Holiday Hustle & Bustle and Your Medications

Stephanie Lueras

(Note from Stephanie Lueras, Founder/CEO of Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness: This is a guest article, not authored by me. Facts and claims are the responsibility of the author, Jamie Winn, PharmD and Universal Drugstore, but I’m definitely not undermining the importance of this valuable information–though I always support shopping local and shopping small. Not to be taken as individual medical or fitness advice, seek assistance from a medical provider or certified fitness professional for further care.)

Christmas may feel like some time away for those not yet in the festive spirit, but health professionals warn that we should start planning now.

Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities experience increased demand in the lead-up to the holiday season and it’s common to have adjusted hours or deadlines.

Jamie Winn PharmD, Medical Director at Universal Drugstore commented: “There are plenty of deadlines over the holidays such as the last day to mail Christmas cards, or the last day to order presents, but none of these orders are as important as your prescriptions.

If you get caught short, you could spend the entire holiday period without medication that you rely on for your health. Missing even one dose of many medications can lead to a worsening of symptoms or slow down recovery. There can also be negative effects such as withdrawal symptoms or serious setbacks to your health. These aren’t things you want to be experiencing during a special time of the year, so be sure to plan ahead.”

The pharmacists at Universal Drugstore have shared their expert tips to ensure you have your medications before the Christmas break,

  1. Plan ahead: Check with your pharmacy, doctor’s office, or healthcare provider for their specific cut-off times and holiday schedules. These can vary, so reaching out to your pharmacy or healthcare provider as early as possible will ensure you’re well-prepared for the holiday season.
  1. Order early: Try to request your prescription refills at least a week or more before the holiday period to allow for any potential delays or increased processing times due to the holiday rush.
  1. Be aware of shipping times: If you use mail-order pharmacies or delivery services, factor in extra time for shipping due to potential delays around the holidays. 
  1. Keep track of your medications: Ensure you have enough medication to last you through the holiday season. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have just enough to see you through the holidays, as there may be a backlog of prescriptions to be filled in January. 
  1. Be travel-aware: If you plan to travel by flying over the holidays, make sure to pack your prescription in your carry-on luggage – checked baggage has a risk of getting lost by the airline. Keep your pills in their original containers, and you may need to obtain a letter from your doctor to carry certain pills into other countries. This is something to be aware of ahead of time. 

If you run out of vital medication over the holidays, you may be unable to contact your doctor or pharmacist due to holiday closures. Make sure to use emergency contact numbers to contact a healthcare professional for advice, or visit your nearest urgent care center if you start to experience any worrying symptoms. 

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Published by Stephanie Lueras

Hi there! I am Stephanie Lueras, owner of Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness, located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and work with clients in-person locally in my home studio, their home or place or business, or various other locations throughout the Mohave County area. I also work with clients anywhere through various video platforms compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers to ease in making your goals accessible and attainable. Services include personal training, fitness nutrition counseling, meal planning services, cooking demonstrations, and more! Why Heart and Sole? This is my passion–and I am my own brand. I became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist out of my own desire to understand the human body, the relationship between habits and physical training, and the impact that endurance fueling and everyday nutrition has on my own body in my own athletic pursuits. In my own life, I have lost over 200lbs through balanced nutrition and endurance sports–not through restrictive diets or other means of drastic weight loss. I believe in a holistic pursuit of balance where we strive for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness to be our best selves possible.

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