Each month we provide a summary of members' publications for the previous month.  Review the January Member Publications. Below is one of the publications you may find interesting:

  

The International Society of Hypertension and World Hypertension League call on governments, nongovernmental organizations and the food industry to work to reduce dietary sodium.

Campbell NR, Lackland DT, Chockalingam A, Lisheng L, Harrap SB, Touyz RM, Burrell LM, Ramírez AJ, Schmieder RE, Schutte AE, Prabhakaran D, Schiffrin EL; Executive Board of the World Hypertension League:; Executive Committee of the International Society of Hypertension:.

J Hypertens. 2014 Feb;32(2):446-7. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000079.

PMID: 24430121

IN FOCUS

In November, Loblaw Pharmacies were presented with the Canadian Healthcare Network's 2013 Commitment to Care Award in the Collaborative Team Initiative category for their "Understand your Blood Pressure" program developed in partnership with Hypertension Canada. The program launched in February 2013 was very successful - in just one month, 21,000 Canadians had a blood pressure measurement and consultation at Loblaw pharmacies. It was reported that approximately one-third of the patients who had significantly raised blood pressure were referred to their physician and many patients were referred to a dietitian. Pharmacists reported that the program helped them when advising patients about the management of their blood pressure.

 

With the significant success of the first year of the "Understanding your Blood Pressure" program, it is now available year round at Loblaw Pharmacies. During the month of February, Loblaw is highlighting this program so Canadians can "Learn about their blood pressure". In addition to having blood pressure readings taken and a consultation with the pharmacist to understand what the numbers mean, dietitians are available in 96 locations to consult with customers to provide tips for reducing sodium and reading food labels.

 

The program this year will include a patient follow-up by the pharmacists if their blood pressure reading is in a defined higher range as well as some outcomes measure in order to assess overall impact of the program. Hypertension Canada is proud to support Loblaw efforts to help Canadians manage their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes.

To find out more about the program or locate a Loblaw pharmacy near you visit http://www.drugstorepharmacy.ca/.