated with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 1994.

She lives locally and enjoys not only the sense of community we have, but the comfort, safety and convenience of small town living. She and her husband enjoy fishing at Wabamun for Walleye, and taking the boat out any chance they get! She also enjoys biking, golfing, camping and hiking.

She has been involved in many local community programs and initiatives & has been happy to be able to help locals and those traveling through over the years. Loretta has served 3 generations of families in our local area.

She has her prescribing authority for a number of years, and is able to help “fill in the gaps” when needed in medical care for our patients. Her motto from day 1 has always been “It doesn’t matter how much you KNOW until your patients know how much you CARE”.

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month!

Dyspepsia, commonly known as indigestion, and heartburn are two such discomforts that can put a damper on your day. These conditions can arise from various factors, including dietary choices, stress, and lifestyle habits. While medications are commonly used to address these issues, there are also some things you can do as non-pharmacological solutions.

The following non-pharmacological approaches may help in Dyspepsia/Heartburn:

• Modify diet (avoid chocolate; caffeine; acidic citrus juices; large, fatty meals)
• Reduce body weight if BMI >30 kg/m2 or recent weight gain
• Avoid eating up to 3 hours before bedtime
• Avoid lying down after meals
• Elevate the head of the bed by 10–20 cm, particularly if nocturnal or laryngeal reflux symptoms are present; this is best achieved by using a block under the legs to elevate the bed frame rather than with pillows or a wedge
• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid tight clothing

Come & see your community pharmacists from Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. to know more about what you can do to help with dyspepsia/heartburn!

Syed Haider, B Sc Pharm, APA

Community Pharmacist, Hanna

Hello! I’m Cristina, your friendly neighborhood druggist (the legal kind – we have good drugs too!). 

While I’m the newest pharmacist to join the Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. team, I have lived and practiced pharmacy in Hinton for more than 10 years and I sincerely hope to remain here right until I retire. I am passionate about providing the absolute best care to my patients, advocating for patient health and wellness, and offering the services that matter to our patients and community. I specialize in diabetes care and travel medicine, and will always take the time to tell you what you need to know to protect your health, here or abroad.

I’m an avid traveler myself and have backpacked extensively (50+ countries and counting!), and bring my real world experience to provide the best advice, information and care when performing travel consults and immunizations. If not in the pharmacy, you can usually find me out enjoying the trails, lakes, and mountains that surround our beautiful town with my dog, Ripley, and my adventure kitten, Motley Mew. 

Stop by to say hi, I’m very approachable and am always happy to welcome new patients and reconnect with old ones!

Statistics show that the majority of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose balance and fall.

Common causes of slips are wet/oily/slippery flooring, spills, weather hazards, and loose, unanchored rugs or mats. Common causes of tripping are obstructed view, clutter, wrinkled carpeting, uncovered cables, bottom drawers not being closed, uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces, and poor lighting.

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important way to prevent injury and falls due to slips and trips. It includes:

• cleaning all spills immediately
• mopping or sweeping debris from floors
• removing clutter and obstacles from walkways
• securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
• always closing drawers
• covering or relocating cables that cross walkways
• keeping walkways and stairs well lit
• replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Other tips for falls prevention:

• use a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
• making sure that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.
• If vision problems exist maintain regular eye appointments and wear appropriate vision aides
• Wear well-fitting shoes with grip suitable for the activity and weather

*For older adults, keep in mind that falls can have significant consequences and if you are experiencing concerns with falls, balance, equilibrium, or strength that are causing you to experience falls, and seek appropriate assessment. Medications can impact balance and fall risk by a variety of mechanisms so if there are concerns about your balance or falls speaking to your pharmacist about your medications is a good place to start!

Mental Health is still a loaded topic these days, and it’s up to us to work towards change for the better. 

Here at Anderson Drug by Freson Bros., our pharmacists are here to help as compassionate and approachable healthcare practitioners. Our pharmacists can help by providing education and counselling, assisting with the selection of supplements, or helping you connect with locally available support or resources. We consider mental health and wellness to be a critical priority in our communities. 

Have insomnia? Come see our pharmacists for tips on sleep hygiene to get you a better, more fulfilling rest and the energy needed to tackle your hectic days. Feeling burnout? Come chat about self-care tips to improve your overall well-being. Struggling with the burden of being a caregiver for a sick family member and don’t know what supports might be available? We can help direct you to the services available within your community. Simply feeling rundown? We can help you select the right vitamins or natural supplements. Struggling with addictions? We provide Narcan kits, and our compassionate pharmacists are able to provide confidential advice, assistance, and help to access the right programs and services. 

We believe in working together to achieve a better, brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. To find the right help for you, you can use the Alberta Health Services website or call the Alberta Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24-hour, 7-day a-week, 365 days a year, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns. The line is staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of nurses, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and psychologists.

The service provides:

• Crisis support,
• Mental health or addiction screening and assessment over the phone,
• General information about a mental health or addiction topic,
• Information about local service options for addiction or mental health and how to access them,
• Strategies people can use at home to support their emotional well-being.

Your Pharmacists at Anderson Drug by Freson Bros.

Happy National Injury Prevention Day! Today is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of injury prevention. In this post, we focus on medication safety, household chemical safety, and preventing cuts and burns. Join us as we delve into these topics, providing you with essential tips to safeguard your well-being and that of your loved ones.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Do not share medications. What is safe and effective for one person may not be for another. Keep medications in a safe and secure location, away from heat/light/moisture, incorrectly labelled bottles, and out of reach of children or other vulnerable people. Read instructions prior to taking any medications to ensure that you are comfortable with the correct dose and instructions for use. Maintain an emergency list of contact numbers in or nearby your phone which should include: 911, your doctor, your emergency contact, PADIS (poison prevention/information), fire department, and local police.

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS

Store in a safe and secure location away from heat sources and out of reach of children. Keep all chemicals in original bottles always so that safety information and chemical identity are clear. Do not decant or mix chemicals without clear and safe instructions, and ensure the container is updated with this information if the original product is altered. Replace labels if damaged or unreadable. Always read the full safety information before working with new chemicals or products at home. Work in a well-lit and well-ventilated area always. In the event of accidental exposure (ie chemical splash to face/eyes/hands or accidental ingestion or inhalation), immediately refer to MSDS sheet/packaging for first aid advice and if not immediately available or locatable, contact PADIS for advice and first aid procedures.

CUTS/BURNS

Keep knives in a safe location out of reach of small children. Do not store loose in a cluttered drawer. Do not run with scissors or knives, or other sharp objects. Discard chipped or cracked glassware. When preparing food, use the appropriate tools in a well-lit and uncluttered area to avoid unintentional burns or cuts. Always ensure that cooktops, stoves, BBQs etc., are turned on only when able to directly supervise the cooking process and turned off as soon as cooking is finished. Keep a first aid kit at home for minor cuts and burns that are stocked with appropriate bandages/first aid cream. In the event of a burn, immediately place the injury in still cool/cold water until the burning sensation resolves to minimize the extent of the burn. Try to leave any blister in place to avoid the increased risk of infection and improve healing. For cuts, apply pressure directly to the injury with an absorbent cloth. All minor cuts should clot within 20 minutes with pressure applied. If unable to stop bleeding completely within this time frame or if losing significant blood, you should call 911 for necessary medical intervention.

Cristina Vaudan, C.Ph, APA, CDE, ISTM

Community Pharmacy Manager, Hinton Hill

First aid is a fundamental aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and those around us. While it may seem straightforward, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference in an emergency. At our pharmacy, we recognize the importance of being well-prepared. Get ready to dive into the world of essential first-aid kits, tailored to meet your specific needs.

When it comes to first aid kits, simplicity is key. Most kits you come across will contain the basic essentials you’re looking for. However, we believe that customization and personalization can take your preparedness to the next level.

For camping or hiking enthusiasts, a small kit that fits easily into a backpack can be a lifesaver. It will contain the essentials like bandaids, tweezers, wound cleansers such as iodine or saline wash, slings, steri-strips for cuts or wounds, polysporin antibiotic cream, and gauze pads.

When it comes to being on the road, a car kit is invaluable. It should contain similar supplies as the camping or hiking kit but with a focus on items that address common injuries or emergencies that may occur during travel. Keeping a car kit easily accessible can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re ready to handle unexpected situations.

For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, we recommend a medium or large-sized First Aid kit. These kits are ideal for households, workplaces, or community centres where multiple people may need immediate attention. They include an expanded range of supplies to accommodate a wider array of injuries and emergencies.

In line with our commitment to promoting safety, we strongly advise individuals to consider keeping a Naloxone kit with them, particularly in environments where opioid use or overdose is a concern. However, it’s important to note that Naloxone kits should not be stored in hot vehicles, as extreme temperatures can affect their efficacy.

To enhance your preparedness further, we suggest including anti-allergy remedies such as Benadryl capsules or creams in your kit. These can come in handy for treating bug bites or allergic reactions to plants commonly encountered while hiking or enjoying outdoor activities.

Remember, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. By taking the time to assemble a personalized first aid kit, you’re not only ensuring your own safety but also empowering yourself to assist others in times of need. Visit Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. today, explore our First Aid section, and let us help you assemble the perfect kit for your unique requirements.

Loretta Koch

Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, continuously adapting their responsibilities to better serve their communities. In Alberta, pharmacist prescribing is permitted under specific circumstances, allowing pharmacists to provide timely care and treatment.

When urgent situations arise and immediate treatment is necessary, licensed pharmacists in Alberta can extend or adapt existing therapy. This provision ensures that patients receive prompt care when seeing their primary doctor is not feasible. However, it’s important to highlight that these actions rely on the pharmacist’s knowledge, skills, comfort level, and a thorough patient assessment to determine the appropriateness of prescribing.

Pharmacists with Additional Prescribing Authorization take it a step further by acting as the initial prescriber in specific situations. To exercise this authority, pharmacists must have an existing relationship with the patient, a collaborative partnership with the patient’s primary doctor, and the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the patient adequately. This comprehensive assessment includes evaluating the need for treatment, assessing the appropriateness and safety of the chosen treatment, and ensuring effective communication with the physician and follow-up with the patient.

Prescribing medications require the full consent of the patient after providing sufficient information about the risks, benefits, and available options. It’s essential for patients to be seen in person to ensure accurate assessments. Pharmacists must also have confidence in the information they gather to prescribe safely, always prioritizing the well-being and safety of the patient.

Beyond prescribing authority, pharmacists also have the responsibility to refuse prescriptions or dispense medications when concerns about appropriateness or safety arise. This crucial aspect of their role ensures that patients receive the most suitable and effective treatments while minimizing potential risks or adverse effects.

Pharmacist prescribing authority covers a range of minor ailments, providing convenient and accessible care for patients. Examples of these conditions include cold sores, urinary tract infections (if assessed as appropriate), yeast infections, allergies, thrush, and heartburn/GERD.

• From Your Local Community Pharmacists