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But have you thought about one other, very-important member of your health care team? It's your pharmacist, and when your pharmacist is a Brookshire pharmacist, you can expect wonderful support!
The next time you fill a prescription, or even if you just pick up a loaf of bread and a quart of milk, stop by and really introduce yourself to the pharmacy staff. After all, the more they know about you, the more precisely they can help you. For instance:
But it's up to you. You have to cooperate with the professionals who are dedicated to your health. To make sure you do your part, remember these important tips:
Tip 1: Read the Entire Label To make sure you take your medications correctly, start with the label on your pill bottle. As soon as you get your prescription, make sure that it's your name on the label. Make sure that the medication name is right.
Tip 2: Follow the Instructions Carefully Often the pharmacist gives you an information sheet with added details about your pills. Like the label, this sheet is a tool to help you take your pills correctly. For example, some medications won't work if you take calcium or other supplements within a few hours. Keep and re-read the information sheet as needed. And never share your pills with other people. You and your friends may take blood pressure pills, but the type you each take can vary a lot. You never know if your medication could harm other people. They may be allergic to the pills that you take. Maybe your friend takes the same pills, but in a smaller dose. Or maybe other medication that your friend takes could cause a reaction when taken with your pills.
Tip 3: Use Reminders for Taking Your Pills Some people say the hardest part about taking medications correctly is remembering to take them. It's easy to forget a dose now and then, especially if you're taking several medications. You might also try these ideas:
Tip 4: Get Advice From the Experts You can't always tell whether your pills are working. In fact, many heart or blood vessel medications won't make you feel any different. But your doctor prescribes them for a reason. It's not a good idea to decide on your own to stop taking your pills. Talk to your doctor or nurse first instead.
On the other hand, if you're feeling better after taking only some of your prescription, you might be tempted to stop taking it. But follow the instructions. And always check with your doctor or nurse before you stop taking your pills.
Even if you notice side effects, it's not a good idea to stop taking your pills. Instead, let your doctor know what you're feeling. Perhaps your doctor can offer possible solutions or suggest ways you can manage side effects. The doctor will know which side effects are likely to go away after a short time. If you continue to be troubled by side effects, your doctor may lower your dose or perhaps order a different medication.
Taking your medications as directed is one of the best things you can do for your health in the long term. So make friends with your pharmacist. It's one of those situations where everyone wins!
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It's Heart Health Month, and if you're already seeing a physician because of heart problems, you're familiar with the basic rules about eating well, exercising more, losing weight and other important lifestyle changes. And no doubt you also have a team of professional resources: your physician, a cardiologist, maybe a dietician and even a physical therapist. 
