KITCHEN: ‘KNOW YOUR MEDICINE, KNOW YOUR PHARMACIST’

PHILADELPHIA, September 24, 2008 – The Pennsylvania Senate this week unanimously supported state Sen. Shirley Kitchen’s resolution honoring October as “American Pharmacists Month” in Pennsylvania.

            The theme of this year’s campaign is “Know Your Medicine. Know Your Pharmacist.” The senator encourages individuals to get to know their local pharmacist.

            “Our neighborhood pharmacist is an important source of information,” Kitchen said. “Pharmacists can answer questions about medication and the instructions for taking that medication and they can point us in the right direction when we aren’t feeling well and need relief.”

            “American Pharmacists Month” is also a good reminder that everyone should clean out their medicine cabinets.

            “Whether you have prescriptions or over-the-counter products, old and expired medications should be thrown out immediately in order to protect yourself and your family,” Kitchen said.

            Constituents can visit Sen. Kitchen’s District’s Office, at 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., to pick up a “My Medication Expiration Date” brochure that explains more about expiration dates on prescription drugs.