Bowmanville Clinic Pharmacy

05/15/2026

If the grey skies have you feeling a little blah, remember that rainy days are good for slowing down and taking care of yourself!

You can:
☕ Sip something warm (tea, coffee, or hot lemon water)
🚶‍♀️ Take a short walk when the rain lets up—fresh air helps more than you think!
😊 And don’t forget to check in on someone—it can make both of your days better

Happy Friday!

05/12/2026

🕷️ Tick Season Is Here 🕷️

Ticks are small insects that can spread illnesses like Lyme disease. In Ontario, they’re most often found in:
🌲 Wooded or brushy areas
🌿 Tall grass and leaf piles
🏞️ Parks, trails, and cottages
🌼 Backyards and gardens

Ticks don’t jump or fly, they latch on when you brush against grass, plants, or shrubs. They often attach to hard‑to‑see areas like behind the knees, groin, waist, belly button, scalp, neck, or armpits.

🔍 How to remove a tick safely:
1. Use fine‑tipped tweezers or a Tick Twister
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
3. Pull **straight out**, slowly and steadily
4. Clean the area with soap and water

❌ Don’t twist, squeeze, burn, or use petroleum jelly

⏰ **Timing matters!**
If a blacklegged (deer) tick has been attached for 24 hours or more, Lyme disease risk increases.

Did you know that pharmacists can do a minor ailment assessment for tick bites? If the appropriate criteria is met the pharmacist may be able to prescribe medication to help prevent Lyme disease.

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

💛 Thank You! 💛

We are incredibly grateful to our patients and community for your generosity. Thanks to your support, we raised funds for Marigold Hospice, helping provide compassionate care and comfort to those who need it most.

Every donation, big or small, reflects the kindness and heart of our community. We could not be prouder to stand alongside you in supporting such an important cause.

From all of us at the pharmacy, thank you for making a meaningful difference.

05/06/2026

💚 Mental Health Week

This Mental Health Week, we are joining the Canadian Mental Health Association in encouraging everyone to come together, because connection truly strengthens mental health.

Loneliness affects millions of people in Canada, across all ages and backgrounds, and it is not “just a feeling.”

Prolonged loneliness can increase stress, affect mood and focus, weaken immune health, and raise the risk of both mental and physical health challenges.

The good news? Even small moments of connection matter. Positive social interactions, such as a kind conversation or a friendly check‑in, can activate the brain’s reward system and support well‑being by releasing dopamine and oxytocin, chemicals linked to motivation, calm, and connection.

As your community pharmacy, we are here not just for medications but also for conversations, questions, and support. This week (and every week), you are welcome to stop by, say hello, and connect. 💚

05/01/2026

☀️ May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month ☀️

Skin cancer is the most common cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable with sun protection and early detection.

Skin cancer is the cancer you can see, yet it often goes unnoticed in its early stages. A monthly head‑to‑toe skin check and paying attention to these three words can make a life‑saving difference.

That’s why the Skin Cancer Foundation promotes The Big See®: a simple way to remember what to look for when checking your skin:
🔍 NEW – a spot or mark you haven’t seen before
🔍 CHANGING – something that looks, feels, or behaves differently
🔍 UNUSUAL – anything that doesn’t seem right for you

This month, let’s share the facts, protect our skin, and remind each other to look for NEW, CHANGING, or UNUSUAL changes.

04/29/2026

Today is World Wish Day ✨ It is the anniversary of the wish that inspired the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

While we spend our days making sure your prescriptions are ready and your health is on track, we have a few secret wishes of our own... 🤫

If a pharmacy genie popped out of a giant vitamin bottle today, we’d wish for:
Doctors with perfect, readable handwriting. ✍️📜
An endless supply of those "perfect" pens that never go missing. 🖊️💨
A magic button that instantly explains insurance deductibles to everyone. 💸🧙‍♂️

What about you? If you could have one wish granted today what would it be? Let us know in the comments!

04/24/2026

Alright, spill the tea! ☕️ When we are not busy being superheroes, what do you really think our pharmacy technicians are doing behind the counter? 😜💊

Drop your guesses in the comments!

04/22/2026

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in adequate amounts, may provide health benefits. They are found in some fermented foods, like yogurt, and in dietary supplements. However, not all products labelled “probiotic” have the same effects.

Different probiotic strains work in different ways. Common strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, and benefits depend on the specific strain, dose, and health condition. This means one probiotic may help with certain digestive symptoms, while another may not.

Research suggests probiotics help support gut health, and they have been studied for conditions such as antibiotic‑associated diarrhea and some digestive concerns. Still, evidence varies, and probiotics are not one‑size‑fits‑all.

If you are considering a probiotic, your pharmacist can help you choose an option that’s appropriate for your needs and medications. 💊💙