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Expanding Your Pharmacy’s Reach Through Point-of-Care Testing

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Pharmacies were at the forefront of getting communities tested and immunized through the pandemic. Through this initiative, patients and communities saw that pharmacists’ impact on health and wellness goes beyond the pill bottle. Unfortunately, pharmacy-related COVID-19 revenue is expected to decline over the next year by 60%-70%. It’s imperative to remember that Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) opportunities are not limited to COVID-19 tests. As the industry moves forward in 2022, independent pharmacies can maintain momentum by expanding into other POCT services.  

In the past, many pharmacy owners have been reluctant to expand for a variety of reasons:  

  • Fear of how expanding services could affect relationships with providers  
  • Doubts about patients’ willingness to pay out of pocket
  • Uncertainty about logistics involved in implementation 

“We live in a time where there is a high demand from patients to find out what’s going on with themselves. The reality is that many primary care practitioners are struggling to meet that demand,” states Nandita Koodie, PDS Patient Care Services Program Manager.

The Impact of Point-of-Care Testing

Implementing patient care services allows your pharmacy to become a healthcare destination. A comprehensive POCT program allows patients to come into your pharmacy for a test and get help with prescriptions or other OTC solutions. 

Impact on Your Patient 

Establishing a comprehensive patient-care business model creates the opportunity to shift one-time customers to lifetime patients. The key is connecting through health and wellness solutions. In a 2020 retail health and wellness study, JD Power found that 75% of patients will utilize a service if their friends and family recommend it. Patients will return to your pharmacy establishment year after year for sniffles, upset stomachs, and earaches. Each time you help them, it’s likely they will tell their friends and family about your pharmacy.  

Impact on Your Pharmacy Team. 

Successful implementation of POCT services can’t be accomplished alone; you must lean into an empowered pharmacy team. Historically, independent pharmacies have offered scattered services. This approach results in overextended staff, an inconsistent customer experience, and inefficient workflows. Want to create an environment where employee engagement thrives? Train your staff to support and provide POCT services, and lean into your team to create workflows and systems that make sense for your operation.

Benefits of empowering your pharmacy staff include: 

  • Techs will have an expanded role and scope in the pharmacy business 
  • Front end workers will be more knowledgeable about OTC offerings 
  • Pharmacy staff will be proactive about identifying patients that can benefit from services 

Eventually, your staff will be the driving force that brings your vision of a comprehensive POCT program to life. 

Impact on Your Pharmacy Business 

Pharmacists can do more than fill prescriptions. When you are thoughtful and selective, your POCT services can become a niche that differentiates your business. Showcase your clinical strengths and customer services to attract patients. 

Your goals should be:

  • Creating a more sustainable means for generating revenue 
  • Shifting from volume or product-focused to value-based care 
  • Differentiating your business by creating a solutions niche 

What’s Involved in Implementing Pharmacy Point-of-Care Testing 

PDS has done the heavy lifting to identify areas you need to consider as you establish or expand your POCT offerings. A properly designed program can improve the lives of your patients and create a lasting partnership with the medical providers in your area.

Pharmacy Workflow – Getting Efficiencies in Place

Implementing a new initiative in your pharmacy means organizing new workflows to maximize the strengths of you and your team. You’ll have to consider a process for patients to fill out paperwork and shift to a more appointment-based pharmacy model for some of these services. As you develop workflows to expand, consider the following questions. 

  • How will you manage walk-in patients?
  • Do you have a system to make appointments?
  • Where will patients wait?

Community Health and Wellness Needs 

Start by focusing on your customers. The key to successful expansion is finding your pharmacy niche. Look for demographic-specific patients to serve through comprehensive care services. You can begin to identify opportunities by using any data in your pharmacy system, or by even asking patients. 

Possible Partnership Opportunities in Your Community 

Community partnerships can help to drive new patients to your pharmacy.  You can also leverage community practitioners’ patient networks to grow your pharmacy business. 

See it in Action: Comprehensive Diabetic Care Services 

When your pharmacy implements a comprehensive care model, you will be able to thoroughly impact your patients’ health. Patients with diabetes, for example, may also need help controlling their cholesterol and blood pressure. It would also benefit a diabetic patient if you provide education on nutrient depletion and make recommendations for corrective measures. To illustrate, we’ve listed the comprehensive services that can be offered to a patient with diabetes below.

Diabetes Patient Care Track 

  • Screening & Assessments
  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring        
  • Medication Therapy Management          
  • Compliance Packaging   
  • Diabetes Support Services 
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring 
  • Grocery Walk-Throughs 
  • Diabetic Shoe Fittings 

Pharmacists, by nature, are problem solvers, and POCT allows for a more streamlined approach to resolving the health problems in our communities. If you are struggling to set up a plan, the PDS webinar on Strategic Planning along with the Patient Lifecycle Resources can help you get started.   

Additional Resources to Streamline Your POCT Program 

PDS offers access to various partners that can help you establish a POCT program.   

Cerascreen® offers a wide variety of at-home, point-of-care test kits such as Cholesterol, Vitamin D, blood sugar, food allergies, and more. Take Cerascreen® tests at home or on-site, and the collected samples are shipped via pre-paid envelope to CLIA-certified partner labs. The test results are available online within 24-72 hours. In addition, these tests allow patients to take a proactive approach to their health by discussing test results and treatment options with their pharmacists.  

Physicians 360 is a telemedicine and rapid testing company that strives to empower independent pharmacies with the tools needed to offer clinical services. In addition, this platform allows local independent pharmacies to level the playing field as more chain pharmacies begin to add in-house clinics.  

Other resources available to help your pharmacy expand its POCT offerings include our Point-of-Care Testing Webinar.

Expanding your pharmacy’s Point-of-Care Testing does not have to be daunting. Planning out your POCT program with these considerations in mind will help you pinpoint your ideal patient population and which tests to offer.  With the help of your PDS Business Coach, you can also use this information to begin developing an implementation strategy. It’s best to start with one or two programs and then expand. Then, as you and your staff get the mastery of new tests along with treatment recommendations, you can begin adding other tests to your list of POCT services. 

Pouch vs. Blister in a COVID World

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce RxSafe. Read on for their blog post about pouch vs. blister in a COVID world.

This year has been full of changes and challenges for both patients and pharmacists. Coronavirus has increasingly led to many patients preferring “no-contact” or “touchless” services.  

Independent pharmacists can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission by limiting contact between staff and patients. Listen to Kyle Lomax and Traci Bayer, RxSafe customers, explain how they are meeting this new “contactless” demand. 

 

RxSafe


Will “Touchless” be the Norm?  

 When the pandemic first started, many people thought it would only last a few weeks. Since then, the rapid and sustained spread of the virus has increased patients’ desire for limited contact, especially with healthcare professionals. 

It is clear that this pandemic will have a lasting impact on the way patients interact with pharmacists. Patients are likely to use pharmacies that offer pouch packaging and “no-contact” delivery services.  

“Our delivery has almost quadrupled,” says Lomax. “I think that our commitment to this wide radius of delivery has really made us stand out in our role, especially in our rural communities.” 

Even after the widespread distribution of the COVID vaccine — which will take the better part of a year — patients may be more likely to limit their contact in order to avoid any type of virus or illness. 

Why is Pouch Packaging Safer? 

Traditional vial filling involves many touch points that increase the risk of transmission. Even after the prescription leaves the pharmacy, there are many more touch points that occur with consumption. William Holmes, CEO of RxSafe, details how quickly the number of touchpoints can grow with traditional vials. 

“Let’s presume now a family member might be assisting someone with opening and closing their vials, that’s 30 times a month that vial gets opened and closed and sometimes pills get poured out into a hand and then the bulk poured back,” explains Holmes. “With each touch, you’re increasing the risk of disease transmission.”  

On average, there are 317,000 touch points per 1,000 patients using the manual card fill system. Using an automated pill packager reduces the touchpoints to approximately 1,140 touch points.  

Pouch packaging automation, such as the RapidPakRx, can drastically reduce touch points. When consuming their medications, patients just have to tear open one pouch. Also, pouch packaging allows for a 31-day script to be filled, decreasing contact between patients and pharmacy staff.  

“Even during COVID, we’ve had very few people go without their medications,” says Bayer, “because their prescriptions are ready almost a week before they’re due.” 


Need additional information?

Learn more about how you can create efficient operations in the midst of COVID with the PDS COVID Optimization Program.  You can also get a sneak peek of the latest PDS member town hall to hear more about how independent pharmacies are adapting their operations to best serve their patients through COVID.

 

About

Are you interested in learning more about how the RapidPakRx can help your pharmacy provide “touchless” service? Visit the RapidPakRx product page for more information.  

Coming out of COVID: Focusing on Growth

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to work with Drug Topics. Read on for their sponsored blog post about the business landscape after COVID within pharmacies and 5 objectives for focusing on growth again, written by Ollin Sykes, CPA, CITP and Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP.

5 Objectives for Boosting Rx Business and Cash Clinical Services

Coming out of the sudden, severe lockdowns from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pharmacies are adjusting to a new way of serving patients and providing services. To build some positive momentum, here are 5 ways that current pharmacy owners are adapting their businesses to serve people. 

 

#1. Crisis-Based Services 

During a crisis, helping your patients and community can also lead to new services. Out of COVID-19, pharmacies have the opportunity to provide items like hand sanitizer, cleaners, safety garments, infrared thermometers, and more. By packaging and pricing a variety of products for the size of company or organization, you help customers quickly get the supplies they need from a local source. 

#2. Managing DIR and GER Challenges

Direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees are typically the third largest expense in a pharmacy behind inventory and payroll costs. You can mitigate higher DIR fees by monitoring your Star Ratings, but also by exploring med syncing and compliance packaging. If you can reduce DIR fees by 1 to 2 percentage points through this investment, it’s easy to calculate how such technologies can pay for themselves and more — plus result in happier patients and families. 

As for generic effective rate (GER) challenges and potential clawbacks, which are not influenced by performance measures, make sure that you know which contracts, if any, include GERs or “effective rate guarantees” in the contract language. You can work with your PSAO on contract terms, and also consider a separate inventory for plans with GERs. The separate inventory could be sourced differently with a higher average wholesale price to lessen a potential clawback.

 

#3. Offering Cash Clinical Services

This is a pioneering area where pharmacists can identify ways to keep their patients healthier and prevent or manage larger health problems. It may include phlebotomy and clinical testing to identify and consult on the root cause of ailments that can be treated prior to or beyond medications. Whether that results in non-interactive private label nutritional supplements or food sensitivity solutions, you should explore cash clinical services that make sense for your pharmacy. 

Explore a few private label providers before you move forward with patient testing and consulting. Build relationships with a few trusted vendors, and educate your team first so that you feel confident promoting probiotics or other supplements to patients. 

#4. Building Community Relations

Who are your target patients and customers? Take a look at who they are, the prescriptions they use, their family members, and common health care services. How can your pharmacy add value to their treatment experience and act as a resource? 

For example, Nicolette Mathey, PharmD, a Florida-based pharmacist and a consultant to pharmacists through her company, Atrium24, identified elective surgeries as a trend in her community. So she developed a branded surgical treatment kit for cosmetic surgery clinics. The kits inform patients about surgery preparation and after-care. Often, the patients end up working with Mathey’s pharmacy on any medications or products related to their surgeries. 

Another idea is to join — or have one of your team members join — public social media groups in the community. Interact with parents, coaches, or seniors on healthy living topics. Provide guidance if community members express a need that your pharmacy can solve. 

#5. Enhancing Quality of Life

What happens when your pharmacy becomes a resource in your community during challenging times? You are viewed as a health care provider and a friend, building a network of healthier, informed community members and patients who rely on your business. As a trusted resource, you gradually diversify your services and revenues, which improves your bottom line margins, profits and quality of life. 

Coming out of COVID, make sure that your pharmacy is a part of the larger community and health care conversation. You matter. 

 

Need additional information?

To learn more about how independent pharmacies are adapting their operations to best serve their patients through COVID, get a sneak peek of the latest PDS member town hall.

 

About

Ollin Sykes is founder of Sykes & Company, P.A., and Scotty Sykes is a partner in the firm. Along with a knowledgeable team of counselors and advisors, they help independent and community pharmacies across the U.S. manage industry and business challenges — and thrive. https://www.sykes-cpa.com/ask-sykes/
pharmacy immunizations

Community Pharmacists Make a Difference With Immunizations

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible media partners. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to work with Pharmacy Times. Read on for their sponsored blog post about the importance of immunization programs, written by PDS member, Travis Wolff, PharmD and Emma Leffler, PharmD. Travis is the manager and co-owner of Med-World Pharmacy in Sapulpa, Oklahom and Emma is a PGY1 community pharmacy resident.

There are many areas of patient care where pharmacists can have a direct impact, yet a number of them do not have the confidence or understand the potential magnitude of that impact.  

Moving the Independent Pharmacy Forward with Immunizations

If pharmacists want to continue to move the profession forward, seeking provider opportunities, they must gain that confidence and help stakeholders understand the important roles they play. These include conducting diabetes or point-of-care testing, but it is immunizations that provide the clearest snapshot.  

pharmacy immunizationsLet’s go back to the years when pharmacists first saw immunization-friendly legislation being enacted from state to state. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores compared influenza vaccine rates from 2003 to 2013 to cover this period of pro-pharmacist legislation.

During that time:
  • 5.1 million vaccinations could be attributed to the new legislation.
  • The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation conducted a pilot study that looked at immunizations across 8 community pharmacies in Washington State.
  • The study results showed that vaccine administration rates had increased by 41.4% over 6 months.
  • In addition, for every influenza vaccine walk-in, 1.45 other vaccinations were identified as being due. Of those unmet patient immunization needs, 95% were administered by the pharmacist at the point of care.

Understanding the impact pharmacists have had after receiving immunization privileges greatly boosts the case that they should be given additional responsibilities. After we shared these two studies with our federal and local representatives, they asked us about the local community we served. This led us to dive into our own initiatives.  

Immunization Facts

We will start by laying out some important facts. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective means of preventing disease. Individuals can defend themselves against several diseases by staying up-to-date on all recommended immunizations. Additionally, as more individuals become protected from particular diseases, communities gain a collective immunity that aids in reducing complications, deaths, and hospitalizations. Community pharmacists can reach out to and educate patients in their communities, and administer these preventive immunizations to them.  

Some challenges that providers face are:
  • Consistent accessibility to the adult patient population
  • Identifying patient vaccine eligibility
  • Supplying and administering all recommended immunizations in the office

Patient challenges range from access to reliable information, knowing which immunizations are recommended based on age or comorbidities, and remembering when to receive follow-up doses. By creating pharmacist-led immunization programs, community pharmacies can improve patient outreach, immunization rates, and follow-up doses.  

From the most current data up to 2016, overall immunization rates for hepatitis A (23.7%), human papillomavirus (8.6%), influenza (70.4%), pneumococcal disease (66.9%), shingles (37.4%), and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (26.6%) have increased slightly. Pharmacists have the optimal opportunity to increase these rates around the nation. Our pharmacy targeted 1 specific immunization in 2019, the shingles vaccine Shingrix.  

Seeing it in Action

In 2019, we promoted Shingrix immunizations on our Facebook page and flyers, and through individual discussions with the patients we identified as being eligible to receive them. The determination of eligibility stemmed from our Sync+ program, which analyzes patient profiles to determine chronic disease medication adherence, immunization eligibility, and preventive screening opportunities. Patients aged 50 years or older were identified as eligible for the Shingrix vaccination. Our Sync+ patients were sorted through, alphabetizing by last name. This allowed for a staggered informing of eligibility versus a bombardment of vaccinations on a single day or week. When the program identified a patient as being eligible, we communicated a message through a written note in the patient’s Sync+ basket, as well as a typed note in the patient’s electronic profile. Pharmacy team members could then counsel patients at pick-up time about benefits, eligibility, and what to expect.  

Because of the advertisements and 1-on-1 counseling, our pharmacy, Med-World, more than doubled its Shingrix vaccination rates in 7 months versus the rate in 2018. Of the 447 patients we have analyzed thus far through Sync+, 74% are eligible for Shingrix immunization, 26% of whom have received it. Numerous patients identified have yet to receive their 1-on-1 counseling, because of when their pharmacy system sync day falls during the month.  

Many patients had questions about whether Shingrix is still given if they have already received the Zostavax immunization, and whether it is inactive or live. Patients who previously received Zostavax are still eligible, and we encourage them to receive the new shingles immunization. Although 

immunizations yes or no

Zostavax is a live immunization and carries increased contraindications and precautions, Shingrix is an inactive immunization, which means greater availability to more people. Additionally, Shingrix is 97% effective at preventing shingles in people aged 50 years or older, whereas Zostavax is only 50% to 64% effective at preventing shingles in that age group.

Once patients receive their first immunization, we document the date of their next follow-up dose on their comprehensive immunization spreadsheet and computerized profile note. Each month, a staff member calls patients within the 2- to 6-month period to inform them that it is time for the last dose of Shingrix. When patients have received both doses, the staff make the appropriate documentation. In 2019, our program completed 3.5 times as many follow-up doses versus 2018.  

Conclusion: Independent Pharmacies Impact Immunization Rates

Based on our findings, community pharmacist immunization programs can have an extensive impact on immunization rates, especially regarding follow-up dose rates. Barriers to patient immunization initiation included the ability to contact patients, patients receiving the immunization at a different facility, and cost. Additional research and time are needed to determine the longterm impact that pharmacist-led programs have on immunization rates and follow-up doses. We plan to expand our immunization program to include other immunizations, such as hepatitis B, Pneumovax 23, and Prevnar 13B.  

We hope that community pharmacists across the nation will gain confidence and better understand how to communicate their value to stakeholders.  

If we can have this kind of impact on immunizations, what would the impact be across other point-of-care health services if pharmacists were entrusted with them?  

Next Steps:

Join the PDS Innovate in a Day event on February 11 where we will be talking more about immunizations and other strategies you can implement in your pharmacy now to propel your business forward in 2021.

 

References

Drozd EM, Miller L, Johnsrud M. Impact of pharmacist immunization authority on seasonal influenza immunization rates across states. Clin Ther. 2017;39(8):1563-1580. e17. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.07.004 Pilot project highlights pharmacists’ key role in identifying and resolving unmet vaccination needs. News release. American Pharmacists Association. Accessed July 24, 2020. https://www.aphafoundation.org/news-release-pilot-results Vaccination coverage among adults in the United States, National Health Interview Survey, 2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Updated February 8, 2018. Accessed July 24, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/coverage/ adultvaxview/pubs-resources/NHIS-2016.html Shingles vaccination. CDC. Updated January 25, 2018. Accessed July 24, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html What everyone should know about Zostavax. CDC. Updated January 25, 2018. Accessed July 24, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/zostavax/ 

Thriving in the NEW Business of Nutrition

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce Wellness Works. Read on for their sponsored blog post about the business of nutritional sales and selling vitamins.

For decades, independent pharmacists have held an advantage when it comes to selling vitamins and nutritional supplements. First, as part of their undergraduate studies, pharmacists are the best educated healthcare professional to address the basic biochemical concepts of vitamins and supplements. Second, pharmacists have held a position of trust with consumers for decades. While 65% of Americans do search online for basic health information, the knowledge of and trust in the pharmacist is used to validate the health information found online. Lastly, as healthcare professionals, pharmacists are in daily contact with consumers exhibiting various metabolic diseases. These are diseases that have been acquired over time for which pharmaceutical offerings may not be the only options.

Vitamins are More Than a Line of Bottles on a Pharmacy Shelf

Today, vitamin sales account for $100 billion in revenue worldwide, and the U.S. accounts for 36% of that figure. What trends have driven that number?

  • First, there is an increased interest in better health through all demographics. Naturally, Baby Boomers would be expected to hold the greatest percentage of supplement sales, and they do at 36%. What may be surprising is that Generation X comprises 23% and Millennials 16%. All of this combines for a figure of 70-75% of Americans taking at least one supplement every day.
  • There is the increase in preventative healthcare. Celebrity health experts are widespread on social media, online and through multiple communication channels. And supplements have been recognized as being essential to the preventative health process.
  • Self-directed consumers no longer rely on physicians to advise them on their healthcare. Today, consumers search online for answers to their healthcare questions. This consumer self-direction is what is attributed for the increase in supplement sales across all demographics – Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials.
  • Finally, brand recognition and brand support are becoming major influencers as consumers search for providers they can trust for their supplement inquiries and sales.

What do Pharmacists Need to do to be Successful in this NEW Business of Nutritional Sales?

  1. Offer a private label as an alternative to the national labels found everywhere. The exclusivity of a proprietary product line, based on quality and product knowledge, provides a valuable differentiator in this competitive area. Coupled with the trust consumers hold for pharmacists, a private label line generates return sales for pharmacist-recommended products.
  2. Ensure that you can be found online. Today, being found online is evidence that you exist. Pharmacists should be prepared to offer their private lines not only in their pharmacies, but through online e-commerce as well. In 2017, sales of nutritional supplements in brick and mortar locations increased 3%. However, sales of nutritional supplements in brick and mortar locations that also offered online sales of the same supplements increased by 20%. The trusted pharmacist who can offer professional quality supplements both in their pharmacy and online can parlay that situation into a position that even Amazon cannot overcome.
  3. Pharmacists need to utilize multi-channel marketing opportunities and support. By using a professional marketing program that provides consistent brand presence through social media, emails, website videos and other communication channels, the pharmacist creates an image of expertise and trust which carries through multiple demographics.

You don’t sell vitamins by just selling vitamins! By combining the pharmacist’s innate advantages with the strategic application of available technology and marketing, pharmacies can realize healthy nutritional revenue streams. Even in this competitive marketplace.

About the Author

Wellness Works helps independent pharmacists develop a profitable supplement revenue stream by creating a branded supplement line for sale in the pharmacy and even online. Wellness Works provides the professional products, marketing expertise, and business and clinical consulting to help pharmacists be successful with supplements.

A Quick-Start Guide to Omega-3s

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce Oceanblue. Read on for their sponsored blog post about the health benefits of Omega-3s.

A Quick-Start Guide to Omega 3s

Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly when the best time is to start taking steps towards planning for the future. The endless possibilities can leave us feeling lost, while the things that are important to us keeps us pushing forward towards a better future for ourselves and those we care about. In today’s fast-paced society there is no shortage of novelties or distractions, and we can easily neglect the one thing that cannot be obtained with the simple click of a button. We are, of course, talking about our health. 

Improve Your Health with Omega-3s

Good health is one of our most important assets and taking the steps necessary to maintain it does not have to be a complicated or difficult process. Luckily, science has come a long way and we now have a better understanding of how our bodies work than ever before, and while there are no miracle cures or magic potions to fix our problems overnight, there are supplements that can help us in the journey towards better health. By taking care of our heart, mind, eyes, and joints, omega-3s might be just the help we need to make great improvements in the quality of life we can lead.  

Omega-3 has various health benefits – ranging from cardiovascular health, cholesterol reduction, to anti-inflammatory properties that help improve brain function, amongst others. These benefits undoubtedly created consumer demand, and the food and supplement industries responded by marketing omega-3s in everything from gummy vitamins to eggs and yogurt, and even in food and supplements for our four-legged friends. 

Which Omega-3 Product is Right for Me?

With so many options available, the question then becomes: Which omega-3 product is right for me? By selecting a high-quality omega-3 supplement that fits your lifestyle, you can proactively start to improve your health.  When selecting an omega-3 supplement there are a few things to remember: 

  1. Check the Supplement Facts panel to make sure the product contains enough omega-3s.  Some products can be misleading by telling you how much fish oil is in the product … and while fish oil contains omega-3s, not all of the fish oil is omega-3 oils. 
  2. Look for high-concentration omega-3 supplement that pack as much omega-3 oil into a capsule as possible. High-concentration means more omega-3s in fewer capsules.  
  3. Find a product that is pleasant to take so that you can commit to making it a part of your daily routine.  The key to any supplement program is to take it every day and to keep taking it for the long-term. 

There is no definite right way to start taking care of our health, the important thing is to be conscious of our bodies and make a habit out of healthy choices. Omega-3s can be the foundation in which to build a better version of ourselves and enjoy the benefits of a long and healthy life. 

About the Author

Oceanblue believes a great life starts with good health. Their omega-3 products are made using the world’s most advanced technologies to provide the most potent and best tasting omega-3 products available. Visit their website to see the full line of products and to learn more about what omega-3s can do for you! 

Diversify with Supplemental Oxygen

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Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce Boost Oxygen. Read on for their sponsored blog post about how supplemental oxygen can be a unique way to diversify your revenue.

Supplemental Oxygen Can Be A Profit Center For Your Independent Pharmacy

The human body needs three things to survive:

Nutrition

Hydration

Oxygenation

We can survive without food for 3-4 weeks. We can survive without water for 3-4 days. But we can only live without oxygen for 3-4 minutes. There are thousands of products available that address nutrition and hydration, but up until a decade ago few pharmacies offered oxygen-related products, besides the bulky tanks for medical-grade oxygen therapy.

The general public is learning more about the benefits of supplemental oxygen as an all-natural respiratory support product for athletes, senior citizens and people visiting or living at higher altitudes or in humid weather who experience shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches or dizziness due to oxygen deficiency.

Supplemental oxygen has recently become more important to offset the symptoms of facemask fatigue as people wear protective masks for longer periods at work or outdoors. Facemask fatigue can be compared to the effects of hypoxia as masks can restrict your normal oxygen intake.

Why Pure Supplemental Oxygen is so Important

Most people aren’t aware that the air we breathe contains only around 21% oxygen. At higher elevations, that number can be much less. That’s also not taking into account any pollution in the air. The majority of air is comprised of 78% nitrogen. Oxygen is vital for our cells to produce the energy to power our organs, and when you become oxygen deficient you can experience the symptoms of hypoxia.

Now, think about how much regular air you breathe when you’re outside exercising or working out. Every cell in your body is designed to burn oxygen – it’s the basic fuel for cell metabolism. Cut back on oxygen and all of those cellular processes become sluggish… you start to feel fatigued or short of breath. Less oxygen equates to cells losing the energy they need to repair DNA. Your immune system begins to weaken. Your risk of becoming sick escalates. Imagine how much the body could benefit from supplemental oxygen?

The Advantages of Offering Supplemental Oxygen in Your Pharmacy

For pharmacies that fill prescriptions for bulky oxygen tanks, there is often little or no profit margin. The pharmacy owner is often just providing a basic service with no benefit to their business. However, providing portable supplemental oxygen for your customers creates a new profit center. From the consumer standpoint, not everyone qualifies for or needs to be on continuous prescription medical-grade oxygen, but many would like to increase their oxygen level and experience the benefits of supplemental oxygen for many reasons.

The Advantages of Supplemental Oxygen VS. Other Supplements

Supplemental oxygen is all-natural, unlike the stimulants and energy drinks you see at a gas station or grocery store, which promise a quick fix for drowsiness. What they contain are caffeine, sugars, carbs and calories that can be harmful to your health or cause you to crash after their effects expire – forcing you to drink even more to avoid that crash. The same can be said about the effect of coffee on your body. Supplemental oxygen has no caffeine, sugar, carbs, or calories. There is no sugar crash with oxygen. Supplemental oxygen is completely natural and more relaxing and restorative than energy drinks or coffee.

About the Author

Boost Oxygen provides 95% pure “Oxygen To Go” all-natural respiratory support in convenient and portable canisters for your pharmacy customers, no prescription needed. To learn more about Boost Oxygen, visit BoostOxygen.com. For info on carrying our Boost Oxygen products in your pharmacy, email info@boostoxygen.com or call (877) 375-2500.

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