No, they're really not the same at all. A pharmacy has a trained pharmacist who went to school for years to learn about medicines. They're the only ones allowed to give you prescription drugs. A drugstore is just a store that sells health stuff like bandages and vitamins.

Think of it this way - every pharmacy is a drugstore, but not every drugstore is a pharmacy. It's like how every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Kids understood it better when explained it that way.

Here's what you need to remember:

• Pharmacies always have a pharmacist working there
• Drugstores without pharmacies can only sell stuff you don't need a prescription for
• Pharmacies can give you strong medicines that drugstores can't
• Pharmacists can answer questions about your medicines

When someone has strep throat and needs antibiotics, a pharmacy is essential. But for minor cuts or scrapes, a drugstore usually has the Band-Aids and basic supplies needed. Learn More Here

If you only take one vitamin, make it Vitamin D. Take between 1,000 and 2,000 IU every day. Why? Because your body can't get enough from food, and most of us don't get enough sun - especially here in Idaho winters.

But that's not all you might need. Here are our top picks:

• Vitamin B12 (take 2.4 mcg) - Super important if you're over 50 

• Fish oil (250-500 mg) - Keeps your heart and brain healthy 

• Magnesium (310-420 mg) - Helps you sleep better and stops muscle cramps 

• A basic multivitamin - Think of it like backup insurance for your diet

Everyone's different though. Your age, what you eat, and what medicines you take all matter. That's why you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new. More About Vitamins Here

Don’t just pick the closest one—your pharmacy affects your health, your costs, and your care. Look for five things: (1) knowledgeable pharmacists who review your full medication list, (2) clear pricing and insurance support, (3) reliable refill systems, (4) personalized service, and (5) strong community reputation. The right pharmacy helps prevent medication errors and gives you real answers when something goes wrong. Learn More Here.

Day limits help prevent overuse, misuse, and insurance fraud. Most insurance plans set refill windows based on how long your medication should last. If you try to refill too early, the system flags it—even if you’re traveling or lost a few pills. But exceptions exist. Your pharmacist can request an override for vacations, dose changes, or lost medication. Understanding the rules helps you avoid delays and get what you need safely. Learn More Here.

In Idaho, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe medications for several minor conditions, improving access to care for residents in places like Caldwell. Under state guidelines, they can prescribe treatments for cold sores, seasonal flu, strep throat, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), epinephrine auto-injectors, statins for eligible diabetic patients, and preventive options like dietary fluoride supplements and opioid antagonists. These prescriptions follow strict protocols and inclusion criteria, allowing pharmacists to support patients quickly and safely—especially in rural or underserved areas where seeing a doctor may take longer. Learn More Here.

Pharmaceutical care is a patient-centered approach in pharmacy that ensures medications are used safely and effectively. It involves pharmacists working directly with patients and other healthcare providers to optimize medication therapy, prevent harmful drug interactions, and improve overall health outcomes. By monitoring prescriptions, educating patients, and adjusting treatments as needed, pharmaceutical care reduces risks and enhances safety throughout your healthcare journey. Learn More Here.

Pharmacists are not licensed to provide full medical diagnoses or perform complex medical procedures. While they can counsel patients, recommend over‑the‑counter remedies, and in Idaho prescribe for certain minor conditions, they cannot replace doctors in diagnosing serious illnesses, prescribing controlled substances outside their scope, or conducting surgeries. Their role is to support safe medication use within clearly defined legal limits. Learn More Here.

Idaho’s zero tolerance law makes it illegal for drivers under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in their system. Unlike adult DUI thresholds, there is no permissible limit for youth — even trace amounts can lead to penalties. Pharmacies can help by educating families about safe medication use, proper disposal of prescriptions, and the risks of misuse that could put young drivers at risk under this strict law. Learn More Here.

Start with the basics: how to take your medication, what side effects to expect, and whether it interacts with other drugs, foods, or drinks. You can also ask about generic alternatives, patient assistance programs, and insurance coverage to save money. Learn More Here.

The “10 Rule” is a safety guideline that reminds pharmacists and patients to check 10 key rights before dispensing or taking medication. These include the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation, right reason, right response, right education, and right to refuse. Following this checklist helps prevent errors, ensures proper use, and promotes patient safety in every prescription. Learn More Here.