Episodes (11)

In this episode, we unpack why medication adherence matters even when you start feeling better. We look at the pharmacokinetic reasons missed doses can throw off your treatment, the outcome data behind nonadherence, and the everyday habits that make staying on track easier.

We’ll also tackle the common thought, “I felt better so I stopped,” and explain why that can backfire for many medications.

Takeaway: simple habit-based strategies can make adherence feel less like a burden and more like a routine.

Digital health tools are everywhere—from medication reminder apps to smart pill bottles and remote monitoring devices. But which ones actually help patients stick with their treatment plans?

In this episode, the MedTalk team looks at the evidence behind digital adherence and monitoring tools, why some trials show real promise, and why so many apps still lose users fast.

You’ll hear what seems to work best, what tends to create alert fatigue, and how patients and caregivers can separate helpful support from digital noise.

Takeaway: Not every tool is worth your time—but the right ones can improve adherence when they are simple, personalized, and truly useful.

Why does spring pollen feel so intense in places like Southport and Supply—and what actually helps?

In this episode of MedTalk by Galloway-Sands Pharmacy, Brad and Kassidy break down why North Carolina allergy season can start early, last longer, and feel especially rough in coastal communities. They explain why the yellow coating from pine pollen looks dramatic but often is not the main trigger, and why finer tree and grass pollens are usually the bigger problem.

You’ll also get a practical guide to allergy treatment options, including the differences between antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants. The episode covers current guideline-based advice, including why intranasal steroid sprays are considered first-line treatment for persistent or moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, why starting treatment before symptoms peak can help, and how simple steps like showering after outdoor exposure, keeping windows closed, and using air filtration may reduce daily pollen burden.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not personal medical advice. Always check with a pharmacist or clinician if you have questions about the right allergy treatment for you, especially if you have high blood pressure, asthma, pregnancy, or take other medications.

Do pharmacists actually improve health outcomes, or do they mostly offer convenience? In this episode of MedTalk by Galloway-Sands Pharmacy, Brad and Kassidy look at what the evidence shows—especially in blood pressure and diabetes care.

They break down findings from meta-analyses and systematic reviews on pharmacist-led interventions, explain what pharmacists really change in therapy, and show why medication reviews can make a meaningful difference for safety, adherence, and day-to-day disease control.

This episode is for patients, caregivers, and anyone curious about what happens when pharmacists do more than just fill prescriptions.

High blood pressure is common, serious, and often silent—but the numbers you see at home only help if they’re accurate.

In this episode of MedTalk by Galloway-Sands Pharmacy, pharmacist Brad and certified pharmacy technician Kassidy walk through how to monitor your blood pressure at home the right way, why it matters, and how your local pharmacy team can help.

They break down:

• What blood pressure really measures and why home readings are so important for catching “white-coat” and masked hypertension.
• Step-by-step home blood pressure technique: how to prepare, sit, and use your cuff so your numbers are as accurate as possible.
• Common mistakes that lead to bad readings—like wrong cuff size, crossed legs, talking, or taking just one reading—and how to avoid them.
• How pharmacist-led blood pressure programs and home monitoring together can improve BP control and reduce complications.
• When to stay calm and recheck at home, when to call the pharmacy, and when to seek urgent medical care.

Brad and Kassidy also share how the Galloway-Sands team can review your home BP log, check your device and technique, and partner with your provider to keep your blood pressure on track.

Visit us at Supply: 58 Physicians Dr NW #5, Supply, NC 28462. Call: (910) 754-7200.
Southport: 1513 N Howe St #8, Southport, NC 28461. Call: (910) 454-9090.

Antibiotics are powerful, lifesaving medications—but they’re often used in the wrong situations, especially for colds and other viral infections. In this episode of MedTalk by Galloway-Sands Pharmacy, Brad (pharmacist) and Kassidy (pharmacy technician) team up to tackle one of the most common questions they hear at the counter: “Can I get an antibiotic for this cold?”

Drawing on CDC guidance and real-world pharmacy experience, they walk through why antibiotics don’t work on colds, flu, and most sore throats, what antibiotic resistance actually is, and how overuse today can make infections harder—or even impossible—to treat tomorrow. They also address the common belief that “antibiotics helped me last time,” explaining what likely changed on its own versus what truly needed medicine.

Listeners will learn clear, practical ways to tell the difference between typical viral cold symptoms and warning signs of a possible bacterial infection, when antibiotics are appropriate (like strep throat or certain sinus and ear infections), and what questions to ask their provider before starting a prescription. Brad and Kassidy round things out with simple, evidence-based tips for managing a cold at home—plus how you can play a part in protecting antibiotics for the future.

Educational content only; not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always talk with your own provider or pharmacist about your specific situation.

National drug shortages are back in the headlines—but for many patients, the real question is simpler: “Why did my medication suddenly change, and is it still safe?”

In this data-informed deep dive, Brad and Kassidy from Galloway-Sands Pharmacy unpack what’s really driving today’s shortages, how pharmacists work behind the scenes to find safe alternatives, and what it means when your pills look different or your prescription label lists a new manufacturer.

Using national shortage data and real-world pharmacy experience, they explain the role of the FDA and ASHP, why generics and injectables are often hit hardest, and how substitution protocols and therapeutic interchange protect patient safety. Most importantly, they share practical tips to help you avoid gaps in therapy, stay informed, and partner with your pharmacy team when shortages hit.

If you’ve ever shown up to refill a prescription and been told, “We had to switch you to something equivalent,” this episode is for you.

Dive into practical tips and insider insights on managing medication expenses effectively. From understanding deductibles and insurance quirks to exploring cash pricing and assistance programs, this episode equips you to take control of your pharmacy costs with confidence.

Discover how GLP-1 medications are changing diabetes and obesity treatment with real patient stories, practical advice for managing side effects, and tips for navigating insurance and access. Join us as we explore innovations and strategies to make GLP-1 therapy work for you.

Explore the truth behind immune boosting supplements and learn evidence-based strategies to support your immune health through lifestyle choices. Brad and Kassidy debunk common myths and share practical tips for building resilience and making informed decisions about supplements.

Join Brad and Kassidy as they uncover why colds and flu strike yearly, how to tell symptoms apart, and the best ways to manage and prevent these common illnesses. Get practical tips, myth-busting facts, and real stories from your local pharmacy experts to stay healthy this season.