Publication
Article
Pharmacy Times
March Is Nutrition Awareness Month
Author(s):
National Nutrition Month, observed annually in March, is a dedicated time to emphasize the importance of making informed food choices and cultivating healthy eating and physical activity habits. This initiative, spearheaded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, aims to educate individuals about the profound impact of nutrition on overall well-being.1
Image credit: Alexander Raths | stock.adobe.com
Pharmacists, as trusted health care professionals, play a crucial role in counseling patients about nutrition. With their extensive knowledge of medications and their interactions, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assess how dietary habits may affect drug efficacy and safety. They can provide personalized guidance on food choices, portion control, and meal planning, considering individual health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Moreover, pharmacists can educate patients about potential nutrient deficiencies or excesses that may arise from certain medications or dietary restrictions.
By actively engaging in nutrition counseling, pharmacists contribute to improved patient outcomes, reduced health care costs, and enhanced quality of life. Their expertise in both medication management and nutrition enables them to provide comprehensive and holistic care, addressing the interconnectedness of diet and health. As advocates for patient well-being, pharmacists can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their nutrition, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
In this issue, the MTM Consult article by Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS, discusses pharmacists’ role in nutrition education for patients. Medication therapy management is an opportunity to not only optimize patients’ prescriptions and OTC supplements but also to connect with patients about their holistic well-being, nutrition, and physical activity. Importantly, proposed changes by the FDA to nutrition information on the front of packaged foods could further help patients improve their nutrition.2
Elsewhere, in a feature article, author Tom Giglio, PharmD, discusses how automation and other novel technologies are changing the landscape of pharmacy. In addition to automated filling solutions, clinical tools are becoming increasingly utilized to help pharmacists identify and implement clinical opportunities for patients.
By embracing these technologies as well as personto-person engagement opportunities with patients, pharmacists can make significant changes in patients’ health and overall well-being. Empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health will ultimately achieve better health outcomes.
As always, thank you for reading.
