Welcome to Pamco's Health Matters, an e-newsletter designed to share information about sexual health and the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.  While you have been selected as a recipient representing your organization, feel free to forward a copy of this e-newsletter to contacts or colleagues.

Did you remember to switch to Daylight Savings Time (DST)?  Most Canadians adopted Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 11th by moving their clocks ahead by one hour.  Did you know that the result of this change to DST is that there is a 10% increased chance of experiencing a heart attack on the following Monday or Tuesday?  It's true, we humans have a tough time adjusting to our "Spring Forward" time change.  Most of Saskatchewan does not move clocks ahead to observe DST (it is their default time).  So, perhaps it could be said that March in Saskatchewan is better for your heart!

  

No matter what time it is, Pamco is available to provide your organization with a full line of health products.  Learn more at:  Pamco Distributing Inc.

Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive has been added to the vending machines in the Etter Health Center at Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania).  These vending machines are already stocked with condoms, decongestants and pregnancy tests.

Plan B is a drug (levonorgestrel) that has an 89% effectiveness rate if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.

In Pennsylvania, only individuals 17 and over are permitted to purchase this emergency contraceptive without a prescription.  The university added Plan B to the vending machines after surveyed students overwhelmingly favoured its inclusion.  Additionally, the university has made sure that the vending machines are only accessible to students who have checked-in with reception at the health center --and, at this time, no enrolled students are under the age of 17.

The product costs purchasers $25 and the cost is not subsidized in any way by the university.  In Canada, all provinces except Saskatchewan and Quebec offer Plan B over the counter.

Plan B has been widely available without a prescription or medical consultation in many countries including: Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and India.

At Shippensburg University, approximately 400 units of Plan B were sold last year to the 4,000 students attending the school full-time.

Condoms remain the leading form of contraception at Shippensburg University --and health care professionals are quick to acknowledge that condoms also provide protection against STIs. 

Learn more at:  U.S. College vending machine dispenses Plan B

Pamco started as a small business with a mission to help fight STIs by providing superior quality health products to organizations across Canada.  Over 10 years later, Pamco has worked intently to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and frontline professionals in the provision of healthcare.

  

By listening to health professionals, Pamco has been able to partner with organizations, gather information and share resources to facilitate strategic health promotion programs.  Pamco has grown to provide a portfolio of products that have been carefully selected to promote education, awareness and options to consumers in the prevention of HIV/AIDs, other STIs and unintended pregnancies.

  

We hope that you and your colleagues enjoy our e-newsletter.  We look forward to serving you in the future and welcome your feedback about our products and service.

Pamco Distributing Inc.