The Role of the Pharmacist in Health Promotion

Abstract

Health promotion has the objective of promoting wellness which is the achievement of optimal health within the limits of each person's own being. This is achieved by optimizing wellness through good nutrition, by achieving a good level of fitness and by managing stress. Health professionals in general who seek to practice health promotion must view each person as a whole person. This is described as having a holistic approach, and involves attempting to integrate the needs of the mind, body and spirit. Pharmacists should be aware that health promotion is practiced by all members of the health care team but that the community pharmacist has probably the best opportunity of all health professionals to be involved in health promotion.