“Dr. Google” is Not the Only Option
I think it’s safe to say that in this day and age we rely on Google for a little too much; this includes but is not limited to diagnosing what is wrong with our loved ones as well as ourselves.
We’ve all been there a time or two - it’s late and the doctor’s office is closed and all of a sudden you experience a sharp pain, what do you do? According to a new national poll 83% of Manitobans turn to “Dr. Google” to determine what’s wrong with them.
I get it, heck I’ve been there a few times myself.
One day at work, during my first pregnancy I broke out into nasty little red bumps all over my face, not wanting to sit on hold forever with health links I quickly grabbed my Blackberry and typed “tiny itchy red bumps on face”. Umm…big mistake! Over 20 different ailments popped up; German measles, scarlet fever…the list went on.
I’m not saying that “Dr. Google” got it wrong; I’m saying that I like 39% of other Manitobans misdiagnosed myself. I started to panic (even more than I already was) and didn’t notice any of the less serious causes; I called my fiancé and made him rush me to an emergency walk-in clinic. Turns out, the eczema I had when I was younger had come back to haunt me. Not serious just annoying.
Now, I realize had I just slowed down a little, assessed the situation - I would have recalled that time I got a really bad perm (yes, I don’t know what I was thinking either) and I would’ve remembered all the signs of eczema. I could’ve saved us the 4 hour wait at the walk-in clinic and just gone to my local Shoppers Drug Mart.
Did you know the Pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart can help…?
That we, as Manitobans are one of the lucky provinces where we can skip the long wait at emergency rooms or doctor’s office and can just go straight to the pharmacy for minor conditions, such as; cold sores, eczema, seasonal allergies, acne as well as joint and muscle pain. The pharmacists at Shoppers Drug Mart can assess the above conditions and if need be write you a prescription for something stronger than over-the-counter medications.
No long waits, you don’t have to sit in a waiting room filled with people who are ill and possibly contagious and you can get some relief a little bit faster. Contact your local Shoppers Drug Mart for more information and for any advice on treating yours and your families minor ailments, I do.
10 Comments
Angie Pitre
Great post! I totally agree! I have called our pharmacist many times with questions and I always find them so helpful ,practical and very kind!
DeBalino
OMG what a relief! I had NO idea you could do this! How exciting! I am little too dependent on Dr. Google these days, and a lot of times it’s because I want to avoid the excruciating waits. It’s awesome that Shoppers pharmacy in your province can treat the minor stuff. I’m going to look into our province… Thanks!
Amanda Komoski
You’re welcome! I also hate the waits, so many more germs sitting in an emergency room. Luckily I have a Shoppers Drug Mart within a 15 minute walking distance. Close and convenient.
Jennifer Van Huss
I must agree. I have turned towards Dr google many times too! I take what I find with a grain of salt, because I know there are a million reasons for one symptom. Its great to hear the Shoppers is so helpful! I have used them all my life and wouldn’t change ever!
Amanda Komoski
I try to stay positive when looking at Dr. Google also but sometimes my fears get the best of me and it’s not always possible. I’m glad to hear you’re happy with Shoppers Drug Mart, it’s always nice when you can find a pharmacy you can trust.
paula schuck
We are very lucky to have a couple of great pharmacists at a different pharmacy actually. But over the years I honestly can’t even tell you how many times I have used that resource and Shoppers Drug Mart is like a Canadian institution really. I have spent so much money there getting our prescriptions and usually the pharmacists are so incredibly helpful. Even my kids know now that we ask the pharmacist if we need to know at SDM.
Randa @ TBK
I’m so bad with Dr.Google. I try to not do it anymore because it usually says I’m dying.
I have always had such great experiences with my pharmacists, they’re heaven sent!
Amanda Komoski
Haha me too! It’s hard to NOT see those ones!
Elizabeth Matthiesen
I have a Shoppers Drug Mart within a 15 minute walking distance too, very handy and they are so helpful there too.
Victoria Ess
I’ve never really thought to ask pharmacists for advice but it makes a lot of sense!