February is heart health month, so we turn to Henderson’s Pharmacy for some expert advice on beating high blood pressure.
The staff at Henderson’s Pharmacy offer people in our community assistance in the fight against high blood pressure.
As a basic tip, monitor your blood pressure regularly and making healthier lifestyle choices which can help improve your overall health. Ask Henderson’s Pharmacy about blood pressure monitoring machines to suit your needs.
Your doctor and pharmacist at Henderson’s can help you on the following poins:
- keeping track of your blood pressure and adjusting your treatments to help you achieve your blood pressure goals
- helping you understand how to take the medication and what to expect while you are on it
- suggesting ways to make it easier to remember your medication, or ways to simplify your medication routine, such as switching to a medication that is taken only once a day or a combination product, which contains two or more ingredients in a single pill
- helping you deal with treatment side effects
- suggesting healthy lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) to help lower your blood pressure and prevent health problems
- helping you stay motivated and keep on track with medications and lifestyle changes
How can you take advantage of this great resource? Every relationship is a two-way street – here’s how to help your doctor or pharmacist help you:
- Take your medication as directed.
- Attend your follow-up appointments regularly, even if you are feeling fine.
- Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have any treatment side effects.
- When you’re starting a new medication, make sure you understand how to use it and what to expect.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions at any time – your doctor or pharmacist is there to help – not to judge.
- If your doctor or pharmacist asks you how often you’re taking your medication, be as honest as you can. They won’t hold it against you. If you pretend you’ve been taking a medication when you haven’t, the doctor may think it’s not working and add another medication, leading to extra expense, confusion, and possibly more side effects for you.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:
- What is my blood pressure now?
- What should my blood pressure be?
- In addition to taking my medication, what else can I do to lower my blood pressure (e.g., exercise, healthy diet)?
- What side effects can my medication(s) cause, and what should I do if I have a side effect?
- Is there any way to make my medication routine simpler (such as switching to a medication that is taken fewer times per day or taking a combination product)?
- What should I do if I forget a dose?
- What can I do to make it easier to remember my medication?
To get the most out of your blood pressure treatment, keep in touch with your doctor or pharmacist at Henderson’s Pharmasave, 15 Front Street, South, Thorold. You’ll be glad you did!
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