CHS Pharmacy News
January 2026
Business Hours
Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
The New Year’s & Pay Status Changes
To streamline billing procedures for residents and facilities, please notify our pharmacy team of any changes to a resident’s pay status. Examples include, but are not limited to, Medicare eligibility, Medicare Part A Skilled, Medicaid Pending, or admission/discharge from Hospice services.
Returnable Medications
Certain medications cannot be returned to the pharmacy for credit because they are designated for single-patient use once opened. These include items such as inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids, and insulins. To avoid waste, consider having the physician issue an order allowing the resident to take these medications with them upon discharge, provided the order remains active.
Glaucoma* **
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. This damage can lead to irreversible vision loss, typically starting with peripheral vision, and may result in blindness if left untreated. Regular dilated eye exams and timely treatment such as prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can slow or stop progression. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, develops silently with no early symptoms. In contrast, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden pain, redness, and blurred vision and requires immediate medical attention.
Glaucoma eye drops are the first line of treatment. These prescription medications lower intraocular pressure by either reducing fluid production or improving fluid drainage in the eye. Common classes include prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Combination drops are also available for convenience. While highly effective, these medications require consistent use and may cause side effects such as redness, stinging, or eyelash changes.
Early detection and adherence to treatment are key to preserving vision.
New Year’s Day Trivia
- Which ancient civilization is credited with being the first to celebrate the New Year, starting the tradition around 4,000 years ago?
- In what year did the New Year’s Eve ball first drop in Times Square, New York City?
- Which country is the first to ring in the New Year due to its time zone?
- What two years did the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball not drop?
New Year’s Day Trivia Answers
- Ancient Babylonians
- 1907
- Kiribati
- 1942 and 1943
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.