Health Insights

May 2013 Pharmacy Job Openings

Owens Healthcare — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:25:43 +0000

Pharmacy Manager, Redding, Full-Time
We are currently looking for a Pharmacy Manager. Responsibilities include: helping the pharmacy achieve their planned business objectives and all activities related to the preparation, dispensing and sale of prescription and pharmacy related products. They will ensure compliance to all local, state, federal laws, and company policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication and customer service skills, a Degree in Pharmacy (B.S. or Pharm D) and a current CA Pharmacist License is required.

Pharmacy Manager, Orland, Full-Time
We are currently looking for a Pharmacy Manager in the Chico/Orland area. Responsibilities include: helping the pharmacy achieve their planned business objectives and all activities related to the preparation, dispensing and sale of prescription and pharmacy related products. They will ensure compliance to all local, state, federal laws, and company policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication and customer service skills, a Degree in Pharmacy (B.S. or Pharm D) and a current CA Pharmacist License is required.

Pharmacy Technician, Orland, Full-Time
We are currently looking for a Pharmacy Technician in the Chico/Orland area. Applicants must be organized, have a positive work attitude, have excellent phone and computer skills, and be able to work flexible hours. The ability to multi-task while keeping up with a fast-paced environment is also necessary. A current CA Pharmacy Technician license is required.

Division Operations Coordinator (DOC), Full-Time
We are currently looking for a dynamic individual to help us lead the Retail Pharmacy division of Owens Healthcare. This position helps keep our ten Retail Pharmacy stores operating with outstanding staff, excellent and efficient workflow, superior maintenance and passionate customer service. 3 to 5 years of retail store leadership experience and a Pharmacy Technician license is preferred (candidate must be willing to obtain their technician license within six months of employment.) A Bachelor’s Degree is also preferred.

Compounding Pharmacy Technician, OH 8, Full-Time
We are currently seeking a Pharmacy Technician for our Compounding Pharmacy in Redding. This position will start out working 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday and within 30 days will turn in to a full-time position. Current CA Pharmacy Technician license required. Experience in all aspects of Medi-cal billing preferred.

Customer Compliments #12

Owens Healthcare — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:08:28 +0000

At Owens we pride ourselves on giving that extra personal touch that only a community-rooted healthcare company like ours can give.

Below are just some of the compliments we receive from our friends, our neighbors, our customers!

The results are in, and with a whopping 17 COMMENT CARDS, our April WOW! winners are…. the crew down at OH 6!!! Jeff, Robin, Shanna, and Lo; CONGRATULATIONS on being April’s WOW Employees of the Month!!!

Here are just a few of the MANY nice comments…

To OH 6:
"This group is ALWAYS smiling, is always generous and thoughtful and always making sure that we have what we need done!"

To Shanna:
"I got a print out of meds and got it in seconds! I was WOW’d for sure! I always get the best service at Owens Placer!"

To OH 6:
"You have an uncanny ability to have great people! Keep it up!"

To OH 6:
"We appreciate the extra effort!"

To Lo:
"Wonderfully polite and courteous; personable and kind! Thank you, sir Lo!"

To OH 6:
"Your crew is always personable and friendly! Best pharmacy in Redding!"

To OH 6:
"I just wanted to thank everyone, especially Robin. Everyone was so helpful and understanding. Very professional, very knowledgeable, and all around just plain AMAZING!"

Keeping Kids Safe from Accidental Overdose

Owens Healthcare — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:50:37 +0000

Accidental Prescription Overdose In Children

Unintentional overdoses affect children of all ages, but are particularly common in two year olds – with one in every 150 suffering an accidental overdose each year. While young children are often the victims of accidental overdose, older children may be at risk for pediatric poisoning as well. By taking preventative measures and educating all members of the household on the dangers of taking medication without parental supervision, you can protect your children and keep them safe from accidental overdose.

The Most Common Cause of Poisoning in Children is Accidental Overdose
According to the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, accidental overdose in young children is becoming more prevalent, but prevention strategies aim to limit children’s exposure to medications and keep them safe. In a publication released in 2011, the journal revealed, “Medications have surpassed household products (e.g., cleaning agents) as the predominant cause of pediatric poisonings. More than 70,000 children are brought to EDs for unintentional medication overdoses annually; the peak incidence is in 2-year-olds.”

How to Keep Your Kids Safe: The “Up and Away and Out of Sight” Initiative
In an effort to reduce the number of accidental overdoses that occur in the United States, the CDC has partnered with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Education Foundation to create an initiative called “Up and Away and Out of Sight.” This initiative helps to remind parents of the dangers of overdose and educates them on how to keep their medications out of the hands of young children and teens.

The “Up and Away and Out of Sight” initiative recommends taking the following steps to keep kids safe from accidental overdose:

Store all medications or prescriptions in a place that is out of reach and out of sight of children.
Consider every supplement, prescription, or over-the-counter medication as a potential danger to your children. Even vitamins or over-the-counter children’s medications can cause harm if consumed in excess.
Educate children about the dangers of ingesting medication that is not prescribed to them. Explain that certain medications can help them feel better if taken in the right dosage at the right time, but other medications can be dangerous, especially if taken without a parent’s supervision.
Be aware of the “safety cap” on medicine bottles. After each use, activate the child safety lock by twisting the cap until you hear a click.
Discuss proper safety precautions with everyone in the home and any guests that arrive. Guests to the home should always keep in mind your children’s safety, especially if you have small children in the home. Make sure that any medications that they bring are stored properly in a place that children cannot access.
Avoid equating taking medicine with eating candy because this can cause confusion in children and lead to accidental overdose.

By putting in place certain safety measures and keeping medications out of sight and out of reach of children, parents can keep their children safe from accidentally ingesting medications and prevent pediatric poisoning.

May 2013 Current Pharmacy Job Openings

Owens Healthcare — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:40:34 +0000

Sales and Marketing Representative, Corporate, Full Time
We are currently recruiting for a full-time Sales & Marketing Representative to join our marketing team. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with referral sources and increasing sales of products and services. 2-4 years of sales experience is required. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, provide exceptional customer service and have a strong desire to be part of a fast-paced, skilled team of professionals.

Customer Compliments #11

Owens Healthcare — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:27:09 +0000

At Owens we pride ourselves on giving that extra personal touch that only a community-rooted healthcare company like ours can give.

Below are just some of the compliments we receive from our friends, our neighbors, our customers!

To Travis at OH 16:
"Travis shows that he truly cares about the patients getting their medication. One patient did not have glaucoma drops approved in time for delivery. Travis followed up and made sure he got them before the weekend."

From Lisa at OH 16

A voicemail we received for all employees at Owens:
"I just wanted to tell you guys how great your service is and I appreciate it. You have made my life a whole lot easier! Thank you!"

Happy Customer

To Whitney at OH 4:
"We had a customer that needed same day delivery, only problem was that Jim had already been to our store 2 hours prior. Whitney went out of her way to deliver the prescriptions after she got off that day! She helped make a new patient very happy!"

Submitted by Sabrina at OH 4

To the staff at OH 1:
"All of the staff are very friendly and cheerful. It is very enjoyable to come in. Keep up the wonderful job! You all brighten my day."

Sweet Little Lady

To Julie at OH 8:
"Good counter comfort! You are lucky to have her!"

Pleased Person

Allergies and Asthma

Owens Healthcare — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:42 +0000

Allergies and Asthma – Treating Both Together

Allergies and asthma are inextricably linked for many people, and the connection can make it more challenging to treat and prevent a flare up of symptoms. While allergies and asthma may seem like separate conditions, they actually present together in patients quite frequently because both conditions have many of the same triggers. These triggers, such as pollen, animal dander, etc. can result in symptoms of both conditions at the same time.

Can an Allergic Reaction Cause an Asthma Attack?
An allergic reaction usually occurs because the body senses that a foreign substance (normally a harmless substance like pollen or animal dander) is an invader and attempts to remove that allergen from the body – activating white blood cell production. The natural protective mechanism causes symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes; runny nose and congestion. These symptoms can also affect the airways, which may trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma symptoms normally present with tightness in the chest, wheezing, and frequent coughing, but you may experience other symptoms as well such as swelling of the throat. Mild asthma attacks are more common and easier to manage than severe asthma attacks, which may require medical intervention to treat.

Treatment Options for Both Allergies and Asthma
While most treatments are designed to target either allergies or asthma, there are a few medications on the market that may reduce the symptoms associated with both simultaneously. According to the Mayo Clinic, Leukotriene modifier, allergy shots (immunotherapy), and anti-immunoglobulin E therapy may treat both allergies and asthma together. Your physician may still need to prescribe more than one medication to treat allergies and asthma depending on the severity of symptoms and your medical history.

Managing Your Symptoms
If you routinely experience symptoms of allergies or asthma, identify what triggers your reactions and limit your exposure to them as often as possible. Learn to assess the early signs of an allergy or asthma attack so that you will know when to take your medication and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. If you have just recently begun to experience allergy and asthma symptoms together, consult a physician to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Are You at Risk for Allergic Asthma?
If your family has a history of allergies, you are at risk for contracting allergic asthma. Conditions like hay fever or other allergic reactions also increase your risk of contracting allergic asthma. Consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms that trouble you.

Smoking And Birth Control

Owens Healthcare — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The Risks of Smoking While on Hormonal Birth Control

Patients that smoke while on hormonal birth control are at risk for developing serious health problems such as stroke, blood clots, or heart attack. While the connection between smoking, birth control, and serious health complications has been well documented, patients are hesitant to give up smoking while on the pill, the patch, the shot, or the ring. Studies show that 8 out of 10 women will continue smoking while on birth control even after being warned of the risks and adverse side effects that may be associated with combining the two.

Knowing the Facts and the Risks
While many women are aware of the risks of smoking while on birth control, many are not. According to the survey, nearly half of all women reported that they had not talked to their healthcare provider about the effects of smoking on birth control, and most women do not know that there is a safe and highly effective alternative birth control method for female smokers.

New Research Points to Safer Birth Control Options for Smokers
New research conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that while many birth control pills pose a serious risk to smokers, newer pills with specific types of hormones may be safer for smokers. The research focused on evaluating birth control pills and their effect on women in the short and long term. Evaluating how contraceptives will affect a woman’s future health is imperative in designing safe and effective birth control methods.

Effects of Smoking While on Birth Control
The study followed two groups of young, healthy women that took birth control pills – half smokers and half non-smokers. Researchers found that smokers’ hearts were pumping less blood, and the blood vessels were more constricted – resisting healthy blood flow. Women taking third generation oral contraceptives exhibited better overall blood flow and heart function than those on second generation contraceptives, which indicates that new forms of birth control may actually be safer and advisable for smokers.

Consulting a Physician to Determine the Best Method of Birth Control for You
When discerning which method of birth control is best for you, it is important to make an informed decision based on all available information. Discuss all birth control methods with your doctor, and consider asking your doctor for a plan to help you quit smoking. The effects of smoking can have lasting effects on the body, and for women on contraception, it is even more important to avoid smoking. While new contraceptives may be safer and more advisable for smokers, they still pose risks to the woman’s health. If possible, it is best to quit smoking while taking hormonal birth control pills.

April 2013 Current Pharmacy Job Openings

Owens Healthcare — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:13:32 +0000

Medical Billing Representative, Redding, Full-Time & Part-Time
We are currently looking for a Medical Billing/Intake Specialist to work in our Reimbursement Department supporting our Medical Equipment Division. The work schedule for this position is 8am-5pm. WOW customer service skills and proficient computer/phone skills are required; previous medical billing experience is preferred.

Customer Compliments #10

Owens Healthcare — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:48:19 +0000

At Owens we pride ourselves on giving that extra personal touch that only a community-rooted healthcare company like ours can give.

Below are just some of the compliments we receive from our friends, our neighbors, our customers!

We have received SOOO many customer compliments this month! We just want to say a humongous THANK YOU to all of you wonderful employees who are vowing to put WOW! into your daily work schedule. Without our GREAT employees, we could not make Owens Healthcare the WOW! environment it is! Great job everyone!!!

To Lisa at OH 16:
"Dear Lisa, I was unconcerned about this matter because although we’ve never spoken, I’ve always known that you’re a good person. Things have often been difficult for my family; my big,loving, beautiful family. The past couple of years, though, have been awful, but there are timeswhen we don’t feel bad. I want to thank you and the other nice lady in front for your kind consideration regarding my daughter. You’re very professional, courteous, and I appreciate the beautiful smiles of good heartedness from both of you. It all made a big difference to us."

Sincerely, Appreciative Lady

To Lo at OH 6
"It is nice to overhear a customer say ‘Oh Goody! Lo is here!’."

Submitted by Robin at OH 6

To the Staff at OH 9
"As our son turns one this March, we would like to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped him and us through a very ‘eventful’ first year! We wanted to say thank you for your amazing customer service. We’ve been so pleased with how easy it has been to get supplies! Thank you for making a difficult year so much easier!"

Grateful Family

To the Staff at OH 2
"1. You always give customer service with a smile. 2. Wait time is short. 3. I know I get the best prices too! Thanks! Above and beyond, that’s how helpful you ALL are!"

Happy Gal

To Gabe at OH 3
"He is quick, kind, and informative about prescription info!"

Pleased Person

A letter to Aaron Smith and the Staff at OH 8
"I want to take the time to write and compliment to the staff in your Compounding Pharmacy, particularly Aaron Smith, the Specialty Pharmacy manager. My wife who has been troubled with Multiple Sclerosis for a period of years has recently experienced a series of falls resulting in several fractured bones. These problems have produced reoccurring, severe levels of pain in her back and hip area. In order to reduce this discomfort our doctor recommended a medicine that could be formulated in your Compounding Pharmacy and submitted a prescription to your organization. After several tries using various combinations of pain–lessening ingredients the most effective medication was produced. Please know that this result could only have been accomplished with the extraordinary efforts and concern on the part of Aaron and his staff. My wife and I cannot thank you and the above mentioned personnel enough for working so diligently on our behalf."

Thankful Husband

To Kendra at OH 11
"Kendra is very efficient and knowledgeable of the supplies that she delivers to our home! She is also very polite and I am sure that she is an asset to Owens!"

Happy Woman

To Tony at OH 13
"For many years we have been very pleased with Owens’ thoughtful services!"

Elated Gentleman

What Is A Compounding Pharmacy?

Owens Healthcare — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:47 +0000

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and How can it Benefit You?

A compounding pharmacy specializes in formulating customized treatments for each patient based on their specific needs. Since standardized medications may not provide the best formulation depending on the patient’s condition, compounding pharmacies give physicians the ability to prescribe a specific dosage and strength and to combine active ingredients to design the best treatment plan for each patient.

How does a Compounding Pharmacy Differ from a Traditional Pharmacy?
Compounding pharmacies use high quality, pharmaceutical grade ingredients to create a unique formulation for each patient based on their health condition and their physician’s recommendations. This process gives physicians more control over the medications they prescribe and allows them to tailor each prescription to each patient. If patients are prescribed more than one drug, the ingredients can be combined into one dose to make it easier to take those medications on the schedule prescribed by the doctor. Medications may be prescribed in the form of capsules, tablets, lozenges, creams or gels depending on the medication’s absorption properties and the patient’s preferences.

The Perks of Using a Compounding Pharmacy
Patients treated for a variety of conditions can benefit from filling their prescriptions at a compounding pharmacy. The personalized service offered only at a compounding pharmacy leads to better patient outcomes. Since the medications are formulated with each patient’s needs in mind, side effects are less likely to occur, and the dosage and strength can be adjusted or modified at any time, providing maximum flexibility and best results.

Patients that have exhibited sensitivity to certain medications in the past can have their medications specifically formulated to prevent an allergic reaction. In order to prevent a reaction, a compounding pharmacy will take into account the patient’s past symptoms and current needs to develop a formula that will be most effective at helping to restore optimal health.

Reducing the Cost of Prescription Drugs with a Compounding Pharmacy
Another notable benefit to using a compounding pharmacy is that patients can enjoy reduced pharmaceutical costs. Owens Healthcare is dedicated to helping patients reduce the overall cost of their prescriptions, and through the compounding pharmacy, patients can benefit from the shared risk/benefit plan that helps to reduce costs by incentivizing both the facility and the pharmacy. By utilizing generic substitutions to brand name drugs, formulary control, and limited quantities of drugs, patients can reduce their costs while also enjoying a more personalized experience.

Owens’ ongoing commitment to providing quality care gives patients the ability to purchase their prescriptions at a reduced price and in a formula tailored to their specific needs at the compounding pharmacy.

If you have any questions about our state-of-the-art compounding pharmacy, please call 530.244.8669. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.