Pharmacy Perspectives - Winter/Spring 2015 - (Page 3)

WINTER/SPRING 4 GRADERS TH GET A DOSE OF PHARMACY SCHOOL E very January, approximately 200 area fourth-graders descend upon the Anschutz Medical Campus to learn what it's like to be pharmacists. Hosted by second and third-year pharmacy students and members of the Student National Pharmacists Association (SNPhA) and Colorado Student Society of Health System Pharmacists (CSSHP), the program teaches 4th graders the importance of accurate measurements, labeling, making meds through compounding and that being a pharmacist isn't just about counting pills. The next Pharmacist for Day event is scheduled for Jan. 6-9. According to fourth-year pharmacy student, Kaitlyn Moorehead, "This event gives these kids a dose of pharmacy school in a fun way and involves math, chemistry, mixing compounds together, understanding the human body, and most importantly that medicines should never be confused with candy." This service learning project is a hands-on activity that helps pharmacy students learn invaluable skills like counseling. "We've found that if they can explain complicated concepts to children they will be successful in explaining health care concerns, medication interactions, as well as the pros and cons of certain medications to patients of all ages," says Assistant Professor Sarah Anderson (PharmD '07). Many of these kids are first generation immigrants and come from Spanish speaking only households. They are the interpreters for the family. "So, it's important that they know why a plastic spoon from the pharmacy is a better choice than a kitchen spoon when taking a medication and can explain that to family members," says Kaitlyn. To learn more about the Pharmacist for a Day program, visit our YouTube channel and watch the Medicines and Candy video. www. youtube.com/watch?v=H0FgAUY-UM&list=UUPLXxewjAvEBrO9DuLERbbQ PHARMACY STUDENTS PROVIDE CARE AT VETERAN'S FAIRS F or the second year in a row, pharmacy students participated in KEZW radio's Oct. 4 Veteran's Fair, providing a number of services to veterans and their family members. With preceptor support and oversight, students offered blood pressure tests, bone density screenings, medication checklists to assist with medication management and flu shots. These services allowed hundreds of veterans to receive hassle-free healthcare and provided them with valuable information about their health. In fact, several attendees said that based on some of their test results, they plan to go to their primary care physician for follow up. After having her blood pressure measured, Janet Hesterwerth learned that her numbers were higher than normal. Several years earlier, Janet suffered from high blood pressure, but she thought she had the problem under control and, as a result, quit taking her medication. "I thought everything was fine. I will need to get back into the doctor and see what he recommends. I might have to start taking the medication again," she said. Another health fair attendee, Ann Olson, was shocked to learn that so many people die from accidental overdoses of prescription medication. She said, "The drug awareness was very helpful and I had no idea that the death rate was so high. You definitely need an advocate and someone to help you understand the medications you are taking, so you can avoid a bad interaction." Joshua Min (P-3) gives a flu shot during the Veteran's Fair Providing the public with this kind of information will help create a healthier state, which is one of the goals of the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy. Pharmacy students participate in a wide of variety of health fairs, aimed at informing and providing medical care to the community. Second-year pharmacy student Marina Maes said that this is the second health fair she has staffed this semester and she is already planning to volunteer at a flu clinic in the near future. These opportunities not only support the community, they also provide pharmacy students with a glimpse into life as a pharmacist. "I love the interaction we have with patients at these events," says Marina. "These fairs help us feel more comfortable dealing with patients while improving our skills." www.ucdenver.edu/pharmacy 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0FgAUY-U-M&list=UUPLXxewjAvEBrO9DuLERbbQ http://www.ucdenver.edu/pharmacy

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Pharmacy Perspectives - Winter/Spring 2015