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Audio FileListen to some tips on safe medication use


The Safe Meds Program, offered by the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, is a series of pharmacist-delivered community presentations.  Each seminar covers a variety of important topics relating to medication use including: proper storage and disposal of medications; over-the-counter products; dealing with side effects; non-compliance of drug therapy; how your pharmacist can help, and much more.  Seminars are available on a variety of topics, and suitable for a number of different audiences.  Click on the link below to learn more about:


Click here to find out more about Safe Meds for Heart Click here to find out more about Safe Meds for Seniors
Click here to find out more about Safe Meds for Kids Click here to find out more about Safe Meds for Driving

 

Safe Meds for Seniors

The Ontario Pharmacists’ Association is pleased to have the support of the Government of Ontario for the Safe Meds for Seniors Program.  These seminars are available across Ontario and are delivered by a community pharmacist. Each seminar covers a variety of important topics for seniors relating to medication use.  Originally introduced as the Seniors' Safe Medication Use Program in 1999, Safe Meds for Seniors has been presented to thousands of people and met with overwhelming success.  Each seminar provides valuable information about healthy aging to help seniors live independently and with dignity.

The programs are fully funded by the OPA and the Ontario government. They are free for seniors who wish to host or attend them. Safe Meds for Seniors provides an excellent opportunity for seniors to take control of their health and medication and to utilize the skills and expertise of drug experts – the  pharmacists.

Program Outline
  • The Myths of Aging
  • Why Am I at risk?
    • A look at the statistics
  • Examples of Medication Misuse
  • What Are Drugs?
    • Prescription medicines
    • Over-the-counter medicines
    • Social drugs
    • Traditional and herbal therapies
  • Drug Names
    • Brand and generic names
  • How Can my Pharmacist Help?
  • Storage of Medications
  • Expired Medications
  • The Dos & Don'ts of Safe Medication Use
    • Ask Your Pharmacist
  • Tips for Snowbirds
  • Side Effects of Medication
  • Over-the-Counter Medicines
  • Herbals: The Myths & the Realities
  • Compliance Aids
    • Weekly pill boxes, etc.
  • Safe Medication Card
  • Colds & Infection
  • Influenza: "the flu"
    • Influenza vaccine
  • Shingles
  • Constipation
  • Additional Pharmacy Services
  • Medication Reviews
    • Question & Answer Period

The Safe Meds for Seniors program runs 45 to 90 minutes in length, including a question and answer period and is provided to groups at no charge.  The pharmacist will attempt to tailor the presentation to the needs of the seniors' group, if requested. No particular pharmacy or drug is promoted in this program.  This program is available in English, French, Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Korean and Polish.

NEW: Safe Med for Heart patient brochure

The Safe Meds for Seniors brochure provides tips on safe medication use and emphasizes the important role of the pharmacist as a drug expert. To order pre-printed copies of this brochure, please contact Susan Eckert at OPA: 416-441-0788, extension 4251.

If you are a senior and wish to attend a seminar in your area, please refer to the list below (additional dates and locations are updated as they are confirmed):

Program Listings: Safe Meds for Seniors

Friday, March 19, 2010
Armitage Gardens
200 Eagle Street
Newmarket, ON
Presentation Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Contact: Janet Rae, 905-895-3628, ext. 3430


Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Joseph E & Winnie Wagman Centre
55 Ameer Avenue
North York, ON
Presentation Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Contact: Judy Chu, 416-785-2500, ext. 2340


Friday, March 5, 2010
Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church
245 Lexington Avenue
Waterloo, ON
Presentation Time: 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm


Friday, March 5, 2010
Hadley Grange
16105 Yonge Street
Aurora, ON
Presentation Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Contact: Melanie Rowe, 905-830-4444, ext. 3429


Thursday, March 4, 2010
Oxford Learning Centre
80 Sheppard Avenue West
North York, ON
Presentation Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Contact: Ashley Case, 416-225-1231, ext. 15


Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Adelaide Resource Centre for Women
67 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
Presentation Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Contact: Melissa Lyte, 416-392-9292


Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Church of the Annunciation
3 Combermere Drive
Don Mills, ON
Presentation Time: 10:15 am to 11:15 am


Thursday, January 7, 2010
Walden One Adult Building
55 Austin Drive
Markham, ON
Presentation Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm


Friday, December 18, 2009
Supportive Housing in Peel
969 Derry Road East, Unit #107
Mississauga, ON
Presentation Time: 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm
Contact: Caitlin Freeman, 905-795-8742, ext. 301


Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Older Adult Centre at Square One
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON
Presentation Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Contact: Catherine Gatere, 905-791-7800, ext. 2050


Thursday, November 12, 2009
Seniors Building
43 Bythia Street
Orangeville, ON
Presentation Time: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Contact: Betty Speer, 519-941-6991, ext. 2104


Sunday, November 8, 2009
Christ Church Anglican
43 Sherwood
Bobcaygeon, ON
Presentation Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm


Friday, October 30, 2009
Seniors Association Kingston
56 Francis Street
Kingston, ON
Presentation Time:  9:30 am to 11:00 am
Contact:  Celina Santos, 613-548-7810, ext. 225


Wednesday, October 28, 2009
St. Bonaventure Church
1300 Leslie Street
North York, ON
Presentation Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm


Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Don Mills Drop-In Centre
80 Overlea Boulevard
Don Mills, ON
Presentation Time: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Contact: Almas Musaji, 416-421-4065

Thursday, October 15, 2009
Woolwich Community Health Fair
Calvary United Church
48 Hawkesville Road
St. Jacobs, ON
Presentation Time: 11:15 am to 11:45 am
Contact: Joy Finney, 519-664-3534, ext. 230

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Palmerston United Church
215 James Street
Palmerston, ON
Presentation Time:  1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Contact:  Helen Edwards, 519-638-1000


Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Stratford Christian Women’s Club
Arden Park Hotel
552 Ontario Street
Stratford, ON
Presentation Time:  9:00 am to 10:00 am


Monday, August 17, 2009
United Senior Citizens of Ontario Annual Convention
Holiday Inn Oshawa
1011 Bloor Street East
Oshawa, ON
Presentation Time:  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm


Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Older Adult Centre at Square One
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON
Presentation Time: 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Contact: Emine Duzgeren, 905-238-1751


Friday, June 12, 2009
Senior Peoples Resources in North Toronto
140 Merton Street, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON
Presentation Time:  2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Contact:  Joy Friedman, 416-481-6411, ext. 351


Monday, June 8, 2009
Chartwell Classic Oakville
180 Oak Park Boulevard
Oakville, ON
Presentation Time:  1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Contact:  Sara Weber, 905-257-0095

Saturday, June 6, 2009
Burlington Seniors Centre
2285 New Street
Burlington, ON
Presentation Time:  10:05 am to 10:20 am
Contact:  Wendy Garside, 905-335-7607

Friday, June 5, 2009
Water Street Seniors Activity Centre
22 Water Street
Markham, ON
Presentation Time:  1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Contact:  Daniel Gianasi, 905-294-4931


Thursday, June 4, 2009
Manitoulin Injury Prevention Coalition
NEMI Complex
Little Current, ON
Presentation Time:  1:15 pm to 1:45 pm 
Contact:  Sudbury & District Health Unit, 705-370-9200

If you are with a group or organization and wish to inquire about hosting a seminar, please contact Susan Eckert at 416-441-0788 ext. 4251 or via e-mail at seckert@opatoday.com. Please note that the consideration of seminar delivery will be subject to program guidelines


Safe Meds for Heart

Safe Meds for Heart is available with the support of Pfizer Canada and AstraZeneca Canada. Safe Meds for Heart provides information on risk factors for heart disease and the safe use of medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol, two of the most important risk factors for heart disease.  This program is available as a live presentation or on-line.

Program Outline
  • What is heart disease?
    • The situation in Canada
    • Risk factors for heart disease

  • High blood pressure
    • What is high blood pressure?
    • How do we measure blood pressure?
    • What do the numbers mean?
    • Treatment of blood pressure
    • Important points to remember

  • High cholesterol
    • What is high cholesterol?
    • Types of cholesterol
    • What should my cholesterol be?
    • Treatment of high cholesterol
    • Important points to remember

  • How can my pharmacist help?

  • Do’s and Don’ts of safe medication use

NEW: Safe Med for Heart patient brochure

Click here to download the Safe Meds for Heart brochure which outlines the Safe Meds for Heart program, provides tips on safe medication use and emphasizes the important role of the pharmacist as a drug expert. Also included in the brochure is a list of valuable resources which can be accessed online. To order pre-printed copies of this brochure, please contact Susan Eckert at OPA: 416-441-0788, extension 4251.

NEW: Taking Care of your Heart [Online Version]

Click here to see and hear the on-line version of this presentation. Seniors, their caregivers, and adults of all ages will learn something new from this program.

The Safe Meds for Heart live presentation runs 45 to 90 minutes in length, including a question and answer period and is provided to seniors groups at no charge. No particular pharmacy or drug is promoted in this program.

If you wish to attend a seminar in your area, please refer to the list below (additional dates and locations are updated as they are confirmed):

Program Listings: Safe Meds for Seniors

Thursday, November 26, 2009
Algoma’s Water Tower Inn
360 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Presentation Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: Janie Bringleson, 705-759-1233


Saturday, November 7, 2009
Centre for Seniors
635 McEwan Avenue
Windsor, ON
Presentation Time:  1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Contact:  Joyce Montrose, 519-253-1797, ext. 223


Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Community Care North Hastings
Hastings Highlands Public Library
61102 Hwy 2
Maynooth, ON
Presentation Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Contact: Deb Jeffrey, 613-338-2662


Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Milton District Hospital
7030 Derry Road East
Milton, ON
Presentation Time: 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Contact: Megan Suddergaard, 905-845-2571, ext. 4147


Thursday, May 14, 2009
The ParkSide Centre
YMCA, Kinsman Room C
140 Durham Street
Sudbury, ON
Presentation time: 7:00 pm
Contact:  Kirsikka Corradi, 705-670-1993, ext. 3


Monday, February 9, 2009
Remedy’s Rx on Kent
108 Kent Street
Lindsay, ON
Presentation Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Contact: Remedy’s Rx, 705-324-0500


Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sing for the Heart of it
55 Plus Centre
700 River St
Thunder Bay, ON
Presentation Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sing for the Heart of it Flyer


Sunday, October 5, 2008
Telugu Seniors Society of Canada
Pleasantview Community Centre
545 Van Horne Avenue
North York, ON
Presentation Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Sam Voora, 905-528-0792


Saturday, June 21, 2008
Cedarbrook Community Centre
91 Eastpark Blvd.
Scarborough, ON
Presentation Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Contact: Susan Eckert, 416-441-0788, ext. 4251


Monday, April 28, 2008
Royal Canadian Legion
1550 Lansdowne St. W.
Peterborough, ON
Presentation Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Contact: Laurie Riley, 705-749-1500


If you are with a group or organization and wish to inquire about hosting a seminar, please contact Susan Eckert at 416-441-0788 ext. 4251 or via e-mail at seckert@opatoday.com. Please note that the consideration of seminar delivery will be subject to program guidelines.

Safe Meds for Kids

Pharmacists looking for materials to support work with young children have access to the Safe Meds for Kids presentation.  This interactive program is suitable for children either aged four to six, or seven to ten.  The Dino Game – All About medication Safety and Healthy Habits is another great way to educate our young people and encourage the development healthy attitudes towards medication use.  The Dino Game is suitable for ages six through nine.  Pharmacists interested in these products can contact Wendy Furtenbacher, Membership Coordinator, OPA 416-441-0788 ext. 4224 or via email at wfurtenbacher@opatoday.com

Safe Meds for Driving

The Safe Meds for Driving program is now available for pharmacists looking to educate people in their community about how medications can affect driving ability and keep our roadways safe for everyone.  The topics covered in this presentation include Diseases Which Affect Driving, How Drugs May Impair Driving, Over the Counter Products, Pain Relievers, Sleeping Pills, Social Drugs, How the Pharmacist Can Help and more.  Pharmacists interested in accessing this program can contact Wendy Furtenbacher, membership Coordinator, OPA 416-441-0788 ext. 4224 or via email at wfurtenbacher@opatoday.com

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The Ontario Pharmacists' Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Government and Pfizer for the Seniors' Safe Medication Use Program.


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AstraZeneca Canada

Ontario

Pfizer

The views expressed herein are those of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Ontario.


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