Similkameen Pharmacy

04/01/2026

Be advised that Similkameen Pharmacy will be closed Friday April 3rd. Find us between 10am and 4pm both Saturday and Easter Monday. Happy Easter.

03/28/2026

It's never a bad idea to think ahead. Especially when our dearest wish is to remain in our own community.

03/23/2026

This is the second post to the Steps to Better Health 2026 Series.

Contrary to popular belief, making "healthy" food choices is often achieved by including rather than excluding items in our food choices. When welcome new whole ingredients in our kitchens and at our tables, we expend our repertoire and benefit from their combined nutrients. Occasionally, we're even reminded of flavors we had forgotten. I recently purchased frozen blueberries and have been enjoying a handful every evening. They are delicious on their own, but when I feel particularly decadent, I mix them with a little milk or cream and get to instantly enjoy a frozen treat. Not only had I forgotten how delicious this berry is, it also versatile and happens to be loaded with vitamins.

We are lucky to live in the Similkameen Valley, a productive agricultural region with ample "Fruit Stands". There is even a blueberry farm in Keremeos. In addition, wild asparagus, elderberries and saskatoon berries seasonally offer themselves for the taking to those who take the time to collect them. Here, one can easily enhance their meals year-long with a little planning for the off-season, keeping the cost of food in check without compromising nutritional value.

Recently, both the Inclusive Community Garden in Keremeos and the Ntamtqen Community Garden & Food Hub in Cawston, offer opportunities to participate in growing food. Both gardens are reliant on volunteer engagement for their ongoing efforts and would appreciate your involvement. Lend your hand and you will naturally find yourself on a discovery journey, enjoying and learning about ingredients you might never have tasted before.

Access to nutritious food is an important element of maintaining health. For this reason, taking Steps to Better Health should include enhancing the variety in our meals one ingredient at a time.

Next time, we'll discuss another key element of healthy living: social interaction. Stay tuned for more.

Ntamtquen Community Garden
https://ntamtqencommunity.garden/

Inclusive Community Gardens Society Keremeos
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091748321265&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=OTv3SyLdxnTi2Bfm&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BKfWhqCWP%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr #

03/16/2026

April is just around the corner, and so is the Steps to Better Health Walking Group! Given the forecasted mild weather ahead, I figured it's now time to Walk the Walk! So join me this Thursday, March 19th, at 9am, by Victory Hall in Keremeos for our first walk of the season.

Participating in a walking program is a great and completely free way to invest in your wellbeing. Bring a friend or a neighbourg along and join us for a relaxed stroll through town in good company. The Walking Group will meet every Thursday until wintery weather sets in the fall. While I might not personally attend every walk, I have no doubt our dedicated group will keep it up even when I am away.

03/13/2026

Similkameen Pharmacy is partnering with Avee, a same-day booking system that aims to facilitate your timely access to doctors and prescriptions. While pharmacists have been granted prescribing privileges for a variety of conditions, there are plenty of situations when a doctor visit is necessary. Booking a phone appointment using the link below can speed up the process significantly, addressing your concerns and securing your prescriptions.

For the best experience possible, individuals can even select a prescriber fluent in their preferred language, ensuring clear communication without the need of a translator. Please note that some classes of medications, such as narcotics and other controlled medications, cannot be prescribed using phone-in appointments service.

Access telemedicine services with same-day appointments and receive consultations from licensed doctors via secure calls.

03/09/2026

This is the first post to Similkameen Pharmacy's Steps to Better Health 2026 Series.

Today's links relate to nutrition. Specifically, I have provided a link to BC's Healthy Eating for Seniors Guide. While printed versions of the guide were previously distributed in our pharmacy, the updated document's electronic version is accessed via this link:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/healthy-eating-seniorsbook.pdf

For those who need another language (French, Punjabi or Chinese) or would rather listen to an audio version, you will find the page to access them here:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/active-aging/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-for-seniors-handbook

Finally, if you simply like some recipes to incorporate in your daily living, here you will find a few suggestions. The recipes are varied, healthy, and far from boring! Give them a try for some fun and delicious food options.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/active-aging/healthy-eating/recipes

03/04/2026

The long awaited National Pharmacare is now in effect. Since March 1st 2026, many medications are now available free of charge to you, regardless of your BC Pharmacare deductible. More information on what is eligible available at:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/national-pharmacare

03/03/2026

It's Pharmacy Appreciation Month! Follow this link to participate in a contest that could win you and your favorite team member a tablet! Now we're talking!

02/23/2026

Introducing the Steps to Better Health 2026 Series

While completing continuing education, I am reminded of the incredible impact of prevention on improving health outcomes. With this in mind, I have decided to produce a Series of posts for those who wish to engage. My attempt is to guide our community to achieving the best version of itself possible: one where what can be avoided, is, and chronic conditions are optimally managed. My aim is to enable everyone to take control of their own health one manageable action at a time. Looking forward to walking this path with you in the year ahead and seeing the benefits come to life.

To ensure you don't miss anything, follow us here.

02/13/2026

In the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, many of us wish to contribute in meaningful ways to those in need. Our coworkers at the Tumbler Ridge Pharmacy recomend using this channel to ensure donations will reach those impacted.

02/10/2026

Wishing everyone a great Family Day on Monday Feb 16th. The pharmacy will be closed on that day, but there is lots of time to get what you need before then: we're open as usual on Saturday from 10-4pm and will resume regualr hours on Tuesday Feb 17th, at 9am.