The National Council on Aging and CVS/pharmacy Educate Tampa Seniors on Medication Management and How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

TAMPA, Fla. (Map) - Pack Your Bag(TM) Events Bring Educational Outreach to Senior Centers Throughout Florida This Summer

TAMPA, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight out of ten older Americans have at least one chronic health problem, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. According to CVS/pharmacy, fifty percent of Medicare Part D participants take an average of eight or more prescriptions regularly. With increased use of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter treatments, comes increased risk of adverse drug interactions and increased costs.

To address this important issue, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and CVS/pharmacy are bringing the Pack Your Bag(TM) medication consultation program to Tampa. The program encourages seniors to pack a bag with their medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements for a comprehensive review in one-on-one consultations with a local CVS pharmacist. The program also includes a presentation by the pharmacist on improving health through medication compliance and advice on how to save money on medications.

A Pack Your Bag program is being held today at the Town 'N Country Senior Center in Tampa and will offer one-on-one medication consultations with CVS pharmacists. This event is just one of the many Pack Your Bag events that will be taking place throughout Florida this summer.

"The Town 'N Country Senior Center is excited to be participating in the Pack Your Bag program this summer," said Lori C. Radice, Manager of the Town 'N Country Senior Center. "Medication management is an important aspect of healthy aging. The Pack Your Bag program allows us to provide an important educational service to the seniors in our community."

In over 5,000 Pack Your Bag consultations since the program's inception last year, CVS pharmacists have found:

-- 7% of seniors were taking expired medications -- 14% were not taking medications as prescribed -- 10% were at risk for potential drug interactions -- 15% had the opportunity to switch to money-saving generics

"It's important to review your medication regimen with your pharmacist on a regular basis, especially when filling a new prescription," said Juan Oquendo, R.Ph., Pharmacy Manager at CVS/pharmacy. "For older people who often see multiple doctors, the pharmacy is a central point of care where potential drug interactions can be averted. What's more, pharmacists are aware of the latest generic medications available and can suggest ways our patients can save money while maintaining good health. This is especially important in these economic times."

The Pack Your Bag program is available nationwide to senior centers located within five miles of a CVS/pharmacy store location. Seniors can also visit their local CVS for a personal consultation with a pharmacist. To find the CVS/pharmacy nearest you, call 1-800-SHOP-CVS or visit CVS.com.

Below is a list of upcoming Pack Your Bag events scheduled throughout Florida. Seniors can sign up to attend by contacting the individual center directly:

July 13th City of Miramar Social Services Dept., Miramar July 15th Council on Aging of Martin County, Cocoa July 16th Asbury Arms Center, Cocoa July 16th City of Lauderhill Senior Center, Lauderhill July 20th St. Johns Community Center, Cocoa July 28th Saint Andrew Towers, Coral Springs July 29th Prosperity Oaks Senior Center, Palm Beach Gardens July 30th Alpha Apartments, Dayton Beach August 5th Senior Companions(Aging & Disability Resource Center of Broward County), Oakland Park August 5th Deltona Sunshine Senior Center, Deltona August 11th St. Johns Community Center, Cocoa August 26th Prosperity Oaks Senior Center, Palm Beach Gardens September 17th Charlie Joseph Senior Center, Jacksonville September 19th Council on Aging of Martin County, Cocoa September 22nd Wavas Hall Orange City Senior Center, Orange City September 29th Deltona Sunshine Senior Center, Deltona

About the National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging is a non-profit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans - especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged - and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together non-profit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's largest retail pharmacy. The Company operates more than 6,900 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at www.cvscaremark.com.

Contacts: Connie Hofmann For The National Council on Aging (215) 219-2943 chofmann@aboutscp.com Carolyn Castel CVS/pharmacy (401) 770-5717 ccastel@cvs.com Carissa Drew Weber Shandwick (617) 520-7070 cdrew@webershandwick.com