S ymptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes can be a huge barrier for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors, says Broderick. Luckily, the antidote is as simple as visiting your local Pharmasave to check out their array of allergy-relief items, as well as have a chat with the pharmacist on hand if you have any questions. With Pharmasave locations in Souris, Montague, and Cornwall, the pharmacists are only too happy to help out Islanders when it comes to their seasonal allergy needs. “When a patient comes into the pharmacy looking for seasonal allergy advice, the conversation normally starts with us asking what symptoms they are having to determine what medication or products would best suit them,” says Wally Kowalchuk, owner and pharmacist at the Cornwall Pharmasave location. “We always ask them for a list of any medications they may be taking and what health conditions they may have. Different antihistamines, for instance, can interfere with certain types of medications and health conditions.” Along with various antihistamines, pharmacists may suggest other medications—such as nasal sprays or decongestants—to treat the symptoms. “We will also discuss what the patient may be allergic to [and] provide advice on how to prevent allergic reactions if possible,” says Kowalchuk. “If a prescription medication is required, we can also assess and prescribe when appropriate, so the patient does not have to go to the doctor.” Chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for. “We have a great product selection here at Main Street Pharmasave,” says Karen Creighan, owner and operator of the Souris location. “We also have excellent staff who are always available to assist and answer questions here for you seven days a week.”
Other than allergies, the start of spring also brings more sun exposure. While a daily dose of vitamin D and sunshine is always a good idea, it’s important to keep yourself protected.
so cover up and use sunscreen,” says Kowalchuk, who notes that you can “cover up” by wearing a wide-brim hat and proper sunglasses. “Sun protection is extremely important for all ages,” says Broderick. “No one likes sunburns, and preventing skin cancer is also extremely important.” In addition to helping clients choose the best products for their needs, including sunscreen and after-sun care, Kowalchuk says that pharmacists “remind patients of which medications make us more sensitive to sun exposure, as extra precautions have to be taken.” Adds Broderick, “Our pharmacists are always there to provide advice and help with product selection as well. When spring comes, we all want to be outside more. The outdoors is great for both physical and mental health, so we try and make sure our patients have the ‘protection’ part covered, so they can enjoy what our community and province have to offer.”
“We are outside more in the spring and summer as the UV ratings increase,
“Our pharmacists are always there to provide advice and help with product selection as well.”
- Jonathan Broderick
Pharmasave Montague 521 Main Street, Montague 902.838.2561 Pharmasave Cornwall 25 Meadowbank Road, Cornwall 902.629.6870 Pharmasave Souris 175 Main Street, Souris 902.687.4104 www.pharmasave.com
◄ (L-R) Wally Kowalchuk, Karen Creighan, Jonathan Broderick
SPRING 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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