Hi. I’m Joseph Koo, your Express Scripts Canada pharmacist. 

Welcome to Ask the Pharmacist. 

Here is today’s question:

How can pharmacists support men's health?

This is a great question, especially during Canadian Men’s Health Week.

While people are living longer than ever, the World Health Organization reports that the average Canadian man will die four years earlier than the average Canadian woman. Genetic and cultural differences combine to cut men’s average life expectancy but there are ways to help men take better care of themselves and extend their lives – and pharmacists can help. 

As frontline healthcare workers, pharmacists are in a position to encourage men to see their doctor and get important health screenings. Pharmacists can also counsel men about prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other supplements like protein powders, as well as answer questions about a broad range of health topics.

Pharmacists can also counsel you on ways you might be able to help your body feel its best:

Routine check-ups. Regular check-ups can help prevent health issues before they become serious problems. Screening tests may help your doctor detect diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers.

Regular exercise. Moderate, regular exercise can go a long way to help  you stay healthy. Canadian physical activity guidelines suggest adults aged 18 to 64 years of age should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week – that’s just over 20 minutes a day.  Make sure you consult your health practitioner first to help ensure any physical activity you may engage in is safe for you.

Maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet contains lots of vegetables, fruit and whole grains.

Protein is important too, but try to avoid processed foods, and limit your intake of sugary drinks.

Try to eat foods that are low in saturated fats and keep your salt intake low. 

Stop smoking. After just one day of not smoking, your risk of heart attack can begin to decrease. There are many resources out there to help support you in being smoke free. In fact, studies show that medication can double your chances of quitting compared to willpower alone.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the options available.

Stress reduction. Stress is part of life, but it’s important to recognize when stress is becoming a health burden. Too much stress can have some unexpected health effects, such as weight loss or gain, heart disease, even making it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

Stress can also affect your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Regular exercise, reducing your caffeine intake, journaling and incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine are just some options that can help. 

Moderate alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than two drinks a day. Of course, it’s also important to remember alcohol can interact with some medications you may be taking. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the risks of drinking while taking some prescription drugs, supplements or herbal remedies.

When it comes to prescription medications, as one of Canada’s oldest and most recognized virtual pharmacies, the Express Scripts Canada Pharmacy has helped to improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of Canadians. 

Express Scripts Canada pharmacists are patient advocates who are on call 24/7 to meet patient needs. In addition, the ESC Pharmacy offers free delivery throughout Canada, automatic refills and reminders, online prescription transfers and refill requests.

You can take comfort and rest assured knowing that we’re here for you 24/7. If it makes a difference to your health and wellbeing, we proudly deliver it to you.

So men, remember that you can rely on your pharmacist to help you navigate your healthcare needs.  

Until next time, this has been Ask the Pharmacist.

I wish you good health.