Kwa-Zulu Natal is in my blood. Much of my family can count back generations to farms in the Midlands. I grew up on a farm just outside of Hilton. I went to school at The Wykeham Collegiate, and sang Fiddler on the Roof at Michaelhouse with Trish’s son. Before that I remember waiting impatiently as a little girl while Trish mixed together some magic muthi for me behind the counter, my eyes darting over all the beautiful gifts in the shop. When I left school I struck out to see the world a bit, lived in France, where I met my Swiss husband and then settled in Grahamstown to complete my pharmacy degree at Rhodes. Thereafter followed a decade of fascinating clinical roles in oncology, research, pharmaco-economic consulting and then policy work for the Department of Health.
Health and wellness, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. A true and measurable impact on our health care system can be achieved by improving the lifestyle habits of each patient. As a pharmacist I believe that the patient must be personally invested in their own health and make therapeutic lifestyle changes. Drugs and medications only alleviate symptoms and manage disease states, primarily by reducing modifiable risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. If we regard people with the view of a healing orientated medical practice we take into account the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Patients can listen to doctors, pharmacists, health coaches and herbalists, but healing really starts with self-care.
In an environment that is shifting toward rewarding quality, there is greater awareness of the importance of preventive health services as a strategy to manage healthcare outcomes. In doing so, retail pharmacists are assisting in the healthcare reform by reducing hospital re-admissions, improving health and wellness in patients while lowering overall healthcare costs. Pharmacists like the much beloved Trish of Hilton Pharmacy have developed strong relationships with patients, local health care providers, as well as the local community, establishing a level of familiarity and trust we all need in these times. In Trish I am so grateful to have had such a strong, capable and humanistic mentor that exemplifies these values.
I have watched Lynda’s professional trajectory for many years, with admiration. Not only is she an astute businesswoman, but she consistently delivers on the holistic lifestyle practices that are her personal brand. I am so excited to work alongside Lynda and Thrive – Better than Well, to bring growth and prosperity to Hilton through our initiatives. To have such an accoladed yet humble gentleman such as Kevin Hedderwick guide us and believe in our entrepreneurial spirit is an additional gift.
Thrive is not just a retail dispensing pharmacy, it is a community pharmacy practice that is education-based and outcomes-driven. In a world where we are drowning in information and starving for knowledge and connection Lynda and myself hope to provide the education, resources, and tools to help our patients lead healthy, happy, thriving lives.
In Hilton Pharmacy I feel like I can really make a difference for my patients, and with the opportunity to merge with Thrive within this niche of holistic pharmacy I anticipate wonderful growth. I never expected to find my joy in retail pharmacy, but here at Hilton Pharmacy I have found my roots. At the end of the day all we do as healthcare workers is about people, and in the community of Hilton I am glad to place my trust and my family’s future.
BY: Kim Germiquet – Responsible Pharmacist & Thrive Hilton Manager
