The Costco Connection - September 2017

P HO TO DI SC

UPDATE

PharmacyCOSTCO

IT’S THAT time of year again, when we all want to avoid getting that dreaded cold. Here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself from all those unwanted germs.

Touch tactfully. If a friend or family member looks sick and moves in for a hug or a handshake, kindly let them know you would prefer to “play it safe” before extending your hand or leaning in for a hug.

Avoid shared surfaces. Cold viruses can survive several hours on surfaces, but having disinfecting wipes on hand can help. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, wipe down that cart before heading for the aisles.

Wash your hands regularly.

Whenever returning home from public places, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water to stop germs from entering your home. It’s also useful to keep hand sanitizer handy when you are on the go.

Cover your mouth wisely.

Coughs and sneezes give germs and viruses a vehicle to spread, so make sure to use a tissue or cough into your elbow. When using a tissue, promptly dispose of it and sanitize your hands.

Keep a sickness relief arsenal.

Keep your office or home well-stocked to help treat your symptoms when they strike. Consider items like tissues and hand sanitizer, as well as a pain reliever and a cough syrup for symptom relief.

By following these simple tips, you could improve your chances of staying healthy this winter. Don’t forget to pick up all your product needs in the Costco Pharmacy on your next visit.

COLD PREVENTION

Five tips to protect yourself from germs

DRUG TAKE-BACK PROGRAMS

Safe medication disposal

IF YOUR medicine cabinet is full of medications that have expired or are no longer needed, you’ve probably wondered about the best way to dispose of them. Safe disposal of unused medication can prevent accidental poisonings, medication misuse and abuse, and it helps protect the environment.

The best option is to use commu-nity-based drug take-back programs. The Drug Enforcement Agency website ( dea.gov) supports a search tool to find an authorized drug disposal collector in your area. The DEA also offers National Prescription Take-Back Days twice a year, in April and October. For more information, visit the DEA website.

Costco pharmacies sell envelopes to return medications for safe disposal for ;;.;;. If you have additional questions about safe medication disposal, ask your Costco pharmacist.

If a program is not available in your
area, most medications can be disposed of
in the trash as a last resort after taking a
few precautions (see bulleted list).

Some medications include specific
disposal instructions, which should be fol-
lowed. According to the Food and Drug
Administration, if disposal instructions
are not included with your medication,
take the following steps:
• Remove the medication from the
original container and mix it with used
coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt to make
the medication less desirable or unrecog-
nizable to children, pets and persons seek-
ing drugs.

• Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of the garbage bag.

• Make sure to scratch out any personal information on the prescription bottle to protect your identity and personal health information.

DID YOU know you and those you care about can get immunizations at your local Costco warehouse?

Costco pharmacies offer pneumonia, shingles (Zostavax), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) and MMR

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COSTCO PHARMACY, CLICK ON THE “PHARMACY” LINK AT COSTCO.COM OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL COSTCO PHARMACIST.

(measles, mumps,
rubella) vaccines at a Costco value. Check
with your Costco pharmacist to find out
which vaccines and dosing schedules are
right for you. Costco pharmacies accept
many types of insurance plans. Vaccine
and age restrictions vary by state.

Costco provides immunizations to children ; years and older. For more information, stop by your local Costco Pharmacy.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Value vaccinations

keep hand sanitizer handy
©

3

DALI A / S H U T TE RS T OCK C OM S TO CK

Keep your office or home well-stocked to help treat your symptoms when they strike. Consider items like tissues and hand sanitizer, as well as a pain reliever and a cough syrup for symptom relief.

By following these simple tips, you could improve your chances of staying healthy this winter. Don’t forget to pick up all your product needs in the Costco Pharmacy on your next visit.