At the, personalized care goes beyond prescriptions. The pharmacy, owned and managed by Catherine McCann and Darryl Hunt, offers a range of clinical services that focus on medication management, preventive care and individualized coaching to help patients take control of their health.
From medication reviews and vaccinations to specialized coaching in travel medicine, asthma, COPD and lifestyle management, the pharmacy is a vital resource for those looking to enhance their well-being.
A standout service is technology, especially useful for pre-diabetic patients. This service is part of a broader coaching program designed to help individuals manage their health before medication becomes necessary. “We’ve had people who have been able to reduce their glucose levels and Hemoglobin A1C quite substantially just with our lifestyle coaching,” McCann notes.
Respiratory coaching has also made a significant impact, particularly for patients. Through one-on-one sessions, patients learn about proper medication use and symptom management, often with notable improvements. “A COPD patient told me, ‘I just walked six blocks to get here, and I feel great,’” McCann says after just one coaching session and adjustments to medications.
Lifestyle coaching is another unique service that can help patients avoid medication through lasting lifestyle changes. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, focusing on health goals, symptom management and education. “The key with this coaching is to individualize it. This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. We need to understand where patients are in their health journey. Sessions cost $100 each, with the first one free.
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Although not covered by public health plans, these coaching services have attracted motivated clients eager to improve their health. Sleep coaching for seniors has been particularly impactful. “I’ve often helped seniors reduce their dose of sleep aids and only use them when absolutely necessary. That’s been a big win, especially for my senior patients,” McCann says, noting that helping patients sleep better can reduce the risk of falls and hospitalizations.
At the heart of The Medicine Shoppe’s services is patient education. Visual aids, hands-on demonstrations and personalized care are integral to each coaching session. “I’m a big advocate of education through visuals. I’ll hand-draw what a sleep cycle looks like or demonstrate different inhalers. I think it helps people understand,” McCann explains.
From helping COPD patients walk further to reducing reliance on medication, The Medicine Shoppe in Comox is committed to improving the health and quality of life of its patients.
Learn more about their coaching sessions by calling 250-339-5050 or visit at., Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.